The headphone market is flooded these days. Whether you are strictly a gamer or enjoy watching TV and listening to music from time to time it seems to be harder and harder by the day to make call on which product you should settle on. Today I take a look at Alienvibes by Ineo Technology’s EP02 offering with active noise cancelling features and the promise of high-end sound in a portable mid-range price. Let’s see if the EP02’s have that special something that can separate itself from the pack or will simply fade into the crowd.
Product Name: Alienvibes EP02 Active Noise-cancelling Headphones
Review Sample provided by: Alienvibes
Review by: Debo
Specifications |
|
Headphone Style |
Over-ear Headband, Folding |
Cord Length |
1.2 meter (3.93 Feet) |
Headphone Type |
Active Noise Cancelling |
Power Source |
2 x AAA battery |
Frequency Response |
20Hz ~ 20kHz |
Impedance |
@1kHz: 40 Ohms |
Isolation |
-13dB ~ -18dB |
Sensitivity |
110dB (+/- 2dB) |
Driver Unit Size |
40mm |
Packaging
The Alienvibes EP02 comes tucked away in a very well presented package that makes you feel like you have actually purchased something special. Right away the front sleeve shows you the EP02 device along with the Alienvibes logo and to model number. Rotating the package we find all the information about the EP02s including the specifications, the particular model color from the choice of a possible 7 and all of the included accessories added in with the unit. Also included is the UPC and a QR barcode that takes you to Ineo Technology’s website.
Sliding off the information sleeve, we are treated to a sleek black box with the Alienvibes logo. The logo is actually a flap help to the box by small magnets and with a tug on a small ribbon we are greeted to the actual contents. The headphones sit nestled in their hard shell carrying case while all the accessories are packed away in a small box at the bottom.
Inside the hard shell we find the EP02s folded up comfortably in their travelling home. Upon removing the headphones we find a mesh flap to help hold all your accessories and any other little things you may need to bring along. The pouch zips up nice and tight and has a carabineer extension to attach to any belt, backpack or luggage you would want to.
The rest of the included accessories are packed in a box found at the bottom of the main box. Present are a pair of standard length 3.5mm audio cables, one with a mic, airplane and 1/8” to 1/4” adapters, a cleaning cloth, two AAA batteries for the active noise cancelling and a brief users’ manual.
The EP02s, themselves, are of a foldable design with an audible snap and tactile response when each arm is secured into place. Normally I would have reservations about such a violent locking means but it appears the folding arm, hinge and attachment plane are all made out of aluminum that is sure to stand the test of time.
The left ear cup contains a place for the two AAA batteries that power the active noise cancellation and audio jack for cable input. The right ear cup has a convenient button you can press to temporarily mute operation as well as the unit’s power switch.
Audio Quality and Comfort
On the topic of comfort, both ear cups are lined with soft leather padding meant to protect your ears during extended use and facilitate the noise cancellation. Each earpiece extends along an aluminum extension bar to allow you to get that perfect fit.
Personally I found the fit to be quite snug and secure without the usual accompanied feeling of compression on my head. It wasn’t long before I simply didn’t notice the headphones anymore and was able to concentrate on work. After a few hours of testing, working and a bit of gaming, however, I was started to notice a bit of discomfort from the constant compression on my upper ears. This went away immediately when I eventually removed them. Even without the noise cancellation on, the earphones themselves are able to eliminate much of the day-to-day white noise but once it is engaged you can really notice the noise cancellation working.
Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony – The Crossroads: For a song with a lot of subtle elements layered underneath the bass track, the EP02s really let you take everything in. The bass is, of course, superb but not too overpowering that it drowns out the rest of the song which is a testament to the range.
Nat King Cole – Unforgettable: In contrast to the first song, this mellow piano track tests the EP02s mid to low range capabilities. I was not left disappointed. Each individual instrumental is easy to follow even in the lowest sections.
Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven: Another mellow offering but less show piano and more rock elements. The song comes across as a full piece in much the same way as the previous with very little loss and the ability to pick out the multiple layers at work.
Ludwig van Beethoven – Fur Elise: A timeless masterpiece of classical music that runs the full spectrum with transitions abound, the EP02 handles them all with near perfection never missing a key. I am by no means a musical guru but I was able to close my eyes and experience the piece with new appreciation. It is hear that the clarity of the EP02s shine.
TV/Movie – Lord of the Rings: Return of the King: I figured what better way to test sound quality in a media oriented environment then by letting the EP02s cut their teeth on the 2003 Academy Award winner for Best Score. Throughout the movie I was able to pick up ambient noise lost to most; the creaking of a door, the fluttering of a flag, the buzzing of a fly. Dialogue was crisp and the music, as expected was just as good as I remembered it. The action was enhanced throughout by the booming bass the EP02s deliver.
Game – Remember Me: The already entertaining electronically infused orchestral score garners new appreciation through the EP02. The clarity and bass also add that special something to any action sequence as well as enhancing the brutality of the combat with the ability to hear even punch you land and every hit you suffer.
Overall and Final Verdict
From an overall standpoint the Alienvibes EP02s are a very solid product. The ability to produce such low end clarity while also being able to pump out a very satisfying bass is a joy to the senses. The noise cancellation is spot on but I cannot speculate on the battery life of the unit. Still, with all the accessories included the EP02s are geared to bring you their amazing sound at home and on the go.
From a gamers standpoint the EP02s fall flat just a bit. True their clarity and amazing bass do enhance the experience overall but the included microphone only works with mobile devices leaving the headphones as an overall listening device. I would have liked to see a fully supported microphone or even a separate model with this functionality in the future.
As it sits, for sound quality, you would be hard pressed to find a much better solution at or around the EP02s price point. Alienvibes has come through again with another listening solution worthy of praise. If you are in the market for a pair of active noise cancelling headphones and don’t mind the lack of a fully supported microphone, Give the Alienvibes EP02 noise cancelling headphones a shot, you may just like what you hear.