REVIEW – For tens of millions of Individuals, working from house has turn out to be the brand new norm (I hate that time period). It’s my new norm, anyway. As we attempt to make our house and cellular workplaces extra accommodating, we always look to improve and enhance working situations. Since most house workplace staff have to make use of video software program for conferences, good headphones can turn out to be a necessity. Name high quality, energetic noise canceling (ANC), and customizable settings can decide whether or not a headphone helps or hurts your on-line scenario. Worldwide audio firm Sennheiser has created EPOS—a division catering to workplace and cellular professionals. The Adapt wi-fi Bluetooth headset (headphone) is the flagship of EPOS’s do-it-all headphones. 

What’s it?

The EPOS Adapt 660 over-ear Bluetooth headset makes use of AI to maximise name readability, stereo audio, and adaptive ANC. The built-in mics use machine studying to enhance readability because the headset is used. The Adapt 660 can also be licensed for Microsoft Groups that may be accessed with a one-button press.

The Adapt 660 is light-weight and comes with a zippered, cloth-covered exhausting case. An outdated micro-USB to USB A charging wire can also be included.

Bluetooth is built-in, however EPOS included a separate USB A dongle for multi-point connections with Microsoft Groups and in addition for PCs that do not need Bluetooth. Observe that the dongle is available in both USB A or USB-C. I obtained the USB A dongle—ineffective for my Apple MacBook Professional with its 4 USB-C ports.

Specs

• Contact management
• Lively Noise Cancelation
• aptX
• Standby time: 360 hours
• Cost time: 3 hours
• Shade: Black
• Weight: 8 oz.
• Speaker: Dynamic closed

Design and options

When the EPOS Adapt 660 headset is opened, it shortly turns into obvious how a lot this headphone can do. It’s a bit overwhelming with its steep studying curve. After making an attempt to set it up with the just about ineffective Fast-start information on the field lid, I had to go surfing and obtain the multi-page handbook PDF. I don’t know if a retail model has a printed handbook, however EPOS didn’t provide one in my field. 

The Adapt 660 has only a few buttons on the appropriate ear cup, however the ear cup’s flat floor is a touch-sensitive space that may be tapped or swiped for numerous capabilities relying on whether or not you’re listening to music, on a name, or in a video convention utilizing Microsoft Groups. 

Observe: The corporate I work for doesn’t use Microsoft Groups for conferencing so I used to be not in a position to take a look at its built-in options. Nevertheless, the Adapt 660 can use competing video conferencing instruments, but it surely’s not built-in as MS Groups is. In case your workplace makes use of MS Groups, this single function might be the explanation to contemplate the Adapt 660.

The headset is generally plastic with softly padded ear cups and headband. It jogs my memory of Bose headphones in each feel and appear. Don’t let the plastic put you off. The Adapt 660 is a premium headset. It feels stable and properly constructed with no squeaks or loose-fitting elements. Consolation is nice. It needs to be since these are designed to work all day. Head clamping strain is simply sufficient to maintain them from shaking free, with out turning into too tight. Sadly, the ear pads should not replaceable. 

The headscarf is adjustable, however my head requires the most important setting. I’ve an enormous head, however I do know many individuals with bigger noggins, so match could also be a difficulty in case you are on the massive facet.

The proper ear cup has all of the controls. Alongside the facet are the ANC button, Bluetooth pairing (or MS Groups activation) button, micro-USB charging port, and audio port. The opposite facet of the appropriate ear cup has a lone Bluetooth on/off (however not pairing) button.

To show the Adapt 660 on, simply flip the ear cups as in case you are placing them on. To show off, flip the ear cps so they’re flat. Genius!

The proper ear cup has a capacitive touchpad that performs completely different capabilities. When listening to music, swiping and tapping can modify quantity, skip or repeat tracks, 

In case you are on a cellphone name tapping and swiping can reply or finish a name, reject a name, put a name on maintain, mute and unmute the mic or redial the final quantity. I gained’t get into it right here however the downloaded handbook explains what motion performs what perform. As I mentioned, there are a lot of capabilities with a steep studying curve.

The Adapt 660 (and different EPOS headsets) makes use of the brand new EPOS Join app (Android and iOS, Home windows, MacOS). The smartphone model replaces the older EPOS Good Management app. The handbook makes no point out of the brand new cellular Join app—it solely references the older Good Management app.

The Join app has what EPOS calls “Acoustic modes”—mainly predetermined equalizer (EQ) settings. Here’s a breakdown:

Impartial: This setting has a considerably balanced sound—equal EQ within the bass, center frequencies, and treble.

Speech: This has enhanced mids and treble with diminished bass. It’s not a great setting for music but it surely’s nice for cellphone calls and spoken audio.

Membership: That is very bass-heavy—a lot so, that it takes over the mids and treble. It’s too muddy-sounding for my tastes.

Film: This has a deeper however cleaner bass than the Membership setting. In contrast to Membership, it doesn’t overpower the mids or treble. Though it’s made for motion pictures, I a lot desire it for music listening additionally.

Director mode has customizable settings, every with three selections (or simply turned off).
Enhance:
Thump is for bass heads. Just like the Membership mode, it’s too muddy.
Rumble has a extra refined, however deeper bass.
Voice kills the bass, making it good for audiobooks or podcasts

Spatial gives the look of openness and depth—such as you’re in a room reasonably than sporting headphones.
Close to: That is intimate, however shallow sounding, as if the audio system are shut—what is called near-field listening.
Medium: This one is refined and I had bother differentiating it from Off.
Far: That is essentially the most satisfying Spatial setting. It’s a bit gimmicky for music, but it surely’s higher for motion pictures or video.

Reverb provides an echo-like impact. It’s not that apparent and is extra noticeable as soon as turned off.
Low: This one was exhausting to listen to when on.
Medium: That is additionally refined and I might simply overlook when it’s on.
Excessive: That is the obvious and greatest impact—if that’s what you need.

Dynamic Loudness Compensation adjusts quantity primarily based on surrounding noise

I discovered that after making an attempt all of the completely different EQ and audio settings, I might normally revert again to OFF on every part. Sure, the completely different settings might be enjoyable, however when turning every part off, my first thought was all the time, “Now that’s what it’s speculated to sound like.”

What I like

• Wonderful construct high quality
• First rate cellular app 
• Licensed for Microsoft Groups 

What I’d change

• Costly
• Steep studying curve for the settings and touchpad use

Remaining Ideas

The EPOS Adapt 660 over-ear Bluetooth headset has many, many settings. Whereas I recognize the myriad selections for the skilled, it appears like there are too many for a extra informal professional like me. Give me ANC with respectable audio. If I would like extra, I can use the iPhone itself. However I’m old-school. There are some energy customers on the market that can recognize the full customization of the Adapt 660. For them, EPOS has nailed it.

Value: $439.00 US
The place to purchase: Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was offered by EPOS. 

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