PSB is now shipping the new M4U 8 wireless over-the-ear headphones, a follow-up to the popular M4U 2 wired headphones. The new model features Active Noise Cancellation and can be played in three different modes: active with ANC, active only, and passive. Bluetooth with aptX HD is available for a high-quality wireless listening experience, and the headphones come with rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries, with a stated run time of 15 hours per charge. Voiced by PSB Founder and Chief Designer Paul Barton at Canada's National Research Council, the M4U 8 ($399) is a closed-back design with 40mm dynamic drivers.

From PSB
PSB Speakers has introduced the M4U 8, a wireless Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphone with Tri-Mode operation and the company's exclusive RoomFeel technology. The M4U 8 is PSB's first wireless headphone and the company's most advanced design to date--a much-anticipated encore to the best-selling M4U 2 launched in 2012. The PSB M4U 8 is targeted for the performance-minded music lover on-the-go and is shipping immediately at an affordable MSRP of $399.

PSB M4U 8
The M4U 8 employs Tri-Mode operation, which means the headphone has three ways in which music lovers can enjoy their music while on the go. Active with ANC mode is recommended for music listening where ambient noise could interfere with the enjoyment of music, while Active Only mode is recommended for music listening where ambient noise is not an issue. Both of these modes rely on the two rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries included with the headphone, designed so the music lover can swap out depleted batteries for freshly charged ones, including regular AAA batteries. Listen all day and all night with up to 15 hours of run time in Bluetooth or Active modes. Unlike some headphones with ANC, the M4U 8 can be operated passively when battery power has been depleted or by those preferring to use an external amplification device. The three modes are easily changed with a toggle switch located on the right ear cup.

The M4U 8 features PSB's exclusive RoomFeel technology. Used in all prior PSB headphones, RoomFeel makes music sound more natural by considering the effects of the room on music playback. Almost all recorded music is monitored using direct radiating loudspeakers to determine the acoustic balance for the final mix. RoomFeel scientifically takes into account the "room gain" that occurs when playing direct radiator loudspeakers in a room. The result is a much richer and more natural listening experience. Utilizing the DSP capabilities of the M4U 8's Bluetooth chipset, the implementation of RoomFeel featured in the M4U 8 headphone is the most advanced yet. Music lovers will love the freedom of wireless headphones with the performance of high-end loudspeakers in an acoustically optimized room.

The M4U 8 features aptX HD enabling 24-bit music quality over a Bluetooth wireless connection. There are also two different wired modes of operation: 3.5mm wired connection or via USB from the computer that also recharges the batteries. Enjoy the convenience of wireless operation while on the road, at the office or around the house.

Particular attention on comfort and ergonomics has been placed in the design of the M4U 8. The first thing one notices, at less than 13 ounces (362g), is the relative light weight for a full-size, active headphone. The unique two-way adjustable ear pads are gyro-suspended to conform to the user's head. The softness of the ear pads adds to sublime comfort and allows the M4U 8 to be enjoyed for hours on end. The expandable headband offers a wide range of adjustment for a personalized fit.

The M4U 8 folds easily and is supplied with a rugged travel case and connection accessories for travel and storage. Tangle-free cords are supplied for wired connection and for USB connection to a computer. The headphone also can be paired to most smartphones and used for phone conversations. A "listen through mode" allows the user to momentarily listen to the outside world as well as have the ability to answer a connected phone. Two built-in, hands-free mics provide enhanced clarity.

Like all PSB speakers and headphones, final voicing is performed by Founder and Chief Designer Paul Barton at Canada's famed National Research Council. PSB's research has discovered how listener preferences can be integrated into a wide range of speaker designs for many different applications, yet all featuring consistent sound quality that is natural and lifelike.

"Personal audio has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and, with that, the technology and performance of headphones have also made great strides," noted Paul Barton. "With the M4U 8, I wanted to create a complete headphone that sounded superb in virtually any environment or application. We placed special attention on its ergonomics so that the user can enjoy listening comfortably for hours on end. I'm confident that anyone who has enjoyed our previous headphones will find the M4U 8 to be a substantial improvement in every respect, with the added convenience of wireless."

Key Features of the PSB M4U 8:
• PSB's most advanced headphone to date
• Tri-Mode operation: Active with ANC, Active Only and Passive Modes
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with four adaptive mics
• Wireless Bluetooth with aptX HD
• Exclusive RoomFeel technology for rich, natural sound
• Improved comfort and ergonomics for enjoyment hours on end
• Travel Ready with travel case and connection accessories
• Design and final voicing performed by Paul Barton at Canada's famed NRC

Additional Resources
• Visit the PSB website for more product information.
• PSB SubSeries 450 Subwoofer Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.