Neckband earbuds refuse to die and there are a surprising number of consumers who are not upset about that. Beyerdynamic’s previous generation Blue BYRD wireless earbuds offered some compelling features and rather strong performance but this is not a category that allows manufactures to sit still and hope that consumers will not move on to the next new shiny pair of TWS earbuds. Fickle to say the least. Beyerdynamic’s latest iteration offers up some improvements for a more personalized listening experience.
Dubbed the Blue Byrd ANC (2nd Generation), these in-ear headphones incorporate a neckband design and ANC (Active Noise Cancellation).
Although the neckband design is not very common for earphones these days, it is a handy option as it allows users the convenience of having the earphones readily available when they want to use them, and not have to always put them in a case when not in use.
The neckband might seem unnecessary at this point because of the weight but people who use their wireless earphones for calls throughout the day can now let them dangle and insert them when needed as opposed to wearing them all of the time.
The Blue Byrd’s ANC can block out unwanted noise, while the Transparency mode allows you to stay in touch with the real world. You have the ability to control the level of active noise cancellation in this mode which is extremely important for situational awareness while walking or commuting. It also makes it easier to have conversations in the office while listening to music as you work.
An omnidirectional microphone is included for hands-free phone calling.
The Blue Byrd ANC 2nd Generation is IPX4 splash-resistant certified which makes them suitable for walking outdoors in bad weather, but we can’t see them being very practical for running.
Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, AAC, and Qualcomm cVc are included to provide great music playback and speech reproduction.
The Blue BYRD ANC 2nd Generation also incorporates Bluetooth 5.2, MFi certification, and Google Fast Pair.
Physical controls are included but consumers expect support for Alexa built-in and Siri at this point and Beyerdynamic has incorporated both in the design.
The Blue BYRD ANC 2nd Generation also works with Beyerdynamic’s MIY App. In addition to providing remote, settings, and preset EQ control, the app also provides a personalized listening experience via an audio test that customizes the earphones for individual hearing profiles.
Additional Specifications
- Headphone Type: In-Ear Closed
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 28000 Hz
- Bluetooth: version 5.2 with Multipoint (up to two devices)
- Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Qualcomm aptX, AAC, SBC
- Bluetooth Profiles: HSP, HFP, A2DP, ACRCP
- Bluetooth Range: 10 meters
- Battery Runtime: Up to 14:00 hours (without ANC On)
- Charging Time: 1:40 hours
- Charging Port Type: USB-C
What You Get
When you purchase the Blue Byrd ANC 2nd Generation, the following is included:
- Quick Start Guide
- 5 pairs of ear tips
- Travel carry case
- USB cable
- Blue BYRD ANC 2nd Gen Headset
Price and Availability
The Beyerdynamic Blue BYRD ANC (2nd Generation) is now available for $149 at Amazon and beyerdynamic.com. Or get the model without ANC for $69.99.
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