Sony WH-1000XM4 (Black) Noise Cancelling BT Headphones

Dual noise sensor technology, featuring two microphones on each earcup, captures ambient noise and passes the data to the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. Using a new algorithm, the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 then applies noise cancellation processing in real time to a range of acoustic environments.

Working together with a new Bluetooth Audio SoC (system on chip), it senses and adjusts to music and noise signals, as well as acoustic characteristics between the driver unit and ears, at over 700 times per second.

Adaptive Sound Control is a smart function that can learn to recognize locations you frequently visit, such as your workplace or favorite café, and tailor sound for the ideal listening experience. In addition, it automatically detects what you’re up to—walking, waiting or traveling—then adjusts ambient sound settings to suit the situation.

The WH-1000XM4 headphones incorporate two technologies to maximize noise-canceling performance. Unique Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing delivers optimal sound at high altitude, while Personal Noise Cancellation Optimizer analyzes unique sonic characteristics caused by head size, glasses, and hair, then tailors sound to you.

A proximity sensor in the WH-1000XM4 headphones can detect whether you’re wearing them or not, then adapt playback accordingly to help save battery power. Take off your headphones and the music pauses automatically. Put the headphones back on and the music automatically resumes.

As soon as you speak to someone, Speak-to-Chat automatically stops the music and lets in ambient sound so you can conduct a conversation—handy if you want to keep your headphones on or your hands are full. Based on Precise Voice Pickup Technology, this smart feature uses five microphones built into the headphones and advanced audio signal processing to recognize and react to your voice. Once your chat is over, your music starts playing again automatically.

Regardless of the level of noise-cancelation, the Quick Attention features lets you quickly hear your environment, whether it’s to hear an emergency announcement or have a quick conversation. Simply place your hand over the housing of the right earcup to quiet things down so you can hear.

Adjust ambient sound with the Sony | Headphones Connect app to cancel noise while still allowing essential sounds, like transport announcements, through when you’re listening on the move. Ambient Sound Control lets you adjust the volume of background sound and gives you the option to allow voices alone to be heard. Meanwhile the Equalizer lets you customize sound levels to suit your music.

When the WH-1000XM4 headphones are paired with your smartphone, you can use them to access the phone’s voice assistant. Ask it questions and have it perform tasks just like you would normally do; enjoy entertainment, connect with friends, get information, listen to music and notifications, set reminders, and more.

Conversation flows freely with easy, hands-free calling. Leave your phone where it is, just speak with a double tap. Thanks to Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal processing, WH-1000XM4 delivers clearer voice quality to the other person on the phone.

A built-in analog amplifier integrated in the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 realizes a pristine signal-to-noise ratio for low distortion and exceptional sound quality for portable devices. Powerful 1.57″ drivers with liquid crystal polymer (LCP) diaphragms make the headphones ideal for handling heavy beats, and they can also reproduce a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz.

Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence) co-developed with Sony Music Entertainment, DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. Dynamically recognizing instrumentation, musical genres, and individual elements of each song, such as vocals or interludes, it restores the high-range sound lost in compression for a richer, more complete listening experience.

For total convenience, WH-1000XM4 headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. When a call comes in, your headphones know which device is ringing and connect to the right one automatically. You’ll also be able to quickly and smoothly switch your headphones to either of the two devices at the touch of a button.

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation
Quick Charge: With just 10 minutes of charging via an AC adapter (not included), you can gain up to 5 hours of battery life
Tap Controls: Intuitive tap and swipe gestures on the outside of the right earcup let you adjust volume, play/pause audio, change tracks, and answer calls
Swivel & Foldable: The earcups swivel inwards so they pack up neatly in the included compact case