Oblanc NC2-1 UFO Headphones Review
Manufacturer: Oblanc Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Name: NC2-1 UFO Headphones
Model Number: OG-AUD63042
UPC: 81015401910
Price As Tested: $79.99 (Newegg)
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Oblanc.
Finding a good quality set of headphones with a microphone that are compatible across multiple platforms is difficult. Either you get good sound, with no headset features, or you get a headset with less than stellar audio quality for music. The Oblanc NC2-1 UFO headphones aim to fill that slot. Us here at Benchmark Reviews have had the opportunity to put these headphones through their paces. With a padded headband, massive 50 mm driver, in line microphone with call control, and a 4-pole connector with adapter to work across smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, and computers; the NC2-1 headphones are packed with features, and we're going to test them out.
One of the problems I have run into when searching for headphones is finding headphones with good sound quality, good bass, as well as the ability to answer phone calls without having to unplug my headphones. The majority of the time, I use headphones when I'm out and about, listening to music on my smartphone, and I was excited to give these headphones a try. They promise good audio quality, with the features that I was looking for.
Features & Specifications
- Acoustic Design: Dynamic, Closed-back
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz
- Driver: Ø50mm 32Ω Neodymium
- Speaker Sensitivity: 113 dB SPL (1mW) @ 1KHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <1% @ 1KHz/0.775V
- Maximum Input/Output Power: 200 mW/40 mW
- Microphone Size: 4.0 x 1.5mm
- Microphone Sensitivity: -58dB (0dB=1V/pa)
- Connector: 3.5mm 4-Pole Gold Plated Connector
- Cable Length: 47" (1200mm)
- Earpad: Leatherette
Closer Look: Oblanc NC2-1 UFO Headphones
The NC2-1 headphones offer a closed-back, circumaural earpiece, with leatherette removable earpads, and a padded and adjustable headband. The headband adjusts around an inch and a half on each side, and I did need the full three inches of expansion to wear the headphones comfortably. They do fit a bit narrow; however this does make for an audio isolation effect.
The headphones come with an adapter to be able to use them on the computer like a headset, to convert from a 4-pole 3.5mm connector to a split 3.5 mm for headphones, and a 3.5mm for microphone. The cord is generous, a little long for pocket use, although it does allow for keeping your audio device in a messenger bag/purse, as well as using the headphones on your computer.
The round leatherette earpads are padded and comfortable, allowing for prolonged use in comfort. This is also mirrored by the padding on the top of the headband. I did find some pinching after prolonged (read: hours) of use, although this is mostly due to my glasses, as the headphones sit right on top of the edge of my glasses. This would be less of a problem with someone who's got a differently proportioned head.
The in-line call control works well, and provides an added plus for these headphones. The 42" long cord was unwrapped, however, and this could pose some issues down the line.
Testing & Results
Testing Methodology
I have used these headphones for a couple of weeks now, both on the computer, on my cell phone, listening to music, playing games, using voice chat on the computer, and making phone calls. Oblanc designed these headphones with many different uses in mind, and it definitely fills those uses.
Test Hardware
- Samsung Galaxy Nexus Android Smartphone (Play Music)
- Windows 7 and 8 Based PCs
- Linux Based PCs
- Apple iPod Touch
- World of Warcraft
- EVE Online
- iTunes
- Mumble/Ventrilo/Teamspeak/Skype
ResultsOne of the best ways to test headphones is to use them daily, for all the tasks that they are designed for (and then some). After repeated use of these headphones, I thought I would break the results up into three categories; Comfort, Sound Quality, and Microphone Quality.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the main concerns of any gamer or audio enthusiast, as we wear headphones for long periods of time. The Oblanc NC2-1 UFO headphones are comfortable, and the padded headband and earpads are a nice touch. One of the few things that I would have liked to have seen was a little bit less pressure on the ears. When wearing this headset with my glasses, I noticed that after a couple of hours they would start pressing my glasses into my head in an uncomfortable manner. A little less tension on the headphones would have been nice, although that would also cause them to lose some of their noise-cancelling ability. Other than the pressure, they were very comfortable headphones to wear, and I only noticed the pressure when wearing my glasses. Someone with a slightly smaller head than me also wore the headphones and didn't notice the same problem, so those with larger than average heads, these may pinch your glasses a bit.
Sound Quality
Next on the list of desired features in a good pair of headphones is good sound quality. The NC2-1 offers 50mm drivers, and this is evident the first time you turn the volume up on a bassy song. These headphones have very enjoyable bass, while still retaining clarity across the mids and trebles, and all through the transitions. Game sound was clear and crisp, and voices both on the phone and on the computer were clear. Through multiple people talking over each other, you can pick out voices as well as to be expected. Transitions from very low bass to mids were clear and consistent, and these headphones really provided an enjoyable audio experience.
Microphone Quality
Last, but not least, is microphone quality. On cell phone calls, the microphone worked well, with the recipient of the call able to hear and understand me clearly. On the computer, when listening to the microphone through the windows sound management, I sounded clear, although a little quiet. Through Mumble/Skype/Ventrilo/Teamspeak everyone can hear me fine, although the main complaint was that I was quiet through windows mic boost and maxxing out my volume in the program.
Headphones Final Thoughts
When picking out a set of headphones, there are many different factors that play into the ultimate decision of acquiring a set of headphones. Gamers and audio enthusiasts alike are very picky people, and that can make it difficult to make audio equipment for those types of consumers. Although they do not demand multitudes of features, they do demand high quality hardware. The Oblanc NC2-1 UFO Headphones definitely provide in the quality part. Although they do fit a little snug for my comfort level, they provide excellent sound quality, and are adequate at switching between phones/hand held devices and computers. It does take some fiddling to get your microphone just right, but it's worth it for the sound quality from these headphones. They look cool, and can pass for normal headphones when outside of the house. I did notice some pinching, but overall I really enjoyed these headphones.
Oblanc NC2-1 UFO Conclusion
IMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at various points in time. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes which occur after publication that could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on our conclusion, as it represents our product rating specifically for the product tested which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.
Headphone performance is a multi-faceted topic, as there are many different aspects to performance in audio devices. Sound quality from these is good, the microphones works, and they fulfill many different roles. All in all, these headphones are good at what they do, and provide a high-quality audio experience.
Appearance is a difficult thing to grade, as everyone has different preferences when it comes to hardware appearance. These headphones definitely have a cool factor to them. The high-gloss finish and round ear pads definitely are reminiscent of a UFO. These headphones do definitely break from the recent tradition of boxy headsets, and just look almost futuristic. They have a solid construction, and they feel like they could hold up to some abuse. The cord is unwrapped, however, and I do feel like this could cause it to wear out sooner.
For functionality they can't be beat, however, with their ability to go from a smartphone to your computer without needing to buy multiple headsets, and all of that for a price that cannot be beat.
As of February 2013 the Oblanc NC2-1 UFO headphones were priced for $79.99 at Newegg. The sound quality these headphones produce seem to justify the higher price tag.
I would definitely recommend these headphones to gamers and audio enthusiast that want one headset to serve multiple purposes, or just an all around good pair of headphones.
Pros:
+ Solid Construction
+ Good Audio Quality
+ Low Price
+ Very Functional
+ Cross-Platform Use
Cons:
- A little tight to wear
- Unwrapped Cable
Ratings:
-
Performance: 9.00
-
Appearance: 8.50
-
Construction: 8.00
-
Functionality: 9.00
-
Value: 7.00
Final Score: 8.3 out of 10.COMMENT QUESTION: What do you think of the Oblanc NC2-1 UFO headphones?
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