Review on 🎧 Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset (iOS) - In-Ear Headphones with Binaural Audio, Active Noise Cancellation, and 3D Sound Recording - Black by Laura Thompson

I'm fairly tech savvy but not that savvy with Apple products. I would like to improve the performance of my work phone (iPhone), not only the clarity of the conference call, but also other advantages that the iPhone offers. The included headphones were ok but not the best and not comfortable for a long conference call. I was looking for a cheap yet comfortable headset for the iPhone (any other features would be a bonus). Thanks to Apple, if you're not using WiFi, you don't have much of a choice. Ironically, I still prefer wired over wireless (that's just me). Then I noticed that the Sennheiser Ambeo headset had its lowest price ever (down from $200 to $79.99). It wasn't my first choice as my budget was a little over budget for work-related stuff, but I couldn't turn down the extra features that not many products offer - a wired headset with active noise cancellation, transparent listening, and 3D recording together. First, comfort at the level of silicone ear pads. It serves its purpose but other headphones could have improved its performance - I used Comply Foam ear tips from my other headphones and they sound much better (better isolation and comfort - a very personal observation, no backing specs to back this up) . Second, the noise cancellation is excellent. I have other ANC headsets/headphones and Ambeo provide excellent noise cancellation with other earbuds installed. I could hear drumsticks (Roland V Drums) with ANC off, all I could hear was a faint beat with ANC on). Third, transparent listening is great. I always worry when I ride my bike with music because I can't hear the people around me. This feature isn't ideal for hearing everything around (without picking up tiny noises), but it's very useful for noticing something nearby (like a car approaching from behind or a woman yelling at me, den turn drum sound off). Fourth, the 3D sound recording is very interesting. Fair warning: this 3D audio works when you're wearing a headset, not through a speaker (at least that's how it worked for me). Unlike the stereo sound of the LP recordings, this 3D recording didn't convey the same feeling through the speaker (very difficult to describe in writing). When listening to audio through a headset, you might feel like you're at the center of all the sounds (like recording audio through Ambeo in a concert hall). This function can be applied to Android phones with USB-C (you need a sound adapter specifically for Thunderbold to USB-C, only two products known worldwide so far). I recorded the early morning sound and captured the stillness with the birds chirping and it was amazing! APOGEE apps are great (only available for iPhone). Android phones can use any capture app or default capture app for 3D capture. Last but not least, the microphone clarity is excellent! The Sennheiser microphone is very good (one for phone calls). I'm not sure if the other two omnidirectional mics on the headphones pick up sound during a call. Things to note: First, the controller's functionality is a bit fiddly, but it doesn't get in the way. To switch from transparent listening (boosted level) to noise reduction, you have to press the button all the way up or down - you can't go straight to the function you want. Transparent Hearing (Enhanced) - Transparent Hearing (Natural) - Noise Cancellation On - Noise Cancellation Off Second, unless the silicone ear tips are that good and don't complement their features. Please experiment with other types of ear tips that suit you as every ear is different. Mine worked well with foam ear tips. Third, someone might be concerned about battery drain. Yes, it can drain your phone's battery while in use. I haven't noticed any drastic battery drain though - while mowing the lawn I listened to music for an hour with Ambeo (ANC enabled) and my phone's battery drained around 5-6% from 100%. It may be different if you listen to music louder. Finally, the microphone volume control is unavailable. In fact, this might be my biggest problem - not being able to control mic volume, no mute button. I used a very low volume on my iPhone (one click up from zero). With this setting, I could hear others well, but others couldn't hear me well (just a tiny beep). If I increase the audio volume by 30%, the microphone level also increases and communication is good. I'm not very familiar with iPhone features. I couldn't find any instructions or information on how to adjust microphone volume on iPhone. All in all, a $200 ANC headset with $80 3D recording would be a good bargain. It's a bit sad to see that Sennheiser has just finished its development (no launch of the USB-C version) and there are no applications for Andorid. However, it will be a very special headset with great features that many products cannot offer. If you are an Apple user I highly recommend this. If you're an Android user, I'd still highly recommend this on one condition - if you can use a small, expensive Apple-centric device via an adapter (optional) on your Android Food channel. Thank you for reading a not-so-professional review. For your health!