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Product Survey: Headphones >
Sennheiser PXC 450
Réponse en fréquence 8 Hz - 28 kHz
Haut parleur Dynamique, fermé - couplage circumaural
Impédance active/passive - 750/150 ohms
Sound Pressure Limit 108 dB
Longueur cordon 1,4 m
Type de casque Fermé - antibruit
Active noise compensation - NoiseGard 2.0

NoiseGard 2.0 technology enables actively eliminating ambient noise.

The principle?

It generates an opposite signal which corresponds to exterior noise and re-injects it in « real time ». The result is that two identical signals meet however at inverse phases which means they cancel each other out.

How is this done?

Minuscule microphones integrated to the headset capture the low frequencies of ambient noise and an electrical signal is generated. There is then an inverted amplifier followed by different filters and the signal is generated at opposite intervals. The result is an effective reduction in ambient noise.

However, the downside to active noise reduction technologies is that they need a power source to function. This implies added weight, size and costs that passive noise reduction (acoustic insulation) doesn’t entail.

NoiseGard 2.0 is supposed to refine even more these principles of active compensation. The implementation of optimized filter algorithms, new microprocessors and an improved microphone component supposedly give it an active noise compensation of up to 90 %.

Michael Jeulin-L
Test date: 2008-04-02
Sennheiser’s PXC 450 is part of this brand’s high end.  With its closed design and active noise reduction technology, NoiseGard 2.0 (see box), it supposed to offer optimal protection against ambient noise.  In addition, it has a TalkThrough function which enables communication with the outside world without having to take off the headset.  The PX 450 seems to be the perfect solution for music and movie lovers that travel frequently.

Ergonomics:  Opening up the PXC 450’s box we find a very complete bundle.  Besides the headphones, there is a rather attractive semi-rigid black pouch,  6.3mm jack and airplane adaptor as well as 2 AAA batteries.  As for the headphones themselves, there is no hesitation on our part when we say that they are of excellent construction.   Fittings are solid and finishing touches outstanding.  We can only criticize its size and weight which are quite imposing.  Despite this, the headphones sit firmly on your head and they are pleasant to wear – even for several hours (tested and approved!).

Audio quality : In this domain, we fell for the PXC 450 without a doubt.  Overall, sound is very well balanced.  Basses are excellent being clear, varied and have a solid foundation in tracks.  The other frequencies are also well represented.  Nevertheless, if we were to be extremely picky, highs could be a little more imposing.  However, in the end, there is an airy, very pleasant quality to sound which will please even the most demanding listeners (even if there is a slight lack of precision).   Finally, NoiseGard 2.0 proved to be a rather efficient and useful function.

- Audio quality

- Very complete package

- NoiseGard 2.0 and TalkTrough

- Finishing touches and comfort

- Folding and transportable

- Size and weight

- Price

Comfort and audio quality are up to par with the high end. These headphones represent the best solution for travel and use in public transportation.
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