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Author Topic: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET  (Read 35797 times)

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Offline kindms

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Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« on: October 26, 2017, 01:15:04 PM »
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1367739-REG/sennheiser_ambeo_smart_headset_in_ear.html




Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET In-Ear Headphones with Three Built-In Microphones, Inline Remote, and Lightning Connector

Product Highlights

    Lightning Connector
    Selectable Active Noise Cancellation
    Omnidirectional Microphones in Earpieces
    Inline Microphone in Remote
    Apogee Soft Limit and Microphone Preamp
    Adjustable Mic Sensitivity
    20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
    Programmable Smart Slider
    Inline Remote Control



anyone know anything about these or have experience ?
« Last Edit: October 26, 2017, 01:17:35 PM by kindms »
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Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2017, 01:42:35 PM »
Those look interesting. Only slightly out of the fuck it...I'll try them range.

I wonder if they will still work with a Lightning > USB-C adapter.

||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
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Offline kindms

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2017, 01:50:15 PM »
Those look interesting. Only slightly out of the fuck it...I'll try them range.

I wonder if they will still work with a Lightning > USB-C adapter.

was thinking the same
AKG c426, AKG414 XLS/ST, AKG ck61, ck22, >nBob colettes >PFA > V3, SD MixPre >  TCM-Mod Tascam HDP2, Sony M10
Little Bear tube Pre >Outlaw Audio 2200 Monoblocks > VR-2's

Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2017, 06:37:14 PM »
This video says Android version coming soon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BFlR2RFiH4

...I'll wait for that vs. running an adapter.

||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
|||Concert History || LMA Recordings || Live YouTube |||

Offline Gutbucket

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2017, 12:03:23 PM »
Potentially very cool.  Wonder if the active noise-cancellation has enough headroom to not clip when pounded by heavy bass.  Wonder if the app will support dynamic attenuation, effectively reducing the attenuation when the SPL drops.  Always wanted to dial in my own personalized ear-plug EQ attenuation curve.
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Offline audBall

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2017, 07:40:13 PM »
I snapped some photos of the AMBEO VR model (tetrahedral mic). 

They are here:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=182656.msg2247743#msg2247743
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Offline spyder9

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2017, 09:36:24 PM »

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2018, 08:01:14 PM »
Charlie Hunter Trio 8/8/18 -one set was dpa 4061+d:vice, another was ambeo headset- can you guess which?

Personnel:
Charlie Hunter: 7-string
Damon Grant: Percussion
Lucy Woodward: Vocals

V0 mp3:

streamable google drive:
https://tinyurl.com/cht-tahoe

downloadable rar:
https://tinyurl.com/cht-tahoe-rar
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2018, 09:10:35 PM »
Potentially very cool.  Wonder if the active noise-cancellation has enough headroom to not clip when pounded by heavy bass.  Wonder if the app will support dynamic attenuation, effectively reducing the attenuation when the SPL drops.  Always wanted to dial in my own personalized ear-plug EQ attenuation curve.

Says it has the Apogee Soft-Limit.  Might it be like the Soft-Limit on the minime?
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Offline jerryfreak

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2018, 09:58:05 PM »
not sure the soft limit will help if the caps are reaching their SPL limit
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Offline Əkoostikal

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2018, 10:49:59 PM »
Charlie Hunter Trio 8/8/18 -one set was dpa 4061+d:vice, another was ambeo headset- can you guess which?

Personnel:
Charlie Hunter: 7-string
Damon Grant: Percussion
Lucy Woodward: Vocals

V0 mp3:

streamable google drive:
https://tinyurl.com/cht-tahoe

downloadable rar:
https://tinyurl.com/cht-tahoe-rar

Playback on B&W P3 headphonesSet 1 sounds more natural to me and I prefer the sound of that file set. They both sound good to me though and I would be happy with the results of both.

I'm really curious how these would do with a show with much higher SPL levels.
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Offline Ozpeter

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #11 on: August 11, 2018, 04:55:16 AM »
Charlie Hunter Trio 8/8/18 -one set was dpa 4061+d:vice, another was ambeo headset- can you guess which?

Personnel:
Charlie Hunter: 7-string
Damon Grant: Percussion
Lucy Woodward: Vocals

V0 mp3:

streamable google drive:
https://tinyurl.com/cht-tahoe

downloadable rar:
https://tinyurl.com/cht-tahoe-rar

First set seemed a brighter sound (my preference) - is there a left/right reversal between the two sets??

Offline jerryfreak

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #12 on: August 11, 2018, 10:12:07 AM »
possibly, i rarely pay attention to which mic goes where

listen for woohoo guy on my immediate right
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Offline gormenghast

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #13 on: August 17, 2018, 10:14:02 PM »
Whats the verdict on these mics?  Can they handle the high SPL of String Cheese Incident or similar bands?

A lot of people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #14 on: August 17, 2018, 10:29:53 PM »
havent cheesed in a while but might see a metal show on tuesday
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Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #15 on: October 14, 2019, 02:10:08 AM »
Finally got a chance to try these things at a couple of real shows. Setting audio levels

I ran Ambeo Headset > iPod Touch 32GB > Apogee Metarecorder.

EDIT: Had a hard time getting the files transferred. I had to use iTunes, which I had thought was discontinued.

SAMPLES:

I should be noted that I did not put much effort into this recording. Mics where basically clipped to my shirt, but they were in a nice spot in the venue and had a direct "line of sight" to the PA. Basically directly behind/slightly above the SBD.

Band is Sleater-Kinney. I thought it sounded OK. Venue (Ogden in Denver) is capable of sounding amazing. Probably not the best band to test mics with. They are pretty noisey. Not a lot of dynamic range with these guys.

Original file (converted from 24/48 > 16/44.1 only):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/daerd7nf6dqiowq/Ambeo%20Test%20-%20Original.wav?dl=0

EQ'd file:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fch9tw2zncs7uwa/Ambeo%20Test%20-%20EQ.wav?dl=0

...

Overall, I'm not impressed. Hopefully it was more of mic placement (too low) with a sub-par sounding show.

Trying again this week for a quieter band in a better sounding venue. Will report back with that when ASAP.
« Last Edit: October 14, 2019, 02:49:07 AM by Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) »
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
|||Concert History || LMA Recordings || Live YouTube |||

Offline jerryfreak

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #16 on: October 14, 2019, 04:17:38 AM »
Finally got a chance to try these things at a couple of real shows. Setting audio levels

I ran Ambeo Headset > iPod Touch 32GB > Apogee Metarecorder.

EDIT: Had a hard time getting the files transferred. I had to use iTunes, which I had thought was discontinued.

CopyTrans suite can copy files for free (copy trans Apps module)
also sandisk flash usb drives can copy them directly from iphone

like most omnis, they sound better when baffled by your head or some distance (or binaural like these are meant to be used)
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Offline EmRR

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #17 on: October 15, 2019, 06:16:38 PM »
Finally got a chance to try these things at a couple of real shows. Setting audio levels

I ran Ambeo Headset > iPod Touch 32GB > Apogee Metarecorder.

I should be noted that I did not put much effort into this recording. Mics where basically clipped to my shirt, but they were in a nice spot in the venue and had a direct "line of sight" to the PA. Basically directly behind/slightly above the SBD.

Band is Sleater-Kinney. I thought it sounded OK. Venue (Ogden in Denver) is capable of sounding amazing. Probably not the best band to test mics with. They are pretty noisey. Not a lot of dynamic range with these guys.

Overall, I'm not impressed. Hopefully it was more of mic placement (too low) with a sub-par sounding show.

Trying again this week for a quieter band in a better sounding venue. Will report back with that when ASAP.

Sounds like it can't handle the SPL's of that kind of show.
Mics: DPA 4060 w/MPS 6030 PSU/DAD6001/DAD4099, Neumann KM 131, Oktava MK 012, Sennheiser MKH 105, MKH 20, MKH 30, MKH 40, MKH 800 TWIN
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #18 on: October 15, 2019, 06:33:32 PM »
Badly clipped.These microphones need to be hacked for 3 wire operation.Then they would sound "OK".
After that, capsules should be replaced with MKE2 or similar quality.
Could still be useful in office/ work/ home environments.
Please DO NOT mail me with tech questions.  I will try to answer in the forums when I get a chance.  Thanks.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #19 on: October 15, 2019, 06:43:25 PM »
Finally got a chance to try these things at a couple of real shows. Setting audio levels

I ran Ambeo Headset > iPod Touch 32GB > Apogee Metarecorder.

EDIT: Had a hard time getting the files transferred. I had to use iTunes, which I had thought was discontinued.

SAMPLES:

I should be noted that I did not put much effort into this recording. Mics where basically clipped to my shirt, but they were in a nice spot in the venue and had a direct "line of sight" to the PA. Basically directly behind/slightly above the SBD.

Band is Sleater-Kinney. I thought it sounded OK. Venue (Ogden in Denver) is capable of sounding amazing. Probably not the best band to test mics with. They are pretty noisey. Not a lot of dynamic range with these guys.

Original file (converted from 24/48 > 16/44.1 only):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/daerd7nf6dqiowq/Ambeo%20Test%20-%20Original.wav?dl=0

EQ'd file:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fch9tw2zncs7uwa/Ambeo%20Test%20-%20EQ.wav?dl=0

...

Overall, I'm not impressed. Hopefully it was more of mic placement (too low) with a sub-par sounding show.

Trying again this week for a quieter band in a better sounding venue. Will report back with that when ASAP.

Did you have the smart headset setting for the LOW concert setting?

Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #20 on: October 15, 2019, 07:36:58 PM »
^ Yes. I think at least. I had something set to something like Less Sensitive in the Sennheiser AMBEO SmartHeadset app.

Recording was done in the Apogee Metarecorder app (which didn't seem to have a way to control levels).

Levels seemed to be good, but the sound could be better.

||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
|||Concert History || LMA Recordings || Live YouTube |||

Offline jerryfreak

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #21 on: October 15, 2019, 08:00:08 PM »
^ Yes. I think at least. I had something set to something like Less Sensitive in the Sennheiser AMBEO SmartHeadset app.

Recording was done in the Apogee Metarecorder app (which didn't seem to have a way to control levels).

its dependent on the device used. metarecorder with d:vice has levels for both channels independent or ganged
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Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #22 on: October 18, 2019, 01:04:59 AM »
OK! I tried this time. Was in the sweet spot. Wore the mics in my ears. Other than the crowd being fairly rowdy for being pretty old...the recording turned out decent.

I wouldn't be satisfied if all of my recordings were of this quality but for shows that I'd like a copy without having to jump through too many hoops for a stealth job they are pretty good.

Here's a sample. I have applied a bit of EQ (the master is pretty boomy), and a tad bit of compression.

https://soundcloud.com/fatah-ruark/bob-dylan-simple-twist-of-fate-live

EDIT:
Full show audio here. I did add a bit more EQ and Compression to this version (feel free to let me know which one you like more):
https://youtu.be/X3sHVgTBhOQ
« Last Edit: October 18, 2019, 03:34:16 AM by Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) »
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
|||Concert History || LMA Recordings || Live YouTube |||

Offline jerryfreak

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #23 on: October 18, 2019, 04:04:31 AM »
If budget isnt a huge issue 4061s in croakies crush them every time and is actually more low pro.
OK! I tried this time. Was in the sweet spot. Wore the mics in my ears. Other than the crowd being fairly rowdy for being pretty old...the recording turned out decent.

I wouldn't be satisfied if all of my recordings were of this quality but for shows that I'd like a copy without having to jump through too many hoops for a stealth job they are pretty good.

Here's a sample. I have applied a bit of EQ (the master is pretty boomy), and a tad bit of compression.

https://soundcloud.com/fatah-ruark/bob-dylan-simple-twist-of-fate-live

EDIT:
Full show audio here. I did add a bit more EQ and Compression to this version (feel free to let me know which one you like more):
https://youtu.be/X3sHVgTBhOQ
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Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #24 on: November 28, 2019, 03:07:17 PM »
Here's another recoding from these mics. They still do a good job (IMO) for $99.

This was a louder show and I was worried about the levels going over / distortion and I don't hear anything.

Unfortunately I learned (the hard way) that MetaRecorder doesn't start a new file after 2GB (or if it does, I have some setting wrong). I started the recording about 40 minutes before the band went on and never looked at the app after that. Next time I will wait until the band starts. :D ...I made it almost to the encore. Wish I had at least checked during the encore break if it was still rolling.

Band is Pigface (offshoot from Ministry).

https://youtu.be/PwwyUtHx1zc

||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
|||Concert History || LMA Recordings || Live YouTube |||

Offline jerryfreak

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #25 on: November 29, 2019, 08:53:28 PM »
Unfortunately I learned (the hard way) that MetaRecorder doesn't start a new file after 2GB (or if it does, I have some setting wrong).

set it to write to .CAF instead of .WAV and it will roll all night
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Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #26 on: November 29, 2019, 10:04:41 PM »
Unfortunately I learned (the hard way) that MetaRecorder doesn't start a new file after 2GB (or if it does, I have some setting wrong).

set it to write to .CAF instead of .WAV and it will roll all night

Sweet. You've answered quite a few of my questions lately. Thanks.
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
|||Concert History || LMA Recordings || Live YouTube |||

Offline Ozpeter

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #27 on: February 14, 2021, 08:53:25 AM »
I just bought this headset online for $139 Australian dollars - from a reputable dealer - another reputable dealer lists them for $439.  I get the impression that they never sold well and they have been on clearance for a while in various places.  Someone on YouTube said they'd paid 30 UK pounds.  I don't particularly need them but... I just can't resist a bargain. 

It will be interesting to compare them with the Roland in ear mics, the DJI Pocket 2 camera surround mics (which I think are basically two MS mics back-to-back) and the Zoom H2N in surround mode.  More for ambiences than music.  Some of the YouTube demos I have seen give the best binaural imaging I've come across - I often don't perceive sounds as coming from behind me, but with these, there's no doubt. 

But stereo and binaural imaging is a very subjective thing.  I used to work with a classical music CD producer who couldn't tell the difference between mono and stereo.  But he sure had a good ear for a bum note.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #28 on: February 15, 2021, 01:24:12 AM »
I bought two of these (on clearance), thinking they would be great, without the ADC.
After taking them apart, I saw they are regular 5mm (?) electret capsules, not the lauded KE4 capsule in MKE2 and other classic mics.
Still would be great for old iPhones.  Provide record and playback in a nice "sporty" package.  Certainly an improvement on standard Apple earbubs with the inline microphone.
Have fun!


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Sample recordings at: http://www.soundmann.com.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #29 on: February 15, 2021, 05:06:24 AM »
E
DIT: Had a hard time getting the files transferred. I had to use iTunes, which I had thought was discontinued.

You will find the MetaRecorder wav's in Filer.app and On my iPhone and there in a folder named MetaRecorder.
You can then transfer the recordings using pretty much every Share or Open In option.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #30 on: February 19, 2021, 08:54:45 AM »
I finally got these going after a bit of a hiccup due to an internet cable failure out in the street (so I couldn't download the latest firmware, then had horrendous difficulty finding a way of actually getting the recorded files onto my Windows PC (where I couldn't install iTunes due also to said lack of internet).  But I've not yet had a chance to get out and about with them.

I'm only just now testing the headphone aspect - general opinion seems to be that they are bass shy and very bright. Well, for me they have massive bass if I screw them into my ears as if attempting to cause brain damage.  [First track of Max Richter's "Sleep" has about as low a low frequency pulse happening as you could wish to hear].  But they also do cover high and very high frequencies well, which for my tired old 70+ ears is great. The eq in the app is quite flexible despite having only three adjustment points, as you can at least slide them left and right as well as up and down.

Noise reduction is also pretty dependent on achieving a good seal at the ear, as one might expect.

Are they demonstrably better for recording than the Roland binaural mics?  I'll have to test that carefully, somehow.  But if nothing else they are an interesting device, and at the current kind of price I'm happy to add them to my arsenal of binaurals (Hooke Verse, Rolands, and this).

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #31 on: February 19, 2021, 12:04:26 PM »
Bass shy and very bright was my opinion too, until I found out how to position the in-ears.
Then it’s a lot better, but they don’t stay put and I generally dislike in-ears, but got the set for recording which so far seems impressive.
Quite like my UsiMikroPro-DR100mkiii combo, but even more mobile :-)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #32 on: February 19, 2021, 04:50:26 PM »
It seems to be basically a 24 bit digital mic (given that you can't change the level in the Apogee app, so I assume it is passing a digital stream to the phone) and is therefore perhaps the cheapest 24 bit stereo mic you can buy?

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #33 on: February 20, 2021, 12:21:32 AM »
It seems to be basically a 24 bit digital mic (given that you can't change the level in the Apogee app, so I assume it is passing a digital stream to the phone) and is therefore perhaps the cheapest 24 bit stereo mic you can buy?
it is 24 bit, which speaks nothing to its quality.
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #34 on: February 20, 2021, 06:58:54 AM »
The Apogee app offers two levels for recording, a bit coarse, but it works.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #35 on: February 21, 2021, 07:09:26 PM »
It seems to be basically a 24 bit digital mic (given that you can't change the level in the Apogee app, so I assume it is passing a digital stream to the phone) and is therefore perhaps the cheapest 24 bit stereo mic you can buy?
it is 24 bit, which speaks nothing to its quality.

True, but like the new 32 bit recorders, it has no level control, which is convenient.  Well, there are (as pointed out above) two settings, but the setting for loud sources would probably only be required in the front row of a rock concert.  As for quality, I was first drawn to it after watching a YouTube video which didn't state its audio source, but right away it impressed me - on enquiry the poster said it was the Ambeo.  By brand alone, the Sennheiser / Apogee pairing should be good.  Should...

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #36 on: July 30, 2021, 11:03:13 PM »
Figured I'd share a sample from these things. First time using them at a Classical show.

I did eq this and add some compression, so doesn't sound like this out of the recorder.

https://soundcloud.com/fatah-ruark/piano-quintet-in-e-flat-major-allegro-brillante

I'm happy with it for minimal effort. I just hung the "mics" from my shirt. Didn't want to look like and idiot wearing them in my ears in a clearly lit room. :D
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #37 on: July 31, 2021, 07:19:28 PM »
Unfortunately, used like that the stereo image collapses and the point is lost...

[Edit - could you specify the app you used on the phone for this recording?  I hate to say it, but I rather suspect the recording was made using the mic on the phone and not the mics on the Ambeo headset.  It just sounds completely wrong, sorry.]
« Last Edit: August 06, 2021, 08:42:44 AM by Ozpeter »

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #38 on: December 03, 2021, 09:28:46 PM »
Wow... I just purchased an adapter - "UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Adapter Cable USB Type C Male to Lightning Female Headphones Converter for iPad/MacBook/USB C Phones to Connect with Lightning Earphones Support Remote Control, Microphone" - and the Ambeo headset works with one of my two Android phones (Poco F1) -  the other phone only seems to work in mono, but I will experiment more - and also, it works with my "DJI Action 2" camera, which is pretty neat.  I thought this device was totally iOS only, but with this adapter much more is possible.  What a shame that they dicontinued the Ambio headset - it seems quite hard to find now, although very reasonably priced if your luck is in.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #39 on: December 04, 2021, 10:10:22 AM »
Cool.
Would be nice if the Headset could work with a laptop

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #40 on: December 05, 2021, 10:33:35 AM »
The Ugreen adapter is supposed to work with laptops - I've not tried it yet.

See my video showing the Ambeo headset used with the Action 2 camera -

https://youtu.be/nXMn1V9eon8

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #41 on: December 15, 2021, 11:46:33 PM »
OK! I tried this time. Was in the sweet spot. Wore the mics in my ears. Other than the crowd being fairly rowdy for being pretty old...the recording turned out decent.

I wouldn't be satisfied if all of my recordings were of this quality but for shows that I'd like a copy without having to jump through too many hoops for a stealth job they are pretty good.

Here's a sample. I have applied a bit of EQ (the master is pretty boomy), and a tad bit of compression.

https://soundcloud.com/fatah-ruark/bob-dylan-simple-twist-of-fate-live

EDIT:
Full show audio here. I did add a bit more EQ and Compression to this version (feel free to let me know which one you like more):
https://youtu.be/X3sHVgTBhOQ

I just got my hands on a set of these and aiming to try them at a show coming up next week. Are there any settings to be set in Apogee Metarecorder ahead of time? (Apart from setting to "low" on the headset?). Feel free to shoot me a DM, would love to pick your brain.

Thanks!

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #42 on: December 16, 2021, 03:51:32 AM »

I just got my hands on a set of these and aiming to try them at a show coming up next week. Are there any settings to be set in Apogee Metarecorder ahead of time? (Apart from setting to "low" on the headset?). Feel free to shoot me a DM, would love to pick your brain.

Thanks!
Hello Welcome to Taperssection

I don't know what '"low" on the headset' means. You should set the Apogee Smart Headset App's recording level to "Reduce Level" for loud levels like amplified music. I don't use Metarecorder, but there should be nothing to set other than the sampling/bit rate. The rest is handled by the Apogee interface on the headset. It doesn't get any simpler.

Another matter. It doesn't help the forum spirit to take knowledge-sharing to DM unless it is a sensitive or private matter. There are plenty of forum categories where you can search or ask for help  :)
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #43 on: December 16, 2021, 08:27:41 PM »
Make sure you set Metarecorder to record in CAF format otherwise it will stop recording when the file gets to 2GB.

I convert CAF to WAV with dbPowerAmp. I think you can also open CAF files with Audacity and then save them as WAV files for programs that don't recognize CAF files.
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #44 on: December 21, 2021, 09:49:41 AM »
I just bought a second Ambeo headset, a black one which will be less obvious in use.  I got it from this Amazon seller (with whom I have no connection) -

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-AMBEO-Smart-Headset-Ear/dp/B08F72P94X - about $65 - seems fine even at that price.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #45 on: December 21, 2021, 12:23:40 PM »
OK! I tried this time. Was in the sweet spot. Wore the mics in my ears. Other than the crowd being fairly rowdy for being pretty old...the recording turned out decent.

I wouldn't be satisfied if all of my recordings were of this quality but for shows that I'd like a copy without having to jump through too many hoops for a stealth job they are pretty good.

Here's a sample. I have applied a bit of EQ (the master is pretty boomy), and a tad bit of compression.

https://soundcloud.com/fatah-ruark/bob-dylan-simple-twist-of-fate-live

EDIT:
Full show audio here. I did add a bit more EQ and Compression to this version (feel free to let me know which one you like more):
https://youtu.be/X3sHVgTBhOQ

Yeah, the full show audio sounds better to me, good job, got a black pair coming from Santa  ;D
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #46 on: December 21, 2021, 12:46:40 PM »
I just bought a second Ambeo headset, a black one which will be less obvious in use.  I got it from this Amazon seller (with whom I have no connection) -

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-AMBEO-Smart-Headset-Ear/dp/B08F72P94X - about $65 - seems fine even at that price.

Thanks Santa's got one on the way.  :djsmilie:
Proud member of the reality-based community

BSCS-L->JB-mod [NAK CM-300 (CP-3) and/or (CP-1)]->LSD2->CA CAFS-Omni->Sony ECM-907**Apogee MiniMe Rev. C->CA Ugly II->**Edirol OCM R-44->Tascam DR-22WL->Sony TCD-D8


"Don't ever take an all or nothing attitude when it comes to making a difference
and being beautiful and making the world a beautiful place through your actions.
Every little bit is registered.  Every little bit.  So be as beautiful as you can as often as you can"

"It'll never be over, 'till we learn."
 
"My dream is to get a bus and get the band and just go coast to coast. Just about everything else except music, is anti-musical.  That's it.  Music's the thing." - Jeb Puryear

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #47 on: December 21, 2021, 02:48:46 PM »
At $65 this should be in everyone's kit that owns an iPhone or iPod Touch.

They certainly do not make the absolute best recordings, but certainly pull an acceptable recording when security is tight, or you don't want to put much effort in for whatever reason.
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #48 on: December 21, 2021, 05:25:52 PM »
At $65 this should be in everyone's kit that owns an iPhone or iPod Touch.

They certainly do not make the absolute best recordings, but certainly pull an acceptable recording when security is tight, or you don't want to put much effort in for whatever reason.

And remember, with a suitable adapter they can work on Android devices too - but not all, for some reason.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #49 on: December 21, 2021, 05:48:13 PM »
I just ordered a second pair in black.I already have the white ones.

Still i have never recorded a show with them.Seems like you'd draw more attention wearing earbuds during a show unless you have long hair.


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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #50 on: December 21, 2021, 06:29:27 PM »
At $65 this should be in everyone's kit that owns an iPhone or iPod Touch.

They certainly do not make the absolute best recordings, but certainly pull an acceptable recording when security is tight, or you don't want to put much effort in for whatever reason.

And remember, with a suitable adapter they can work on Android devices too - but not all, for some reason.

I tried this. Didn't work very well. It was for the Rolling Stones so medium loud show. Recording was overloaded. Might work for an acoustic show though. I ended up buying a iPod Touch. I find that it's nice to have the iPod Touch as a recorder so I can still use my cell phone independently during the show if needed.
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #51 on: December 22, 2021, 09:51:45 AM »
At $65 this should be in everyone's kit that owns an iPhone or iPod Touch.

They certainly do not make the absolute best recordings, but certainly pull an acceptable recording when security is tight, or you don't want to put much effort in for whatever reason.

And remember, with a suitable adapter they can work on Android devices too - but not all, for some reason.

I tried this. Didn't work very well. It was for the Rolling Stones so medium loud show. Recording was overloaded. Might work for an acoustic show though. I ended up buying a iPod Touch. I find that it's nice to have the iPod Touch as a recorder so I can still use my cell phone independently during the show if needed.

You mean recording on an Android device?   I haven't tried it at a loud show, but I have found that it's necessary to use the toggle on the control to set the level to low if necessary, and also there seems to be different virtual inputs on my phone, which operate at different levels.  In the "Field Recorder" app there is provision to choose the virtual input, and the recording level varies significantly according to which one you select.  All a matter of experimenting at home before going to a concert.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #52 on: December 22, 2021, 11:33:59 AM »
Finally got a chance to try these things at a couple of real shows. Setting audio levels

I ran Ambeo Headset > iPod Touch 32GB > Apogee Metarecorder.

EDIT: Had a hard time getting the files transferred. I had to use iTunes, which I had thought was discontinued.

CopyTrans suite can copy files for free (copy trans Apps module)
also sandisk flash usb drives can copy them directly from iphone

like most omnis, they sound better when baffled by your head or some distance (or binaural like these are meant to be used)


Care to ellaborate on this.....

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #53 on: December 22, 2021, 12:51:06 PM »
At $65 this should be in everyone's kit that owns an iPhone or iPod Touch.

They certainly do not make the absolute best recordings, but certainly pull an acceptable recording when security is tight, or you don't want to put much effort in for whatever reason.

And remember, with a suitable adapter they can work on Android devices too - but not all, for some reason.

I tried this. Didn't work very well. It was for the Rolling Stones so medium loud show. Recording was overloaded. Might work for an acoustic show though. I ended up buying a iPod Touch. I find that it's nice to have the iPod Touch as a recorder so I can still use my cell phone independently during the show if needed.

You mean recording on an Android device?   I haven't tried it at a loud show, but I have found that it's necessary to use the toggle on the control to set the level to low if necessary, and also there seems to be different virtual inputs on my phone, which operate at different levels.  In the "Field Recorder" app there is provision to choose the virtual input, and the recording level varies significantly according to which one you select.  All a matter of experimenting at home before going to a concert.

Yes Rolling Stones was with my Android phone and the setting was at low. Recording is distorted. Not horribly bad, but bad enough that I wouldn't listen to it.

When I switched to the iPod Touch everything was fine.

Maybe there is a way to get these to work with Android. That would be great to figure out. I haven't had any issues putting my phone/iPod and the Sennheiser's in the bin at security, but one less item would be a nice option.
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #54 on: December 23, 2021, 03:12:57 PM »

I tried this. Didn't work very well. It was for the Rolling Stones so medium loud show. Recording was overloaded. Might work for an acoustic show though. I ended up buying a iPod Touch. I find that it's nice to have the iPod Touch as a recorder so I can still use my cell phone independently during the show if needed.

The very first show I recorded was the Rolling Stones, first night Hartford '81. I was in high school and didn't know anything, I used my fathers micro recorder, a dictaphone I think, he was a lawyer and it's what he used to take notes. The tape is long gone, I wouldn't record full songs, just start at the beginning of songs and announce them like a DJ, let it record a bit then stop. It did help me remember set lists and stuff like that.
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #55 on: December 24, 2021, 07:23:32 AM »

[/quote]

Yes Rolling Stones was with my Android phone and the setting was at low. Recording is distorted. Not horribly bad, but bad enough that I wouldn't listen to it.

When I switched to the iPod Touch everything was fine.

Maybe there is a way to get these to work with Android. That would be great to figure out. I haven't had any issues putting my phone/iPod and the Sennheiser's in the bin at security, but one less item would be a nice option.
[/quote]

It does seem to be hightly dependent on the particular Android device.  I have a Mi 9T which only seems to record the Ambero in mono, regardless of the app.  I have a Poco F1 which reoords in stereo but at radically different levels according to the input you select - if the app you use supports that function.  So - YMMV and clearly has!

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #56 on: August 18, 2022, 09:08:34 AM »
Just a heads up for those in Europe:
My Ambeo Smart Headset's cords are cracking and I checked Amazon.de for the price of a new set.
I was excited to see that it is only €35 EUR (list €299).
While not worth the list price, €35 is an amazing bargain.
https://smile.amazon.de/-/en/Sennheiser-Ambeo-Smart-Headset-White/dp/B073TTRB9F/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2PWHYJDE45V32&keywords=sennheiser+ambeo+headset&qid=1660827565&sprefix=sennheiser%2520ambeo%2520headset%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-3

I opted for the the black version for €11 more, as it is a bit more stealth.
https://smile.amazon.de/-/en/Sennheiser-AMBEO-Omnidirectional-Smart-Headset/dp/B07922P4DQ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2PWHYJDE45V32&keywords=sennheiser+ambeo+headset&qid=1660827565&sprefix=sennheiser%2520ambeo%2520headset%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-4

If you have an iPhone, this is the easiest setup to get into a venue. Just saying.
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #57 on: August 18, 2022, 06:23:23 PM »
Thanks for that info - despite owning a black one and a white one, I can barely resist the bargain even though I don't need it!

Offline justme

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #58 on: August 18, 2022, 07:51:07 PM »
Thank you.
Ordered a black one to complement my white.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2022, 06:21:02 AM by justme »

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #59 on: August 20, 2022, 04:35:27 PM »
I've ordered just another white one plus a set of foam rubber earpieces as I've never been really happy with the original silicon ones. I'll report as soon as I've tried them.

Stay tuned...

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #60 on: August 24, 2022, 03:48:36 PM »
The foam rubber earpieces have arrived today and my only regret is that I haven't known of them earlier.

They are much gentler to my ears and the full bass is there without having to push them back inside every few minutes. I've just listened to about 2 1/2 hours of music without any discomfort. What fun!

These are the plugs I'm using:

https://klimtechs.com/shop/earphones/klim-earphone-earbuds/

Size: 4.5 mm.

Ralf
Photography and industrial audioscapes from Western Europe. - Sound examples: http://aporee.org/maps/projects/fotoralf - Blog (German): http://the-real-fotoralf.blogspot.com

Offline Ozpeter

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #61 on: August 24, 2022, 07:23:16 PM »
I use Comply buds and indeed the difference is significant.  The same ones fit my Roland binaural earphones also. 

Comply Isolation 400
(Size: Medium (3 Pairs), WaxGuard™: Yes)

Not cheap but the difference makes them worthwhile in terms of sound and staying in place.

Offline dactylus

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #62 on: August 25, 2022, 08:49:05 AM »
I use Comply buds and indeed the difference is significant.  The same ones fit my Roland binaural earphones also. 

Comply Isolation 400
(Size: Medium (3 Pairs), WaxGuard™: Yes)

Not cheap but the difference makes them worthwhile in terms of sound and staying in place.

Thanks for the recommendation! 

3 pairs are included in this set:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NUJ2RM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
hot licks > microphones > recorder



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Offline heva

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #63 on: September 16, 2022, 01:37:32 PM »
A nice find today, FWIW: apparently it’s possible to record audio from the Ambeo headset into Metarecorder (24/88.2/caf) while SIMULTANEOUSLY filming with the camera app (on iPhoneSE) with audio from Ambeo.

Cool :-)
« Last Edit: September 16, 2022, 03:33:33 PM by heva »

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #64 on: September 17, 2022, 09:27:10 AM »
Cool - I'll see if that works in some way with an Android phone.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #65 on: September 21, 2022, 07:58:07 PM »
are you guys using the Sennheiser/Apogee app, or the Apogee app?...  (iPhone)

Is there a difference? one better?

Or is there a better app?

I picked up a set. White are $50. I think I'm going to paint the headset almond to match better w/ skin & the cable flat black, from the V down, so it'll match my black shirt...
my 2¢...

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #66 on: September 21, 2022, 09:15:33 PM »
Ok, I see that, you get both & they work together...

I got it working, & I cranked some music & recoded a track. Sounds thin, through the headphones, but sounds boomy & loose in the low end, through the monitors on the 'puter (Yamaha studio monitors).

But, the way everyone's going w/ double & triple security around here, this might be the trick, if they even don't catch these.

If I get some tunes I'll share...
my 2¢...

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #67 on: September 22, 2022, 05:51:26 AM »
The replay sound via the headset is very dependent on getting a good fit in the ear - you'll see some references to Comply ear tips in recent posts in this thread.  This can transform the low end, and it also helps keep the headset tight in the ears when recording.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #68 on: September 22, 2022, 09:58:25 AM »
Sounds thin, through the headphones...

That's why they come with earplugs of various sizes. You'll have to experiment and they need to sit really really tight in your ears. So tight, that they usually become uncomfortable after a time. That's why people are using them with 3rd party foam earplugs.

Ralf
Photography and industrial audioscapes from Western Europe. - Sound examples: http://aporee.org/maps/projects/fotoralf - Blog (German): http://the-real-fotoralf.blogspot.com

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #69 on: September 23, 2022, 09:30:48 PM »
thanks for the info...

a couple of questions. I have it save to CAF at 96/24. Then, I have it convert to m4a & it comes out 48/24. I don't have any settings for it to change the sample freq. Is there anything I can do, or, just open the CAF in Audacity & straight convert?

I'm not using the earphones for listening, as I'll load the files & listen on the computer. Does the ear fit affect the recording (noticeably)?
my 2¢...

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #70 on: September 24, 2022, 02:35:25 PM »
Does the ear fit affect the recording (noticeably)?

No, it doesn't.

Ralf
Photography and industrial audioscapes from Western Europe. - Sound examples: http://aporee.org/maps/projects/fotoralf - Blog (German): http://the-real-fotoralf.blogspot.com

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #71 on: September 24, 2022, 05:19:39 PM »
Does the ear fit affect the recording (noticeably)?

No, it doesn't.

Ralf
thanks, I didn't think it would, but, some designs, you never know...
my 2¢...

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #72 on: September 26, 2022, 05:25:31 PM »
so, I used the headset on the iPhone yesterday.

W/ the Apogee Concert setting, w/ no input fader, it was grossly clipping throughout...

(red = clipping)



interestingly, the 96kHz/24bit CAF file, has some clarity to it still, but some points the distortion is beyond fix. I ran it through the audacity "clip fix" 2 x's. It still showed about as much clipping on the wave form.

It's definitely listenable, but sad, that it could have been better, if it allowed you to choose a static input level, below the peaks. I'm guessing that it has some sort of compression/limiter built in, because the file looks/sounds like a radio program, in that regards.

I always thought that Apogee was a high end digital company, but, I this they failed on this one...

Not sure if the mic's themselves were at clipping point (doubt it), but, there should be no clipping - that's amateurish, IMO.

Have you guys tried any of the binaural decoders?

anyway, here's a track, that I did the clip fix (x's 2) & normalized & did some other EQ, compression, etc. I'm getting pretty well, at using compression for EQ, rather than EQ. When doing EQ, I tend to favor parametric, over graphic, but, lately, I've been using frequency banded compression/limiter. Even so, I end up w/ more dynamic range than the original, in this case...

https://soundcloud.com/user-722922293/hallowed-be-live

« Last Edit: September 26, 2022, 05:44:20 PM by Paul »
my 2¢...

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #73 on: September 26, 2022, 08:32:47 PM »
The Ambeo headset has a stated max SPL of around 118, I believe.  Judging from the recording, I assume you were clipping at the hardware level, before you even got to Apogee.

The iPhone simply cant supply enough voltage to the mic to overcome high SPL.

Definitely not the mic for super loud concerts, I wouldn’t put poor choice of mic for the given application at the feet of Apogee.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2022, 08:36:18 PM by tonyjuliano »

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #74 on: September 27, 2022, 03:06:47 AM »
well, you can say what you want but...

when I unplugged the ambisonics, the internal mic was clipping hotter than the ambisonics. My brother, recorded video, using the internal iPhone mic & had zero distortion...

The headset, is made w/ a collaboration between Sennheiser & Apogee. Sennheiser did the mic's/buds & possibly the shell for the earpiece. Apogee did the electronics, the app's, interface, etc.

Not sure how Apogee is absent from any blame...

The clipping is definitely internal, & not necessarily from the capsule overloading.

It bugs me, that Apple can do it right, but Apogee/Sennheiser can not.

I used to record band music w/ a $15 Radio Shack electret mic (back in the '80s) & didn't get any distortion like this. This is clipping, plain & simple. Apogee decided that an internal pad of so many db was sufficient, it says "for concerts", but it falls short. They also have some sort of soft compression/limiting, but, it also isn't good enough...

Still, $50, you get what you pay for...

Maybe if someone devised a battery box w/ a signal attenuator, these things would be really good.

The Zoom H2n would have handled this w/o batting an eye, w/ it's internal mic's...
my 2¢...

Offline tonyjuliano

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #75 on: September 27, 2022, 01:41:37 PM »
Quote
when I unplugged the ambisonics, the internal mic was clipping hotter than the ambisonics. My brother, recorded video, using the internal iPhone mic & had zero distortion...

That kind of says it all, doesn't it?  You overloaded the mic. The iPhone has a huge limiter on audio when recording video, it also sounds poor as a result.  If it didn't there would be zero aftermarket for external mics for iPhone.

Quote
The headset, is made w/ a collaboration between Sennheiser & Apogee. Sennheiser did the mic's/buds & possibly the shell for the earpiece. Apogee did the electronics, the app's, interface, etc.

Not sure how Apogee is absent from any blame...

Both Sennheiser and Apogee market this product as a device to record ambient sound levels, less than 118 SPL.  I can't fault them for anything in this scenario.

Quote
Maybe if someone devised a battery box w/ a signal attenuator, these things would be really good.

The Zoom H2n would have handled this w/o batting an eye, w/ it's internal mic's...

That's exactly what would be necessary for any mic to work properly given the volume of what you were trying to record.  And that's exactly what zoom does with the H2N too. Provide enough power to the capsules to prevent clipping, which the iphone on its own cannot.

Offline Niels

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #76 on: September 29, 2022, 11:42:31 AM »
I don't know what you tape, but my last recording from a couple of month ago. Elvis Costello & The Imposters in a 1000 person venue. Centred between sound board and stage with the Ambeo app set to low level: It was no-way-near clipping.
To me the Ambeo Smart Headset deliver way above its current price.
Horses for courses.


well, you can say what you want but...

when I unplugged the ambisonics, the internal mic was clipping hotter than the ambisonics. My brother, recorded video, using the internal iPhone mic & had zero distortion...

The headset, is made w/ a collaboration between Sennheiser & Apogee. Sennheiser did the mic's/buds & possibly the shell for the earpiece. Apogee did the electronics, the app's, interface, etc.

Not sure how Apogee is absent from any blame...

The clipping is definitely internal, & not necessarily from the capsule overloading.

It bugs me, that Apple can do it right, but Apogee/Sennheiser can not.

I used to record band music w/ a $15 Radio Shack electret mic (back in the '80s) & didn't get any distortion like this. This is clipping, plain & simple. Apogee decided that an internal pad of so many db was sufficient, it says "for concerts", but it falls short. They also have some sort of soft compression/limiting, but, it also isn't good enough...

Still, $50, you get what you pay for...

Maybe if someone devised a battery box w/ a signal attenuator, these things would be really good.

The Zoom H2n would have handled this w/o batting an eye, w/ it's internal mic's...
Roland R-07 -> FEL Communications Clippy EM172 Omnis or pair of RØDE Lavaliers.
iPhone 14 -> Shure MV88 or Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset

Offline tonyjuliano

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #77 on: September 29, 2022, 01:12:21 PM »
Have listen to the sound clip he linked to, you’ll understand what happened - very high SPL.

I don't know what you tape, but my last recording from a couple of month ago. Elvis Costello & The Imposters in a 1000 person venue. Centred between sound board and stage with the Ambeo app set to low level: It was no-way-near clipping.
To me the Ambeo Smart Headset deliver way above its current price.
Horses for courses.


well, you can say what you want but...

when I unplugged the ambisonics, the internal mic was clipping hotter than the ambisonics. My brother, recorded video, using the internal iPhone mic & had zero distortion...

The headset, is made w/ a collaboration between Sennheiser & Apogee. Sennheiser did the mic's/buds & possibly the shell for the earpiece. Apogee did the electronics, the app's, interface, etc.

Not sure how Apogee is absent from any blame...

The clipping is definitely internal, & not necessarily from the capsule overloading.

It bugs me, that Apple can do it right, but Apogee/Sennheiser can not.

I used to record band music w/ a $15 Radio Shack electret mic (back in the '80s) & didn't get any distortion like this. This is clipping, plain & simple. Apogee decided that an internal pad of so many db was sufficient, it says "for concerts", but it falls short. They also have some sort of soft compression/limiting, but, it also isn't good enough...

Still, $50, you get what you pay for...

Maybe if someone devised a battery box w/ a signal attenuator, these things would be really good.

The Zoom H2n would have handled this w/o batting an eye, w/ it's internal mic's...

mountainhop

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #78 on: September 29, 2022, 02:07:52 PM »
ive got two of these new in box if anyone wants. $50?

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #79 on: October 06, 2022, 03:48:18 PM »
Have listen to the sound clip he linked to, you’ll understand what happened - very high SPL.

yes, high SPL, w/ no pre-amp gain control, through the Apogee Ambisonics app. I used the low level "concert" setting, & it's still way too hot...

I took them to another show, indoors, at an old theatre, & it was even worse. Luckily I recorded w/ the ZoomH2n & got some sound...

All it needs is a gain control, that really should not be too much to ask for, but apparently is...  I wonder if Apple has these companies hamstringed, because I downloaded another app, supposedly made by the same dev that makes Audacity, & same thing, no input control. It would be best though, to have an inline gain attenuator, to lower the gain going in to the Apple pre-amp...

my 2¢...

Offline Ozpeter

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #80 on: October 06, 2022, 06:13:14 PM »
I wouldn't have thought the Apple preamp was involved - it's a digital signal chain.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #81 on: October 07, 2022, 02:45:57 PM »
I wouldn't have thought the Apple preamp was involved - it's a digital signal chain.

Indeed. The A/D conversion happens inside the Ambeos. The iPhone's audio hardware has nothing to do with htis.

Ralf
Photography and industrial audioscapes from Western Europe. - Sound examples: http://aporee.org/maps/projects/fotoralf - Blog (German): http://the-real-fotoralf.blogspot.com

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #82 on: October 10, 2022, 05:05:53 PM »
I wouldn't have thought the Apple preamp was involved - it's a digital signal chain.

Indeed. The A/D conversion happens inside the Ambeos. The iPhone's audio hardware has nothing to do with htis.

Ralf
so, then, as I originally said, it's poor design by Apogee, as it lays squarely on them...

but also, you get what you pay for ($50), although, I've seen it listed for some $279 abroad... (scary thought) Concert mode, definitely isn't concert mode, unless you are recording a child's recital or something, & calling it a concert...
my 2¢...

Offline Ozpeter

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #83 on: October 10, 2022, 05:54:19 PM »
I would be surprised if it couldn't cope with a symphonic concert - but I admit I never tried.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #84 on: October 11, 2022, 06:40:19 AM »
I wouldn't have thought the Apple preamp was involved - it's a digital signal chain.

Indeed. The A/D conversion happens inside the Ambeos. The iPhone's audio hardware has nothing to do with htis.

Ralf
so, then, as I originally said, it's poor design by Apogee, as it lays squarely on them...

but also, you get what you pay for ($50), although, I've seen it listed for some $279 abroad... (scary thought) Concert mode, definitely isn't concert mode, unless you are recording a child's recital or something, & calling it a concert...
I understand you are disappointed and find comfort in trashing it, but your repeated exaggeration is unhelpful and down right wrong.
I routinely record amplified rock with this headset with plenty of headroom, and I think many will find it useful if they just read the label and understands its limitations.
Roland R-07 -> FEL Communications Clippy EM172 Omnis or pair of RØDE Lavaliers.
iPhone 14 -> Shure MV88 or Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #85 on: October 11, 2022, 08:46:04 AM »
yeah that does sound like an exaggeration. its not amazing, but not awful either

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #86 on: October 11, 2022, 11:42:55 AM »
No issues here recording a "regular loud" rock concert here. I could see some issues at some super loud metal show.

The point of these is not to make the best possible recording at all costs, it's to either make a decent and listenable recording at a low budget, or if you're in a high security situation, or don't feel like putting much effort into a recording for whatever reason.

The "your mics don't sound as good as my $10k rig" attitude is one of my biggest annoyances from other tapers. No shit they don't sound as good, but these do the job under many circumstances, and a recording made with these mics is infinitely better than no recording at all.

||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #87 on: October 15, 2022, 11:41:10 AM »
I think this sounds (and looks) pretty good. Ambeo + iPhone video.

Recordist is front row, so sound levels were probably pretty high (although this isn't a particularly loud song).

https://youtu.be/yQDRzxIi4Uw

Seriously, for $50...can't go wrong IMO.
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #88 on: October 15, 2022, 11:57:50 AM »
I think this sounds (and looks) pretty good. Ambeo + iPhone video.

Recordist is front row, so sound levels were probably pretty high (although this isn't a particularly loud song).

https://youtu.be/yQDRzxIi4Uw

Seriously, for $50...can't go wrong IMO.
even if the elements were only as good as the phone itself (and lets face it, phone audio has come a long way in the last few years), the fact that youre recording a true binaural pattern makes it infinitely more listenable

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #89 on: October 16, 2022, 02:10:01 PM »
I think this sounds (and looks) pretty good. Ambeo + iPhone video.

Recordist is front row, so sound levels were probably pretty high (although this isn't a particularly loud song).

Nothing wrong with it. With the obvious exception of the music, of course... ;-)

Technicaly fine with me and...

Quote
Seriously, for $50...can't go wrong IMO.

I've heard much worse recordings made with equipment 1000 times more expensive.

Ralf
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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #90 on: October 16, 2022, 06:26:52 PM »
Hmm... the Cure video sound... a fair bit of distortion at the bottom end (from the bass drum?), but it's impossible to judge whether that's actually in the band's sound system in the first place.  As noted, the recording was made from perhaps the worst possible spot, too close to the band, and way off to one side, so the stereo image is seriously skewed as well.  At one point the image suddenly shifted as the guy turned his head - another hazard of binaural recordings of this sort.  So, despite being a fan of the Ambeo myself, I'd not consider this to be a good example of what it can do.  But interesting.

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #91 on: October 24, 2022, 09:39:30 PM »
I have a newer iPhone without a headphone jack, so I picked up a black Ambeo partly for that reason and partly to add a second recorder to the bag. I have a few questions (see below) that may not have been answered in the thread already. Feedback appreciated.

I made some test recordings to compare the Ambeo's sensitivity to my Naiant X-X omnis. Turns out they are much more sensitive than the X-X, but since they seem designed to record spoken word or other lower SPL sources, that makes sense.

The M10 unity gain has been accepted to be at about rec level 4 which is where I start at most club shows. Recording the stereo in my living room test, rec level 4 only got peak levels to about -24db.

With the same playback source, the Ambeo recording peaked at -12.9 db (Reduce Level). In the Natural Level setting, the Ambeo clipped once and the low end was noticeably distorted.
To get a comparable level from the M10>X-X rig, I had to turn the rec level up to 9.

Naiant X-X > SP-SPSB-1 > M10, rec level at 4   -23.6 db
Naiant X-X > SP-SPSB-1 > M10, rec level at 9   -11.0 db
Ambeo > iPhone XR > Metarecorder (Reduce Level)   -12.9 db
Ambeo > iPhone XR > Metarecorder (Natural Level)   clipped/brickwalled


Any advice on which settings anyone has found to be best would be appreciated.

Ambeo app settings
Situational Awareness:   Off
Recording level:   Reduce Level
Smart slider:   Launch Apogee Metarecorder
Voice Prompts:   Toggled off

Apogee MetaRecorder app
Settings:
Prevent Screen Lock: Toggle off?
Meter over hold:   Prefer "infinite" to observe at end of recording? Looks like there is a red line on the Take waveform file showing any overs.
Show intro at start: Toggled off

Scenes:
Can multiple scene folders be created? Seems not.
With the iPhone connected to my Mac mini, I can see the Scene_X folder, but am unable to open the folder in order to select only the audio file to transfer - I must copy the entire folder to my Mac.


Ambeo Headset
Do any of the inline controller buttons have any effect on the recording or settings, or do the apps control it all?
One annoying feature not related to recording is the "play" button skipping from watching a video to the only music I've ever bought from Apple music. Weird.


Might also try to put black nail polish on the chrome screens.
Naiant X-X > SP-SPSB-1 > M10
Superlux S502 > Denecke PS-2 > Hosa MIT-435 > M10

Offline rhinowing

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #92 on: February 25, 2023, 06:54:53 PM »
bumping. a couple questions:

1. which models of iphone is the headset compatible with?

2. I see something about an android version "coming soon" in the first few posts in the thread. did this ever happen?
Please contact me if you've ever taped the Smashing Pumpkins or a related group!

Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #93 on: February 25, 2023, 08:11:46 PM »
bumping. a couple questions:

1. which models of iphone is the headset compatible with?

2. I see something about an android version "coming soon" in the first few posts in the thread. did this ever happen?

1. Should be anything with a lightning input. Certainly anything made since this came out.

2. AFAIK they never came out with anything that works with Android. I tried a lightning > USB-C adapter. Worked, but you couldn't control levels, so any recording is going to be overloaded.
||| MICS:  Beyer CK930 | DPA 4022 | DPA 4080 | Nevaton MCE400 | Sennheiser Ambeo Headset |||
||| PREAMPS: DPA d:vice | Naiant Tinybox | Naiant IPA |||
||| DECKS: Sound Devices MixPre6 | iPod Touch 32GB |||
|||Concert History || LMA Recordings || Live YouTube |||

Offline fotoralf.be

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #94 on: February 26, 2023, 02:51:21 PM »
2. I see something about an android version "coming soon" in the first few posts in the thread. did this ever happen?

Never did and never will.

Ralf
Photography and industrial audioscapes from Western Europe. - Sound examples: http://aporee.org/maps/projects/fotoralf - Blog (German): http://the-real-fotoralf.blogspot.com

Offline DMLiveWiki

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #95 on: October 11, 2023, 06:07:15 PM »
I used an Ambeo headset with MetaRecorder yesterday to record Depeche Mode in Orlando. The headset was set to "reduce level", however the microphones were completely overloaded and the recording is totally unusable. I have more suitable equipment, but it's been ten years since I've stealth taped and wanted something of a "safer" option. Honestly, the white headset probably stands out more than my other setup anyway... I've attached an image of the resulting waveform as well as a very short audio sample to exhibit how bad my recording turned out. Warning: prepare your ears.
Archivist and curator of the Depeche Mode Live Wiki

Offline heva

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #96 on: October 13, 2023, 01:22:50 AM »
For reference: with the new Apple ‘usb-c to lightning’ adapter I can use the Ambeo headset on my macBook Air (m1). No Sennheiser app available to control settings, but the controller seems to work (volume/noisecancelling).
« Last Edit: October 14, 2023, 03:55:37 PM by heva »

Offline Niels

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #97 on: October 13, 2023, 01:29:36 AM »
For reference: with the new Apple ‘usb-c to lightning’ adapter I can use the Ambeo headset on my macBook Air (m1). No Sennheiser app available to control settings, but the controller seems to to work (volume/noisecancelling).
Interesting. I was kind of expecting the device to possibly stop working from iPhone 15 and forward due to the change, but this gives me hope.
Roland R-07 -> FEL Communications Clippy EM172 Omnis or pair of RØDE Lavaliers.
iPhone 14 -> Shure MV88 or Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset

Offline jielkade

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #98 on: October 13, 2023, 05:38:01 AM »
I use the Ambeo Headset with an adapter on my Huawei Mate20 android smartphone. A real joy.
The FIELD RECORDER application allows all input and output settings.

Offline Niels

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #99 on: October 13, 2023, 07:57:56 AM »
I use the Ambeo Headset with an adapter on my Huawei Mate20 android smartphone. A real joy.
The FIELD RECORDER application allows all input and output settings.
I don’t really understand how it is possible to configure the headset functions in the Apogee hardware without the iOS Apogee SmartHeadset App? How would you swap recording input settings between “reduced level” and “normal level” for example?
Roland R-07 -> FEL Communications Clippy EM172 Omnis or pair of RØDE Lavaliers.
iPhone 14 -> Shure MV88 or Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset

Offline fotoralf.be

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #100 on: October 15, 2023, 06:51:34 PM »
For reference: with the new Apple ‘usb-c to lightning’ adapter I can use the Ambeo headset on my macBook Air (m1).

There are (were?) similar adapters by Anker. Lightning to USB-C and USB-A. Haven't been able to find them on their website now. I've been using the USB-A version to connect the Ambeo to my various Mac computers. Works like a charm.

Ralf
Photography and industrial audioscapes from Western Europe. - Sound examples: http://aporee.org/maps/projects/fotoralf - Blog (German): http://the-real-fotoralf.blogspot.com

Offline heva

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #101 on: October 16, 2023, 10:14:40 AM »
I've got one from Amazon, like the Anker, it was supposed to work with Ambeo headset.
I didn't work. At all
It only got hot. Quite hot.

Offline jielkade

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #102 on: October 16, 2023, 10:45:41 AM »
I did the same thing, it didn't work and I found the
"UGREEN USB C Lightning Header Adapter Typ c auf Lightning Audio Adapter"
 which works very well with my huawei mate20
plus Field Recorder app which is really great with all its settings.

Offline Paul

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #103 on: October 16, 2023, 11:16:29 PM »
I used an Ambeo headset with MetaRecorder yesterday to record Depeche Mode in Orlando. The headset was set to "reduce level", however the microphones were completely overloaded and the recording is totally unusable. I have more suitable equipment, but it's been ten years since I've stealth taped and wanted something of a "safer" option. Honestly, the white headset probably stands out more than my other setup anyway... I've attached an image of the resulting waveform as well as a very short audio sample to exhibit how bad my recording turned out. Warning: prepare your ears.
yes, that was my experience, as noted somewhere back in this thread. IMO Apogee dropped the ball by not having a gain attenuator built-in... any ½-way serious recording device has that.
my 2¢...

Offline DMLiveWiki

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #104 on: October 17, 2023, 07:13:58 PM »
I used an Ambeo headset with MetaRecorder yesterday to record Depeche Mode in Orlando. The headset was set to "reduce level", however the microphones were completely overloaded and the recording is totally unusable. I have more suitable equipment, but it's been ten years since I've stealth taped and wanted something of a "safer" option. Honestly, the white headset probably stands out more than my other setup anyway... I've attached an image of the resulting waveform as well as a very short audio sample to exhibit how bad my recording turned out. Warning: prepare your ears.
yes, that was my experience, as noted somewhere back in this thread. IMO Apogee dropped the ball by not having a gain attenuator built-in... any ½-way serious recording device has that.
Indeed - I read this thread over a few times before deciding to try this but glossed over it appparently. Definitely regret it and ended up returning it.

I should have brought my SP-CMC-2 setup since I got significantly better results at the Depeche Mode concert in Miami two nights later: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvkytBVbcNw
Archivist and curator of the Depeche Mode Live Wiki

Offline heva

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #105 on: October 18, 2023, 02:06:16 PM »
What would have been the level in db at depeche mode?
A simple test I ran showed me the headset could take some 120dB of 1kHz at ‘reduce level’.

Offline aaronji

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #106 on: October 18, 2023, 02:19:51 PM »
120 dBSPL at the microphone's location?

Offline heva

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #107 on: October 19, 2023, 02:55:43 AM »
Yes, unscientific measurement :-) short distance from a speaker with 1kHz
Official specs state 112dB max spl, but not where it’s measured
« Last Edit: October 19, 2023, 02:59:25 AM by heva »

Offline DMLiveWiki

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #108 on: October 29, 2023, 09:08:12 AM »
What would have been the level in db at depeche mode?
A simple test I ran showed me the headset could take some 120dB of 1kHz at ‘reduce level’.
I do not have an exact measurement, but the level was at least 100dB since my Apple Watch notified me of the high decibel levels with that figure. SPLs must have been pretty high because even in Miami with SP-CMC-2 (AT831) and 12v battery box, bass was slightly distorted on my recording. Another Depeche Mode recording made with AT943s and a SP-SPSB-1 (9v) battery box also ended up with distorted bass: https://dmlive.wiki/wiki/2023-06-17_Twickenham_Stadium,_London,_England,_UK/Source_1

It seems that each Depeche Mode concert on this tour has extremely heavy bass; the taper of Amsterdam also commented on the bass heaviness, and fortunately their equipment was able to withstand it without distorting. https://dmlive.wiki/wiki/2023-05-16_Ziggo_Dome,_Amsterdam,_The_Netherlands/Source_1

I decided to return the Ambeo headset to the place of purchase.
Archivist and curator of the Depeche Mode Live Wiki

Offline detroit lightning

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #109 on: January 27, 2024, 11:53:06 AM »
Ordered a pair for $50 to give them a shot…

Any advice on use / settings / etc?

Seems like the biggest concern is high SPL shows?

Offline Niels

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #110 on: January 27, 2024, 12:17:52 PM »
Ordered a pair for $50 to give them a shot…

Any advice on use / settings / etc?

There are only two setting; normal and high. For amplified concerts you set it to high in the app and let the apogee AD unit do the rest.
Remember there is a free Apogee MetaRecorder included. You just need to have the headset to get the license (but it can be used with anything after that).
Roland R-07 -> FEL Communications Clippy EM172 Omnis or pair of RØDE Lavaliers.
iPhone 14 -> Shure MV88 or Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset

Offline detroit lightning

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #111 on: January 27, 2024, 02:24:51 PM »
Nice, I already have that app from prior iPhone recording methods...looking forward to giving it a go.

I don't really do anything that loud these days, so hoping it's limitations aren't really an issue for me.

What's the experience of wearing these during a show, in terms of sound quality? I typically wear earplugs for anything kind of loud...wondering if these might do enough to replace them in some instances.

Either way, if they don't work out...I can live with a $50 experiment.

Offline heva

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Re: Sennheiser AMBEO SMART HEADSET
« Reply #112 on: January 28, 2024, 11:46:24 AM »
For classical music you also almost always need ‘reduced level’.
Forgot it once, got away with it by 1db …

 

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