Launched in 2020 through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, the nwm MBE001 started shipping on March 2023 to backers of the campaign, and are now available commercially. This product also signals NTT sonority entry in the consumer electronics market, leveraging the development its Personalized Sound Zone (PSZ) technology developed by NTT Corporation. NTT sonority's audio brand New Wave Maker (nwm) will continue to explore future products enhanced with PSZ, maximizing consumer safety and allowing users to experience the comfort of being connected through sound without having to worry about sound leakage.
PSZ technology acoustic technology uses sound waves in opposite phase to cancel the reproduced signal at a set distance, which confines the audio to within a few centimeters of the user's ear, so other people don't hear any sound originating from the open-ear earphones. Unlike other approaches that cover the ears or generate spillage, the nwm MBE001 true wireless open-ear earphones design remains effectively private while keeping the user aware of the environment. The lightweight design positioned around the ear also generates less fatigue.
The core electronics of the nwm MBE001 earphones remain behind the ear, while only the compact drivers are positioned in front of the ear, without obstructing the ear canal. Sound is projected through holes on the side of the single driver enclosure. Thanks to state-of-the-art acoustic signal processing technology, the in-phase signal is projected directed to the ear canal over the air, while opposite phase sound waves cancel the spillage signal.
This sound field design makes sound leakage minimal as sound moves away from the ear. In fact, according to NTT sonority's own tests, PSZ shows that users can listen to music at 80dB levels without any sound leaking out 15cm (6") away.
NTT hopes that this concept will create a more natural, new listening style that will appeal to mainstream consumers. The possibilities of the PSZ technology being the main motivator for NTT to create a completely new audio brand, nwm. NTT Sonority is an audio engineering-focused subsidiary of NTT Group, with a long expertise in research and development for acoustic signal processing, exploring also innovative technologies for echo cancelling, noise reduction, and personalized sound zones.
"We are committed to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and delivering innovative products that enhance our customers' audio experiences and overall lifestyle," says Hiroshi Sakai, CEO of NTT sonority. "Our relentless pursuit of balance between sound pressure, quality, ergonomics, and aesthetics has led to the industry-disrupting, cutting-edge design of our new nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers. With them, you're in tune with your world by being in control of your sound."
In addition to PSZ technology, the nwm MBE001 true wireless earphones allow users to hear ambient sounds and even their own voice clearly during communication, while music reproduction offers convincing bass, unlike bone conduction alternatives. The latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology provides hassle-free pairing and a reliable, uninterrupted wireless connection, with support for AAC and aptX codecs. The nwm Connect app allows users to select their favorite preset and enjoy the sound profile that best fits their environment.
The nwm MBE001 earphones are also ultra-light, weighing only 9g, and still boast an impressive battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge, ensuring they are always ready whenever needed. Intuitive touch-sensitive controls also allow users to control their audio experience.
The nwm MBE001 True Wireless On-Ear Speakers are available now for purchase on Amazon.com for $178.
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