1more Dual Driver ANC Pro

These neckband headphones have a driver design that is both strong and well-manufactured, relying on a combination of a dynamic 13.6 mm composite driver and a complementary Balanced Armature driver for the high-frequency range – both housed together in a metal casing.

An Airoha chip and four microphones are now used for integrated active noise cancelling. Finally, the HiRes-capable LDAC codec, which is available with corresponding source devices in addition to SBC and AAC, is remarkable. This should bring a smile to the faces of owners of some Android Smartphones.

In practice

Wearing and operating comfort is good: the elastic and soft plastic neckband is light and allows the headphones to dangle easily when not in use, linking together securely magnetically. For the headphones themselves, four pairs of silicone fitting components can be used to find the right size for each individual. This results in a long-lasting, comfortable and secure fit in the ear canal – there was no pressure, at least in my case. At the same time, the Dual Driver ANC Pro is sweat and water-resistant according to IPX5, which is why it is definitely recommended for use during active sports.

On the left part of the neckband, a total of five well separated and therefore tactile controls are placed. On the upper side is the on/off button, which also serves as the button for pairing; the button for noise cancelling, which switches between two fixed intensity levels and a deactivation of the circuit, as well as the independently switchable suppression of wind noise. On the inside, the obligatory multi-function button for start/stop and track-skipping (with multiple clicks) follows the one for music playback, answering and ending phone calls and calling Smartphone voice assistants. Lastly, there is a rocker switch for the volume. The input for the USB-C charging cable is also located at the end of the same bracket behind a plastic flap. 1more no longer uses voice announcements for this device, but instead uses status tones.

Bluetooth pairing is quick and easy but is limited to one device. The range of the wireless link is practical and operates without interruption in typical circumstances.

The free iOS/Android app “1moreMusic” offers hardly any relevant functions apart from making firmware updates possible (as of test device 1.02.01). It offers a small tutorial, a battery level indicator and ability to switch between the two noise cancelling levels, although this also works on the device.

Finally, a few words about the performance of the 160 mAh battery. According to the manufacturer, it offers a runtime of 14 or 20 hours (with/without noise cancelling) at 50% level – a value that we confirmed in practice and which was just above average. Just as remarkable is the fast charging time of just one hour. It is even possible to achieve up to three hours of playing time with ten minutes of charging time. Hats off. You can overlook the fact that the Dual Driver ANC Pro is not usable passively.

Noise Cancelling

The passive noise reduction of these headphones is medium. Those who like to isolate themselves more completely from their environment would have to resort to active noise cancelling, which, as mentioned, can be switched between two levels via the device and the app. With up to 35 dB, the attenuation is already considerable and creates a good, if slightly noisy, relaxation room during breaks in gaming; it isn’t as perfect as with the big over-ear models, but it does work quite efficiently. As usual, the system is particularly effective in low frequency ranges and at fairly consistent noise levels. It is worth noting that 1more talk about hybrid noise cancelling because in addition to the obligatory two outside microphones, additional noise in the ear canal is captured and compensated for.

Independently, a switchable frequency filter is added, which efficiently suppresses disturbing wind noise – a problem for many competitor models when used in the outdoors.

In fact, the Dual Driver ANC Pro is not only a good choice for train and plane travel, but also for everyday use on public transport and when walking or jogging. A real plus point. The suppression of noise works even without music playback and even in (active) cable mode (an adapter cable from USB-C to mini jack is used here). It’s a pity, however, that they have omitted the possibility to use the outside microphones for fading in outside noise to enable fast communication. Their predecessor could do this. After all, thanks to the neckband, the headphones can be quickly removed from the ear at any time.

Sound

Our listening tests were performed with an iPhone 8S and the LDAC-enabled Sony Xperia 10 via Bluetooth, and with noise-cancelling switched on. The sound impression of the Dual Driver ANC Pro, which plays with a quite strong level, is well balanced but a bit flat compared to wired systems. One should not expect the grandeur and brilliance of expensive headphones with audiophile standards, if only because of the price – even if they have “Pro” in their name, it makes no difference.

The bass is dry and defined, reaches deep down and offers a recognisable tonality and dynamics. This is pleasing because there is no booming here. If you want the fuller tuning of many mobile systems, to increase the playback level or use an equalizer, many players offer it – but not the app from 1more.

Voices and individual instruments sound clean, with attractive detail resolution and the necessary character. In addition, there is high speech intelligibility for singing. However, the fat wide-screen sound of rock and metal is reproduced powerfully. The impact tends to be neutral rather than warm and thus somewhat restrained in the low mid-range. Nevertheless, even orchestral recordings can be enjoyed with these dynamics.

Compared to some of their competitors the treble range sounds a little bit too open to me. It delivers quite a good fine resolution and avoids harsh sounds, but I was still looking for a little “room at the top”. This is what the conceptually comparable but more expensive Sony WI-1000XM2 has over them. At the same time, the stereo panorama is not overly wide but is well spread out. The depth/three-dimensionality of the room, on the other hand, is less convincing.

Finally, I would rate the voice quality when making a phone call as good.