108 MACWORLD SEPTEMBER 2020
PLAYLIST REVIEW: ZVOX AV50 WIRELESS NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONESFEATURES
The AV50 are relatively small and
lightweight at only 8.1 ounces, and they
can be folded into a small hard-shell case
for traveling. Single dynamic drivers utilize
neodymium magnets and achieve a
specified frequency range from 15Hz to
23kHz (±4dB).
Bluetooth 4.1 provides wireless
connectivity using the aptX, AAC, and SBC
codecs as well as A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and
HSP profiles. It also comes with a 3.5mm
cable for a wired connection.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
generates sound that is 180 degrees out
of phase with ambient sound picked up by
two onboard microphones, mixing both
signals to reduce the level of the ambient
sound by means of phase-inverted
cancellation. Unlike other ANC
headphones, the AV50 must be fully
powered on to activate its noise
cancellation. I prefer having the option to
engage ANC without powering Bluetooth
to enjoy some peace and quiet without
audio while drawing less power from the
battery. To extend the battery life, you can
listen to audio without ANC.
The feature aimed specifically at older
users is called AccuVoice, which works in
conjunction with ANC. It purports to
enhance voices while reducing unwanted
noise, so you understand dialog better
without having to turn up the volume.
Specifically, it gently raises the level and
compresses the dynamics of frequencies
from 500Hz to
3,000Hz. This is the
frequency range of
speech consonants,
which are critical for
intelligibility.
Unfortunately, you
can’t engage ANC
without AccuVoice; I
wish that was an
option.
Like virtually
all Bluetooth
headphones, the
AV50 can be used
with a mobile phoneThe AccuVoice feature is designed for older folks who might have
trouble with vocal intelligibility.