3Dfx had contributed significantly to the 3D boom with its Voodoo Graphics accelerators and the Glide interface. Retro fans are enthusiastic to this day.
3Dfx and the triumphant advance of 3D: A look back at the time of Voodoo and Glide In the third dimension Grateful environment Views This is how you can play 3Dfx games today Article in c’t 27 / 2018 read More than 20 J ahre is now the breakthrough of 3D graphics in computer games and brought a turning point for both PC games and hardware. Because not only in retrospect it was almost magical what happened 1996 did in the games and hardware market. A small, previously unknown company was preparing to become the determining force in the gaming area on the PC within a very short time.
Their products promised to make games not only more beautiful, but also faster – By no means a matter of course in the year 1996. Most of the other 3D cards, to avoid the word “accelerator” here, mostly delivered either prettier or faster images, but not both at the same time. With some, such as the Matrox Mystique, which is popular because of its high 2D signal quality, the player had no choice at all: bilinear texture filtering was missing in the chip’s repertoire, which is why it had to be completely foregone.
Every gamer therefore wanted to have a “Monster3D” in his PC and enjoy faster and more beautiful 3D graphics. The Voodoo card from Diamond Multimedia has become a synonym for the 3Dfx cards in Germany. With around 400 D-Mark (just under 200 non-inflation-adjusted euros) the pleasure was even comparatively affordable just a few weeks after the launch . But what was it about the company 3Dfx and their voodoo graphics and what possibilities are there to relive this fascination today?
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Log in and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + 3Dfx and the triumphant advance of 3D: A look back at the time of Voodoo and Glide In the third dimension Grateful environment Views This is how you can play 3Dfx games today Article in c’t 27 / 2018 read
The digitization of slides is often tedious. It’s quick with this combination of modified slide projector and digital camera, which is automated by Rasp Pi.
Most of them have probably not made new slide recordings for a long time, but many still have hundreds or even thousands of photos slumbering in storage rooms – often with valuable memories. The problem: The digitization of slide recordings at companies is not really cheap, especially with large quantities. Slide scanners that you can buy work like conventional scanners, you can’t process more than a few slides at once, so the time required is extremely high. This leaves only a DIY solution: a slide projector with an upstream camera and central control by a Raspberry Pi Zero. The whole thing is built up more functionally and with minimal effort, because usually you only digitize your slide archive once and then you can dismantle the structure again.
If you have large quantities of slide recordings at home , usually also has the associated projector. This actually works according to a simple principle: the slide recording is illuminated by a strong light source and the resulting image is projected onto a screen. Instead of a screen, a self-made slide scanner requires a camera with a macro lens or at least a lens with a large focal length and extension rings or a macro adapter, which has a similar magnifying effect. You can find more information in the article “Alternative optics for the ESP 32 – CAM “.
A macro adapter can be a conventional Turn telephoto lens into a limited macro lens – this is definitely sufficient for the DIY slide scanner.
The image that would actually be projected is illuminated from behind by the projector lamp and can easily be taken as a digital photo with the camera and post-processed if necessary. So that the entire image can be recorded as fully as possible, the lens of the camera must of course be enlarged enough and close enough to the projector, as is the case with macro shots.
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Under the motto “Teaching easier with understandable projects”, Make is launching a new offer aimed at teachers of MINT subjects. On our new website “Make Education” we are now making 5 free PDF articles available for download every month. The PDFs are selected articles from previous Make editions and contain projects that can be thematically well integrated into STEM lessons or in projects or project weeks.
It starts with articles for building a spectroscope from household resources, power generation with piezo and Peltier elements, a holographic microscope made of 3D printed parts and a Pi as well as magnetism experiments with ferrofluids.
In contrast to conventional MINT teaching materials offer many articles of the make content with current techniques and everyday relationships of the students such as smartphone, internet, social media, IoT, WLAN, 3D printing, sound, light, gaming, e-mobility, robotics, AI, etc.
The advantages of project-based learning lie in the effect of active action for a better learning process. Learning by doing, learning from experience promotes understanding of the topic instead of just accumulating knowledge about it. The learning process is experienced as a positive experience. The more successful and satisfied the students, the better and easier it is for the teachers.
In order to be able to download the PDFs for free, a one-time registration is required. A monthly newsletter informs you about new articles and in which subjects and age groups they fit.
In addition, Make is looking for committed teachers who want to h
(Pocket-lint) – The Echo Dot has been one of Amazon’s most successful devices. Thanks to a combination of low price and high practicality, many people have Echo Dots scattered around their home, providing a link to Alexa voice control and a whole lot more.
There’s a change in 2020, however, that sees the Echo Dot take on a new form. Is this fourth-generation version the Echo Dot we know and love, or is this now a whole other thing?
Design
Finishes: Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue
Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 89mm / Weight: 328g
Spherical design
The big change for the Echo Dot is a shift to a spherical design, so it’s like a little ball. It’s mostly covered in fabric – like previous Echo devices – but now there’s no hard plastic top – just raised buttons for those familiar controls of volume, privacy and the action button.
Pocket-lint
The whole surface isn’t covered in fabric though. There’s a distinct back and front to this device, with the power and 3.5mm connections in the rear, with a plastic base sloping diagonally and encapsulating this rear plugged area.
Those controls aren’t exactly on the top either, they are positioned slightly towards the rear, so they are visible when you look down on the Dot, but if you’re looking at it across the room on a shelf, they’re out of your eyeline, which is a tidy bit of design.
The Echo Dot has been growing in both size and stature over its lifetime. From the original,which was a hard plastic puck, to the expanded fabric wrapped puck, to this new sphere. Although it’s now taller, the footprint essentially stays the same – well, ok, so the older Echo Dot is a millimetre less in diameter, but you’d never know.
But there’s a big perceptual difference. Older Echo Dots have all been discreet, the sort of thing you could slip onto a shelf for convenience. That was certainly the original premise, because the first-gen Echo Dot wasn’t great as a speaker, but was great for adding Alexa to a room or to an existing set of speakers.
Pocket-lint
The revised third-gen version – which remains on sale from Amazon – boosted the sound quality considerably. It was better as a speaker in its own right, which leads up to the latest generation of Echo Dot. It now feels like a mini speaker, rather than an extension of the Alexa ecosystem in your home.
Echo Dot fourth-gen vs Echo Dot third-gen: What’s the difference?
That’s likely driven by that fact that many people didn’t buy the Echo and just opted for the Dot instead. Fortunately, the new Echo Dot will better fulfil that need, but we can’t help feeling that the change is mostly driven by design fatigue, so that it looks new and exciting, to invigorate the Dot market again.
There’s also been a change in the location of Alexa’s light ring. This will show you that Alexa is listening, or light up to tell you there’s a notification, or to show that the Dot is in privacy mode, i.e. not listening.
The light ring is now on the bottom – and we actually like the change, as it illuminates the surface it’s sitting on. That obviously works best on lighter surfaces where that blue pops a little more.
Sound and performance
1.6-inch speaker
3.5mm output
With a new design, the Echo Dot is different acoustically too. The previous generation, with a flat design, essentially had a single speaker that fired downwards. The new Echo Dot has the same single 1.6-inch speaker, but now it fires diagonally upwards.
Amazon
Having a larger enclosure means the speaker has more space and the design is better optimised for sound than it was before. There’s noticeably less vibration at higher volumes, for example. Side-by-side the old Echo Dot sends more vibration through its base than the new model does and that’s evident through to higher volumes, where the new Echo Dot is much clearer and less distorted.
The sound difference isn’t huge; the third-gen Echo Dot was a great performer for its size and at lower volumes, there’s little really difference between the two – not enough to warrant replacing third-gen Dots with the new fourth-gen.
But that changes as the volume increases, as the fourth-gen Echo Dot performs better once it’s louder. You might be able to get away with using a single Echo Dot as a kitchen speaker, for example, but we’d still rather take a full-sized Echo, which is a step above in terms of sound performance – especially if it’s going to be a regular for music playback.
Pocket-lint
The Echo Dot retains the ability to stereo pair or group, which is a great option, so if you have two Echo Dots on your desk, for example, it’s a great solution for a bedroom or office where big volume isn’t always going to be necessary.
You can change the sound to your preference via the Alexa app, with sliders for bass, mids and treble.
Alexa and voice controls
Alexa app setup
Full voice control
Smart home controls
The Echo Dot connects to Wi-Fi and is setup via the Alexa app on your phone. It’s a simple process as all you have to do is open the app, enter the devices tab and hit the ‘+’ button. Your Echo Dot will be found and then you’ll be asked a couple of questions, such as being able to allocate it to a room in a particular location.
These location elements are designed to ensure that the Echo Dot knows what else is around it. For example, if you put it in your office where you also have some Alexa-compatible smart lights, you’ll be able to say “Alexa, turn on the lights” and it’ll know that you’re talking about the lights in that specific room.
Pocket-lint
There’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi support and we found the connection to be good with no problems hooking up to our home network and solid performance thereafter.
The voice response from the fourth-gen Echo Dot also appears to be slightly better than the older Echo Dot third-gen, which sometimes would be a little unresponsive at higher volumes.
Otherwise, the feature set of the new Echo Dot is very much the same as the previous generation and of all other Echo devices. Once you’re signed into your device via the Alexa app, it will know who you are and be able to use any Skills you have enabled via the Alexa app.
4 top cameras to get you started on your home security journey (promo)
This will give you voice control over a huge range of smart home devices, which is how many people use their Echo devices. That might be enabling cameras, turning on lighting, changing the heating, or switching on plugs.
Pocket-lint
Alexa continues to provide information on command, basically able to answer any question you throw at it, although we’d say that Google Assistant is occasionally a little smarter, able to give a slightly better response. Once thing we would caveat that with it that Alexa sounds better – Google Assistant’s audio often comes with a hiss (something you can hear on devices like the Nest Audio), but Alexa seems clearer to us.
When it comes to music, Alexa supports a wide range of music services, from Amazon’s own offering, through Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, TuneIn, BBC Sounds, and much more.
Verdict
The fourth-gen Amazon Echo Dot, freshly redesigned for 2020, boosts the performance of the range by a small degree, while offering a change – something slightly different for those who haven’t been tempted by the Echo Dot in the past. But the feature set is so close that there’s little need to move to this newer device if you already have a third-gen Dot.
Where the 2020 Echo Dot is likely to find favour is with those who want a compact speaker for a small space. Acoustically, it’s now better suited than previous Echo Dot devices, so functions better as a standalone speaker for music. It’s not so much the Echo Dot any more – it’s more of an ‘Echo Mini’.
The Echo Dot with Clock is ultimately a little more interesting – as a bedside option – but the new Echo Dot retains that appeal as a compact speaker offering access to one of the best smart assistant ecosystems on the market.
Alternatives to consider
Pocket-lint
Echo Dot third-gen
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The third-gen Echo Dot is a classic. It looks good, it’s compact – and just as smart as the fourth-gen model, even if it’s not as ambitious when it comes to sound quality. You’re also likely to find it for less money.
Read our review
Pocket-lint
Google Nest Mini
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A different system with Google Assistant instead, the Nest Mini is compact, has reasonable sound quality, and is just as smart as the Echo Dot – but in some cases, Google Assistant gives better responses.
4 top cameras to get you started on your home security journey (promo)
Testing Tests overview Smartphone Pixel 5 in the test: Google just does it better Elephone U5 in the test: It’s that good Cheap phone from China The most popular China smartphones 2020 Xiaomi Mi 10 T Pro in the test: 144 – Hz display and great camera Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC in the test: 115 Hz and the best camera Motorola Moto G9 Play in the test: A lot of power for little money The best monthly cancelable tariffs in September 2019 Smartwatch Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro in the test: Smartwatch with cross-country battery Apple Watch: Smartwatch with contract from 15 € per month Buy Apple Watch 6: All generations in the price check Skagen Falster 3 in the test: Smartwatch with Wear OS Test Huawei Watch GT 2: Noble Fitness tracker in watch form Huawei Watch GT in the test: record-breaking battery life Skagen Falster 2 in the test: good design and a weak point Multiroom Bose Portable Home Speaker in the test: battery, WLAN, Airplay 2 Sonos Move in the test: The robust all-rounder Musiccast: Multiroom from Yamaha in the test Denon Heos in the test: versatile multiroom system Flat soundbar Teufel Sounddeck Streaming in the test Teufel Raumfeld in the test: rich multiroom sound Technisat Digitradio 580 in the test: The gray all-rounder Keyfinder Tile Slim (2019): Key finder in credit card format Bluetooth key finder Tile Pro in the test: 122 m range! Key finder Tile Pro in the test: the range champion Orbit Bluetooth- Tracker in the test: looking for wallet and keys Nonda iHere 3.0: smart keyfinder in the test Chipolo Classic and P lus: Bluetooth key finder in the test Musegear finder 2: Key finder without mandatory registration Action-Cam Actioncam Insta 360 One R: 1-inch image sensor in the test Gopro Hero 8 Black in the test: Back to the top Insta 360 One R in the test: The modular action cam Motorola Moto G8 Plus review: Great smartphone, but … Insta 360 Go: Micro-GoPro in the test Motorola One Action Test: good hardware, bad camera Actioncam DJI Osmo Action in the test: The better Gopro microSD In the test: Kingston UHS-I U3 microSDXC Kit MicroSD card for smartphone: Samsung Evo Plus 2017 Test report: Lexar Professional 1800 x microSDXC Kit Test report: Intenso Premium microSDXC card with 64 GByte Android Sonos Move in the test: The robust one All-rounder Honor 20: Inexpensive high-end smartphone in the test Xiaomi Mi 9: Top technology at a bargain price Doogee S 90 in the test: modular outdoor smartphone ZTE Axon 10 Pro in the test: high-end phone at a competitive price Motorola Moto G7 Power in the test: big one Battery, low price Sony Xperia 10: Smartphone with 21: 9 display under test Adviser Guide overview Purchase advice Purchase advice ng: What good is a leaf blower with a battery for 45 Euro? True wireless headphones: How much do you have to invest? Purchase advice water cooling: High-end PCs cool better Adviser: air conditioning and fan against the heat wave Sony shows the Xperia 1: Is the predecessor XZ3 worth it now? Purchase advice: Current headphones with ANC to 400 Euro Purchase advice: Smartphones with dual SIM and micro SD Practice Caution, money away: Kickstarter & Co. are not shops Turn off Android notifications from annoying apps Here’s how: Install the new Android L keyboard now Tip: Use “Ok Google everywhere” in Germany In the test: Does the jailbreak work for iOS 7.1? Goderma and mobile medicine: The doctor apps are coming! Instructions: Jailbreak for iOS 7 on iPhone 5S, 5, 4S and 4 Technology Importing technology from China, part 2: Customs, taxes and tricks Drones & copters: From toys to FPV racers What does the end of an ecosystem mean? Smartphones with a flexible display: What’s the point? Smartphone processors at a glance: Everything Snapdragon? Evolutionary dead ends: the very worst cell phones mpass: Pay with the NFC mobile phone – or the NFC toilet roll Display calculator Calculate pixel density, number and display proportion Leaderboard Test winner Price comparison Price comparison overview Smartphones from Android 7.0 Phablets with stylus Fitness tracker with GPS Bluetooth headphones with ANR Drones with GPS Video TechStage Counselor Purchase advice: Curious gadgets make wallets smart Beginning pitaka Lite Wallet BT-Tracker BT wallets RFID blocker Mini cell phones Multitools Conclusion Comments (3) by Matthias // 26. 10. 2020 16: 43 Clock
Retrofitting a wallet with a battery, bluetooth tracker, USB stick, RFID protection and even a cell phone? No problem and not even expensive, as our purchase advice shows.
Probably the most popular smart feature of a wallet is an RFID protection against money or data theft. But Bluetooth trackers are also increasingly finding their way into wallets. In this buying guide, we present wallets that already have these and other functions with them. We will also show cost-effective solutions to “retrofit” RFID blockers, Bluetooth trackers, power banks, multi-tools, USB sticks or even an entire cell phone. Pitaka MacWallet UE The MacWallet UE from Pitaka is an exceptional wallet. On the one hand, it consists partly of aramid fibers, also known as Kevlar. The material is particularly robust, light, heat and cold resistant. On the other hand, the wallet is made up of several layers that hold together magnetically. Each layer uses a larger magnet as the axis, several smaller magnets can be flush or in the 45 – Open the degree angle “snap in”. So the purse either keeps closed or reveals its contents.
Pitaka MacWallet UE (9 images) The Pitaka MacWallet UE …
When opened, the buyer has access to cards or banknotes, provided he has also ordered the banknote compartment. That works surprisingly well and reliably. However, the MacWallet UE is also neat. Including the bank note, it measures 10, 3 × 7.1 × 1.6 centimeters. Despite its size, it only holds five cards and around four banknotes. In it, two metal plates protect a card from unauthorized RFID access.
Visually, in terms of its workmanship and its unusual, modular concept, the Pitaka MacWallet UE knows how to please. However, it is too big for us and does not hold enough cards. Nevertheless, it is a real eye-catcher. If you want to afford it: It costs 89 Euro, the bill compartment costs again 30 Euro.
Pitaka MacWallet UE
Pitaka MacWalle t Bill compartment
Pitaka MacWallet
€ 89, 00
free Shipping
In stock
To offer
More offers im Heise price comparison € 30, 00
Free Shipping
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More offers in the Heise price comparison € 80, 00
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More offers in the Heise price comparison Purse with flashlight Ledlenser has a wallet with a built-in flashlight in the Lite Wallet Portfolio. The flashlight offers two levels of brightness. On the first it should 10 Lumen, which corresponds roughly to the light output of a weak smartphone LED. In the second stage, the Lite Wallet supposedly manages up to 144 Lumen, which far outshines the flashlight function of a smartphone. The light distribution is largely homogeneous. It’s nice that Ledlenser not only offers charging via USB-C but also wireless Qi chargers (the best 2020) supported. The Lite Wallet offers RFID protection for the cards.
Ledlenser Lite Wallet (9 pictures) Unfortunately, the Lite Wallet has some disadvantages, which probably disqualify it for many users. On the one hand, it is comparatively large empty with the dimensions of 9.6 × 7.0 × 1.6 centimeters, especially thick and with a weight of 115 Grief right heavy. However, only five cards and a few banknotes fit in here. If you squeeze in more, you can no longer close the push button properly. There is no compartment for change.
In addition, the Ledlenser Lite Wallet is about 70 Euro very expensive. Sure, the flashlight is good and bright. However, there are even lighter ones that are also compact for a fraction of the money. They are not integrated into the wallet right away. We can still easily imagine an application. The bright LED at night could blind potential attackers and make them flee.
The Ledlenser Lite Wallet can be purchased on the manufacturer’s website.
Retrofit Bluetooth trackers and USB sticks There are simple ways to upgrade your cherished wallet with Bluetooth trackers. Bluetooth finders in credit card format such as the Tile Slim (test report) are particularly practical. It is only about three millimeters thick and still offers a decent range. Its disadvantage: the battery is permanently installed. After all, according to the manufacturer, it should last three years. The Orbit Card-Tracker (test report) also comes in credit card format and even has a rechargeable battery. We have summarized all test reports and a lot more in our key finder theme world. Including our comparison test: Twelve Bluetooth key finders.
For those who regularly save data on a USB stick and always want to carry it with them, there are solutions in credit card form. The USB stick from Aricona linked in the price comparison offers 8 GB of storage and is largely made of metal.
Tile Slim
Card tracker from Orbit
Slimpuro
Uflatek 16 GB
Uflatek 32 GB
Aneew USB flash drive in credit card design, 16 GByte
10 x 16 GB credit cards
€ 17, 99
Shipping from € 4, 00
in stock
To offer
€ 23, 73
Shipping from € 4, 99
Delivery time 5 working days
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€ 23, 73
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Immediately ran erable, 1-3 working days
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€ 23, 73
Shipping from € 3, 99
In stock
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In remote warehouse – 5-8 days delivery time
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€ 34, 11
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In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days
To the Offer
€ 34, 11
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€ 34, 11
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€ 8, 63
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€ 8, 68
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W Other offers in the Heise price comparison € 51, 85
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More offers in the Heise price comparison Wallet with integrated bluetooth finder If you don’t want an external key finder, you can take a closer look at the Smart Mini Wallet from Fixed. There is room for around eight cards and banknotes, there is no change pocket. The special feature is a compartment for a Bluetooth tracker in a classic form. This fits in there well, there is no risk of losing it. The associated app also does its job properly.
Unfortunately, the Fixed Smart Mini Wallet consists of a very thick leather, so that it already has a Bluetooth tracker and no additional content Thickness of almost 1.5 inches comes. The tracker alone makes up 0.5 millimeters of this. But there are now countless purses on the market from around 19 Euros that already integrate Bluetooth. A selection can be found here in the price comparison.
Bluetooth wallet black
Bluetooth Wallet black
Bluetooth wallet black
€ 18, 17
Shipping from € 0, 99
On Warehouse
To offer
€ 18, 19
Shipping from € 1, 99
Ready to be shipped in 2 to 3 days
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In stock
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More offers in the Heise price comparison RFID blocker Wallets without their own change pocket are enjoying growing popularity. More and more wallets are already integrating RFID protection by default. This is to prevent unauthorized persons from debiting NFC-enabled bank cards or accessing data. The c`t colleagues show how easy this works in the article “With 29 – Euro payment terminal: It’s so easy to fish contactless cards “.
Some of these wallets only cost a few cents on Amazon. However, the retailers refinance themselves through the shipping costs that are incurred for each individual product.
RFID blockers are even cheaper. Ten cases in credit card format cost here 23 Cent including shipping costs. RFID protection cards in credit card form are a bit more expensive, but still affordable. Like a bun in a burger, they cover the outer cards in the wallet and thus protect the NFC cards against data theft. We find slots for wallets without their own change pocket that have space for bid a few coins. The Xcase Coin Case is not very cheap at just under 4 euros, but is made of metal. This makes it particularly robust and at the same time protects the cards behind it from unauthorized RFID access.
Osyard RFID wallet
Winkey RFID wallet
Dakerta RFID wallet
MNRIUOCII RFID wallet
09 x RFID blocker
10 x RFID blocker
Xcase Coin Case
In stock
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Further Offers in Heise price comparison In stock
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More offers in the Heise price comparison Mini cell phones and power banks Warning, now it’s getting wild: If you like, you can even have a fully functional Carry a credit card-shaped cell phone with you The cell phones are suitable for little more than making calls or sending and receiving SMS. For this they are with a price from 30 Euro very cheap and with a thickness of 5 millimeters are comparatively little bulky. An interesting alternative as an emergency mobile phone. What else is there in this area, we have contribution purchase advice: Emergency cell phones to 20 euros combined.
Power banks are without question very practical. After all, there is hardly anything more annoying than when the battery of your smartphone or Bluetooth headphones runs out of power at the wrong time. But what use is the best power bank if it is not at hand at the crucial moment? Battery packs that fit in a wallet can help here.
The Revolt Powerbank Mini offers a capacity of 2500 mAh. That is enough to charge the empty battery of most smartphones by around half. Practical for older smartphones and many gadgets: A micro USB plug is permanently attached to the power bank. Similar to an RFID blocker, the NFC cards behind it are protected from data or money being tapped. However, it has one major disadvantage: it is slightly larger than a normal exercise card and therefore does not fit into some wallets.
If you want, you can buy a wallet with an integrated power bank. These are not even expensive, as the Xcase protective cover shows. It integrates a 2500 – mAh -Powerbank and also has five compartments for cards or banknotes, which are also protected against unauthorized RFID access.
Simvalley Mobile Card Cell Phone
Revolt Powerbank Mini
Credit card power bank
Ultron Powerbank PB – 2500 Slim
Xcase protective cover
€ 26, 79
Shipping from € 1, 95
Usually ready for dispatch in 3 to 4 days
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€ 29 , 58
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Other offers in the Heise price comparison Multitools Not smart, but practical, are multifunctional tools in credit card form. The classic here comes from Victorinox. The Swisscard Classic offers, among other things, scissors, a knife, a pen and tweezers. It is 4.5 millimeters thin. The Infactory multifunctional tool is a little thicker at 6 millimeters. There is real nail scissors, an LED light, a can opener and a lot more space. The multi-purpose survival tool offers a similar range of functions. There is also a steel card that can be used as a saw, hexagon screwdriver, bottle opener and much more. This card can also be bought individually, for example the Huntington Survival Card. If you only need a knife, you can take a look at the high-quality Walther credit card knife.
The SIM card adapter from Pearl is interesting for everyone who changes SIM cards frequently and needs the appropriate adapter. It offers space for up to six different SIM cards and also comes with a micro SD card reader for micro USB and USB-A.
Victorinox SwissCard Classic
Multipurpose Survival Tool
Walther credit card knife
PEARL SIM card adapter
Huntington Survival Card
€ 15, 46
Shipping from € 4, 00
In stock
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€ 20, 98
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More offers in the Heise price comparison Advertisement: Victorinox SwissCard Classic pocket knife at buy galaxus € 25, 88
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Other offers in the Heise price comparison Conclusion One of the most popular modern features of a wallet is RFID protection against digital theft. If you want that, you don’t have to buy a new wallet for it – there is appropriate protection for a few cents. But the Bluetooth trackers, which are very practical in everyday life, also fit in every wallet. Whoever wants, gets from 20 Euro wallets that have already integrated a Bluetooth finder.
The bird shoots the tiny emergency cell phones, which also fit in every purse and remain ready for use for many weeks when switched off. The devices cost well below 20 Euro.
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Best USB Turntable Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best USB turntables you can buy in 2020.
Fact one: your vinyl collection is both valuable and vulnerable. Fact two: it has been handed down to you, at least in part, and lovingly added to over the years following many hours of crate rummaging. This leads us directly on to fact three: replacing it would be nigh-on-impossible. That’s why preserving your tangible collection in the form of digital files is a good idea. Can you imagine hunting down your unique stash of records – complete with the distinct sonic nuances from each particular press – on streaming sites? No. Neither can we. Enter then, the USB turntable. The models here mentioned not only offer the option of ripping your records for digital safe-keeping, they sound great for the price, too.
MORE: Best record players 2020: best turntables for every budget
1. Sony PS-HX500
This brilliant USB turntable combines useful features and excellent sound.
SPECIFICATIONS
Hi-res vinyl ripping | Belt drive | 33.33/45rpm
Reasons to Buy
Simple set-up
Lively and transparent sound
Big, spacious soundstage
Reasons to Avoid
Doesn’t look all that special
Record-ripping turntables have been around for a while, but the Sony PS-HX500 can record up to DSD 5.6. Ergo, Sony calls it a ‘hi-res turntable’, so it’s not surprising that one of the first things we notice when lifting the Sony from its box is the bright yellow hi-res audio logo, sitting loud and proud on the plinth’s front-facing edge.
While the ripping feature hardly seems necessary to keep vinyl’s resurgence in full swing, it does mean that those buying their favourite LPs won’t also have to head to a download site to get it in glorious high-resolution for their smartphone or portable music player here.
Invariably, some will jump at the chance to digitise their collection while others will be less bothered. If you belong to the second group, however, you’ll be interested to know that elsewhere the PS-HX500 behaves and looks very much like a typical turntable. A five-star What Hi-Fi? Award winner.
Read the full review: Sony PS-HX500
2. Audio Technica AT-LP5
A feature-packed USB turntable with plenty going for it.
SPECIFICATIONS
USB recording | Moving magnet phono stage | 33.33/45rpm
Reasons to Buy
Loads of detail
Expressive rhythmically and dynamically
Feature list
The attention to detail filled us with confidence before we even got around to listening to Audio Technica’s AT-LP5 turntable. Before laying that first record on its rubber-compound-crowned die-cast aluminium platter, we were expectant – and it didn’t disappoint.
There’s the AT95EX cartridge, exclusively designed for this turntable and fitted to an AT-HS10 head shell for what Audio-Technica claims is a perfect balance for its tone arm.
More than all this though, it’ll equip you with extra technology that for many people will prove extremely useful. Audio Technica’s deck has nailed down what matters here – this is a turntable that is both a pleasure to use and to listen to.
Read the full review: Audio Technica AT-LP5
3. Lenco L-85
One of the best budget plug-and-play USB turntables we’ve come across.
SPECIFICATIONS
Built-in phono stage | USB recording | Semi-automatic
Reasons to Buy
Decent, enjoyable sound for the money
User friendly
Appealing price and features
Reasons to Avoid
Rivals offer subtler, more dynamic and accurate sound
This is a semi-automatic, belt-driven turntable with a built-in phono stage. It even supports USB recording. And it costs around about £100. The Lenco L-85 is designed to be as user-friendly as possible – and it succeeds. Everything comes pre-fitted, including the moving-magnet cartridge, and there’s no need to set the counterweight, adjust the bias, or weigh anything.
The only adjustment you have to make is to reset the auto-return motion. Move the arm right to the end of the record and let go: it will calibrate itself and return to its armrest in one smooth motion.
There’s no need for special audio software or tricky laptop hook-ups – just plug a memory stick into the front panel’s USB port, hit the record button when you’re ready, and voila – you have an MP3 version of your vinyl record that you can play on your laptop or copy onto your smartphone. It’ll only record as MP3 files, but remember this is a £120 turntable – it would be unrealistic to expect hi-res FLAC files from it.
Read the full review: Lenco L-85
4. Dual MTR-75
A likeable USB turntable that’s fun to use.
SPECIFICATIONS
33⅓ and 45 rpm | Fully automatic operation | Moving magnet (MM) phono stage built in
Reasons to Buy
Enjoyable sound
Fully automatic operation
Built-in phono stage
Reasons to Avoid
Needs greater subtlety, rhythmic precision
Build quality could be better
One of the Dual MTR-75’s best features is that it’s fully automatic in operation. Press the start button on the turntable and the tonearm lifts, positions and lowers itself onto the record by itself.
Also topping the features list is the built-in moving magnet phono stage, so you can plug the MTR-75 straight into a pair of powered speakers. There’s a pair of switchable line level outputs available if you prefer using an external phono stage or the one built into your amplifier.
Dual also provides buttons to select between two speeds (33.3 and 45 rpm) and a toggle switch for choosing between 7in and 12in records.
Other features include that USB type B output for ripping records into digital files. It works smoothly; the recorded digital files sound a touch thin, but they have the same upbeat character as the turntable itself.
Read the full review: Dual MTR-75
5. Audio Technica AT-LP60-USB
Articulate sound plus ease of use make this a great entry-level USB turntable.
SPECIFICATIONS
33 and 45rpm | Vinyl ripping | Replaceable stylus
Reasons to Buy
A clear, balanced and articulate listen
Rips records to digital files
Easy operation
Reasons to Avoid
Sound could do with more solidity
Its plastic chassis, available in silver or black, wears a shiny, tasteful finish, and the streamline tonearm mechanics and hood fixings mean that, at a quick glance, Audio Technica’s AT-LP60-USB deck could pass for a model worth twice the price.
A little DIY is involved in terms of setup – the die-cast aluminium platter needs positioning and the belt attaching (no tonearm adjustment is required) – but it’s not arduous enough to put off even the most clueless novice.
However, once up and running, operation is as effortless as using a CD player and recording from vinyl is a simple process too. Files can be ripped as 16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz WAVs by connecting your PC or laptop to the turntable’s USB type B output, then using the supplied Audacity software to process them.
Wireless earbuds have been dire in recent years have become popular because of the convenience and often the quality they offer. Personally, I’m still stuck with wired earpieces, but I’m starting to appreciate the whole concept more and more â ???? Â and there these Belkin Soundform True Wireless are partly responsible for.
The Soundform True Wireless has a price tag of approximately 60 euro. What do you get for that? Well let me tell you Belkin hasn’t been holding back …
This is how you get two earphones with Bluetooth 5.0, AAC and SBC audio codec â ???? AAC is automatically selected if possible – which lasts for 5 hours on their own battery, and if you put them in the sturdy supplied case between listening, it will add about 20 hours at. When the battery in the case is empty, which you can see from the white LEDs on top, charging is easy with a Micro USB cable. The Soundform TW comes with 3 different sizes of silicone caps to make sure everyone can use them comfortably. However, it is good to know that you can also use your own caps as they use the same attachment system as approx. 99 percent of the market.
In addition to comfort and a good fit, they also offer a moisture-repellent rating in the form of IP5X . That is very pleasant for the people who get quite moist during sports like the undersigned.
Operation Of course they wouldn’t be wireless earbuds if they didn’t also have the necessary control functionality on board. So you can do everything by simply touching them; by touching them once to the right or left you can increase or decrease the music, with 2 touches you pause the song and with 3 touches you skip to the next song. You can also make calls with the built-in microphone, when you receive a call you can answer or hang up by touching the left or right earbud twice. If you do not want to answer you can touch the left or right earbud for 2 seconds, if you do not receive a call you can use this touch to conjure up your digital assistance.
Display To be honest, I didn’t expect any groundbreaking sound because given the price and all those features mentioned, it must have been cut somewhere, right? That is not so bad, because I was genuinely surprised when I first heard the Soundform True Wireless at work. Especially after letting them play in for a while and I noticed that everything had come to its place; funny how that can work.
If I had to describe the sound of the Soundform True Wireless in one word, then that â ???? activeâ ???? to be. But one word of course doesn’t help you. Some extra explanation; I get the feeling that Belkin has chosen to tune the Soundform TW towards the Harman Curve. People who have heard of that before will know exactly what I mean, but let me explain that further. The Harman Curve brings out the low and the high a bit more and provides some roll-off in the latter to create a bit of a V-shape without sharp highs. Of course you can decide for yourself how much emphasis you want to place on the high and low, but it has been proven by JBL (Harman Group) that the V-curve is experienced by most people as very pleasant and that is why many companies use it. Because of this slight curve I notice that all the songs that I listen to, during sports or during a bike ride, all seem to have a bit more power. Take for example Bring Me To Life by Evanescence , it’s a busy song that includes the beautiful vocals of Amy Lee and an epic drumming by Rocky Gray. Thanks to the Soundform TW’s EQ it also sounds like that, epic.
The high end is never sharp or too much and the low end does not sound bloated at all, just tight and deep. I can already hear people thinking, what if I want to use them in the office with some quieter music? Doesn’t it sound very unnatural and boring? On the contrary, a good example of a quiet song where a lot has happened Nose On The Grindstone from Tyler Childers . This song was recorded in collaboration with OurVinyl at the time and consists only of Tyler, his guitar and a large room with some carpets on the floor. What struck me immediately was the extra bit of refinement and detail you hear in the shape of the guitar and the greatness and depth of Tyler’s voice, which makes for a very pleasant but also relaxing reproduction.
What also quickly comes to the fore with this song is the little lack of soundstage, so everything sounds a bit closer together and you don’t have the far extension to the left or right or the precise placement of instruments that you do quickly run into more expensive rivals. Still, I have to say that the soundstage is fine for this price range. You hear clear differences between instruments and sounds on the left, right and everything in between, everything sounds nice and deep and even if something moves from left to right, I do not experience this as below par but just as fine. Actually, those three words describe Belkin’s Soundform TW just fine, â ???? fine! Â ????
Just roses and moonshine? No, not that either. Sometimes while on the bike I noticed that the connection to the left, right and sometimes both the earbuds dropped for a few seconds and then picked up again. By the way, without going out of sync with the other person, so that is nice.
I suspect that this is interference that is caused for example by traffic, telephones, wifi, etc., as it only happened right next to a road with many cars and crowds. I have also submitted these findings to Belkin and they also suspect that it is interference on the Bluetooth band. Despite the fact that this problem is sporadic, I still wanted to mention it.
There are also some small things, such as the fact that the USB charging cable with 20 centimeter is rather on the short side, and that it does not have USB type C. But given the price you can also face it. Â
Conclusion Belkin’s Soundform True Wireless offers a lot for little without skimping on the basics. You could of course say that there are features such as for example ANC (Active Noise Canceling) are missing, but you should not forget the price of this beautiful set of earbuds. If you are  looking for a set of wireless earphones under the 100 euro, you should definitely consider this one.
LG’s new Tone Free FN7 wireless earbuds still have the same germ-killing capabilities of previous models, thanks to the charging case’s built-in UV light. But now, the company is adding active noise cancellation to the mix. Available as of today in South Korea and coming to other regions later this year (with pricing TBD), the FN7 look very similar to the FN6 earbuds; they’ve got silicone ear tips and a “twist-fit Vortex Ribs design” meant to maximize passive noise isolation.
The Tone Free FN7 buds have three microphones “that monitor soundwaves coming from all directions” and eliminate background noise. “With ANC activated, environmental noises are now almost completely neutralized, making every note and voice sound clearer, more natural, without losing the details from turning up the volume to maximum,” LG said in its press release. Battery life is rated at up to five hours with ANC enabled and up to seven with it switched off. (With the case, it’s a total of 15 hours with ANC on and 21 with it off.)
As with past models, these are tuned by Meridian and “can recreate a realistic soundstage that simulates the experience of listening to real loudspeakers while also delivering vocals with pristine clarity, completely immersing the listener.” LG offers EQ customization and says the bass on these is fuller and richer than before. The included UVnano charging case, by LG’s claims, can get rid of 99.9 percent of E.
Design, comfort and integration with the environment Windows 10 are the technical characteristics at the base of the Microsoft headphones of the Surface family, but the most useful feature is the reduction and amplification of ambient noise
of Paolo Corsini published on 26 October 2020 , at 14: 40 in the Multimedia channel Surface Microsoft
With the Surface Microsof product family t aims to offer the market a series of solutions that allows me According to the company, they aim to obtain the best possible user experience in a Windows environment while at the same time offering devices that can offer the user modes of use different from the standard.
It is well known as the category of 2-in-1 notebooks so called detachables, i.e. with a screen that can be completely disconnected from the base, found in Surface Pro the product that has represented the reference in recent years. With this solution, and with the others of the family that have appeared on the market over the last few years, Microsoft has often also acted as a reference point for its notebook manufacturing partners in developing designs and alternative solutions to those of traditional notebooks.
The Surface range includes not only PC systems but also peripherals developed with the same philosophy . Among these also headphones, such as the model Surface Headphones 2 that I have been able to use continuously in the last 6 weeks.
The Surface 2 headphones, available in satin black or light gray, boast a design that echoes those of other products of the family: the arch is very thin, with the two pavilions that are mounted on joints that rotate by 180 degrees horizontally, but do not allow them to be folded inwards to reduce overall bulk when the headphones are pinned. Not bad: a container in the same color as the headphones is supplied, inside which there is the connector for charging the batteries and the audio cable that can be used as an option.
Surface Headphones 2 connect to the device through Bluetooth interface , in an extremely simple way: there is a button on the right pavilion, above which there is the power button headphones, with which to start the pairing procedure with the device. Also on this pavilion are the USB Type-C connector for charging headphones, as well as the mini jack connector for the audio cable: in this way the headphones can work even with flat batteries. Microsoft certifies operation with PCs equipped with Windows operating system 10 , as well as with mobile devices based on operating systems Google Android and Apple iOS .
Reduce or amplify ambient noise: the user chooses it
The peculiarity of the Surface Headphones 2 is discovered by touching the external parts with your hands of the two earphones : there are two dials that control one, the one on the right, the volume and the other, the one on the left, the intervention level of the active volume cancellation system . This feature operates with two extremes, one for the highest level of ambient noise absorption and the other with the highest level of ambient noise amplification, allowing the user to select one of several intermediate positions according to their preferences.
This is the most interesting feature, from a practical point of view, of the Surface Headphones 2, that is the maximum flexibility given to the ‘user who, depending on what he has to do and the environment in which he is located , can choose how to balance the audio sent to play with the noise generated by the surrounding environment . Its cancellation is known and appreciated, initially by those who travel a lot by plane, but it is also useful in the workplace when you want to isolate yourself and concentrate in a shared environment that is a bit too noisy.
On the other hand the Omnisonic audio system , this is the name chosen by Microsoft, it allows to emphasize the ambient noises and therefore to be able to perceive dialogues and external sounds even when listening to music. This is very useful when you want to use headphones to listen to audio but you need not to lose sounds coming from the environment in which you are. , such as a phone call, the doorbell ringing or a colleague asking for an opinion.
In daily use you have maximum flexibility
The use I have personally done Surface Headphones 2 in this period has been very intense, both in the editorial office and at home. The possibility of being able to isolate myself, setting the maximum level of active noise cancellation, or to balance the audio heard with the ambient noise to be aware of what was happening around me it was very helpful . Very often I found myself conversing with colleagues for an exchange of views while continuing to keep the headphones on, almost without having to touch the audio playback volume and being able to hear what I was being told very clearly.
The Bluetooth connection, moreover, has always been flawless in operation even when I am very far from the Surface Pro 6 that I use as my PC. The headphones continued to work without interruption even when I moved one 15 within a few meters from the PC , even with walls in the middle to represent a further obstacle to the signal.
Good behavior also with regard to the two built-in microphones : no problem with videoconferencing both to listen and to make me hear the clear way. The built-in rechargeable batteries offer up to 14 hours of music playback as stated by Microsoft. In my experience of use I have found confirmation of these values, typically having to recharge the batteries every 2 days : in about 2 hours the battery is fully recharged and each time it is switched on an automatic voice indicates the estimated residual autonomy.
In Windows environment 10 you can download from the Store the Surface Audio App , with which to control the main functions of the Surface Headphones 2. The app contains videos in English, with subtitles in Italian, which guide correct configuration of the operating parameters and explain how to make the most of the headphones.
The two side pavilions, as mentioned, contain on the outermost part the rings to adjust volume and intervention of the noise reduction or ambient sound amplification system. The central part of both sides is tactile and this allows you to perform with the headphones numerous operations related to the playback of audio tracks or phone calls without having to touch your mobile device . Pressing once starts playback or pause. Double tapping these large buttons consecutively switches to the playback of the next audio track, while a triple tap in sequence returns to the previous track. If you receive a phone call, you can answer by pressing twice on one of these side areas: the same operation allows you to interrupt the call in progress. To reject a call, simply tap the side button while holding it down. It should be noted that when the headphones are removed the audio playback is automatically paused , and resumes autonomously once which are worn again.
The build quality of the Surface Headphones 2 is very high , replicating what we saw with the other products of the Surface family. The only limit, for those who travel a lot, is the impossibility of reducing the overall dimensions by folding the two pavilions inside under the support arch : it is always possible to use the case but this is quite large if you think you have it with you in your PC bag or backpack.
The audio quality is very good : I appreciated the response of these headphones with various musical genres, not regretting other headphones adopted stably in the past for personal use. The shape of the pavilions, moreover, is such as not to have tired me in any way even wearing headphones during my entire working day : this thing is subjective as the shape and size of the ears differ from person to person, but the closed pavilion construction with greater vertical development has perme
In the beginning there was the word of honor – and now a contract can be sealed online using a smartphone with a fingerprint. The spectrum of everyday digital contract conclusions ranges from bargain purchases in the online shop to paperless loan and insurance contracts.
Armies of lawyers are engaged in disputes about the validity, interpretation and handling of contracts. A typical problem with digital contracts already concerns the uncertainty as to whether the agreement was actually concluded with the supposed contractual partner. Anyone who invokes the contract must prove this in case of doubt.
For banks as lenders, the legislature prescribes a prior check of the customer’s identity. This results from § 11 Paragraph 1 of the Money Laundering Act (GWG) in conjunction with § 154 of the Tax Code (AO). For example, there are the classic Postident procedures with checks at the post office counter, at the deliverer or via video chat. The presentation of the identity card or passport serves as the basis. Owners of a new identity card with activated eID function can use the “AusweisApp2” on the PC to prove their identity without a template.
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All devices that are Internet-capable use DNS queries to determine the IP addresses of servers so that they can be addressed. This is the case, for example, when a browser controls the domain ct.de – the configured DNS resolver, usually that of the provider, then supplies the IP address 193. 99. 144. 80. The browser then calls this in order to establish an HTTP connection to the server. Because the devices send such requests to resolvers in unencrypted form and many times a day, external intelligence services or spies can create profiles of users.
DNS-over-TLS (DoT) is one of the protocols that prevent this. A DoT client first establishes a TLS-encrypted connection to the configured DoT resolver and communicates with it through the TLS tunnel. This is also the case with Fritz boxes; they protect all connected WLAN and LAN clients. In other articles we have detailed information about setup, monitoring and test results with FritzOS 7. 20 reported.
In order to examine more closely how the Fritzbox proceeds with DoT communication, one usually looks at packet recordings. The box conveniently provides recordings of your Internet traffic itself, unless it is a provider model from Vodafone or another (fritz.box/support.lua, section “Packet recordings”). It copies the data flow of the selected interface to the browser, which then saves it as a PCAP file on the local PC (e.g. fritzbox-vcc0 _ 31. 09. 20 _ 1824. pcap). If Wireshark (download) is installed, a double click on this file is enough to open it.
Access to all contents of heise + exclusive tests, advice & background: independent, critically sound c’t, iX, Technology Review, Mac & i, Make, c’t read photography directly in the browser register once – read on all devices – can be canceled monthly first month free, then monthly 9, 95 € Weekly newsletter with personal reading recommendations from the editor-in-chief Start FREE month Start the FREE month now heise + already subscribed?
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(Pocket-lint) – Bluetooth is no longer an inferior option for headphone sound quality. With the advent of newer devices and more sophisticated audio processing and transmission, there are plenty of Bluetooth headphones that will serve you well, without the need for wires.
There’s plenty of variety with these cans, whether you’re looking for on-ear or over-ear, so browse our selection and see what your next wireless headphones should be. Here’s our pick of the best.
If in-ear headphones are more you then check out our other feature
Pocket-lint
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
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Following the success of the earlier QC35, the newer Bose 700 over-ears really step things up a gear. A seamless design, superb noise-cancelling to cut out external sound, and loud and proud sound quality without the need for wires (a backup 2.5-3.5mm cable is included in the carry case though). The battery life lasts for about 18 hours a go too, making these our go-to over-ear headphones for travelling.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review: Bose is the ANC boss
Pocket-lint
Sony WH-1000XM4
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Sony has created the other best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones that we’ve tested. The 1000XM4 are particularly clever with noise-cancelling, offering various modes to allow voice to pass through (or not). They can even assess pressure to apply the perfect profile when on a plane, making them excellent travel headphones. Bluetooth support for aptX HD means the utmost quality without wires, but when the 30 hour battery runs dead you can still plug in and listen passively with decent results.
Sony WH-1000XM4 review: The best just got better
Pocket-lint
Sony WH-CH710N
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If you’re working on a modest budget then Sony has a great value proposition in the WH-CH710N. We can’t think of much better Bluetooth-equipped cans for the cost. Sure, you won’t get aptX HD like many of the pricier alternatives below, but noise cancelling is on board and the WH-CH710N are small, portable, kick out enough bass and are well designed.
Sony WH-CH710N headphones review: Noise-cancelling on a budget
Pocket-lint
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
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Price-wise, these headphones represent excellent value. They have a lot of clout, while there’s excellent balance and precision, too. They’re also comfortable to wear for long periods and they have excellent battery life.
Our only quibble is that they’re physically quite big so are much more suited for a home environment – you’ll probably find them a little large for travelling about. The design is, therefore, a little dated. We also miss noise cancelling, but then if they had that, they’d be more expensive as a result.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Bluetooth headphones review: Big audio sounds best at home
Pocket-lint
Beats Solo Pro
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You don’t have to have a bevy of Apple devices to make the most from these cans, but the Solo Pro’s inclusion of the H1 chip means seamless pairing with your iPhone, iPad and Mac, without needing to fiddle around to get that wireless connection. The Solo Pro also sound great, so if you’re looking for a pair of on-ear headphones – which arguably aren’t as long-term comfy as an over-ear solution – then the Beats is a great option.
Beats Solo Pro review: Feeling supersonic
Pocket-lint
Sennheiser HD 450BT
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If you’ve got a budget that won’t stretch to audiophile levels, but still want a great set of headphones, these Sennheisers are a great bet.
The sound is excellent, even more so for the price, and the battery life is similarly impressive. You get solid noise-cancelling, too rounding out a really decent package.
Sennheiser HD 450BT review: Noise-cancelling cans at an affordable price
Pocket-lint
B and O BeoPlay H9i
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It would be too easy to criticise the Bang and Olufsen BeoPlay H9 for the high price and the noise-cancellation being too subtle for some. But that would be shortsighted: because the H9i is a killer over-ear headphone. Indeed, the audio quality is immense, with punchy bass levels and a wide soundstage thanks to those giant earcups. The downside is Bluetooth doesn’t last as long as the competition (but there is a 3.5mm jack for passive wired listening) and the noise-cancelling isn’t going to please frequent flyers for its subtlety.
B&O Beoplay H9i review: Pricey but near perfect over-ear headphones
Pocket-lint
V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition
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As much as we liked the original, the latest ‘Codex Edition’ Crossfade 2 Wireless adds aptX for high quality Bluetooth and it knocks it out the park when it comes to impactful low-end bass. The industrial design makes them standout compared to the competition, however there’s no active noise-cancellation and the design is a tad pinchy compared to some.
These noise-cancelling wireless headphones come packed with plenty of smarts and high-end features, and look great thanks to being made from high-end materials. The large size of the earcups means great comfort, but, obviously, significant physical size.
Sennheiser Momentum Wireless review: Noise-cancelling in a stylish package
Pocket-lint
Nuraphone
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Ok, so they’re not strictly just over-ear, because the Nura combines in-ear fittings within the over-ear earcups. It’s a unique design, but one with purpose: it makes for tailored sound, as these cans can read the shape of your ears and adjust the sound profile accordingly. They look weird, they feel rather strange to wear, but the sound quality is from another planet.
Nuraphone review: Clever, unique, brilliant… and totally weird
Pocket-lint
Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT
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Truly high-end Bluetooth-only headphones, the DSR9BT is designed for the audiophile listener who doesn’t want any wire-based nonsense. Indeed, there’s no 3.5mm jack to be found here. Ultra-comfortable to wear, these A-T over-ears are designed unlike any other headphones on the market, featuring what Audio-Technica calls a Dnote chipset, which commands four voice coils in the headphones’ 45mm drivers for optimum dynamics and clarity. And they really do sound amazing: you won’t get shovel loads of bass, but the low-end is tight and neutral, while the high-end has a sharpness and timbre above any beyond anything else we’ve ever heard.
Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT review: A digital future for high-end headphones?
Pocket-lint
Master and Dynamic MW65
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Yes, it’s an expensive pair of headphones but they sound fantastic and have effective active noise cancellation (ANC). They also really look the part, with premium materials including aluminium and leather. There’s no plastic here.
The downside is that compared to Sony and Bose’s ANC models they are expensive, while some foibles remain such as resonation from walking. However, the build quality on offer here is absolutely superb and we think they’re brilliant.
Master and Dynamic MW65 review: If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for
Pocket-lint
Bowers and Wilkins PX
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The active noise-cancelling wireless headphones market has grown rapidly in recent times, so it made great sense for Bowers and Wilkins to finally enter. And it does so in considerable style with the PX, which won Best Headphones in the Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2017. B and W comes from a true audiophile perspective – aptX HD features for Hi-Res Audio without the wires – and the PX is an excellent high-end alternative to the Bose, Sony and Beats competition (as also featured), in both style and audio ability terms.
Bowers & Wilkins PX review: ANC and audiophile talents combine in these knock-out over-ears
Writing by Mike Lowe. Editing by Max Freeman-Mills.
(Pocket-lint) – When playing with friends, streaming for your audience or creating content for YouTube or any other platform, you need to ensure you’re heard loudly and clearly. Gaming headsets often pack a built-in microphone, but they’re not always great and certainly not as good as a dedicated microphone.
Best PC gaming headsets: The best wired, wireless and surround sound headsets around
If you’ve been thinking about adding a dedicated mic to your setup, but aren’t sure what to buy then we’ve got you covered.
We’ve put together a list of the very best USB microphones, most of which are easy-to-use plug and play affairs with incredible audio capabilities. These are great looking and capable microphones that won’t break your bank account.
Pocket-lint
Shure MV7 podcast microphone
USB and XLR connection options
Auto level software controls with gain, EQ, limiter and compressor options
Works with PC, Mac, iOS and Android
Stand and boom arm mountable
The Shure MV7 is the company’s answer for those who are looking for a studio-quality microphone that’s convenient and easy to setup. It stands head and shoulders above to competition for its simplicity, user-friendly options and superior sound capture.
This microphone takes the legendary Shure SM7B and makes it more accessible to the masses by adding USB connectivity and the ShurePlus Motive apps that work on desktop or mobile. That app, is designed to work like an audio engineer, adjusting sound levels to capture your voice no matter how loudly you’re speaking.
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It’s both desk stand and boom arm mountable, meaning you can work it into the most convenient place for you. It works best on a boom arm, close to your mouth, but we were impressed with the pick-up capabilities of this mic even when used on the desk.
A unique pick-up pattern also helps eliminate background noise and keeps the focus on your voice.
The MV7 is also interesting, because as well as the USB connection, you also have the option of using XLR. Connect it to the GoXLR Mini or the Rodecaster Pro and you’ve got a powerful professional microphone that you can tweak until your heart is content.
It might be pricier than other USB microphones out there, but for good reason. This is a fantastic microphone that’s well worth the investment.
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Elgato Wave:3
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24-bit/96Khz sample rate
70 – 20000 Hz frequency response
Cardioid polar pattern
Capacitative mute button
Intelligent audio routing software
The Elgato Wave:3 is an addition to Elgato’s line-up of products that are aimed at streamers and content creators. It might not be much to look at, but this microphone is packed full of interesting tech and features to help you really shine online.
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It’s a compact condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern that’s designed to pick up your voice, but not much else. It has an internal pop filter and an intelligent Clipguard technology that’s designed to stop your audio peaking, even if you get a bit over-enthusiastic (or shouty) while capturing audio.
It also delivers impressive audio capture with a 24-bit/96Khz sample rate. As standard, the audio from this microphone is rich and impressive, but it also continues to please in other areas. The simple interface on the mic itself, for example, allows you to not only easily adjust mic gain, but also adjust the monitoring if you have a headset plugged into it. A capacitive mute button, means you can silence your mic with just a light touch.
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The highlights of this microphone come when you pop it on a boom arm and dive into the Elgato Wave Link software. This is a free software that comes with the microphone and allows you to do some really clever things with your audio. It’s essentially an audio routing system. So you can add sources of audio to it – for example, Spotify, the microphone, game audio, Discord chat and more – then adjust each of them individually and also adjust levels not just for yourself, but for what your audience will hear.
We love this microphone for that software alone, as it means you can not only customise the listening experience, but you can also easily monitor what your audience is going to hear (or is hearing) when you go live on Twitch, Mixer or YouTube. It’s this functionality that makes the Elgato Wave:3 a killer bit of streaming kit.
As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also compatible with Elgato’s Stream Deck, giving you easy touch controls for your audio and on-the-fly tweaks too.
For the money, you’re getting a great bit of kit here and you can also make it even better with a boom arm and shock mount too.
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Shure SM7B dynamic microphone
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Dynamic microphone with Cardioid polar pattern
50Hz-20kHz frequency response
150 ohms output impendace
XLR connection
The Shure SM7B if an entirely different creature from every other microphone on this list and not just because of its price tag. It’s a studio-quality microphone that’s renowned worldwide for its capture capabilities, rich sound and capable background removal.
Its also an XLR microphone that requires a pre-amp before it can be connected to your machine. There’s no USB connection here as with the other microphones on this list, which means you need to spend some extra cash on something to power and control the microphone.
For streamers, we’d recommend something like the GoXLR and for podcasters, there’s the excellent Rodecaster Pro. These are substantial extra investments but give you all manner of other controls and customisation options for your audio too.
The Shure SM7B might not be the best looking microphone on this list, but it’s almost certainly the best sounding. If you’re serious about voice capture and having only the very best quality, then this is the microphone you need.
We’ve used it for streaming and for voice over work and the results are fantastic. Because of the way the Shure SM7B picks up sound, you need to keep it close to your mouth to get the best results, so a good boom arm is a must.
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The mic itself doesn’t have much in the way of hardware settings. On the rear, it has a bass rolloff switch and presence boost adjuster but otherwise, the setup is controlled by your pre-amp.
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It can be fiddly to get the sound right, especially when tweaking things like compressor, de-esser, noise gate and more, but the end result is undeniable.
All told, the Shure SM7B is the best microphone we’ve tested and a highly recommended piece of gear to add to your arsenal. It might have a hefty price tag, but it’s well worth every penny in our mind.
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Blue Yeti Nano
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24bit / 48khz recording sampling rates
Omnidirectional and Cardioid modes
20Hz – 20kHz frequency response
The Yeti Nano is a tiny premium USB microphone that packs some serious punch. This is a perfect addition to your desk or gaming area if you’re looking to upgrade your mic and want fantastic sound quality without taking up too much room.
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Despite its size, the Yeti Nano delivers impressive results with support for high-quality 24-bit/48kHz recording that sounds great whatever you’re doing. If you’re planning on streaming your gameplay, creating video content for YouTube or just chatting with your friends as you game, then this is the microphone for you.
It’s a USB microphone that features a simple plug and play functionality. Out of the box, it will work with everything from Discord to Twitch, Audacity, Skype, XSplit, OBS and much more besides.
You can also download the Blue Sherpa software to tweak the settings within Windows so you don’t have to fiddle with any knobs while you’re recording. This means you can easily update firmware, adjust mic gain or change between polar patterns with the simple click of your mouse.
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The Yeti Nano features Cardioid and Omnidirectional modes so it can be used in different settings. Cardioid is great for streamers, VOIP calls and voice-overs as it only picks up sound coming from in front of the mic. While Omnidirectional picks up all surrounding sound and can be used for conference calls and situations where multiple people are involved in the recording process.
This mic comes with its own stand, but also has standard threading for mounting on a boom arm and shock mount if you want to reduce background noise and unwanted sounds.
These little microphones are also nifty and clever. You can even set your PC up so you can use two of them at the same time – for podcasting, interviews or whatever else you wish.
Another highlight to these mics is the range of colours available. Choose one to suit your personal preference rather than being stuck with the same colour as everyone else.
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Razer Seiren Emote
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8-bit Emoticon LED Display with stream reactive emoticons
Hypercardioid condenser microphone with built-in shock mount
Interchangeable gooseneck
48kHz/16bit sample rate
100Hz–20kHz frequency response
100dB signal-to-noise ratio
If you think standard microphones are a bit too dull and the idea of just capturing your voice and doing nothing else is a tad plain then Razer has the solution for you.
The Razer Seiren Emote is a microphone with its very own built-in LED display that’s emoticon friendly. The idea is simple enough, if you’re a streamer then you can set this mic up in front of your webcam and use the display to entertain your audience in various ways.
You can use it to connect to Twitch or Stream Labs OBS and then display different visuals under certain circumstances.
It can, for example, show one emoticon when someone follows you, another for a new subscriber, another for a new chat message and so on. There are over 100 animated and static emoticons to choose from, giving you plenty of options to play around with.
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You can set a standard background Emote or RGB effect or custom display to be on all the time and then various others to react when your audience does. It might sound a little gimmicky but it’s actually pretty cool and certainly unusual. So if you’re looking for something to stand out from all the other streamers out there, then this mic can help you do it.
All the customisation is done via the Streamer Companion App and there is plenty of power in that simple interface too.
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Elsewhere the Razer Seiren Emote is interesting in other ways too. It comes with two different height gooseneck stands, a fairly heavy padded base and a built-in shock mount. It’s also plug and play and dead easy to use too.
All in all, this mic is certainly interesting and well worth considering. It doesn’t quite ooze the same design and build quality as other microphones on this list, but the LED display does certainly make it stand out.
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Samson G-Track Pro USB microphone
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Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional modes
Dual back electret condenser
50Hz–20kHz frequency response with +6dB FS/PA sensitivity
16 or 24-bit with a sample rate of up to 96kHz
Built-in headphone output and instrument input
USB compatible with PC or Mac
If you want a microphone with a lot more presence and plenty of class, then the Samson G-Track Pro may well be it. This is a thoroughly imposing, heavy-duty microphone that’s not pulling any punches. It stands head and shoulders above the Blue Yeti Nano – at least in terms of height – and may raise an eyebrow or two when you see what it can do.
This is an all-signing, all-dancing microphone that’s not only great for gamers, but can also be used with instruments too. That’s right – there’s an input for a guitar on this mic, so you can entertain your Twitch audience while you stream if that’s your bag.
The G-Track Pro offers “professional grade” recording capabilities in a compact and aesthetically pleasing frame. We were struck immediately by the size, weight and build quality of this microphone. There’s no messing about here, you can immediately tell you’re getting what you’re paying for.
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There are plenty of options too, without the need for faffing about in any software. Buttons on the mic itself allow you to switch between the three pick-up patterns – cardioid, fig 8 or omnidirectional with ease. You can also opt to record in mono or stereo tracks, tweak recording volumes and even mix the levels of attached instruments and the mic as well. Zero-latency monitoring is also possible with the built-in stereo headphone output, so there are plenty of content creation options here.
This is an incredibly flexible microphone. Whether you’re planning on podcasting with multiple people in the room, jammin’ out or simply capturing a voice over for a gaming video, this mic is more than capable.
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We’re also fans of the hefty padded base which appears to act nicely as an alternative to a shock mount to prevent most noise from your desk getting into the recordings. Of course, the Samson G-Track Pro is also boom arm friendly, so it’s easy to get even more serious with this mic if you feel the urge.
You do need plenty of space on your desk for this professional mic though. One minor highlight for us is the small monitoring light on the front. It’s green as standard when the mic is turned on, but if your recording levels hit the peak it turns red to let you know things are too loud. It’s small clever features like this that make all the difference.
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HyperX Quadcast condenser microphone
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16bit / 48khz recording sampling rates
Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid and Bidirectional polar patterns
20Hz–20kHz frequency response
The HyperX Quadcast is an interesting alternative and one that really raises some eyebrows, not just because of the snazzy design, but also due to the number of features it packs into its small frame.
The HyperX Quadcast is immediately appealing thanks to the numerous design features that you’d normally have to pay extra for. It comes with a shock mount built into its frame, a pop shield housed within its body and a nice solid stand to keep it planted on your desk.
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This mic also comes with four polar patterns, making it useful for streaming, voice-overs, podcasting or whatever other recording use you can think of. The recording quality is excellent and the anti-vibration shock mount combined with the built-in pop shield keeps most unnecessary noise at bay.
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Every aspect of this microphone has been cleverly thought out too. An easy access, quiet functioning, gain control wheel and tap-to-mute button make it simple to adjust sound without ruining your recording or stream with thumps, clicks and knocks.
The HyperX Quadcast’s stylish design stands out even more at night. The red honeycomb mesh is backlit by an internal LED when powered on as a bright beacon to let you know it’s active. This is a nifty little design aesthetic that only goes to make the Quadcast even more appealing.
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Like the others, this USB microphone also comes with the ability to mount on a boom arm and has an adapter that fits both 3/8inch and 5/8-inch thread sizes.
The Quadcast is the complete package and available at a great price too, though the design might not be to everyone’s taste.
High-res LED meter with multi-function knob and customisation options
Blue VO!CE broadcast vocal effects
Logitech G HUB integration
The Blue Yeti X is another fantastic USB microphone from Blue. As well as being an imposing figure on your desk with a high-quality design this mic has some interesting features that make it intriguing.
Not only does it have all the normal features you’d expect from a high-quality, plug and play USB microphone, but it also has some really neat additions that you don’t see elsewhere and are fantastically useful.
The first of these is a simple LED metering system which acts as a colourful visual warning system on the front of the mic to let you know how much audio the mic is picking up and if you’re in danger of hitting the ceiling and ruining your recording. This LED lighting can be adjusted within the Logitech G-Hub software so you can tweak it to display whatever colours you like, but the default traffic light system is enough to give you the warnings you need during recordings or live stream sessions.
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The other draw of the Yeti X is the software. This mic works with both the Blue Sherpa software and Logitech G-Hub. It’s the latter software that then gives you access to the Blue VO!CE broadcast vocal effects technology. This system allows for live tweaks to your audio to give it a much more broadcast quality feel.
Obviously content creators have the ability to edit voice-overs in post and do things like noise reduction and normalisation, but this software does those things live. This is clearly a bonus for streamers who want the best audio for their viewers.
From the software, you can adjust high-pass filter, noise reduction, expander, de-esser, compression, limiter settings and more. There are also numerous presets to choose from, the ability to tweak and save your own and you can even download other peoples too. Although a system like this is never going to be perfect, we did actually find that the software made quite a difference to background noise and the quality of recordings.
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The design of this mic also includes a sturdy stand and the ability to mount it on any standard sized boom arm. It fits nicely on the company’s compass boom arm and works with the shock mount too.
The result is a capable microphone with a lot of different features going for it, alongside the excellent quality that we’ve come to expect from Blue. It’s a lot larger than other microphones, so the Yeti Nano might be a better fit if you only have a small desk, but otherwise, the Yeti X is a brilliant bit of kit.
As if to prove the hi-fi adage that good sound doesn’t get old, it is very much as you were for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2020 speaker package category – all five champions this year are repeat winners from last.
At the most affordable end sits the insanely good-value Wharfedale DX-2 speaker package. Home cinema packs are tough to find below £500, so to have one this good in production is a huge bonus. Considering the DX-2’s compact size and punchy sound, it’s of little surprise that this 2020 Award marks a hat-trick of wins.
Q Acoustics has slightly larger budgets covered with two systems based on the Q Acoustics 3000i speaker range. The Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Home Cinema Pack has four of the 3010i standmount speakers, plus a centre speaker and subwoofer – and it’s a brilliant time to buy this package in light of its generous discount.
See all 111 What Hi-Fi? Awards 2020 winners
(Image credit: Future)
The Q Acoustics 3050i 5.1 Home Cinema Pack is something a little more scaled up with its floorstanding 3050i front pair working alongside the 3010i standmount surrounds. This is a beefy set-up for the money and, while it’s tempting to run off with the savings, we’d suggest spending extra on the bigger Q Acoustics QB12 subwoofer to turn it into a real home cinema hotrod.
It could well be that this is the last time we see these Q Acoustics packages among the winners, though. The company recently launched the five-star 3030i standmount speakers, so a system based on those may be the next step when paired with a suitable centre and sub. But that’s next year…
Dali seems to know that it’s onto a good thing with the Dali Oberon 5 5.1 speaker package. Last year’s Product of the Year is exactly the same price as it has always been and it doesn’t look to be going down any time soon. (In fairness, they were only launched last year.)
Whatever the price, though, we’d highly recommend this speaker package. It’s lean, attractive and delivers soundtracks with scale, warmth and detail. The Mission QX-2 home cinema package was the only reasonable challenger to its crown, but it couldn’t quite disrupt the pecking order.
To take the next steps in home cinema reverie you’ll need to nearly double down on your spend for the Monitor Audio Silver 200 AV12 system. This is the fourth year that it has won a What Hi-Fi? Award, speaking volumes of its dominance at this price level.
(Image credit: Future)
As the previous top-end winner, the PMC Twenty5.23 5.1 system, is out of production, this is where the category comes to a close. But don’t forget, we’ll be hosting our annual awards ceremony online on Thursday 5th November to reveal which of these five sensational speaker packages wins our most prestigious Product of the Year award.
Until then, happy viewing and happy shopping.
MORE:
Best speaker systems 2020: budget to premium, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos
Watch the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2020 event live on 5th November
Sony, Samsung and Philips carve up the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2020 TVs category
To celebrate 45 years of hi-fi design and manufacturing, Japanese digital music library specialist Melco has just launched a special 45th-anniversary version of its flagship half-width library, the N10 45th Anniversary Limited Edition.
Melco says the half-width N10 has been designed to offer even better audio performance than the company’s full-width N1Z series, while offering a highly convenient form factor.
Housed in two units – each 21.5cm wide, matching the D100 CD loader, E100 Expansion drive and recently introduced S100 data switch – the N10 comprises a head unit with all the processing electronics and the data connectivity, plus a power unit containing a low-noise linear power supply and power management. Separating the units promises total isolation from noise pollution, as well as isolating vibration from the power transformer.
Crucially, the special edition N10 also benefits from a capacity upgrade, from 3TB to 5TB. The special edition library is supplied in an exclusive presentation box containing an official Melco certificate, pen, chopsticks, coaster, notepad and USB drive, too.
Finished in an exclusive celebratory champagne gold, the N10 45th Anniversary Limited Edition is available in a limited run of 50 in Europe, priced £7499.
In line with the rest of Melco’s EX Series range, the N10 45th Anniversary Limited Edition will benefit from the firm’s recently introduced EX Series upgrades – including Roon compatibility via USB download. The EX Series upgrades centre around the introduction of a software suite, Melco Intelligent Music Library (MIML), plus vTuner Internet radio and web control (from internet-connected devices).
(Image credit: Melco)
The casework is high-quality solid aluminium, including solid aluminium end-cheeks. Multiple elements promise total rigidity and the isolation of all components to ensure maximum sound quality.
The N10 uses the same high-precision digital music dataflow as the wider Melco EX Series and the firm says it has been designed from the ground up as an audio-specific device – to that end it uses no standard IT components or PC parts.
A new low-profile mainboard uses the exact same RISC processor and architecture as the N1Z series to ensure very low noise with precise data management; the N10 mainboard is optimised for extreme sound quality.
Twin Ethernet ports are retained, with the dedicated Ethernet player port connecting directly to the network player without an intervening data switch. That 5TB internal storage is easily expandable too, either with a USB HDD or (for best results, says Melco) the dedicated Melco E100 expansion drive. Data rates up to 32-bit/384 kHz and Octo DSD are supported, as well as gapless and markerless DSD.
The N10 is compatible with USB DACs, with control either via the Melco app, from the front panel, or from an approved third-party RF Remote handset. The N10 will also operate with Ethernet-connected players, even without connection to a data network in standalone Isolated Mode.
CD importing is easy with either the Melco D100 external CD loader or an IT-grade optical drive for less demanding use. Melco states that it does not put an IT-grade loader inside the N10, since this both compromises sound quality and also reduces reliability due to the disposable nature of such drives. Music backup is, says Melco, as easy and plugging in a USB drive and pressing a button.
Direct download of hi-res files from hiresaudio.com and other vendors is also supported. There’s a front panel USB socket for convenient importing from USB devices, direct play without importing and for the connection of a USB DAC.
MORE:
Read our recent five-star Melco N100 review
Upgrade to wireless with our best music streamers 2020
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