Page 3 - Subjective Audio Analysis
Reviewing audio devices require extensively trained ears, lots of experience, and sufficient technical knowledge. Even for the experienced auditioner, it may prove challenging at times to obtain an accurate evaluation of a product without a thoroughly familiar product to use as a simultaneous reference. Furthermore, many self-proclaimed audiophiles are susceptible to biased write-ups due to placebo effects from false advertising. While I am not going to even try to claim that I am the only trustworthy or best evaluator for sound, it is fact that most computer review sites have editors who are insufficiently trained in reviewing audio equipment. Give them practically anything and all you will read about goes along the line of "good bass, nice midrange, awesome treble, really clear sound, 10/10". While there are many knowledgeable audio reviewers at various respected online media outlets, they are by far the minority.
As I have mentioned in my past audio reviews, there are really no true objective measurements for sound quality. As the evaluator, however, I will put it through a series of subjective tests to try to come up with the most objective rating possible. Yes, it sounds like a paradox. For all tests, I used a Google Pixel 3a XL. This is a device that requires no introduction, but it supports Sony's LDAC, Qualcomm aptX HD, and AAC.
After over 50 hours of break-in time -- well above typical required time -- I put the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless to the tests. All test tracks are high-quality CD-equivalent files. All of the auditioning results were based on having active noise canceling on. It seemed these earphones were designed and tuned with ANC on, as having ANC on did not negatively affect or unintentionally distort the sound. Turning ANC on, however, will increase the bass, as with pretty much all ANC headphones.
At the bottom, I found the bass of the ComfoBuds Mini to be adequate but not necessarily driving. As the Mini earbuds generally create a good seal, I heard an average amount of oomph and groove. The bass that was present was generally rounded, but it lacked the punchiness that one might expect. It sounded generally smooth, well-rounded, and without any notable dips. With ANC active, the bass was more boosted in its full range, which is the expected behavior.
In the middle, the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless were generally good, although it felt diminished compared to the bass and trebles. Instruments like pianos and guitars sounded clean and clear, while vocals were mostly wet and warm. However, there were some details missing in some areas, making for a less than natural sound. Acoustic instruments also lacked the natural resonance that you might like.
Moving to the trebles, the sound here was sharp and clean. High-hats were reproduced with brightness, while instruments like violins were clean without being too clashy. It was quite clear in this region. As a whole, the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless followed a slight-V curve. This meant we had a slightly more upfront bass and treble, at least in comparison to the midrange. This should make them attractive to the general listener with its fun-sounding curve.
When it comes to soundstaging and imaging, I found the audio image produced by the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless to be a bit lacking. While we were offered a good amount of width, everything sounded like it was coming from inside the earphones, which made the whole image feel lacking in depth. Everything felt quite narrow and close together, even if they were separated directionally. This was the case regardless if active noise cancellation was on or not. While this was in part due to the physical limitations of the 7mm driver, I felt like there could still have been improvements in this area.
As for layering and frequency separation, there was generally a good amount of detail and precision in the range, but there were also some dips in various frequencies in the midrange. However, I also found that when there were too many layers, the earphones had difficulty in producing clean and separate sounds, as they all sort of blended together, which lead to a loss of detail. Overall, there were distinct layers of sound between the frequency ranges while keeping the experience still relatively cohesive. I think the sound overall was also generally quite clean.
In terms of sound isolation, I found the 1MORE ComfoBuds to fit snugly in my ears to create a good seal. Passively, these earphones worked well to keep sound out. The fit of the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless were quite comfortable, as they were both light and small. The multiple eartips also helped in this regard. I also preferred them over previous ComfoBuds for their concealed look when I had them in my ears. As for its active noise cancellation, the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless performed admirably. I did not notice as much of a vacuum-like feel that I have experienced with other ANC earphones. External noises like wind and constant whirring from computer fans were easily removed. I would say the ANC is not as strong as some others I have tried, but it is still respectable for its size. The passthrough mode also worked effectively in helping me hear both my music and surrounding environment when necessary.
For microphone testing, I recorded myself twice, first indoors and second outdoors. This would give a better idea of how the microphone performs in both ideal and less-ideal environments. Inside, the microphone was slightly muffled, but worked well enough to pick up my voice. Spoken words were clear and distinguishable. Moving outside, there was a light breeze in the air when I was recording. It had also just snowed where I am, so you can hear my footsteps crunching the snow beneath. Unfortunately, the wind did affect my voice being picked up, even with the small amount that was present. This is noticeable in the latter portion of the recording as my voice was garbled by the wind.
In terms of its wireless capabilities, the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless was pretty impressive given its size and battery capacity. In testing, I was able to get 5.5 and 6.5 hours at 50% volume with active noise cancellation turned on and off, respectively, before needing a recharge. I was able to get approximately three more total charges in before needing to charge the whole package, which translates into around 22 and 26 hours of use in the same order. These numbers are both better than the quoted battery life, which is great to see. Charging the entire unit took around 90 minutes, which is as expected. Wireless range was good, as I was able to maintain a consistent connection up to 30m away with direct line of sight until I started hearing the music drop. In terms of delay, it was not as noticeable when watching videos, but those gaming will feel it.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Subjective Audio Analysis
4. Conclusion
