Product test
Trying to fall into a deep sleep, but someone’s snoring? These Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds can make it happen
by Siri Schubert
Ontrac headphone review: stupendous audio quality, but the software needs improvement
31.7.2024
Translation: Katherine Martin
Dyson has made a brave leap. In a bid to shake up the audio market, the company’s launched an extravagant set of headphones with crystal-clear sound. When I test them, however, it’s evident there’s still some room for improvement. Especially when it comes to the software.
When a Dyson engineer unveiled the manufacturer’s new headphones to the roar of a plane engine at its London launch event, I was nothing short of astounded. It was a tongue-in-cheek way of demonstrating that the headphones’ ANC could withstand one of the loudest noises there is. But I had no way of checking whether it was true. The headphones weren’t handed out to the audience.
I’ve since had the chance to test the headphones in a far more realistic environment (good old everyday life) and am blown away by the first-class audio playback. At the same time, the accompanying MyDyson app seriously bugs me.
Maximalist headset meets minimalist case
Alongside the brightly coloured headphones, the box contains a slim case and a USB-C charging cable. The manufacturer sells other accessories, including USB-C to jack cables, on its website.
I notice the headphones feel fairly heavy as I’m unboxing them. Hardly surprising given that they weigh 454 grammes. However, their heaviness isn’t too noticeable when I first put them on. They’re well balanced, and can be adjusted to the shape of my head. Still, after wearing the Ontrac for a few hours, I realise my head’s beginning to tilt forwards. It certainly won’t be doing my posture (already poor from hunching over an office desk all day) any favours.
Despite their weight, the Ontrac sit fairly comfortably. Although I wear glasses, I can keep the headphones on for several hours without feeling pressure on my temples or dizziness. By contrast, I usually run into those issues pretty quickly when I wear over-ear headphones. The ear pads are soft and cover my entire ear. However, because they’re well sealed, sweat soon starts building up underneath when temperatures are high.
I really notice how wide the ear pads actually are when I hang the Ontrac around my neck – they touch my collarbone and jawbone at the same time.
Overall, I’d say the headphones – and their plastic components – are of high quality. The four basic models, available for CHF 499, are stylish and in tune with the times thanks to their customisability. In my opinion, the Ontrac could stand to be a bit smaller, as they look slightly oversized and clunky on my head. That’s just a matter of personal taste, though.
Deep voice, clear bass
Listening to Hello by British rapper Jelani Blackman, the headphones impressed me by clearly reproducing the artist’s deep voice in its full range. At the same time, it didn’t make any compromises on the low basses or flute accompaniment.
Creating a home cinema feel
Listening to Hans Zimmer’s score for the movie Dune, I notice the Ontrac headphones do a particularly good job with the low registers of the scale and the clarity of the percussion instruments. However, this means the vocal trebles and strings are slightly overshadowed, which is a shame.
Once I switch on ANC, I hear a gentle hissing sound before feeling some light pressure on my ears. It’s as if I’m going up a mountain. Still, it’s no big deal, and I get used to it after a while. According to the manufacturer, the headphones’ eight microphones are designed to capture ambient sound 384,000 times per second, therefore reducing unwanted background noise by up to 40 dB.
When I check this with live playback in the app, I see a maximum reduction of 20 dB. Even so, I notice that it quietens background noise considerably. Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Ontrac perform marginally better, proving particularly strong at filtering out lower frequencies.
Bluetooth
The Ontrac don’t support multipoint, so you can’t switch between devices without turning off Bluetooth. However, you can turn ANC on and off at any point via the MyDyson app. Even if another device is connected via Bluetooth. For audio transmission, the Ontrac are compatible with the LHDC codec. If your phone doesn’t support this Bluetooth codec, you’ll have to make do with the SBC and AAC standards.
No praise for the app
When I first give the app a once-over, I’m pleased with it. It’s clearly laid out, kept simple and includes sound-tracking, a feature that immediately caught my attention. On closer inspection, however, the app strikes me as a little underdeveloped. For instance, when I connect the Ontrac headphones, they appear in the menu as Dyson Zone.
Wait, is this an app or a shop?
The most prominent tab in the app is desperate to take me to the Dyson shop. «Headphone essentials» often catch my eye as I’m using it. In the tutorial section, the device instructions only appear once I’ve scrolled through a list of all the available outer caps and ear pads. Cynics would say that the app’s main priority is bombarding me with as many Dyson products as possible.
Update on the app
Since publication of this article, some of the errors in the app have been corrected. The Ontrac now appear as «Ontrac» in the app. Dyson has also announced that it'll soon release additional features such as a customisable EQ, enhanced ANC modes, scheduled automatic shutdowns and Apple Watch compatibility in the app. I look forward to giving them a try.
In a nutshell
Beautiful headphones with outstanding sound, but there’s room for improvement in some areas
With the Ontrac, Dyson’s launched an interesting headset, but there’s room for improvement in some areas. Not only are the headphones super comfortable, but in making them customisable, the manufacturer’s proved it has its finger on the pulse. I was impressed by the audio quality – the Ontrac produces crystal-clear playback across the entire frequency spectrum. Plus, the battery lasts ages. The noise cancellation is very satisfactory, and the headphones are ideal for phone calls. However, they lose a few points when it comes to voice control. It wouldn’t work for me. The MyDyson app could also use some improvement. It’d appeal to me much more if it contained less advertising for other products.
Pro
- customisable
- very comfortable
- good ANC
- brilliant sound quality
- long battery life
Contra
- currently no manual EQ settings
- app functions need improving
- subpar voice controls
- slightly big and bulky
Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler
Painting the walls just before handing over the flat? Making your own kimchi? Soldering a broken raclette oven? There's nothing you can't do yourself. Well, perhaps sometimes, but I'll definitely give it a try.
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