moedawg140
Grand Master Moe "G"….Don't crossface me, bro!
Ping Pong Champ: SF Meet (2016,2017), CanJams (London 2016, RMAF 2016, NYC 2017, SoCal 2017, RMAF 2017)
Review: Cleer NC Noise Cancelling Headphone
Introduction
It was a brisk day in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. I attended AXPONA, which is the Audio Expo North America. The meet operates very much like T.H.E. Show Newport, located in Irvine, California - an expo show where they showcase not only 2-channel speaker setups, but have dedicated headphone and earphone audio rooms as well. While I was in the “Ear Gear Expo”, which is a ballroom full of headphone and earphone electronics, a representative of Cleer, the VP of Marketing: Amber Bobin, walked around with the Cleer DU (review, here) and the Cleer NC in her hands. I’ve never seen any Cleer products before and saw these two headphones and thought “okay, cool, I know they are headphones...but how are they?”
Cleer's VP of Marketing, Ms. Bobin
I asked Ms. Bobin, “The headphones look nice, may I have a listen?”
Ms. Bobin replied, “Sure!”
I put the DU on first, and said “This sounds good...how much is this going for?”
Ms. Bobin replies “$129”. I respond, “Wow, that’s a really good sound for a really good price!”
Then, I tried on the NC. “Pretty good”, I thought to myself.
As soon as Ms. Bobin turned on the ANC feature...I smiled from ear to ear. “Whoa, almost all of the noise around me has subsided! Sounds great, too! How much is this headphone going for?”
Ms. Bobin replies “299”. I respond, “For the price, this is a very good headphone. Great job!”
I thank Ms. Bobin for the Cleer NC in exchange for my honest opinion. Upon researching Cleer, I found out a few tidbits about the company that further solidifies my thoughts of the young organization. If you’d like to find out more, follow me in our journey!
Audio equipment used in the review
Headphone
Cleer NC Noise Cancelling Headphone: $299.99
Headphones compared
Cleer BT Bluetooth Wireless Headphone: $199.99
Cleer DJ Professional DJ Headphone: $399.99
Cleer DU High Definition Dual-Driver Headphone: $129.99
Fostex & Massdrop TH-X00 Mahogany (modded): $399.99
Master & Dynamic MH30: $329
Master & Dynamic MH40: $399
Meze Headphones 99 Classics: $309
Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 AEi: $349.95
Sources
iPhone 6 (Space Gray, 128GB): $849.99 or $399.99 with a 2-Year Contract
Microsoft Surface Book: Starting at $1,499
Questyle Audio QP1R Golden: $899 USD
DAC/Amp
iFi Audio micro iCAN SE: $299
Software Applications Used
Spotify Premium – Extreme Setting
TIDAL HiFi – Lossless
Thanks for the interest! I have been a music aficionado since first listening to greats such as Anita Baker and Michael Jackson in their glory years.
An avid wrestler, coach, teacher and mentor, I like to immerse music lovers in headphones, earphones and sources that do nothing but make the listeners smile.
Ringing in my ears? Oh, tinnitus? I get that about 2 times a year, for about 10 seconds each time. Other than that, I’m currently good to go with regards to my hearing. Even if my hearing is perfect or not so perfect, what I hear may or may not match what you hear, for a multitude of reasons (genetic, physical, psychological, age, etcetera).
My music preferences are anything that has a great beat to it, not too vulgar in nature and anything that can induce head-bobbing, toe-tapping and maybe even dancing if the mood is right. I normally listen to (alphabetically): Alternative, Classical, Hip-Hop, Indie, Popular/Top Hits, Rock, and R&B/Soul. I will even from time to time listen to Blues, Jazz, Modern Electronic, Retro/Classics, and World.
Measurements - I measure headphone output dB with my decibel measurer app that anyone can download, replicate and have an instant reference with what I use to test. Frequency spectrum measurements are seldom posted, as the manufacturer’s measurements are usually the best guidelines to go by. Why? They use them to tune their equipment, and it’s from their own specific parameters. I completely agree with Ken Ball from ALO’s statement/post when it comes to frequency response measurements (verbatim):
“…I thought it might be good to post some frequency response measurements first before we see a lot of variations posted by people. Without going into a long drawn out thesis / debate on measurements I just want to say that I have not seen any reviewers measurements that are accurate and it can be difficult to interpret a freq measurement. I don't use HRTF compensation curve on my measurements because I am familiar with the raw freq curve so when I see a curve I know what it sounds like and am comfortable with what I am seeing. So to state my measurement so I can be happy that this is the official freq I am posting it here now. I do not really want to get into any debates on what the freq means or read into it too much as a freq measurement is only a very small part of the over all picture of the product. I would MUCH rather listen to the IEM than read a freq.
In addition, I dont want to sound like I dont welcome people to also have fun and measure, but just want to say that taking a accurate measurement is tricky, also tricky to read into the measurement. I spent over $15,000 on on measurement system and it took me almost a year with professional help to calibrate and set it up 100%. So in doing so it is expensive and can be difficult to set up and calibrate. I know my set up is accurate because I send my IEMs to independent labs to double check everything.”
Measurements are valid to possibly get a glimpse or gist of what we are hearing, but measurements are not the end all be all. Various manufacturers have told me privately that even though it may measure flat, it may not sound flat. Also, measurement devices do not equal our brain and cannot measure with absolute 100 percent certainty with regards to what we hear and feel. I listen with my ears, and write based on my interpretations of the music that is being presented to me.
A wise man once told me: "Music is the only thing that doesn't have war, pestilence, garbage, crap - music is so general, it's such a beautiful canopy of peace."
An avid wrestler, coach, teacher and mentor, I like to immerse music lovers in headphones, earphones and sources that do nothing but make the listeners smile.
Ringing in my ears? Oh, tinnitus? I get that about 2 times a year, for about 10 seconds each time. Other than that, I’m currently good to go with regards to my hearing. Even if my hearing is perfect or not so perfect, what I hear may or may not match what you hear, for a multitude of reasons (genetic, physical, psychological, age, etcetera).
My music preferences are anything that has a great beat to it, not too vulgar in nature and anything that can induce head-bobbing, toe-tapping and maybe even dancing if the mood is right. I normally listen to (alphabetically): Alternative, Classical, Hip-Hop, Indie, Popular/Top Hits, Rock, and R&B/Soul. I will even from time to time listen to Blues, Jazz, Modern Electronic, Retro/Classics, and World.
Measurements - I measure headphone output dB with my decibel measurer app that anyone can download, replicate and have an instant reference with what I use to test. Frequency spectrum measurements are seldom posted, as the manufacturer’s measurements are usually the best guidelines to go by. Why? They use them to tune their equipment, and it’s from their own specific parameters. I completely agree with Ken Ball from ALO’s statement/post when it comes to frequency response measurements (verbatim):
“…I thought it might be good to post some frequency response measurements first before we see a lot of variations posted by people. Without going into a long drawn out thesis / debate on measurements I just want to say that I have not seen any reviewers measurements that are accurate and it can be difficult to interpret a freq measurement. I don't use HRTF compensation curve on my measurements because I am familiar with the raw freq curve so when I see a curve I know what it sounds like and am comfortable with what I am seeing. So to state my measurement so I can be happy that this is the official freq I am posting it here now. I do not really want to get into any debates on what the freq means or read into it too much as a freq measurement is only a very small part of the over all picture of the product. I would MUCH rather listen to the IEM than read a freq.
In addition, I dont want to sound like I dont welcome people to also have fun and measure, but just want to say that taking a accurate measurement is tricky, also tricky to read into the measurement. I spent over $15,000 on on measurement system and it took me almost a year with professional help to calibrate and set it up 100%. So in doing so it is expensive and can be difficult to set up and calibrate. I know my set up is accurate because I send my IEMs to independent labs to double check everything.”
Measurements are valid to possibly get a glimpse or gist of what we are hearing, but measurements are not the end all be all. Various manufacturers have told me privately that even though it may measure flat, it may not sound flat. Also, measurement devices do not equal our brain and cannot measure with absolute 100 percent certainty with regards to what we hear and feel. I listen with my ears, and write based on my interpretations of the music that is being presented to me.
A wise man once told me: "Music is the only thing that doesn't have war, pestilence, garbage, crap - music is so general, it's such a beautiful canopy of peace."
Company information and awards
Upon researching Cleer, I found out a few tidbits about the company that further solidifies my thoughts of the young organization.
I found out that not only they have only headphones as part of their product line, but Cleer has only started as a full-fledged company in 2015. Pretty cool as well that the NC won the 2015 CES Innovations Honoree Award. I can certainly see why the NC would win the prodigious award - the solid build, comfort, and technological features such as the PASC™ and the ANC features are well implemented. More about this later. The Cleer creed is all about:
Passion For Sound
“Music lovers have high expectations when it comes to sound, they are looking for quality audio products to unbox their favourite music. Cleer’s sound and acoustic team is responsible for the research and development of the best-in-class audio products to provide you with a truly authentic listening experience.”
Design Craftsmanship
“The Cleer’s product design aesthetics are sleek and contemporary.
Cleer’s products are made of high-quality build materials which not only give premium look and feel but also contribute to the product performance. The ergonomics design coupled with lightweight materials to better fit your head with maximum comfort even hours of wearing.”
Innovation in Technology (edited)
“Cleer is committed for excellence in acoustics, our team creates and drives new technological ideas and innovations in the acoustic and sound field. We reproduce studio sound through our innovative sound technology.”
As of this writing, Cleer, Inc. recently appointed Patrick Huang as its new global President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Before being appointed, Mr. Huang was an executive (GM for Sony Digital Imaging) for Sony Electronics, Inc. for 11 years. He also worked as SVP of Operation and Supply Chain for I AM Plus Electronics.
Suffice to say Mr. Huang has all of the credentials to take the Cleer company to the next level of their goals if Mr. Huang and company continues to produces fantastic products.
Here's my review of the Cleer NC Noise Cancelling Headphone in video form (view in YouTube on your browser to jump from mentioned section to mentioned section [table of contents]):
My future brother in law, DJ Jmo, shares his impressions of the Cleer NC!
Inside the box
The box seems like it’s almost vacuum-packed, but once you get it open, you’ll receive:
- Cleer NC Noise Cancelling Headphone
- Cleer hard carrying case
- Two audio cables with inline remote (One 1 button and One 3 button - both are 1.2m)
- USB charging cable
- USB charger
- Flight adaptor
- Quick start guide
- User manual
- TIDAL 30 day complimentary trial (19.99 USD value)
- A Certificate of Acoustic Calibration with measurements
Build and aesthetics
Battery level indicator
The NC is not only looks stunning with curves to the headband and yoke areas. The shiny, chrome-beveled edge of the earcups. The NC’s housing is constructed with robust, high quality aluminum. The part of the headband that touches your head is made out of leather. The circumaural (over ear) design is oval in design and gives good clearance to my ears and is truly a closed-back design.
The earpads are made out of leather and allow good depth of the ears as well. Inside of the headband and earpads are an L and a R to easily distinguish which side of the headphone is which. You can also easily distinguish which side is which without looking inside of the headphone by going with which side the yoke is curving/facing. If the yoke is curving/facing the left, then it's the left side of the headphone. If the yoke is curving/facing the right, then it's the right side of the headphone.
The NC also has detachable audio cables that connect to its left earcup, and work with Android, Apple, and other devices as well. The earpads are also changeable/replaceable - taking off the earpads is as easy as a simple twist, and off each one goes. Both of the cables are black, flat, have a nice rubberized feel, don't tangle easily, and have a nice and slim right angle for their audio jacks as well. The cables are no frills and subtly elegant, that fit the devices I've connected the cables to with ease.
The NC has an LED light-up red “C” logo on each earcup, and can be turned on or off. On the right side of the earcup shows the rechargeable built-in battery level of the headphone as well when you turn the LED light switch on (away from you).
The NC contains a noise cancellation processor that is a hybrid noise-cancelling system; using PASC™ (Psycho-Acoustic Spectral Compensation) and ANC (Active Noise Control). More about the technology later. The NC is designed to fold flat and fold in to save space - fits in the slim case easily and the headphone is a joy to carry around.
Fit and comfort
The NC fits comfortably on my head
The headphone provides very good contact with the top of the head as most of the radius of my head has contact with the leather of the headband. The 395 grams of the NC are distributed well, and can wear the NC for hours without too much issue. Why I say without too much issue, is because the 395 grams is the heaviest out of all of the currently available Cleer headphones, and I do feel the weight on my head. What helps out is that the headband is soft and comfy, clamp strength is great but not too tight, and earpads are sufficiently squishy and plush as well. The headband also allows solid adjustability for most all sized heads.
Since I can see the headphone being used for flights, sometimes for long hours, I would like a next version to be constructed slightly different so the headphone is overall lighter in weight that will be more comfortable to listeners as a result. The earpads are comfortable, and I don’t have an issue with regards to increasing warmth as the headphone is used for extended listening sessions. Overall the fit and comfort very good to my head and ears.
Technological supremacy
This section is where the NC separates itself from a lot of headphones in the market today. The noise cancelling features have been around with other companies such as Bose, however, the music that emits from the NC is more of an more clear, coherent and audiophile-type of sound compared to a noise-cancelling headphone such as the Bose QC25. Let’s get in more depth with the technological features of the NC:
Modes of NC Noise Cancellation:
“OFF”
The battery is not engaged, and works passively.
PASC™ (Psycho-Acoustic Spectral Compensation)
According to Cleer:
“Human ears hear less bass frequency at low sound levels than at high sound levels. Bottom-end bass frequencies usually get lost when the volume is set at a low level.
To counteract this deficit, PASC™ (Psycho-Acoustic Spectral Compensation) sound technology inside the digital signal processor can boost the bass levels by emphasizing the bass content of the music. So Cleer headphones recall the true bass sound at low and high volume levels enabling you to enjoy consistent sound, regardless of the volume setting.”
What does this mean to me and what do I think this means to you?
The PASC™ switch sounds like a bass boost switch is activated, and boosts the overall sound/volume of the headphone as well, similarly to an external headphone amplifier, except this acts like a built-in amplifier.
ANC (Active Noise Control)
The NC is all about silence and achieving silence by using their hybrid noise cancellation technology. The NC’s reason is because when there is background noise when users are on the move, the background noise leads to a degradation of the music that is being presented to you, particularly in the bass range. Isolation is important to achieving the best listening experience, while listening to music and using the phone to talk are these instances when using active noise control to attenuate the external noise at a low frequency.
The NC uses four microphones that capture background noise (mostly hums and attenuates everything else) and then provides an inverted phase of identical sound which cancels them both out. When you use ANC - with conjuction with the full circumaural design, you are talking about the blocking out of around 99.5 percent of outside environmental noise.
When you want to focus on studying or blocking out noise around you, the NC is the ticket. When you want to focus on the music, audiobooks, gaming, or anything in between, the NC is the one to get. Incessant plane drone? No problem with the NC.
You can charge the NC and listen to it with the ANC mode on. When the headphone is charging, the inside of the “OFF PASC ANC” switch will emit a red glow. When the headphone is 100% charged, the inside of the “OFF PASC ANC” switch will emit a blue glow.
Having the ANC turned on for the first time and hearing everything simply go away made me smile - very cool sensation. Even now, it’s cool to my ears to switch back and forth between “OFF” mode and “ANC” mode.
Power to drive the NC
The NC is fairly easy to drive, as a smartphone such as the iPhone for reference doesn't take full volume for the NC to emit levels that can damage hearing pretty quickly.
Volume set when it starts to get loud with the iPhone 6:
12 out of 16 volume clicks for ANC mode
13 out of 16 volume clicks for PASC
13-14 out of 16 volume clicks in “OFF” mode)
Disclaimer and hearing factors
The NC sound impressions are mainly for anyone wanting a point of reference regarding how they more or less pair with the iPhone 6, QP1R and Surface Book. Other sources may vary slightly or greatly as the NC sounds different enough with these three sources to warrant mentioning. The NC will have a warmer and pronounced effect in the overall bass region when pairing with the iPhone 6. The NC will have a supremely detailed with slight treble and bass with extended detail when paired with the QP1R. The NC will have a more balanced and natural sounding approach to its presentation when paired with the Surface Book.
We all hear differently, and our experiences with regards to how our interpretation of what we hear vary greatly. Some factors that come to mind (and not limited), are:
Your inner ear and skull’s overall composition: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-unique-vibrations-of-your-skull-affect-how-you-hear-music-654940/?no-ist.
Hearing loss as we age, also known as presbycusis: https://www.ohio.edu/news/months/nov1998/111.html,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbycusis.
Heredity, noise trauma, dietary habits, smoking, hypertension, atherosclerosis, are other factors that affect people’s overall hearing ability.
Analyze this and that
The test tracks that I use in my reviews are located in these albums (album alphabetical order)
1989 (Deluxe Edition) by Taylor Swift (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
21 by Adele (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Bad (2001 Special Edition) by Michael Jackson (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Bangerz by Miley Cyrus (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
Beyoncé by Beyoncé (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Heart Blanche by Ceelo Green (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park (FLAC 48.0kHz/24bit)
Make Yourself by Incubus (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
No. 5 Collaborations Project (EP) by Ed Sheeran (MP3 320kbps/44.1kHz/16bit)
One by One by Foo Fighters (FLAC 88.2kHz/24bit)
Random Access Memories by Daft Punk (FLAC 88.2kHz/24bit)
Schubert – Berliner Philharmoniker by Nikolaus Harnoncourt (FLAC 48.0kHz/24bit)
The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Thriller by Michael Jackson (DSD 2822.4kHz/1bit)
X (Wembley Edition) by Ed Sheeran (FLAC 44.1kHz/16bit)
Several standalone tracks (track alphabetical order)
Dock of the Bay by The Persuations – A Cappella Dreams (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit)
M.O.R. by Blur – Blur 21, Blur (2012 Remaster – Special Edition) (MP3 320kbps 44.1kHz/16bit)
Schubert String Quartet No. 14 in D minor D. 810, Death and the Maiden: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto by Oslo String Quartet – The Schubert Connection (DSD 2822.4kHz/1bit)
Serenade (Spanish Dance), Op. 54, No. 2 by Jano Starker and David Popper – Wilson Audio Ultimate Reference (APE 44.1kHz/16bit)
The Peppery Man by Natalie Merchant – Leave Your Sleep (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit)
These Bones by The Fairfield Four – I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray (WAV 44.1kHz/16bit)
If I am listening to a product that is not able to be listened with the highest resolution tracks that I have mentioned, I will listen to the TIDAL versions (FLAC).
I saw Josh Hutcherson (from the Hunger Games series) on the television show "TMZ" with the Cleer NC and decided to take a few photos:
Sound impressions
The NC embodies a warm and smooth sound, with sufficient depth and fullness of body. The NC has a lot of bass, especially when you use the ANC mode since all that you hear is the music being presented to you.
Midbass is smooth and adequately authoritative. The midrange continues in this smooth transition and has real weight to it. The NC does not sound laid back in the least, and the midrange is forward in sound, and especially forward in sound when the ANC mode is engaged.
The treble is not extended, not fatiguing, and a joy to hear if you are either treble sensitive, or want to listen hours on end without getting tired based on any steely tendencies, because the NC to my ears has none.
With all of the modes, soundstage isn't the strong point here. Depth and weight are the spatial strong points. Vocals are front row and center, with a slightly laid-back, natural tone. The sheer richness of the sound and intimacy is satisfying and a real treat, especially when being able to focus on the music and nothing else when ANC mode is activated.
Clarity and perceived resolution is apparent and increases from macro to meso to micro as you change modes from OFF to PASC to ANC. Now, with the NC, you do not need to be in a super quiet room with no one speaking in order to experience a very quiet listening session. That's what's up!
iFi Audio micro iCAN SE
The micro iCAN SE is an amp that produces a defined and resolute sound signature, especially when coupled with the QP1R. Detail is palpable, and the micro/macro detail of the NC truly shines. The "3D HolographicSound" setting helps add in a little more forward, rich and transparent sound field perception. iFi Audio explains: "3D HolographicSound recreates a holographic sound field like listening to a pair of speakers."
Here's the 3D HolographicSound settings:
- = Direct
●●● = 3D for flat sounding recordings.
● = 3D for recordings with excessive stereo effect.
I only need to turn the volume dial a little (to around 9 o' clock) to obtain a comfortable listening level. The micro iCAN SE also features a Bass Boost switch, called "XBass". iFi Audio explains: "XBass was uniquely-designed to extend the bass response to suit different headphones."
Here's the XBass settings:
- = Direct
●●● = For bass shy headphones.
● = For average bass headphones.
XBass is my favorite setting on the amp because I can immediately hear and feel a change in the bass response (increased volume of bass, texture and decay).
At the one dot setting, I personally feel the NC sounds the best with this setting. Bass is apparent, but is bassy enough to my ears, as the one dot setting is best for average bass headphones. The NC is in my opinion bassy, just shy of being a basshead headphone, and would benefit the best with using the one dot setting. With that said...
Using the three dot setting adds more volume of overall bass and has bass that can be heard, felt, and there is more perception of prolonged reverberation and decay. The three dot setting turns the NC into a basshead headphone (even without source EQ applied), and may not be for the faint of heart. The result of the three dot setting is a solid emphasis of bass that melds into the detailed midrange and higher frequencies, even if the bass is exemplified more so than the rest of the frequency spectrum.
Headphone comparisons
Before I start with the comparisons; I have listened to a lot of audio equipment, but I haven't listened to everything. If you request a comparison and it's not listed in my profile and hasn't been reviewed, then there is a chance that either I haven't listened to it in a long while and don't want to compare by memory, or I don't have the requested product(s) with me to compare. Consider being proactive by sending me a PM (private message), sending me the headphone(s) and/or sources, IEMs, etcetera, you would like for me to compare, and I'll add it to the review (or any review that I've written). If you don't have the requested product(s) with you and I don't have the requested product(s) with me, chances are slim that I will be able to fulfill your request because I always like to A/B with audio equipment that's immediately on-hand.
Cleer BT Bluetooth Wireless Headphone
The NC is heavier than the BT, but is packed with a lot of technological goodness. ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) really attributes to the bassy, rich, textural sound of the NC especially when compared to the BT’s bass. ANC off has more punchy and slamming bass compared to the BT. The BT is more thin in sound and fully laid-back in nature than the NC, and clarity differences are very apparent, especially when the ANC mode is engaged. The BT is worth a listen if you want a Bluetooth headphone and a more lightweight fit, and the NC is worth a listen if you want noise cancelling with a more robust construction and a smoother sound.
Cleer DJ Professional DJ Headphone
The DJ is lighter in weight than the NC, and has more flexibility with the headphone as it can swivel if you want to listen to only one side of the headphone. The sound of the NC and DJ are pretty similar when no electronic modes are involved. The NC has more full bass, midrange and treble, and is more intimate in sound than the DJ, but the difference isn’t too apparent. When the ANC mode in the NC is on and the PASC™ mode in the DJ is on, you’ve got a more pronounced isolation effect with the NC and a more pronounced bass effect with the DJ.
Cleer DU High Definition Dual-Driver Headphone
The DU is lighter than the NC, but is packed with a different set of technological goodness. ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) really attributes to the bassy, rich, textural sound of the NC especially when compared to the DU’s bass. When the NC is in OFF mode, it is more along the lines of the DU’s bass, and is a bit bassier in volume and has more slam and dispersiveness than the DU. The DU is more thin in sound than the NC, and clarity is more of different flavors, as the DU has more of a detailed and balanced presentation, and the NC has more body, fullness and weight to the sound.
Fostex & Massdrop TH-X00 Mahogany (modded)
The TH-X00 is lighter in weight than the NC, but the NC feels more secure on the head as there is more adjustability with the NC’s earcups. Isolation favors the closed-back NC as the closed-back TH-X00 acts as a semi closed-back - music leaks from the TH-X00 and the NC leaks very little to no sound. The TH-X00 modded has more bass and more reverberation and decay compared to the NC. The TH-X00 has a little more clarity in the upper-midrange and treble, and the NC has more fullness, and lushness compared to the TH-X00.
Master & Dynamic MH30
Weight is in favor of the MH30, as the 260 grams of the MH30 is a lot less than the 395 grams of the NC. Bass, midbass and lower midrange are what the MH30 is all about. The NC has a little more emphasized upper midrange and treble than the MH30. Overall clarity and resolution is preferred with the NC, and increased isolation is something to consider as well.
Master & Dynamic MH40
The weight of the MH40 and the NC are not very different, as the MH40 is only 35 grams lighter in weight than the NC. The MH40 has more of a balanced sound signature, as midrange and treble is extended and bright. There is sufficient bass out of the MH40, but the NC’s bass is more pronounced, and visceral compared to the more balanced in bass sound of the MH40.
Meze Headphones 99 Classics
With the ANC mode enabled, you are going to get an overall warmer presentation from the NC than the 99 Classics. Bass is similar, but will seem more prevalent from the NC. Midrange is smoother with the NC but both are lovely sounding. Treble is a little more steely, but not too strident. Soundstage is similar - closed-in, and all encompassing - at your fingertips.
Without ANC mode enabled, the sound is closer to the Meze headphone, but the biggest difference to my ears is actually the weight, as the NC weighs more than the 99 Classics, and that may be more of a concern than the not-too-different sound signature of both headphones.
Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 AEi
The Momentum 2.0 AEi is a lot lighter in weight which may attribute to a more comfortable fit. The AEi has more of a balanced sound than the NC. There is more bass to the NC, especially when the ANC mode is in use. Midrange is more full and rich from the NC, and treble is similar as both headphones are not the most extended in definition. Soundstage and layering are also similar as both are intimate spatially in nature.
Should you modify?
It’s really up to you. By now you should know that having this headphone as part of your collection (or only headphone) that it is an upper midrange and treble deity. With that said, you may want to dial in modifications to help bring out the bass as well as taming down the treble in the process. What can you do?
EQ – use your source’s EQ settings to dial in a preferable frequency response to your ears.
Third-party elemental cables – copper, SPC, silver/gold or silver litz, etc. may help further refine the sound signature of the NC.
I personally won’t be modifying as I am thoroughly enjoying the unique sound signature the NC produces.
Cultivate a fresh sound™
What does this mean? Too often we focus on only the music we are accustomed to. I am usually this way as well. Here’s an opportunity to listen to something you either may not normally listen to, or haven’t heard of. As I publish reviews in the future, I will have new and older tracks from various genres that I’ve listened to in this section, and will be largely based on what songs really moved me in particular to the reviewed product I’ve listened to on it. Even though the tracks will be linked to YouTube videos or audio-only versions, the tracks will either be listened solely from the iPhone 6 and TIDAL HiFi - Lossless, or from my Microsoft Surface Book and TIDAL HiFi - Lossless. Instead of describing each track in immense detail, you can simply listen for yourself and bask in the beautiful music you may have just found for the first time right now! What’s also great is that you can come back here just to listen to the tracks mentioned! If you have any personal issues with any tracks posted, please PM me and I'll replace it with another track. It's all about positivity in our musical journey. With those kind words of encouragement, here we go…
Crash by Usher
Yeah Yeah Yeah by Jax Jones
Flutter by Virtual Riot Feat. Madi
California Dreaming by Arman Cekin feat. Paul Rey
Is the NC worth it?
In my opinion, yes. Great build, comfort, and technological features really make the NC shine.
Final thoughts
The NC is a fine headphone that is one of my favorites in the price range. The NC represents a full and rich sound, and the fact that you can use the NC’s leading noise-cancelling features to isolate the world may help you to enhance your listening involvement on another level that is exquisite to experience.
Specifications
- Product Weight: 395 grams
- Product Dimension (W x H x D): 16.5 x 21 x 8.2 cm
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000Hz
- Sensitivity: 110dB
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Speaker Driver: 40mm
- Magnet Type: Neodymium
- Distortion: <1% THD IEC3181mW at1KHz
- Audio Connection: 3.5mm stereo jack socket
- Music Playback Time: 22 hours
- Battery Charging Time: 3 hours
- Battery Type: Lithium ion polymer
