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Notice: We're proud to introduce Test Bench 2.0, which overhauls our audio measurements, with new tests and usages. There's even a brand new multi-target graphing tool! You can read all about this in our changelog, featuring commentary from our Test Designer, Pierre. We'll also be holding an AMA on our Discord Channel on May 1.
Test Settings For Headphones
Updated Feb 05, 2020 at 09:10 am
What it is:
The settings that the headphones were tested under.
When it matters:
When you want to better compare your experience with our test results.
[Coming Soon]
Our Tests
Firmware
What it is:
The firmware version the headphones were tested under.
When it matters:
When you want to compare or keep track of the features and possible issues mentioned in the review.
[Coming Soon]
Power
What it is:
Whether the headphones were tested with their power on or off. If the headphones are not powered, "passive" will show. Passive headphones are powered using a Schiit Ragnarok 1 amplifier.
When it matters:
The performance of powered headphones that have passive playback can vary when their power is turned off.
[Coming Soon]
Connection
What it is:
Whether we tested the headphones with an analog, USB, Bluetooth, or proprietary wireless connection.
When it matters:
Since the headphones' performance could vary depending on the type of connection, it's useful to know how we tested them.
[Coming Soon]
Codec
What it is:
The audio format used in testing the headphones.
When it matters:
The codec may have an effect on certain types of distortion tests, but it's unlikely that it shows up in other tests like frequency response.
[Coming Soon]
EQ
What it is:
What EQ settings, if any, were used in testing the headphones.
When it matters:
This will be important if you'd like to compare/match the performance of your headphones to what's reported in the review.
[Coming Soon]
ANC
What it is:
Whether the headphones were tested with active noise cancelling on or off. If the headphones don't have active noise cancelling, "No ANC" will show.
When it matters:
In certain cases, ANC can change the headphones' sound, so it's important to know what conditions they were tested under.
[Coming Soon]
Tip/Pad
What it is:
What tip/pad size and type was used during the measurements.
When it matters:
Foam tips tend to provide better isolation and leakage performance. Also, certain headphones come with multiple pads that provide different sound profiles for the headphones.
[Coming Soon]
Microphone
What it is:
Which microphone was used for testing (if the headphone comes with multiple microphones).
When it matters:
When you want to better evaluate the product and compare your experience with our test results.
[Coming Soon]
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