PSB is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with both a new range of high-end loudspeakers including the Synchrony B600 we reviewed and the brand new PSB M4U 8 MKII Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones. Paul Barton took advantage of the pandemic lockdown in Ontario to develop its next generation of wireless headphones that come with some interesting technology.
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) wireless category is very competitive with Sony, Bose, and Apple commanding a sizable chunk of the pie and it will be interesting to hear how the new PSB M4U 8 MKII compare at $400 USD.
PSB’s award-winning wireless active noise cancelling headphones have been reborn as the M4U 8 MKII with some notable feature upgrades. Enhanced battery life and the latest noise cancelling technology improve the mobile listening experience, while personalization by Audiodo Personal Sound™ compensates for each listener’s unique hearing abilities, allowing the listener to fully experience PSB Speakers’ renowned sonic signature.
Personalized Audio
Most headphone designs assume that everyone who wears them will listen the same way, but in reality no two ears hear the same, even if they are attached to the same person. The M4U 8 MKII features Personal Sound by Audiodo™, which measures a listener’s unique hearing abilities and corrects for anomalies from hearing damage, physiological irregularities, and even psychoacoustic perceptions.
The quick and effective Audiodo hearing calibration – available in the dedicated PSB Headphones app – produces an incredibly precise model of an individual’s sense of hearing, fully revealing PSB’s true-to-nature sonic signature, purely and noise-free. Available only in the latest generation of the M4U 8s, the launch of the MKII represents the first time that the Audiodo technology can be found in a HiFi headphone.
RoomFeel Technology
Created to deliver the clear, natural sound of a live performance, the next generation of PSB’s exclusive RoomFeel™ technology adds layers of true-to-life realism to all recordings.
Using decades of research knowledge in acoustic design, RoomFeel was carefully developed to produce ‘room gain’ – the energy and clarity that a room adds when listening to high-quality loudspeakers, resulting in a better listening experience.
Tech & Comfort
The M4U 8 MKII connects wirelessly to music, games, shows, and meetings via Bluetooth aptX™ HD – the 24-bit high-definition version of the universal wireless technology. There are also two different wired modes of operation: 3.5mm wired connection, or via USB-C from the computer, recharging the batteries while listening.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is remarkably sophisticated and effective, utilizing four digital microphones to cut down on analogue-to-digital conversion error in audio processing.
There is also an Active Mode and a Passive Mode. Listen all day and all night with up to 25 hours of run time in Active Mode. With a wired Passive Mode feature, it becomes easy to manage battery life.
The unique two-way adjustable ear pads are gyro-suspended for optimal ergonomics and supreme comfort – ensuring long listening periods remain fatigue free. Super soft ear pads and lightweight design make the headphones “disappear”, leaving only rich, detailed sound.
The expandable headband also easily adjusts for a more customized fit.
“PSB entered the headphone category almost 10 years ago with the original M4U 2, showing the world that high-performance audio was possible in a noise cancelling headphone at a time when it was one or the other – audio quality, or noise cancelling performance,” comments Matt Simmonds, PSB Headphones Product Manager.
“The M4U 8 MKII is now our 3rd generation of noise cancelling headphones, appealing to the practical sensibilities of customers who want the best audio performance, but need wireless, feature-rich headphones for an on-the-go lifestyle. The M4U 8 MKII achieves the perfect balance.”
Key Features
- Bluetooth HD wireless connection with aptX™ HD and Qualcomm® cVc™ technology
- Separate Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Active, and Passive Modes
- All-digital ANC with digital MEMS microphones decreases audio conversion error
- PSB’s latest RoomFeel™ technology with greater detail and better imaging
- Personal Sound by Audiodo™ through the PSB Headphones app
- Access additional features, settings, and over-the-air updates using the
PSB Headphones app - NFC pairing for supported devices
- Over-ear, amplified, closed back design
- Physical controls for volume, playback, and mode selection
- Unique dual 3.5mm input connections (left or right side)
- Tangle-free cords for analogue wired and USB-C connection
- 1/4” stereo and dual-input flight adapters
- Runs on included rechargeable battery power
- Up to 25 hrs battery playtime in Active Mode
- Gyro-suspended ear pads
- Carry case and easy folding for travel and storage
Available on November 10, 2020 for $399.
For more information: PSB Speakers M4U 8 MKII
