Hands-on review: JBL Soundgear Sense
I have reviewed a few JBL products, so I knew to expect a product featuring sound design, user comfort and a great sound experience. I dusted off my Tom Petty, Neil Young and, Crazy Horse and Beatles tunes and settled in for some solid listening.
Specifications:
- Hybrid open-ear headphones with detachable neckband
- Four voice microphones
- Battery- 2 hours charging time from empty
- 24 hours maximum play time
- 3.5 hours maximum talk time
- JBL Headphone App
- Speed Charge
- Customisable touch control
Out of the Box
My review item was the snazzy white option and they also come in black. In the box was the case, documentation, the optional neck band and USB charging cable. The case flips open to reveal the headphones snugly nestled in their charging cradles. I like the over-ear design, which, for me, offers much better comfort than in-ear bud designs. You can also adjust the angle for even more comfort. Even with my glasses on, they nestled comfortably over my ears, and I quickly forgot I was wearing them.
Getting Started, I had the Soundgear Sense paired and added to My JBL Headphones App in no time and was happily listening to my current favourite gospel music while the software updated. My JBL Headphones enables the user to customise the sound and even the touch controls, and the app allows you to choose from preset settings or your own custom settings. Trust me, I've spent many hours playing with the EQ settings, finding the right ones for my favourite rock tunes and my gospel music. I've put them through my Neil Young test, listening to the acoustic and heavy metal renditions of my favourite songs, "Hey, Hey, My, My" and "My, My, Hey, Hey." You can personalise your EQ settings. My "Hey, Hey" setting is a real head-banger, which works really well with my favourite Buffalo Springfield song, "For What It's Worth." For those of us who really love the punchy bass sound, you'll love what JBL refer to as the Enhanced Dynamic Sound, which they say "feature an unique bass enhancing system providing an amazing no compromise sound experience."
For those of you who like to exercise with your favourite workout playlist, you will enjoy the detachable neckband, which will ensure your headphones stay in position, providing a secure fit while you're exercising.
JBL say that the Soundgear Sense feature "JBL OpenSound Technology with air conduction," meaning that your ear canal isn't completely closed off. This allows air to circulate, keeping your ears comfortable for hours on end. You can also choose how much external sound you want to let in by rotating the earhooks. Even if you're outside on a windy day, the four voice microphones will, say JBL, make sure your voice is crystal clear. JBL
The Soundgear Sense headphones will appeal to those of you who love your bass, need the convenience of adjusting how much external sound you can let in, and need to jump between making calls and listening to music. Priced at just under NZ$200, they will also make great stocking-stuffers for all you last-minute shoppers. This is a great product for a user who is on the go while remaining connected to their mobile devices.
