Few companies have disrupted as many markets as Dyson. From the introduction of the first bagless cyclone vacuum cleaner to innovative fans and advanced hair stylers, the British engineering company is renowned for its groundbreaking technology and distinctive design.
Now, Dyson aims to shake up the wireless headphone market. With plans to enter this highly competitive sector, Dyson leverages its engineering expertise and unique design flair.
The company claims its new OnTrac headphones deliver best-in-class active noise-cancellation, utilizing technology that samples sounds 384,000 times per second and reduces unwanted noise by up to 40dB with the help of eight sound-sampling microphones. The MyDyson smartphone app provides real-time tracking and reporting of external sounds.
In addition to active noise-cancellation, Dyson’s new headphones will provide enhanced sound coverage with a frequency range of 6Hz to 21kHz. They will support SBC, AAC, and LDAC audio codecs, although they will not support Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound or the aptX Lossless family of codecs.
The OnTrac headphones feature two built-in lithium-ion batteries, each with a capacity of 2,540mAh. Fully charging the batteries takes a couple of hours and offers up to 55 hours of listening time with ANC activated. Dyson asserts that this should be sufficient for a couple of weeks of use before needing a recharge.
As anticipated from Dyson, the OnTrac headphones boast distinctive styling with over 2,000 customizable color combinations, thanks to interchangeable outer cap covers and ear cushions. The ear cushions are crafted from ultra-soft microfiber material and high-grade foam, ensuring a comfortable fit and improved acoustic seal.
Jake Dyson, the company’s chief engineer, stated: “Dyson’s goal in audio engineering is to maintain the artist’s sound wave integrity without interference. We aimed to design headphones that people would value, be excited about, and take pride in.
“With over 30 years of experience in aeroacoustics, we’ve perfected sound physics. By minimizing noise using our in-house anechoic chambers and skilled engineers, we’ve extended our audio expertise to create the Dyson OnTrac headphones.
“Our first over-ear, audio-only headphones offer top-tier ANC, outstanding sound quality, and all-day comfort through unique materials, design, and customization.”
The new OnTrac headphones feature 40mm neodymium drivers and advanced audio signal processing, capable of reproducing frequencies from 6Hz to 21kHz. Dyson claims the sound includes deep sub-bass that you can feel. The speaker housing is tilted 13 degrees toward the listener’s ear for a more direct audio response.
With a single charge, the OnTrac headphones offer up to 55 hours of listening time, even with ANC turned on. The headband houses two high-capacity lithium-ion cells for even weight distribution. Users can toggle the ANC function on and off by double-tapping either ear cup.
Additionally, the headphones have multi-pivot gimbal arms to reduce pressure on the ears, and soft micro-suede ear cushions that provide an optimized clamping force for a comfortable and consistent fit across various head sizes.
Dyson’s OnTrac headphones come in four distinct colorways, each featuring a unique and durable finish designed by Jake Dyson and his CMF team. The options include CNC Aluminium, Copper, and Nickel, inspired by CNC manufacturing techniques. Additionally, there’s a Ceramic Cinnabar version with a ceramic-feel painted finish.
Users can further customize their OnTrac headphones with a variety of outer caps and ear cushions in different colors and finishes. The headphones are priced at $499.99 and will be available directly from Dyson.com. Custom outer caps, machined from high-grade aluminum and available in ceramic or anodized finishes, are priced at $49.99 each.
Technical Specifications:
Frequency response: 6Hz – 21kHz
Codecs: SBC, AAC, LHDC
Total noise cancellation: Up to 40dB
Driver: 40mm Neodymium
Microphones: 8 ANC and 1 for voice
Battery type: 2x Lithium-ion 2,540mAh
Charge port: USB-C
Runtime: Up to 55 hours with ANC on
Bluetooth: Version 5.0 LE
App: MyDyson
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
Cable: 3.5mm to USB-C
On-Product sensing: Real-time sound tracking, head detection, capacitive sensing
These headphones promise a high level of customization and cutting-edge technology for an enhanced audio experience.