Review : Noise Hush i7 Headphones.

[sogg]

I've been looking for some NC headphones for a while and to date haven't been able to justify dropping $300+ for the Bose so these definitely look interesting. I'm a bit curious as to why I can't find any other reviews of these anywhere? In fact when you plug "noisehush i7" into Google AFF comes up as the second result (the first is from the manufacturer's website), with few other mentions anywhere. Strange.

hummel, I'd be interested to hear any other thoughts you've got on these once you've had more time to try them out.

I've been looking for some NC headphones for my upcoming US trip. I tried on the Bose at Myer last week, they felt very comfortable but I can't justify the price tag of them considering the noise hush from what I have read is a worthy competitor at a very affordable price tag. If I see a couple more positive reviews I will most likely them.

 

[wvinch]

Very nice review, thank you! It was within my expectations that the Bose QC15 would remain the "golden benchmark" for NC cans. But given that the i7 is about 1/3 the price, Noisehush does appear to have a winner here. Nonetheless, I'm rather curious how would the i7 stand up to another budget alternative: Audio Technica ANC7B (Around $120). Both cost roughly the same, the ANC7B has been very well received since its launch couple of years ago and remained top bang for bucks in the market.

Cheers

 

[NM]

I have not tried the AT NC headphones. I have used several different model AT headphones, just not their NC models. I did own a paid of Sony NC20s and the i7s are significantly better than the Sonys. But there has been significant advance in technology (and A$ exchange rate) since I bought the Sonys.

Note that if you are looking for the best reduction in ambient noise, then the best option remains in-ear devices such as Shure, Etymotics etc. I have Shure SE535 for that purpose. But ensure you get ones that produce a good seal in your ears. And for the ultimate isolation, get custom ear molds made by an audiologist - that is what musicians/singers use for performances (in-ear monitors). I paid more for my Shure SE535 than for my Bose QC15!

In-ear isolation verse over/on-ear noise cancelling remains a great debate. There is no doubt that in-ear gives the best reduction of ambient sounds and works well across the entire audio frequency spectrum. NC works best for constant, low-frequency sounds like engines, air-conditioning etc, and is less effective against dynamic and higher frequencies such as crying babies and noisy neighbours. But some people find in-ear devices to be uncomfortable (perhaps not so if investing in custom molds).

So for a long flight I will carry both, to give me a chance to have "protection" for 14+ hours without having one type in/on my ears for the entire time. For a medium flight (say BNE-HKG) I would just take my Shure SE535 since I find them comfortable and they are very small/light to carry. But the in-ear models take effort to insert correctly so constantly taking them in/out (eg meal service to talk/listen to flight attendant) gets annoying. And I only use in-ear devices for live audio mixing if I am mixing monitors for performers using in-ear devices. Otherwise I have a set of over/on ear headphones handy for individual channel checks etc where in-ear devices are too time consuming to insert. Having teh "cans" next to me or even around my neck means they are quick to listen as required (note that we very rarely use headphones on the Midas XL8 since we have a set of L Acoustics powered monitors beside the console for PFL requirements - only use headphones if doing a sub-mix for recording etc.

 

[hummel]

hummel, I'd be interested to hear any other thoughts you've got on these once you've had more time to try them out.

I am by no means an audiophile but tried them out at home last night, and for $100 can't complain. My father tried them on MEL-SIN-CAN yesterday and he seemed pretty happy with them.

The only point I've found I don't like so far is removing the cover to access the battery I feel that I may break it when removing/replacing. Something to be weary of.

 

[gpl007]

The only point I've found I don't like so far is removing the cover to access the battery I feel that I may break it when removing/replacing. Something to be weary of.

I got my pair last week and I have to agree with hummel, the battery cover is a bit hard to get back on especially, and I was concerned about breaking it. Having said that, it's not something that you have to do regularly so I suppose it'll be fine. I also found the cable to be a bit weird - it is sort of flat and looks like it may tangle easily - but this is something you could change/replace due to the standard 3.5mm plug in to the side of the phones themselves (I'm not interested in using the microphone anyway).

I've not yet taken a flight with them, but testing them out at home I found the sound good and the NC better than my current over-ear Panasonics (not surprising). So I'm happy and looking forward to giving them a proper work out on some JASA runs next month.

 

[markis10]

The flat cable is actually an anti tangle feature.

 

[gpl007]

The flat cable is actually an anti tangle feature.

Yeah, I don't know why but it just felt wrong to me. Anyway, I'm sure it'll do the job!

 

[Paddy55]

Out of Stock?
When are they expected in please?

I see free delivery is only greater than $200 now :evil:

 

[sogg]

Out of Stock?
When are they expected in please?

I see free delivery is only greater than $200 now :evil:

Noticed the exact 2 same things when i was about to order this morning

 

[NM]

Yeah, I don't know why but it just felt wrong to me. Anyway, I'm sure it'll do the job!

I had the same thought, but it does seem to work and does not tangle easily. Being a "sound guy" I am pedantic about how cables are rolled, so as to maximise the cable life, ensure easy use next time, and to store efficiently (anyone rolling one of my cables over the arm will be asked to put the cable down and leave it there for me to roll). So when I tried to roll the cable as I do with most small, light-weight cables (like my Shure SE535 or Bose QC15 cables) I found it impossible to roll. But just looping it seems to work fine and the "anti-tangle" nature of the flat cord does seem to stop it tangling - not of the physics of how or why, but it does seem to achieve its goal.

But as I noted in the original review, you could replace it with any 3.5mm stereo cable of whatever quality, shape, length, colour you choose. For example, you could use one like this if you really want to :

The Canare 3.5mm F12 stereo connectors are a little chunky - but indestructible (well, almost), and the Canare "star-quad" L-4E6S cable (in purple) rolls well and is the industry standard for microphone cables and available in 100m or 300m rolls and about 10 different colours.

 

[Fnordish]

Cheers NM

As a fellow techie it's nice to get a review rather than "they sound OK"
I've been packing my ancient QC2's for years now and I've been trying to justify replacing them as all the velour is wearing off the ear pads, but they still work fine.
I will say that I've only ever used them to mix once out of desperation and I found the Cancellation almost as distracting as the EQ.
Fine for line checks, but confusing otherwise. That said, I'm much better calling cameras than mixing so perhaps I'm not the best person to comment on that.
I'll have to add these to the list for consideration, cheers to all who post comments about them!

As for the AAA batteries, I've been carrying spare AAA's in the accessory pouch in the case (which I see is almost a direct rip-off of the bose case, sincerest flattery and all that!) and have never had an issue.
I have once been asked if I had spare batteries by a fellow Bose wearer who'd gone flat between LAX and SYD.
He'd seen my cans and went for the long shot that I might have spares. Good thing I always carry more than one.

Anyway, as for the replacement cables I've recently noticed that Belkin have a range of cheap 3.5mm cables in flat and round that would suit. Also available with 90 degree plugs which can be convenient.

 

[NM]

I've been packing my ancient QC2's for years now and I've been trying to justify replacing them as all the velour is wearing off the ear pads, but they still work fine.

You can purchase replacement ear pads for the QC2

Ear Cushion Kit for QuietComfort 2 Headphones

and they are readily available on eBay as well. Cheaper than buying new headphones if you are happy with them - nothing wrong with QC2 as a product.

I will say that I've only ever used them to mix once out of desperation and I found the Cancellation almost as distracting as the EQ.
Fine for line checks, but confusing otherwise. That said, I'm much better calling cameras than mixing so perhaps I'm not the best person to comment on that.
I'll have to add these to the list for consideration, cheers to all who post comments about them!

Line checks is really about all I use headphones for when mixing too. When operating for musical theatre shows, with up to 30 radio mics, its essential to check each as they are placed on the actors, and then I always do a few runs through all the channels in the 20 mins between the house opening and show starting.

For comms, I still like the Bayer Dynamic DT100 series. In fact I just had a new set of ear pads delivered from the USA today (via MyUS.com, combined with 2 radio mic transmitters and some other small stuff).

 

[admin]

They should be back in stock later this week. FedEx have advised that the consignment has arrived in Australia and is currently waiting for custom clearance. We have just paid import charges, so expect delivery in a few days.

Yes, free delivery is now for orders over $200 (instead of $100). We were finding that some customers were purchasing a very low $ value item in conjunction with the headset just to avoid this charge. With the recent increase in Australia Post charges, our old policy needed to be updated.

Heads Up: Due to the Australia Post increases, we will be increasing our Delivery Fee. To be fair to those waiting to order, I'll hold off increasing the fee for a day or so. So if you want a head-set, I suggest you purchase one within the next day to avoid the extra postage charge

Out of Stock?
When are they expected in please?

I see free delivery is only greater than $200 now :evil:

 

[sogg]

Heads Up: Due to the Australia Post increases, we will be increasing our Delivery Fee. To be fair to those waiting to order, I'll hold off increasing the fee for a day or so. So if you want a head-set, I suggest you purchase one within the next day to avoid the extra postage charge

Sold! Just put in the order now

 

[sogg]

Wow! just got a dispatch notice! That was quick! Cant wait to try these out

 

[hummel]

Wow! just got a dispatch notice! That was quick! Cant wait to try these out

FWIW, I received mine the next day via standard parcel post. (Sent from Melbourne, I'm in Melbourne Metro), I did however PM Admin as I needed them asap so not sure if that had an effect.

I have found me using my headphones while doing work at home each night this week, this has mysteriously coincided with 'The Voice' screening on Channel 9.

 

[sogg]

FWIW, I received mine the next day via standard parcel post. (Sent from Melbourne, I'm in Melbourne Metro), I did however PM Admin as I needed them asap so not sure if that had an effect.

Im also melbourne metro, so hopefully tomorrow aswell

I have found me using my headphones while doing work at home each night this week, this has mysteriously coincided with 'The Voice' screening on Channel 9.

Hahahah i have a feeling mine will be used whenever my finance is watching tv and "the real houswives of [insert US city]" comes on

 

[Paddy55]

They should be back in stock later this week. FedEx have advised that the consignment has arrived in Australia and is currently waiting for custom clearance. We have just paid import charges, so expect delivery in a few days.

Yes, free delivery is now for orders over $200 (instead of $100). We were finding that some customers were purchasing a very low $ value item in conjunction with the headset just to avoid this charge. With the recent increase in Australia Post charges, our old policy needed to be updated.

Heads Up: Due to the Australia Post increases, we will be increasing our Delivery Fee. To be fair to those waiting to order, I'll hold off increasing the fee for a day or so. So if you want a head-set, I suggest you purchase one within the next day to avoid the extra postage charge

Thanks, my order is in!

 

[sogg]

Ok, so the headphones have arrived. Been testing them out for 15-20 minutes. Now before i share my thoughts, i should mention these are my first proper set of NC headphones, the only other ones i have used are the ones given to me in Business class on my V Australia flight.

Comfort:
Compared to when i tried on the bose qc15s, i find the noise hush to be a little bit too small for my ears. Its not a major thing, but if they were slightly bigger they would be equally as comfortable as the bose

Noise Cancelling:
I don't have an upcoming flight for a few weeks, so to test these quickly i went into the IT Server room, on my phone it measured a steady 64db hum. When the NC is on it blocks out the lower hum very well, but the high whine from the fans is still present.

Sound:
Pretty happy with it, im no audio expert, but the bass is enough to keep me happy.

Overall for the price i paid, im very happy with the product, Im sure the qc15s are much better in NC and Sound, but for my needs these are perfect.

Will add some more thoughts when i have tried them out abit more.

 

[aussiejohn]

I was looking at these as a possible replacement for my Philips NC Headphones I bought at Changi Airport almost 6 years ago. They have served me well - and continue to do so. I guess I am looking for the holy grail of NC headphones that will mute, if not eliminate, people's voices, as well as plane and train noise.

The Philips headphones are rated at 85% noise reduction, and when I emailed NoiseHush, they said approximately 90% reduction for the i7.

The Philips give me some relief from the aircraft noise, though you cannot really sleep with them on. I can't sleep on planes so that's academic anyway! They are great for the IFE though. I enjoy the movies and TV shows with my NC headphones.

Wear them on the train going to work to cut down some of the noise, specially the people with inane garbage on their iPods blaring out. Also the idiots who cannot turn off those stupid keypad tones on their phones. For some unknown reason, that noise drives me demented.

Now I just need something to eliminate those equally inane "I'm on the train" or "he said, she said" phone conversations.

I might invest in a pair of i7's when next I get to fly away!