Etymotic Research etyBLU Dual-Mode Noise-Isolating Bluetooth Headset
Etymotic Research etyBLU Dual-Mode Noise-Isolating Bluetooth Headset Sale
Buy Etymotic Research etyBLU Dual-Mode Noise-Isolating Bluetooth Headset. The etyBlu headset contains two microphones. One is located internally at the end of the earpiece; the other, a noise-canceling mic, is located in the BLUmaxx™ boom. The combination of an in-ear noise-isolating earphone and a boom mic provides exceptional sound quality and clear communication at both ends of the conversation.
Etymotic Research etyBLU Dual-Mode Noise-Isolating Bluetooth Headset Features
- Boom microphone with noise-cancelling technology is perfect for use in areas with high levels of background noise
- BLUmaxx quick-connect noise-cancelling microphone
- Up to 7 hours of talk time, and up to 100 hours of standby time
- Compliant with Bluetooth Core Specification 2.1, Headset 1.1 and Handsfree 1.5 profiles (supports Bluetooth 1.1 and later)
- Includes earloop, assorted eartips, filter changing tool with replacement filter, storage case, and USB charging cable
Etymotic Research etyBLU Dual-Mode Noise-Isolating Bluetooth Headset Review
I’ve waited quite a while to write this review, but this product has been around for a while, so I’m going to keep it short(ish).
First off, this is very much the kind of listening device that you have to *shove* into your ear. It is not only an acquired skill, but an acquired experience. I use high-end earbuds (Shure and Etymotic), and drive a convertible (necessitating the use), so I’m used to it and like it. There are about three depths into your ear that you can insert this. The deepest is the best. It takes practice to angle, twist, and turn the headset to get it in, but once it’s in, it’s very secure. You should be able to turn the side of your head to the floor, headbang a little, and still have the headset firmly in place.
A quick tip– try the flanged fitting first. Lick your finger, then rub the saliva around the flange. Now insert. Twist and push until it’s really in there. You’ve probably got it in as far as it will go if all outside sounds to that ear are totally muted. You can do the saliva thing as necessary, but after a while, you’ll build up some wax on the flange, and it will go in easier.
PERFORMANCE:
I tested this against a few other products in a relatively controlled environment. I have a large air filter that blows a hard current of air and emits a loud rumbling mechanical noise. Putting my face (with a headset on) right in the air current (and close to the machine) is a pretty accurate substitute for being in a convertible. I call my Google voicemail (which is pretty high-quality), then listen to the results on my stereo hooked up to my computer. For comparison mediocre and average BT headsets fail this test completely; wind static and mechanical noise is ALL that is heard.
One thing I’ve learned over years of using headsets in a convertible: Even the most expensive, fancy “high tech” “military grade” noise-canceling doesn’t work with wind. However, wind noise is easily minimized or eliminated on most headset by FOAM (or other material, like denim). I’ve tried a LOT of expensive headsets (Jawbones, Motorola, Plantronics, etc– inlcuding Jawbone Prime and Plantranics Voyager Pro). NONE of them perform against my air filter test or in the real world as well as a boom mic with foam. Not even close. However, most of them perform very well if you find a way to put foam on it (easy with the Plantronics Voyager Pro, not so much with the others).
The best headset for super-loud environments is something that uses bone conduction (like Motorola HX1, NOT Jawbone). However, these sound pretty crappy (you sound like an drunk robot under water).
The Next best thing, suitable for use in crowds, convertibles, and elsewhere, is a wired headset with a boom mic and foam (or, surprisingly, earbuds with an in-line microphone worn under your shirt, or wrapped in foam). These include the Shure Quietspot and the Etymotic wired boom headset (and probably “theBoom” as well, but I haven’t tried it). These block all wind noise, and block or cancel almost all external noise. I have literally had hour-long conversations with people while I was driving on the freeway with the top down, and the person didn’t even know I was using a headset, much less driving. And, to boot, you don’t have to charge them. They’re also relatively cheap and require no pairing. The only disadvantage is that darned wire.
Now the EtyBLU does a very good job of emulating a wired headset. With the small foam piece attached, nearly all wind is eliminated (this foam piece comes off easily, but you can wrap a rubber band or twist tie around it at the base to keep it secured).
After being impressed with the results of my test, I took it out on the freeway with the top down. My friend said the voice quality was excellent, nearly as good as the Shure Quietspot wired headset.
I also tested the Bluetooth range of the EtyBLU, and it’s not as bad as people say. Line-of-sight, I can go a good 20 feet away. Turned away, it’s maybe half that. However, I’ve gone so far away that the sound gets garbled (maybe 30 feet), and it didn’t disconnect. Also, the pop/click noise you hear is only heard on your side (at least, I never heard it in any of the recordings I made). That’s good enough for me; I can deal with a few clicks on my side, if the other person isn’t hearing it.
Overall, it’s a fantastic product. Without the boom, it’s one of the best looking headsets, and with the boom, it’s one of the best performing. In summary, I’m fairly sure this will be replacing my Shure Quietspot wired headset, and I won’t be upgrading until Shure makes a Bluetooth Quietspot (I prefer the Shure ear fitting, but that’s a personal preference).
The only thing I’ll say I disapprove of is the charger. You have to remove the boom to plug in the charger. I certainly would have been willing to live with an extra millimeter of size if they would have used micro- or mini-USB for charging, instead of a proprietary connector. However, since pretty much all manufacturers are dumba$$es about power connector standards, I’ll let it slide.
You can buy Cheap Etymotic Research etyBLU Dual-Mode Noise-Isolating Bluetooth Headset & more at everyday low prices.