Audio Test Clips

[WirelessAndy]

This forum is the place to ask questions like, "what's the best hands-free out there?"

The answer is, it depends.

I've discovered that individual fit is a very personal thing. In ear? Over the ear? Ear loop? Small and discreet? Big and Borg-like? You can even figure out for yourself after using a headset if you like the incoming sound quality.

But what's missing from most "hands free" reviews are outgoing test clips. I can't tell you how many times I've bought the Oh-So-Cool bluetooth headset only to find that I was barely intelligible (due to the headset... insert joke here).

OK, I finally got off my lazy behind and posted some test clips of various headsets.

TESTING METHOD:
All tests were made while driving in my car, a 1996 Volvo 850 (not too quiet, not too noisy), in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, on freeways when possible.

I recorded directly to an unbranded Nokia 6230b with an inactive SIM. The 6230b has a voice recorder function that allows you to record to the MMC card.

I remove the MMC card and covert it to WAV on my MacBook Pro under Quicktime, and posted it to the Evoca site.

Why didn't I simply use the Evoca "dial-a-recording" method? By recording directly to the MMC card, I eliminate the uncontrollable variables of RF reception/landline what-ifs.

As I test more headsets/devices, I'll post 'em to the album.

I want to hear them! Take me there now.

(note: I suffer from allergies, and my nose was really stuffy this morning. I'll try to re-record some clips when things clear up!)

[yakky]

Its a good start, but it sounds like you were going different speeds, you mention that you are in stop and go with the Jawbone, but on other tests you seem to be moving a lot faster. IMO, the key is consistancy.

[WirelessAndy]

Actually, the "stop and go" was really more like "slower and faster" traffic with the Jawbone. Still very, very noisy on the lower deck of the San Francisco Bay Bridge, which is noisy even at standstill.

I tried my best to be moving at roughly the same speed, but there are times when traffic slows for a moment (below 40 mph) then picks up again (55-ish MPH).

During all the tests, I only came to a complete and total 4-way stop as I pulled off the freeway and offramp.

Once my allergies clear up and I'm not so congested, I'll repost.

[yakky]

The reason I mentioned it was that the jawbone sounded pretty good, I would have questioned it even if you had said nothing in the recording about going slower as the jawbone is extrememly sensitive to wind. I did a few recordings in my car before I put together my tests/recordings, however i was never happy with the recordings, they just varied too much from one road to another. I appreciate that they are real life, thats the best part, I just could not get two to sound alike with the same headset, which is why I went with simulated sounds. I'd love for you to get your hands on a Z9 to show what a dud that thing is (and confirm my test ).

[WirelessAndy]

I've recorded a few more Jawbone/Apple/Nokia/TheBoom (etc) road tests at various speeds. I'll post them soon.

In the meantime, I posted a new one: Plantronics 925 vs 510 First run, indoor voice quality test.

I'll do an in-car test tomorrow.

[WirelessAndy]

Sticky'd! Hurrah!

I've you've got recordings of headsets, speakerphones, wired headsets, let's hear 'em!

I've got more recordings on the way.

[yakky]

Well, since this has become a sticky, I have about 60 sound clips using many popular headsets here:

http://datasmuggler.com/btcomparo.html

[WirelessAndy]

That is a fantastic job! I wish I had that kind of ingenuity.

[akura2]

Which "TheBoom" headset were you using?... I'm looking at the V4

Thanks

[WirelessAndy]

I was using the "O" (looks like a normal over the head mic).



The mic elements on the V4 and the E are the same. I own all three. The only difference is the design.

Note on the V4: It's more compact but it takes some futzing around to get a good fit. Because the mic boom is so long (and relatively heavy vs. your ordinary BT headset), the probability of the earpiece getting loose is higher.

I let my brother in-law try it and he couldn't get a good fit, either. At least the V4 is way better than the FIRST version of the Boom, which I could NEVER get to work right.

[bodeh6]

WOW, that boom sounds the best out of all, including the phone mic. Too bad most people don't like cords and 2.5mm jacks are becoming less common on phones.

[4limbs]

Here's a recording of my HBH-300. I think it's still one of the best sounding headsets you can get. The long pause in the middle is me hoping I didn't get snagged by the cops!


http://www.evoca.com/everyone_recording.jsp?rid=100228

[WirelessAndy]

I finally did it.

Here's a quick and dirty web page I threw together with all the test clips I've recorded lately in an easier to read format.

WirelessAndy's Audio Test Page

(screenshot)


As I add more devices in the future, I'll post them there.

As of today (4/18/08):
Apple Bluetooth
Jawbone
TheBoom "O"
Plantronics 510
Plantronics 925
Nokia BH-902
Jabra SP5050 speakerphone
BlueAnt Supertooth Light speakerphone

Tested conditions:
Street bench (sitting on a bench, outdoors)
City driving
Highway driving
Speakerphone tests (including "normal phone on a dash" tests)

[WirelessAndy]

The etyBLU bluetooth headset has been added.

WirelessAndy's Audio Test Page

Added today (4/24/08):
etyBLU bluetooth headset
"Special Tests" section added

[Tsuioku]

Exactly what I was looking for... Thanks a lot Andy...

What headsets do you plan on trying next?