Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset (iOS) – Active Noise Cancellation, Transparent Hearing and 3D Sound Recording

I'm writing this review coming from the perspective of a professional Audio/Video Engineer. I've made a career out of using tech, specifically around the audio and video aspects of broadcast and corporate broadcasting. Sennheiser is known throughout the industry as one of (if not the first) flagship maker of microphones, so it stands to reason, they know quite a lot about sound.Let me start with some basics about the packaging, and then I'll go from there. The box is pretty simple, nothing special, it has a magnetic closure flap that you can open and see the headset nestled in the box. Opening the box was actually a challenge, I don't know what kind of glue they use, but I ended up ripping the box trying to get it open. Not really a problem, but if you wanted to keep it for storage, just be a little more careful than I was. The packaging inside is nice, but for a $300 pair of headphones, I honestly expected more. But, I'm paying for the headphones, not the packaging, so I didn't mark these down for that.The package contents are pretty straight forward. The Instruction manual (very simple pictures and descriptions) was nice. The headphones, as mentioned previously were nestled into a foam block, protecting them from bouncing around, etc in shipping. Flipping over the packaging, you will find the manual, a carrying pouch, and looking VERY carefully, some additional sizes of ear cushions.Now to the headphones themselves. One word AMAZING! The sound quality lives up to the Sennheiser name, without a doubt. Deep bass, clean, crisp highs, and vocals sounded perfectly balanced. The recording function worked great, the 3D spacial recording was, to say the least, remarkable. I did a simple test, recording a video on my iPhone, and walking around someone while they recorded. While I walked around, I whispered, very quietly in their right ear, and also snapped my fingers as I circled them. I proceeded to walk to the left side, and again whispered in their ear (keep in mind, they are wearing the headphones where the 3d microphones are located) and then finally, walked behind them and whispered again. Upon playback, the audio was so clean, I honestly thought someone was whispering in my ear...it gave me chills.Cons:I don't really have any, but if I had to pick something, it would be the lightning connector. It's a bit bulky so if you have a phone case, and the opening is a little small, you might have some trouble getting this connector into the phone. I didn't have any problems, but some people might.Final thoughts:If you can afford them, BUY THESE HEADPHONES. You won't be disappointed, even if you are not using them for recording, these sound so much better than some of the "apple" brands like Beats.

Sennheiser Ambeo/Apogee earbudsLet me start by saying that I am 70 years old. I started playing in rock bands in jr high school in 1966 at the height of the Beatles/British Invasion and kept it up through 2012. Did a pro stint from 69-74 on the road every weekend playing clubs and frat parties. Got married and got a real job but kept it up on a part time basis. So I’ve heard a lot of and performed a lot of music. And in the last 10 years, since stopping performing (I did everything I ever wanted to do in performing with some studio work as well) I’ve been very involved in home stereo. When living in a house suitable for loud speakers I had it cranked up with speakers from just about every manufacturer in the less than $2000 range. Buying and selling and returning with all the 30-60 day “magic” return policies nowadays. Bowers and Wilkins, focal, elac, Jbl, Klipsch, wharfedale, revel just to name a few. Favorite? Magnapan. For its stark realism, soundstage and lack of distortion (clarity). Right now my main system consists of Magnapan lrs, SVS 3000 13” sub, Peachtree audio 700wpc class d amp with matching preamp/headphone amp/dac. Sounds phenomenal. Total - $6,000. All this to say that these earbuds that I paid less than $100, when broken in and with tips that seal properly, sound so close to the $6000 set up it scares me?!?!? And upsets me a bit too! The soundstage and real air experience is missing (somewhat) but the realism and detail of textures is very very close. Created in concert with Apogee (look em up) the simple, perfect length lightning cable hooked to an iPhone creates a solid connection that destroys Bluetooth (and Bluetooth has gotten pretty good). “Audiophile “ reproduction of sound is there in spades (instrument textures, overhangs, minute detail) The control app for these is dedicated just to this set and is genius in its simplicity and precision and flexibility. Bass is phenomenal. Voices and guitars are perfect. Cymbals and bells and tingling things, a joy. The problem seems to lie in the microphone for recording, which is not a problem if you’re recording I’m sure, but since I don’t do that which is probably the case with 98% of users, they have been overlooked. If you’re looking for solid connectivity that gives stunning studio/audiophile quality for dirt cheap you better grab a pair before they vanish. Note: I have a very nice pair of hifiman Ananda’s that retail for $999 that are very good when attached to my $1500 Peachtree Audio headphone/dac/preamp as I have to sit on my sofa cause I can’t carry the PA in my pocket. The senny Ambeo/Apogee set gives me near Ananda performance as I rip through the glory days of my retirement.

I was really hopeful to make this product work for hands-free phone calls. Here's why it does not.1. The control is too heavy. You will need to add a clip to hang it from your shirt collar. Otherwise the tension will pull the earpieces out.2. The microphone dangles and will not pick up your voice consistently. I even added a stiff wire to make the mic stay directly by my mouth but it still doesn't work due to problem #3.3. The speakers and the mic both cut in/out to save battery. There is no way to turn this "feature" off even with the useless app. You will miss the first word or two and people will not hear your first word or two. This is a batter saving "feature" that you cannot disable, so this will not work for phone calls.4. The app only allows you to res-assign the one button function.5. The sound quality is good but the volume is way too low even at max volume.6. You really have to pinch your ears painfully to get these to stay on.7. The in-ear pieces are too big to fit in the ear canal so they sit loosely and fall out all the time.Summary, this is a great idea but barely a usable product. It does not work in the real world.