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.

I will start by saying I was very skeptical of combining high end earphones with a 3D mic, wasn’t quite sure if a product could pull it off, but rest assured Sennheiser did and in a big way. The quality is what is expected and historically delivered by Sennheiser, you will not be disappointed. The first thing I tested was the basic use of the earphones themselves, for this I used different Apple products that included iPad Mini 4 iTouch 6th gen iPad Air 2 iPod Nano 7th gen iPhone SE They all performed flawlessly even though technically the Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset requires the minimum version of iOS 10.3 and not all of the devices I tried for music use the minimum version, the enhanced app that is offered would not run on anything less than the minimum but it did not detract from the amazing listening experience. I have read other reviews that mentioned the sound quality was not as good as expected; personally I think that might boil down to the quality of digital conversion and what you are expecting the outcome to be. I used Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here and the Stones – Sticky Fingers & Hot Rocks for testing; the albums were converted from vinyl to a lossless format. Pink Floyd, the soundstage was simply amazing on the title song. I could hear every little pop, crack and every slide up and down the fingerboard; a very immersive experience. Rolling Stones, Can’t You Hear Me Knocking and Brown Sugar were absolutely superb; you can hear the guitar lick start on the right side and then kick in full and was very true to the original. The last track I tested was Sympathy for the Devil and it was just as I had expected, crystal clear intro and then the vocals were crisp and clear; if you closed your eyes you would be hard pressed to not imagine the band playing right in your living room. I also tested various other tracks that were converted by different methods and they also sounded true to the original. The bottom line is that if you want to hear the music the way the artist intended and recorded it then Sennheiser delivers yet again, I have no complaints and they performed beyond my expectations. Next was the exciting part for me, the 3D recording capability. I can sum it up in a word… exceptional. I tested the recording feature in different scenarios, including early morning nature to walking through a busy airport terminal. The recordings are simply amazing and you can definitely hear not only R/L but depth as in a surround sound system, you truly get a 360 degree recording capability. The settings in the app are very intuitive and work as advertised to fine tune the whole experience coupled with the functions you can set on the earphones themselves, you can fine tune the recording to whatever you wish; adding or subtracting different settings to create a one of a kind recording. To sum up the whole package, these are excellent earphones for music that just happen to record 3D audio for a totally unique experience. I would highly recommend Sennheiser AMBEO to anyone that is looking for high-end audio and 3D recording capability, you will not be disappointed

I got this pair of headphones a couple of weeks ago and during that period, I've had the chance to experience all the features that this pair of headphones has to offer. I must say that I am impressed with them overall and there are some aspects of the headphones that are actually very appealing. Let's analyze them by the positive and not that positive aspects so it is of more help to the reader: POSITIVE: -Noise cancellation: this is a strong area for this headphones, the fact that they have an active noise cancellation make them considerably quieter than the average headphones. Now I know that noise cancellation is not something new but this headphone is very strong in that. -Transparent hearing "amplified level": this feature is magnificent for my taste. Using the headphones and if someone talks to you (rather than take them out), just use this feature and you will be able to hear perfectly everything. This is a very clever idea! -Volume: Strong volume level, very loud and crisp with clear treble and high pitch. NEGATIVE: Bass: yep, as pretty much any earphone on this shape, bass level is not as powerful as the treble, making this headphones to lose some important points in here. Shape: Every time I check earphones that are not the ones that cover the entire ear I have the same conclusion, they are not as comfortable nor powerful nor crisp. Only Apple: I know, that's clear in the product description from the beginning but I can't stop there and say that's not an impediment. Usually, when I get anything new, I like my wife to try it too but I have an iPhone and she doesn't... so it is still a negative point for my book. As a conclusion, it has some compromises and some advantages, for the people that the negative points I cited are not an issue, then go for them, awesome purchase... But if you, like me, are a big fan of bass power, search somewhere else.

For the life of me, with all i know about audio mixing and sound reproduction, I cannot understand how these are sold at this price. Let me be clear... The ONLY difference between these and a pair of earbuds you get on a plane for $2 is that they are more comfortable in my ear. The sound is completely flat and tinny. The nonce cancelling is hardly noticeable. I worked with this headset for about an hour before I packed them back up and returned them. What a huge disappointment.

Great sound in the headset. Noise canceling features punch way above price I paid ($50US). Stereo mics embedded in each ear also record excellent and clear sound. This would also be the perfect headset except for the phone mono mic. It is too low in volume for the person at the other end unless I artificially hold it in front of my mouth. I tried to set it so the phone uses the stereo mic for phone calls, but this is not allowed by the software or OS. Traditional iem headsets bother me because they block the acoustic signal from my own ears. This headset seemed like the perfect solution. It also isn’t like the wireless Bluetooth headsets that place radiation right next to my brain. I’ve had Sennheiser cans and earbuds before. The Ambeo delivers that signature in spades and I’m very pleased with the sound quality. The design is ingenious-using the phone battery to power noise cancelling and also an excellent DAC ( and ADC for the mics). I’ve already mentioned my disappointment in the phone mic volume, which is not adjustable and too low unless I hold it right in front of my mouth. Turning up the volume does not change this. Unfortunately, iOS doesn’t let me adjust mic volume , even though they could. In contrast, the stereo mice built into the earpieces does not suffer from this design flaw and recordings made with it are clear and of ample signal amplitude. Too bad Apple and Sennheiser have unknowingly conspired to make so only the inadequate mono min is used for phone calls. As far as walking around and being able to amplify my surroundings and talk with people, it is awesome. As for talking on the phone, it is woefully inadequate.

I have used the AMBEO smart headset since it came out. I have a couple of them. It has become an indispensable tool in my content creation. I use it constantly to get amazing ambient environments, soundscapes and even interviews which I use for podcasts and creating immersive soundscapes for live music capture, story telling. It is quite amazing. Could the product have some refinement? Sure. It could use a longer or replaceable mic cable. It also could use a means to better fit while wearing eye glasses or sun glasses. That said, I have used a number of 3D capture devices and this one beats them all. It is so easy to take with me and pull out when I want to grab some 3D binaural sound. Sennheiser created an amazing tool in this product. It is my hope they will continue supporting it, refining it as well as their app. The headset is not for daily use. It is for recording environments. If you are wishing to use it for an everyday replacement for your wired ear buds you could do it however it is best used for audio capture. It is a very special audio tool for creatives and content makers. I have even used it for live video streaming to social media and people are amazed. I highly suggest getting one while you can. You will have a spectacular time capturing life in first person rich binaural immersive audio and video. It will blow away people.

I received these buds and didn’t think I would like them from the aesthetics. The controller looks and feels bulky and after a bit you sort of get used to it. I started to slowly fall in love. These earbuds will transport you to any sound memory you’ve ever had. I loved how they fit nice and snug around your ear and in them. Make sure you get them fit right or else it almost feels as if the sounds escapes. If you’re going to use them as regular earbuds without needing to record than these are a bit pricey, but so worth it. When you’re on a call or making a video of any sort-the sound is impeccable!!!! I tested the recording ability by using it during the middle of the night to see what sounds it would record and it picked up soooo many different sounds. I’ve used quite a few earbuds and so far these are some of the best not only for listening but for recording or calls. I downloaded the app and the eq gives you full control of sound and quality, with a bunch of little options to play and figure out. The only 2 negatives I really have towards this product is that you MUST keep your phone or device charged up because there isn’t an adapter. It goes straight to your power plug on your phone. And the second would be the controller (which you sort of get used to) but it’s a bit bulky and sort of weighs down your earbuds. Other than that-which they’re minor reasons, these are amazing!!!!

I almost never give negative reviews, and I didn’t expect to be disappointed by a trusted name like Sennheiser who I’ve never had an issue with before, and who’s products I generally am quite happy with. I wanted to get earbuds that went over the ear. I like the quality of the standard ear buds that came with my iPhone, but wanted something that would stay in better and I’ve always liked the over-ear design. I thought I’d get some active noise canceling phones (because why not) with a mic for headset use because I video chat with relatives across the country and play D&D over discord. No issues with comfort. But the first thing I noticed is that these have the weakest bass of any headphones I’ve ever owned. I almost returned them, but thought whatever, I’ll just use them more as a headset and use my other headphones for music. The active noise cancelling is pretty minimal, but honestly I wasn’t expecting much from earbuds that have no passive noise cancellation such as closed back over-ear cans. It works in some situations with less ambient noise. The 3D recording is fine. Not super impressive (a little treble, mid heavy for my taste), but wasn’t wasn’t one of the selling points since I have much better mics for recording anyway. One of my biggest complaints is that there is a voice whenever you switch between noise cancelling, noise cancellation off and “amplify ambient level” (a nice feature if you’re walking near traffic and want to hear cars coming). The voice notification is very loud to me, and I can’t find a way to lower the level. If I’m in a very noisy environment, it’s less noticeable. But often I like to read before bed with relaxing music. I don’t know if my ears are sensitive, if it’s the timbre of the woman’s voice or what. But it honestly hurts my ears and I hate that the level isn’t adjustable. After close to 2 years of use, the headphone signal kept losing connection. I thought it was lint in my Lightning port on my iPhone, so I kept cleaning it. Eventually I realized that the wire had become frayed internally (eventually poking through the rubber wire casing). Electrical tape helped temporarily, but now these are basically garbage because I can’t get a consistent signal. I’ve always wrapped the headphones loosely and kept them stored in the bag when not in use, avoiding tangles and crimps. To end on a positive note, I do like the bag that came with these. Overall, I cannot recommend these headphones, and I encourage prospective buyers to look elsewhere.

Hello lute kein gute Stimme 🎤

These are just AMAZING! This was a set for my Daughter, I Already have a set! I may even buy a spare set to have incase anything happens to mine! These used to be about £250 (which I just couldn’t justify) but now they are SO affordable! But first time I used them I was Blown Away! I took a Video outside, on my phone, when I listened back and closed my eyes, due to the 3D Binaural Sound I Thought I was Back there, There was birds on the left, kids playing along the street on the right, cars passing, and these earphones caught Everything! I’m taking mine on holiday with me so that I can use them to record Videos when I’m away, when I come home I’ll be able to watch back and enjoy my holiday, But because of these 3D Binaural Sound Earphones, it’ll literally make me Feel like I’m Back there! Don’t just think about buying a set, Just Buy them, Honestly you Won’t regret it 😁👍🏻 Thank me later 👌🏼

Great product! Thanks Sennheiser. 6 star product, but You should clearly understand what is it - then you will be satisfied. Bad reviews from those, who not understand how it works… -“No bass” - use Senh SmartHeadset App for update & set up (extra bass is in EQ there) -“Only for Iphone” - It very good that its made specially for Iphone! It tuned specially for Iphone thats why it works great! -“Mics not good” - It has 3 mics. 2pc 3D mics in earphones & 1pc mic on the wire for voice calls. With 3D mics you can make amazing 3D recordings. If you want to make high quality voice recording, you should place the 3D mics in front of your face. If you will make recording with wire mic - it will be low quality. Because high-speed voice transmission over the Internet does not require high quality recording. A high-quality microphone for voice calls will slow down the Internet during such calls… 1. Use Senh SmartHeadset App for update & set up (extra bass is in EQ there) 2. Fit it properly in ears. If its not fit - you will not get 3. If its new - play any active music for 50 hours on 80% volume. Just put music for night time. All such quality sound system needs to be "heated" after unboxing. Sound will change 4. Switch on Lossless quality in Apple music properties 5. Listen. Close eyes and feel music plays in you... Enjoy :) You will hear the new sounds in old songs. You will hear the vibrations of voice and strings. You will hear everything high/mid/bass - Sound quality is amazing. Hardly find the same quality/price in small size. HD 599 sounds better, but not small size. I enjoy both of them - About 3D mics. That, what you record on it, is the same on any other system, not only Iphone. Mics are very sensetive and recording is very high quality, very natural - Active noise cancellation works good, but ive nothing to compare with - Transperent hearing also perfect. Set it up via App 🙏

Nonostante non siano un prodotto nuovissimo, danno parecchi punti a prodotti ben più blasonati!

es el segundo par que adquiero, ya que el primero me lo robaron, son excelentes micrófonos audífonos binaurales, con el adaptador de lightning a USB-C es compatible con el iPhone 15 Pro Max.