Re: Bluetooth Headset

[Dane Trethowan]

Yes, that’s the problem with the AAC coding and most other methods of sending 
data from a device to a Bluetooth speaker, headphones etc, you’re not only 
listening to a file - most likely compressed - but its being compressed yet 
again hence more loss of quality though - as you say - its probably not too 
noticeable when listening to Speech.
I had the small Jambox and was glad to be rid of it, never thought much of that 
device at all.
Yeah okay, people spoke of how it had voice prompting and how you could add an 
effect to widen the channels with DSP but that’s all gimmick type stuff as far 
as I’m concerned.
I’d be very surprised if the chips that Apple were using for Bluetooth didn’t 
handle aptX and you’ve probably put your finger on it when you talk about 
firmware being rewritten.
As far as I know the chips used for Bluetooth handle Bluetooth 4.0 and above so 
- that being the case - they should easily accommodate aptX I would have 
thought.
Now a thought has crossed my mind, if Apple are going to release a phone 
without a headphone socket then perhaps it may also be the right time to 
upgrade the Bluetooth standard to Lossless - aptX in other words -., guess will 
know 48 hours from now.

> On 7 Sep 2016, at 12:43 PM, Tim Noonan  wrote:
> 
> Its hard to say if ApTx will be included - but from beta testing iOS I feel 
> that the Bluetooth code has been rewritten or upgraded.  
> 
> Only some brands of Bluetooth chips support the Codec.
> 
> For a few years now, Apple have been promoting an AAC Bluetooth Codec - 
> likely working on the desire to avoid transcoding of AAC files from iTunes 
> and now Apple Music.
> 
> Though its been around for a couple of years now, I have a Big Jambox speaker 
> which is AAC Codec compatible and though it is a lovely speaker for listening 
> to voice and spoken word, it has very high latency - which I wonder is a 
> result of the AAC Codec being used.
> 
> But, if you want a speaker that is great for listening to podcasts, audio 
> books and which can fill a room nicely with no strain or hardness, the Big 
> Jambox is great - it has a wonderful open sound - but for modern music it is 
> not strong in bass.
> 
> I don't like boomy sound myself, and this speaker is very clean, open and 
> fresh in its sound with lovely top end. 
> 
> In fact, it is now my main computer speaker for all TTS output etc, via its 
> line in jack. I also use it in the voice and listening workshops that I run.
> 
> Regards
> Tim
> 
> 
> On 7 Sep 2016, at 9:41 AM, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
> 
> Yes indeed, we’ll see tomorrow but I doubt whether Apple consider APTX a 
> priority and why do I say that? Well its been around for quite some time now 
> and Apple have had plenty of time to introduce the technology to their 
> Smartphones and other devices, I believe the hardware is there already.
> Another company that doesn’t use APTX surprisingly is Bose but then again one 
> could argue perhaps not surprisingly .
> 
>> On 7 Sep 2016, at 9:26 AM, Hamit Campos  wrote:
>> 
>> For now that is. We'll see tomorrow. It'd be a real shame for IPhone 7 to 
>> not have NFC.
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
>> Trethowan
>> Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 5:38 PM
>> To: PC Audio Discussion List 
>> Subject: Re: Bluetooth Headset
>> 
>> I think the newer model supports NFC though as you said, that’s hardly 
>> useful if you have an iPhone.
>> 
>>> On 7 Sep 2016, at 7:29 AM, Anders Holmberg  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi!
>>> Sounds intresting.
>>> Do they support nfc too?
>>> My new bose does but i don’t think the Iphone does so i have to get me an 
>>> android instead.
>>> THe noise cancellation is good for me as i don’t like the sound from cars 
>>> through closed headphones.
>>> /A
 On 6 Sep 2016, at 07:05, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably 
 impressed though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing 
 much to complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor 
 irritations to be aware of so as such they will be left to last.
 
 The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but 
 sturdy build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for 
 travelling.
 
 As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
 including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system 
 via the use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice 
 sounding pair of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart 
 from its build and travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component 
 without a doubt.
 
 The MM550 come equipped with 

Re: Bluetooth Headset

[Tim Noonan]

Its hard to say if ApTx will be included - but from beta testing iOS I feel 
that the Bluetooth code has been rewritten or upgraded.  

Only some brands of Bluetooth chips support the Codec.

For a few years now, Apple have been promoting an AAC Bluetooth Codec - likely 
working on the desire to avoid transcoding of AAC files from iTunes and now 
Apple Music.

Though its been around for a couple of years now, I have a Big Jambox speaker 
which is AAC Codec compatible and though it is a lovely speaker for listening 
to voice and spoken word, it has very high latency - which I wonder is a result 
of the AAC Codec being used.

But, if you want a speaker that is great for listening to podcasts, audio books 
and which can fill a room nicely with no strain or hardness, the Big Jambox is 
great - it has a wonderful open sound - but for modern music it is not strong 
in bass.

I don't like boomy sound myself, and this speaker is very clean, open and fresh 
in its sound with lovely top end. 

In fact, it is now my main computer speaker for all TTS output etc, via its 
line in jack. I also use it in the voice and listening workshops that I run.

Regards
Tim


On 7 Sep 2016, at 9:41 AM, Dane Trethowan  wrote:

Yes indeed, we’ll see tomorrow but I doubt whether Apple consider APTX a 
priority and why do I say that? Well its been around for quite some time now 
and Apple have had plenty of time to introduce the technology to their 
Smartphones and other devices, I believe the hardware is there already.
Another company that doesn’t use APTX surprisingly is Bose but then again one 
could argue perhaps not surprisingly .

> On 7 Sep 2016, at 9:26 AM, Hamit Campos  wrote:
> 
> For now that is. We'll see tomorrow. It'd be a real shame for IPhone 7 to not 
> have NFC.
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
> Trethowan
> Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 5:38 PM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List 
> Subject: Re: Bluetooth Headset
> 
> I think the newer model supports NFC though as you said, that’s hardly useful 
> if you have an iPhone.
> 
>> On 7 Sep 2016, at 7:29 AM, Anders Holmberg  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi!
>> Sounds intresting.
>> Do they support nfc too?
>> My new bose does but i don’t think the Iphone does so i have to get me an 
>> android instead.
>> THe noise cancellation is good for me as i don’t like the sound from cars 
>> through closed headphones.
>> /A
>>> On 6 Sep 2016, at 07:05, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably impressed 
>>> though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing much to 
>>> complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor irritations to 
>>> be aware of so as such they will be left to last.
>>> 
>>> The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but 
>>> sturdy build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for travelling.
>>> 
>>> As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
>>> including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system via 
>>> the use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice 
>>> sounding pair of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart 
>>> from its build and travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component 
>>> without a doubt.
>>> 
>>> The MM550 come equipped with AptX decoding which is noticeable right away 
>>> when paired to my Samsung Galaxy S6 and to me the aptX facility is the big 
>>> sounding feature for these cans.
>>> 
>>> Naturally voic calls can be made and answered from the MM550 using Google 
>>> Now or similar – SIRI on an iPhone – and the microphones on the MM550 give 
>>> extremely good definition in phone calls particularly if you’re able to use 
>>> HD Voice on your phone’s network.
>>> 
>>> I’ve not tried the active noise cancellation feature yet though for a 
>>> closed set of cans I wonder why you’d need it?.
>>> 
>>> The MM550 also provides a “Talk Through” function, suppose you’re listening 
>>> to your favourite tracks on a long flight and you wish to hear what’s going 
>>> on around you, press the “Talk Through” button and you’ll hear! Without 
>>> removing the cans from your ears.
>>> 
>>> Music sounds wonderful through these cans – whether using the direct cable 
>>> connection of Bluetooth – but the Bluetooth experience is certainly made 
>>> more worthwhile given the control you have over your music collection from 
>>> the MM550 system itself which is provided with track forward and back 
>>> buttons as well as using the master button as a pause.
>>> 
>>> I haven’t listened to the MM550 for an extended period of time yet though I 
>>> doubt I’ll encounter any problems with sore ears given the weight of this 
>>> headset and its 

Re: thoughts on the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder

[Andy]

Hi Dane.

I purchased the H6 for, I believe, £470 in December of last year, from a 
London shop.


It's very difficult to use as a blind guy and you will need sighted 
assistance when setting every thing up, ready for a session.


Mr Neil Ewars, once from Blind Cool Teck, did a podcast on this machine 
last year and I have that podcast whenever you request it .


Neil - said something like this.

The Zoom H6 is in my opinion the best portable, 6 track digital hand held 
recorder in the world.

It can record at 24 bit Wave at 195Khz - whatever that means.

All I can tell you my friend that everything I've recorded has been at the 
highestquality and I also would vote it the best recorder I've ever had.


I like to record local bands in my pub and thequality would amaze you. 
2 weeks ago I recorded what was arguably, the worst thunder and lighten 
episode of my 62 year old life and I posted it off to friends on another 
list and they all thought that the quality was amazing.


So my advice and I don't really know as much as you guys, is go for the Zoom 
H6 every time.



neil is an audio engineer of huge experience and I concur with his 
assessment regarding this device.


Very best wishes .
Andy.



- Original Message - 
From: "Dane Trethowan" 

To: "PC Audio Discussion List" 
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 5:39 PM
Subject: thoughts on the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder


Hi!
Think another list member wrote to say that they had one of these recorders.
I’d be interested to know what the user of the Zoom H6 thinks of his 
recorder, I have the Zoom H1 and I’ve been using it for the best part of 6 
years now.
There are some things to be aware of with the Zoom but those things can be 
easily dealt with if you have a computer and audio editing software.
or example the automatic level control doesn’t have quick recovery though 
this might be ideal for some circumstances.
In any case I use manual record level and fix any level problems with 
Amadeus Pro or something similar.
I’ve used the recorder long enough to know where the 0 DB point is in the 
level adjustment and one can always turn on the Auto Level control for a 
reference point and adjust to it.


**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: need high quality recording app

[John Covici]

Just that some of the controls did not announce themselves properly
and the app had audio problems as well.

On Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:15:52 -0400,
Aidan wrote:
> 
> All free apps I mentioned there are voice over friendly. What is your 
> chalenge?
> 
> On 06/09/2016, John Covici  wrote:
> > Hi.  Did you actually try this app using voiceover?  It seems quite
> > unfriendlyto vo, although I think I did a recording, but the gain was
> > so low, I could not hear anything using an external microphone.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, 05 Sep 2016 11:20:44 -0400,
> > Aidan wrote:
> >>
> >> rev recorder or audio memos. Or audio shair wich goes higher than 24
> >> bit in wave.
> >>
> >> On 03/09/2016, John Covici  wrote:
> >> > Yep, if you upgrade you get that and so I did.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks.
> >> >
> >> > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:04:06 -0400,
> >> > ken wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >>yes you can, .
> >> >> go in to settings and chose manual.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> -Original Message- From: John Covici
> >> >> Sent: Friday, September 02, 2016 12:00 PM
> >> >> To: PC Audio Discussion List
> >> >> Subject: Re: need high quality recording app
> >> >>
> >> >> Do you know if you can adjust the gain in either of those apps?  I
> >> >> have the free version and I didn't see any way to adjust the gain.
> >> >>
> >> >> On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 09:55:16 -0400,
> >> >> ken wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >try recorder hq , or recorder hq pro
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > -Original Message- From: John Covici
> >> >> > Sent: Friday, September 02, 2016 8:45 AM
> >> >> > To: PC Audio Discussion List
> >> >> > Subject: Re: need high quality recording app
> >> >> >
> >> >> > This app destroys vo if you try to record and seems not to have a
> >> >> > way
> >> >> > Thanks much for your suggestion.
> >> >> > to access an external mic.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 07:31:18 -0400,
> >> >> > Chris Skarstad wrote:
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > > How about Hokasai, that's h. o. k. a. s. a. i.
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > > or if you have a few bucks, try boss jock studio. both are pretty
> >> >> > > good.
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > > On 9/2/2016 5:25 AM, John Covici wrote:
> >> >> > > > hmmm, nothing in the app storeby that name, could it be called
> >> >> > > > something else?
> >> >> > > >
> >> >> > > > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 04:00:49 -0400,
> >> >> > > > Dane Trethowan wrote:
> >> >> > > >> Have you tried Voxee? It records up to 48K and - last time I
> >> >> > > tried it - >> the App was very accessible.
> >> >> > > >>
> >> >> > > >>> On 2 Sep 2016, at 4:58 PM, John Covici
> >> >> >  > >>> wrote:
> >> >> > > >>>
> >> >> > > >>> Hi.  I am in urgent need of a high quality recording app
> >> >> > -- one > >>> where
> >> >> > > >>> I can have 44.100 sample rate or higher and works with
> >> >> > voiceover on > >>> my
> >> >> > > >>> iphone.  I have tried something called recorderplus which has
> >> >> > > >>> the
> >> >> > > >>> features, but is very unfriendly to vo, you push the buttons
> >> >> > > >>> and
> >> >> > > >>> sometimes nothing ahppens, amoung other things.  I bought a
> >> >> > > >>> good
> >> >> > > >>> external mic which uses usb audio, so for these live
> >> >> > > >>> recordings,
> >> >> > > >>> which are classical music, I need something which works
> >> >> > well.  The > >>> mic
> >> >> > > >>> (rode xyl) has an app, but it destroys voiceover till the
> >> >> > next > >>> reboot.
> >> >> > > >>>
> >> >> > > >>> Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
> >> >> > > >>>
> >> >> > > >>> -- >>> Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.
> >> >> > > The question is:
> >> >> > > >>> How do
> >> >> > > >>> you spend it?
> >> >> > > >>>
> >> >> > > >>>  John Covici
> >> >> > > >>>  cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >> >> > > >>>
> >> >> > > >> **
> >> >> > > >> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave
> >> >> > > the rest of >> the halfwits in this world behind.
> >> >> > > >>
> >> >> > > >>
> >> >> > > >>
> >> >> > > >>
> >> >> > >
> >> >> > >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > --
> >> >> > Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question
> >> >> > is:
> >> >> > How do
> >> >> > you spend it?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > John Covici
> >> >> > cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
> >> >> How do
> >> >> you spend it?
> >> >>
> >> >> John Covici
> >> >> cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >> >>
> >> >
> >> > --
> >> > Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
> >> > How do
> >> > you spend it?
> >> >
> >> >  John Covici
> >> >  cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92
> >> Skype: andries4451
> >> Twitter: smarttalk7
> >> Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight
> >>
> >
> > 

Re: Bluetooth Headset

[Dane Trethowan]

Yes indeed, we’ll see tomorrow but I doubt whether Apple consider APTX a 
priority and why do I say that? Well its been around for quite some time now 
and Apple have had plenty of time to introduce the technology to their 
Smartphones and other devices, I believe the hardware is there already.
Another company that doesn’t use APTX surprisingly is Bose but then again one 
could argue perhaps not surprisingly .

> On 7 Sep 2016, at 9:26 AM, Hamit Campos  wrote:
> 
> For now that is. We'll see tomorrow. It'd be a real shame for IPhone 7 to not 
> have NFC.
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
> Trethowan
> Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 5:38 PM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List 
> Subject: Re: Bluetooth Headset
> 
> I think the newer model supports NFC though as you said, that’s hardly useful 
> if you have an iPhone.
> 
>> On 7 Sep 2016, at 7:29 AM, Anders Holmberg  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi!
>> Sounds intresting.
>> Do they support nfc too?
>> My new bose does but i don’t think the Iphone does so i have to get me an 
>> android instead.
>> THe noise cancellation is good for me as i don’t like the sound from cars 
>> through closed headphones.
>> /A
>>> On 6 Sep 2016, at 07:05, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably impressed 
>>> though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing much to 
>>> complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor irritations to 
>>> be aware of so as such they will be left to last.
>>> 
>>> The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but 
>>> sturdy build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for travelling.
>>> 
>>> As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
>>> including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system via 
>>> the use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice 
>>> sounding pair of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart 
>>> from its build and travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component 
>>> without a doubt.
>>> 
>>> The MM550 come equipped with AptX decoding which is noticeable right away 
>>> when paired to my Samsung Galaxy S6 and to me the aptX facility is the big 
>>> sounding feature for these cans.
>>> 
>>> Naturally voic calls can be made and answered from the MM550 using Google 
>>> Now or similar – SIRI on an iPhone – and the microphones on the MM550 give 
>>> extremely good definition in phone calls particularly if you’re able to use 
>>> HD Voice on your phone’s network.
>>> 
>>> I’ve not tried the active noise cancellation feature yet though for a 
>>> closed set of cans I wonder why you’d need it?.
>>> 
>>> The MM550 also provides a “Talk Through” function, suppose you’re listening 
>>> to your favourite tracks on a long flight and you wish to hear what’s going 
>>> on around you, press the “Talk Through” button and you’ll hear! Without 
>>> removing the cans from your ears.
>>> 
>>> Music sounds wonderful through these cans – whether using the direct cable 
>>> connection of Bluetooth – but the Bluetooth experience is certainly made 
>>> more worthwhile given the control you have over your music collection from 
>>> the MM550 system itself which is provided with track forward and back 
>>> buttons as well as using the master button as a pause.
>>> 
>>> I haven’t listened to the MM550 for an extended period of time yet though I 
>>> doubt I’ll encounter any problems with sore ears given the weight of this 
>>> headset and its luxurious leather padding around the cuffs.
>>> 
>>> So to the couple of bad things about this headset and the first is annoying.
>>> 
>>> The lithium-ion battery can be charged either inside or outside the headset 
>>> but if you’re charging inside the headset be sure to put your hand over the 
>>> battery when you remove the USB charging cable or the battery will come 
>>> too, that’s right, out of the headset itself and that’s a very poor design.
>>> 
>>> The MM550 has direct cable connection however in this mode the headphones 
>>> are completely passive meaning that they rely on the amplifier of the 
>>> system they’re wired to for volume and that’s fine in theory and really I 
>>> have no argument on that score.
>>> 
>>> The problem is if you’re wanting to direct wire them to the headphones 
>>> output of your Cell Phone or similar thinking that the microphones of the 
>>> cans and the remote control buttons will work, they certainly will not., as 
>>> I mentioned at the start of this review a minor gripe though I’m sure 
>>> Senheiser could improve upon this if they really wanted to.
>>> 
>>> Now is the perfect time to buy the Senheiser MM550 headset as its been 
>>> discontinued and you should be able to get it for a good 

RE: thoughts on the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder

[Hamit Campos]

Yeah It was Andy who had 1. As does Neal Ewers.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 12:40 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List 
Subject: thoughts on the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder

Hi!
Think another list member wrote to say that they had one of these recorders.
I’d be interested to know what the user of the Zoom H6 thinks of his recorder, 
I have the Zoom H1 and I’ve been using it for the best part of 6 years now.
There are some things to be aware of with the Zoom but those things can be 
easily dealt with if you have a computer and audio editing software.
For example the automatic level control doesn’t have quick recovery though this 
might be ideal for some circumstances.
In any case I use manual record level and fix any level problems with Amadeus 
Pro or something similar.
I’ve used the recorder long enough to know where the 0 DB point is in the level 
adjustment and one can always turn on the Auto Level control for a reference 
point and adjust to it.

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

RE: Bluetooth Headset

[Hamit Campos]

For now that is. We'll see tomorrow. It'd be a real shame for IPhone 7 to not 
have NFC.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 5:38 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List 
Subject: Re: Bluetooth Headset

I think the newer model supports NFC though as you said, that’s hardly useful 
if you have an iPhone.

> On 7 Sep 2016, at 7:29 AM, Anders Holmberg  wrote:
> 
> Hi!
> Sounds intresting.
> Do they support nfc too?
> My new bose does but i don’t think the Iphone does so i have to get me an 
> android instead.
> THe noise cancellation is good for me as i don’t like the sound from cars 
> through closed headphones.
> /A
>> On 6 Sep 2016, at 07:05, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably impressed 
>> though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing much to 
>> complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor irritations to 
>> be aware of so as such they will be left to last.
>> 
>> The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but 
>> sturdy build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for travelling.
>> 
>> As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
>> including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system via 
>> the use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice 
>> sounding pair of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart 
>> from its build and travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component 
>> without a doubt.
>> 
>> The MM550 come equipped with AptX decoding which is noticeable right away 
>> when paired to my Samsung Galaxy S6 and to me the aptX facility is the big 
>> sounding feature for these cans.
>> 
>> Naturally voic calls can be made and answered from the MM550 using Google 
>> Now or similar – SIRI on an iPhone – and the microphones on the MM550 give 
>> extremely good definition in phone calls particularly if you’re able to use 
>> HD Voice on your phone’s network.
>> 
>> I’ve not tried the active noise cancellation feature yet though for a closed 
>> set of cans I wonder why you’d need it?.
>> 
>> The MM550 also provides a “Talk Through” function, suppose you’re listening 
>> to your favourite tracks on a long flight and you wish to hear what’s going 
>> on around you, press the “Talk Through” button and you’ll hear! Without 
>> removing the cans from your ears.
>> 
>> Music sounds wonderful through these cans – whether using the direct cable 
>> connection of Bluetooth – but the Bluetooth experience is certainly made 
>> more worthwhile given the control you have over your music collection from 
>> the MM550 system itself which is provided with track forward and back 
>> buttons as well as using the master button as a pause.
>> 
>> I haven’t listened to the MM550 for an extended period of time yet though I 
>> doubt I’ll encounter any problems with sore ears given the weight of this 
>> headset and its luxurious leather padding around the cuffs.
>> 
>> So to the couple of bad things about this headset and the first is annoying.
>> 
>> The lithium-ion battery can be charged either inside or outside the headset 
>> but if you’re charging inside the headset be sure to put your hand over the 
>> battery when you remove the USB charging cable or the battery will come too, 
>> that’s right, out of the headset itself and that’s a very poor design.
>> 
>> The MM550 has direct cable connection however in this mode the headphones 
>> are completely passive meaning that they rely on the amplifier of the system 
>> they’re wired to for volume and that’s fine in theory and really I have no 
>> argument on that score.
>> 
>> The problem is if you’re wanting to direct wire them to the headphones 
>> output of your Cell Phone or similar thinking that the microphones of the 
>> cans and the remote control buttons will work, they certainly will not., as 
>> I mentioned at the start of this review a minor gripe though I’m sure 
>> Senheiser could improve upon this if they really wanted to.
>> 
>> Now is the perfect time to buy the Senheiser MM550 headset as its been 
>> discontinued and you should be able to get it for a good price as I did.
>> 
>> So why didn’t I go for the replacement model? The replacement model has 
>> touch buttons which don’t appeal to me all that much though having said that 
>> the newer model does have an IOS and Android App which might be useful.
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: need high quality recording app

[Aidan]

All free apps I mentioned there are voice over friendly. What is your chalenge?

On 06/09/2016, John Covici  wrote:
> Hi.  Did you actually try this app using voiceover?  It seems quite
> unfriendlyto vo, although I think I did a recording, but the gain was
> so low, I could not hear anything using an external microphone.
>
>
> On Mon, 05 Sep 2016 11:20:44 -0400,
> Aidan wrote:
>>
>> rev recorder or audio memos. Or audio shair wich goes higher than 24
>> bit in wave.
>>
>> On 03/09/2016, John Covici  wrote:
>> > Yep, if you upgrade you get that and so I did.
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> >
>> > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:04:06 -0400,
>> > ken wrote:
>> >>
>> >>yes you can, .
>> >> go in to settings and chose manual.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> -Original Message- From: John Covici
>> >> Sent: Friday, September 02, 2016 12:00 PM
>> >> To: PC Audio Discussion List
>> >> Subject: Re: need high quality recording app
>> >>
>> >> Do you know if you can adjust the gain in either of those apps?  I
>> >> have the free version and I didn't see any way to adjust the gain.
>> >>
>> >> On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 09:55:16 -0400,
>> >> ken wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >try recorder hq , or recorder hq pro
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > -Original Message- From: John Covici
>> >> > Sent: Friday, September 02, 2016 8:45 AM
>> >> > To: PC Audio Discussion List
>> >> > Subject: Re: need high quality recording app
>> >> >
>> >> > This app destroys vo if you try to record and seems not to have a
>> >> > way
>> >> > Thanks much for your suggestion.
>> >> > to access an external mic.
>> >> >
>> >> > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 07:31:18 -0400,
>> >> > Chris Skarstad wrote:
>> >> > >
>> >> > > How about Hokasai, that's h. o. k. a. s. a. i.
>> >> > >
>> >> > > or if you have a few bucks, try boss jock studio. both are pretty
>> >> > > good.
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >> > > On 9/2/2016 5:25 AM, John Covici wrote:
>> >> > > > hmmm, nothing in the app storeby that name, could it be called
>> >> > > > something else?
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 04:00:49 -0400,
>> >> > > > Dane Trethowan wrote:
>> >> > > >> Have you tried Voxee? It records up to 48K and - last time I
>> >> > > tried it - >> the App was very accessible.
>> >> > > >>
>> >> > > >>> On 2 Sep 2016, at 4:58 PM, John Covici
>> >> >  > >>> wrote:
>> >> > > >>>
>> >> > > >>> Hi.  I am in urgent need of a high quality recording app
>> >> > -- one > >>> where
>> >> > > >>> I can have 44.100 sample rate or higher and works with
>> >> > voiceover on > >>> my
>> >> > > >>> iphone.  I have tried something called recorderplus which has
>> >> > > >>> the
>> >> > > >>> features, but is very unfriendly to vo, you push the buttons
>> >> > > >>> and
>> >> > > >>> sometimes nothing ahppens, amoung other things.  I bought a
>> >> > > >>> good
>> >> > > >>> external mic which uses usb audio, so for these live
>> >> > > >>> recordings,
>> >> > > >>> which are classical music, I need something which works
>> >> > well.  The > >>> mic
>> >> > > >>> (rode xyl) has an app, but it destroys voiceover till the
>> >> > next > >>> reboot.
>> >> > > >>>
>> >> > > >>> Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
>> >> > > >>>
>> >> > > >>> -- >>> Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.
>> >> > > The question is:
>> >> > > >>> How do
>> >> > > >>> you spend it?
>> >> > > >>>
>> >> > > >>>  John Covici
>> >> > > >>>  cov...@ccs.covici.com
>> >> > > >>>
>> >> > > >> **
>> >> > > >> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave
>> >> > > the rest of >> the halfwits in this world behind.
>> >> > > >>
>> >> > > >>
>> >> > > >>
>> >> > > >>
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >> >
>> >> > --
>> >> > Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question
>> >> > is:
>> >> > How do
>> >> > you spend it?
>> >> >
>> >> > John Covici
>> >> > cov...@ccs.covici.com
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
>> >> How do
>> >> you spend it?
>> >>
>> >> John Covici
>> >> cov...@ccs.covici.com
>> >>
>> >
>> > --
>> > Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
>> > How do
>> > you spend it?
>> >
>> >  John Covici
>> >  cov...@ccs.covici.com
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>> --
>> Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92
>> Skype: andries4451
>> Twitter: smarttalk7
>> Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight
>>
>
> --
> Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
> How do
> you spend it?
>
>  John Covici
>  cov...@ccs.covici.com
>
>


-- 
Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92
Skype: andries4451
Twitter: smarttalk7
Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight

Re: Bluetooth Headset

[Dane Trethowan]

I think the newer model supports NFC though as you said, that’s hardly useful 
if you have an iPhone.

> On 7 Sep 2016, at 7:29 AM, Anders Holmberg  wrote:
> 
> Hi!
> Sounds intresting.
> Do they support nfc too?
> My new bose does but i don’t think the Iphone does so i have to get me an 
> android instead.
> THe noise cancellation is good for me as i don’t like the sound from cars 
> through closed headphones.
> /A
>> On 6 Sep 2016, at 07:05, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably impressed 
>> though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing much to 
>> complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor irritations to 
>> be aware of so as such they will be left to last.
>> 
>> The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but 
>> sturdy build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for travelling.
>> 
>> As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
>> including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system via 
>> the use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice 
>> sounding pair of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart 
>> from its build and travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component 
>> without a doubt.
>> 
>> The MM550 come equipped with AptX decoding which is noticeable right away 
>> when paired to my Samsung Galaxy S6 and to me the aptX facility is the big 
>> sounding feature for these cans.
>> 
>> Naturally voic calls can be made and answered from the MM550 using Google 
>> Now or similar – SIRI on an iPhone – and the microphones on the MM550 give 
>> extremely good definition in phone calls particularly if you’re able to use 
>> HD Voice on your phone’s network.
>> 
>> I’ve not tried the active noise cancellation feature yet though for a closed 
>> set of cans I wonder why you’d need it?.
>> 
>> The MM550 also provides a “Talk Through” function, suppose you’re listening 
>> to your favourite tracks on a long flight and you wish to hear what’s going 
>> on around you, press the “Talk Through” button and you’ll hear! Without 
>> removing the cans from your ears.
>> 
>> Music sounds wonderful through these cans – whether using the direct cable 
>> connection of Bluetooth – but the Bluetooth experience is certainly made 
>> more worthwhile given the control you have over your music collection from 
>> the MM550 system itself which is provided with track forward and back 
>> buttons as well as using the master button as a pause.
>> 
>> I haven’t listened to the MM550 for an extended period of time yet though I 
>> doubt I’ll encounter any problems with sore ears given the weight of this 
>> headset and its luxurious leather padding around the cuffs.
>> 
>> So to the couple of bad things about this headset and the first is annoying.
>> 
>> The lithium-ion battery can be charged either inside or outside the headset 
>> but if you’re charging inside the headset be sure to put your hand over the 
>> battery when you remove the USB charging cable or the battery will come too, 
>> that’s right, out of the headset itself and that’s a very poor design.
>> 
>> The MM550 has direct cable connection however in this mode the headphones 
>> are completely passive meaning that they rely on the amplifier of the system 
>> they’re wired to for volume and that’s fine in theory and really I have no 
>> argument on that score.
>> 
>> The problem is if you’re wanting to direct wire them to the headphones 
>> output of your Cell Phone or similar thinking that the microphones of the 
>> cans and the remote control buttons will work, they certainly will not., as 
>> I mentioned at the start of this review a minor gripe though I’m sure 
>> Senheiser could improve upon this if they really wanted to.
>> 
>> Now is the perfect time to buy the Senheiser MM550 headset as its been 
>> discontinued and you should be able to get it for a good price as I did.
>> 
>> So why didn’t I go for the replacement model? The replacement model has 
>> touch buttons which don’t appeal to me all that much though having said that 
>> the newer model does have an IOS and Android App which might be useful.
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: Bluetooth Headset

[Anders Holmberg]

Hi!
Sounds intresting.
Do they support nfc too?
My new bose does but i don’t think the Iphone does so i have to get me an 
android instead.
THe noise cancellation is good for me as i don’t like the sound from cars 
through closed headphones.
/A
> On 6 Sep 2016, at 07:05, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably impressed 
> though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing much to 
> complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor irritations to 
> be aware of so as such they will be left to last.
> 
> The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but 
> sturdy build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for travelling.
> 
> As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
> including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system via 
> the use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice sounding 
> pair of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart from its 
> build and travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component without a doubt.
> 
> The MM550 come equipped with AptX decoding which is noticeable right away 
> when paired to my Samsung Galaxy S6 and to me the aptX facility is the big 
> sounding feature for these cans.
> 
> Naturally voic calls can be made and answered from the MM550 using Google Now 
> or similar – SIRI on an iPhone – and the microphones on the MM550 give 
> extremely good definition in phone calls particularly if you’re able to use 
> HD Voice on your phone’s network.
> 
> I’ve not tried the active noise cancellation feature yet though for a closed 
> set of cans I wonder why you’d need it?.
> 
> The MM550 also provides a “Talk Through” function, suppose you’re listening 
> to your favourite tracks on a long flight and you wish to hear what’s going 
> on around you, press the “Talk Through” button and you’ll hear! Without 
> removing the cans from your ears.
> 
> Music sounds wonderful through these cans – whether using the direct cable 
> connection of Bluetooth – but the Bluetooth experience is certainly made more 
> worthwhile given the control you have over your music collection from the 
> MM550 system itself which is provided with track forward and back buttons as 
> well as using the master button as a pause.
> 
> I haven’t listened to the MM550 for an extended period of time yet though I 
> doubt I’ll encounter any problems with sore ears given the weight of this 
> headset and its luxurious leather padding around the cuffs.
> 
> So to the couple of bad things about this headset and the first is annoying.
> 
> The lithium-ion battery can be charged either inside or outside the headset 
> but if you’re charging inside the headset be sure to put your hand over the 
> battery when you remove the USB charging cable or the battery will come too, 
> that’s right, out of the headset itself and that’s a very poor design.
> 
> The MM550 has direct cable connection however in this mode the headphones are 
> completely passive meaning that they rely on the amplifier of the system 
> they’re wired to for volume and that’s fine in theory and really I have no 
> argument on that score.
> 
> The problem is if you’re wanting to direct wire them to the headphones output 
> of your Cell Phone or similar thinking that the microphones of the cans and 
> the remote control buttons will work, they certainly will not., as I 
> mentioned at the start of this review a minor gripe though I’m sure Senheiser 
> could improve upon this if they really wanted to.
> 
> Now is the perfect time to buy the Senheiser MM550 headset as its been 
> discontinued and you should be able to get it for a good price as I did.
> 
> So why didn’t I go for the replacement model? The replacement model has touch 
> buttons which don’t appeal to me all that much though having said that the 
> newer model does have an IOS and Android App which might be useful.
> 
> 
> 

thoughts on the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!
Think another list member wrote to say that they had one of these recorders.
I’d be interested to know what the user of the Zoom H6 thinks of his recorder, 
I have the Zoom H1 and I’ve been using it for the best part of 6 years now.
There are some things to be aware of with the Zoom but those things can be 
easily dealt with if you have a computer and audio editing software.
For example the automatic level control doesn’t have quick recovery though this 
might be ideal for some circumstances.
In any case I use manual record level and fix any level problems with Amadeus 
Pro or something similar.
I’ve used the recorder long enough to know where the 0 DB point is in the level 
adjustment and one can always turn on the Auto Level control for a reference 
point and adjust to it.

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: need high quality recording app

[John Covici]

Hi.  Did you actually try this app using voiceover?  It seems quite
unfriendlyto vo, although I think I did a recording, but the gain was
so low, I could not hear anything using an external microphone.


On Mon, 05 Sep 2016 11:20:44 -0400,
Aidan wrote:
> 
> rev recorder or audio memos. Or audio shair wich goes higher than 24
> bit in wave.
> 
> On 03/09/2016, John Covici  wrote:
> > Yep, if you upgrade you get that and so I did.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:04:06 -0400,
> > ken wrote:
> >>
> >>yes you can, .
> >> go in to settings and chose manual.
> >>
> >>
> >> -Original Message- From: John Covici
> >> Sent: Friday, September 02, 2016 12:00 PM
> >> To: PC Audio Discussion List
> >> Subject: Re: need high quality recording app
> >>
> >> Do you know if you can adjust the gain in either of those apps?  I
> >> have the free version and I didn't see any way to adjust the gain.
> >>
> >> On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 09:55:16 -0400,
> >> ken wrote:
> >> >
> >> >try recorder hq , or recorder hq pro
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > -Original Message- From: John Covici
> >> > Sent: Friday, September 02, 2016 8:45 AM
> >> > To: PC Audio Discussion List
> >> > Subject: Re: need high quality recording app
> >> >
> >> > This app destroys vo if you try to record and seems not to have a way
> >> > Thanks much for your suggestion.
> >> > to access an external mic.
> >> >
> >> > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 07:31:18 -0400,
> >> > Chris Skarstad wrote:
> >> > >
> >> > > How about Hokasai, that's h. o. k. a. s. a. i.
> >> > >
> >> > > or if you have a few bucks, try boss jock studio. both are pretty
> >> > > good.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > On 9/2/2016 5:25 AM, John Covici wrote:
> >> > > > hmmm, nothing in the app storeby that name, could it be called
> >> > > > something else?
> >> > > >
> >> > > > On Fri, 02 Sep 2016 04:00:49 -0400,
> >> > > > Dane Trethowan wrote:
> >> > > >> Have you tried Voxee? It records up to 48K and - last time I
> >> > > tried it - >> the App was very accessible.
> >> > > >>
> >> > > >>> On 2 Sep 2016, at 4:58 PM, John Covici
> >> >  > >>> wrote:
> >> > > >>>
> >> > > >>> Hi.  I am in urgent need of a high quality recording app
> >> > -- one > >>> where
> >> > > >>> I can have 44.100 sample rate or higher and works with
> >> > voiceover on > >>> my
> >> > > >>> iphone.  I have tried something called recorderplus which has the
> >> > > >>> features, but is very unfriendly to vo, you push the buttons and
> >> > > >>> sometimes nothing ahppens, amoung other things.  I bought a good
> >> > > >>> external mic which uses usb audio, so for these live recordings,
> >> > > >>> which are classical music, I need something which works
> >> > well.  The > >>> mic
> >> > > >>> (rode xyl) has an app, but it destroys voiceover till the
> >> > next > >>> reboot.
> >> > > >>>
> >> > > >>> Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
> >> > > >>>
> >> > > >>> -- >>> Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.
> >> > > The question is:
> >> > > >>> How do
> >> > > >>> you spend it?
> >> > > >>>
> >> > > >>>  John Covici
> >> > > >>>  cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >> > > >>>
> >> > > >> **
> >> > > >> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave
> >> > > the rest of >> the halfwits in this world behind.
> >> > > >>
> >> > > >>
> >> > > >>
> >> > > >>
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> >
> >> > --
> >> > Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
> >> > How do
> >> > you spend it?
> >> >
> >> > John Covici
> >> > cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >> >
> >>
> >> --
> >> Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
> >> How do
> >> you spend it?
> >>
> >> John Covici
> >> cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >>
> >
> > --
> > Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
> > How do
> > you spend it?
> >
> >  John Covici
> >  cov...@ccs.covici.com
> >
> >
> 
> 
> -- 
> Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92
> Skype: andries4451
> Twitter: smarttalk7
> Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight
> 

-- 
Your life is like a penny.  You're going to lose it.  The question is:
How do
you spend it?

 John Covici
 cov...@ccs.covici.com

Re: The MM 550 was replaced with the very much superior PXC 550 Travel headphones. Re: Bluetooth Headset

[Dane Trethowan]

Thanks for that.
I did know that the noise cancellation facility of the MM550 wasn’t all that 
good, I’ve not tried it as yet and I really don’t care about it all that much 
myself .
So the newer model did exactly what I pretty much thought ought to have been 
done in the first place, allowed for connection to a computer and have the 
computer recognize the phones as a sound card, which should mean – in theory at 
least – that these cans can be connected to the USB port of an Android device 
in the same way as to a PC or Mac.
I’m very impressed with the Microphones of the MM550 but if the newer model of 
cans has even better? Well I’ll be the last to complain.
Thanks for your thoughts on the touch panels and the App, shame its not 
available in an accessible form for IOS.



On 6/09/2016, 4:23 PM, "Pc-audio on behalf of Tim Noonan" 
 wrote:

I've been using the Sennheiser PXC 550 Bluetooth travel headphones for a 
month or so now (they have just been released) and they are amazingly good.

They supersede the MM 550 phones that have been out for a couple of years 
now with vastly improved noise reduction, superb audio quality, comfort and 
features.

The right ear cup has a touch surface for gestures for increasing and 
decreasing volume, skipping tracks, pausing, voice dial and voice-through 
facilities.

Connection is Bluetooth 4.2 with ApdX. they come with a detachable 3.5ml 
cable or they act as a sound card when connected to a computer via USB cable 
supporting 48k at 16 bits.

They use the same drivers as do the Momentum 2.0 Wireless and fold flat for 
travel. You turn them on by placing them on your head and when you fold the ear 
cups flat, they power off.

The multiple mics enable fantastic call quality for speaker and listener 
and you hear yourself and the caller as if you were both in the same room, 
making quiet comfortable conversation very easy and natural.

The Mics also do an excellent job picking up only your voice and ignoring 
the other voices and sounds around you.

The noise cancellation is considered very good overall, but not at par with 
the NR in the Bose QC35s.

An app for Android and iOS is available to tune the frequency response of 
the headphones, but this is not well designed and on IOS is not accessible. I 
haven't tested the app under Android.

The PXC 550 Sound is reported to be significantly superior to the Bose QC 
35s and has tight but not overly intense bass. They have a frequency response 
up to 23 KHZ  and excellent stereo separation and instrument isolation.

Some non-audiofile reviewers have said they prefer the more defined sound 
from the Momentum 2.0 wireless, others who have reviewed the PXC 550s more 
extensively rate the sound more highly. Sennheiser say that the Momentums have 
a more defined sound to be heard in city travel, whereas the noise cancellation 
improvements on the PXC 550 mean they can produce a flatter more accurate 
response  without outside noise interfering with their excellent sound 
reproduction.

I'm extremely particular about my sound, and these are magnificent for a 
wide range of music listening - but if you like over-emphasised bass, they 
probably won't be a good match for you.

Comfort is excellent and battery life ranges from 20-30 hours on a charge, 
depending on whether bluetooth is enabled.

They are high-end at $399 USD or around $625 AUD.

I haven't had opportunity to listen to the B & W P7s, but they have just 
announced a Bluetooth-capable version of these. Time will tell  which has the 
better sound, but for on-the-go listening plus Noise Cancellation, the PXC 550 
are an excellent all-rounder option.

On 6 Sep 2016, at 3:05 PM, Dane Trethowan  wrote:









I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably impressed 
though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing much to 
complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor irritations to be 
aware of so as such they will be left to last.

The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but 
sturdy build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for travelling.

As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system via the 
use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice sounding pair 
of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart from its build and 
travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component without a doubt.

The MM550 come equipped with AptX decoding which is noticeable right away 
when paired to my Samsung Galaxy S6 and to me the aptX facility is the big 
sounding feature for these cans.

The MM 550 was replaced with the very much superior PXC 550 Travel headphones. Re: Bluetooth Headset

[Tim Noonan]

I've been using the Sennheiser PXC 550 Bluetooth travel headphones for a month 
or so now (they have just been released) and they are amazingly good.

They supersede the MM 550 phones that have been out for a couple of years now 
with vastly improved noise reduction, superb audio quality, comfort and 
features.

The right ear cup has a touch surface for gestures for increasing and 
decreasing volume, skipping tracks, pausing, voice dial and voice-through 
facilities.

Connection is Bluetooth 4.2 with ApdX. they come with a detachable 3.5ml cable 
or they act as a sound card when connected to a computer via USB cable 
supporting 48k at 16 bits.

They use the same drivers as do the Momentum 2.0 Wireless and fold flat for 
travel. You turn them on by placing them on your head and when you fold the ear 
cups flat, they power off.

The multiple mics enable fantastic call quality for speaker and listener and 
you hear yourself and the caller as if you were both in the same room, making 
quiet comfortable conversation very easy and natural.

The Mics also do an excellent job picking up only your voice and ignoring the 
other voices and sounds around you.

The noise cancellation is considered very good overall, but not at par with the 
NR in the Bose QC35s.

An app for Android and iOS is available to tune the frequency response of the 
headphones, but this is not well designed and on IOS is not accessible. I 
haven't tested the app under Android.

The PXC 550 Sound is reported to be significantly superior to the Bose QC 35s 
and has tight but not overly intense bass. They have a frequency response up to 
23 KHZ  and excellent stereo separation and instrument isolation.

Some non-audiofile reviewers have said they prefer the more defined sound from 
the Momentum 2.0 wireless, others who have reviewed the PXC 550s more 
extensively rate the sound more highly. Sennheiser say that the Momentums have 
a more defined sound to be heard in city travel, whereas the noise cancellation 
improvements on the PXC 550 mean they can produce a flatter more accurate 
response  without outside noise interfering with their excellent sound 
reproduction.

I'm extremely particular about my sound, and these are magnificent for a wide 
range of music listening - but if you like over-emphasised bass, they probably 
won't be a good match for you.

Comfort is excellent and battery life ranges from 20-30 hours on a charge, 
depending on whether bluetooth is enabled.

They are high-end at $399 USD or around $625 AUD.

I haven't had opportunity to listen to the B & W P7s, but they have just 
announced a Bluetooth-capable version of these. Time will tell  which has the 
better sound, but for on-the-go listening plus Noise Cancellation, the PXC 550 
are an excellent all-rounder option.

On 6 Sep 2016, at 3:05 PM, Dane Trethowan  wrote:









I received a pair of Sehheiser MM550X cans today and I’m suitably impressed 
though everything isn’t roses with this system, there’s nothing much to 
complain about really as I regard the gripes I have as minor irritations to be 
aware of so as such they will be left to last.

The MM550 is a comfortable closed headset which is of a lightweight but sturdy 
build and can be folded up into a carry case supplied for travelling.

As such the user is provided with all manner of adapters for these cans 
including an adapter for connection to an inflight entertainment system via the 
use of the supplied cable that turns these cans into a very nice sounding pair 
of wired cans but the main attraction of the MM550 – apart from its build and 
travelling versatility – is the Bluetooth component without a doubt.

The MM550 come equipped with AptX decoding which is noticeable right away when 
paired to my Samsung Galaxy S6 and to me the aptX facility is the big sounding 
feature for these cans.

Naturally voic calls can be made and answered from the MM550 using Google Now 
or similar – SIRI on an iPhone – and the microphones on the MM550 give 
extremely good definition in phone calls particularly if you’re able to use HD 
Voice on your phone’s network.

I’ve not tried the active noise cancellation feature yet though for a closed 
set of cans I wonder why you’d need it?.

The MM550 also provides a “Talk Through” function, suppose you’re listening to 
your favourite tracks on a long flight and you wish to hear what’s going on 
around you, press the “Talk Through” button and you’ll hear! Without removing 
the cans from your ears.

Music sounds wonderful through these cans – whether using the direct cable 
connection of Bluetooth – but the Bluetooth experience is certainly made more 
worthwhile given the control you have over your music collection from the MM550 
system itself which is provided with track forward and back buttons as well as 
using the master button as a pause.

I haven’t listened to the MM550 for an extended period of time yet though I 
doubt I’ll encounter any problems with sore 

Re: The new look Garage Band for Mac

[Dane Trethowan]

I think the version that comes with the OSX is quite different than the one I 
described which I bought from the Mac Apps Store.



On 6/09/2016, 3:45 PM, "Pc-audio on behalf of Anders Holmberg" 
 wrote:

Hi!
I have tried to play around with it for a year ago but didn’t had the 
strength to go through it.
I guess its time for me to take the plunge and get it.
But doesn’t it come with the new release of OSX Sierra?
/A
> On 2 Sep 2016, at 23:12, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
> 
> An exciting new look for the Garage Band App and its even more accessible 
than I remember it being.
> The new Garage Band App is available from the Mac Apps store for about $8 
I think it is.
> Anyway connecting to my Casio Piano wasn’t a problem and the connection 
is through USB.
> I was able to find all the tools I needed, new track, selecting 
instruments, recording and so on.
> are there any other garage Band users out there?
> 
> **
> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of 
the halfwits in this world behind.
> 
> 
>