Tool Box Buzz

TREBLAB Z2 Headphones w/ Active Noise Cancelling and X3 PRO Earbuds

Treblab Headphones and Earbuds were something I hadn’t heard of until recently. Yet, once I got the chance to test them out, I don’t know why I hadn’t heard of them before. I am always looking for options to combine job site connectivity, hearing protection (active or passive), and focus-enhancing tunes (it’s really a thing) when I get the chance.  I was previously using another brand of Bluetooth-enabled earmuffs but they didn’t have active noise cancelling and posed issued when I needed to throw on my welding hood or grinding shield. For different reasons, the Z2 and X3 PRO’s stood out. So let’s get into the details!

Specification & Features | X3 PRO Headphones

• Playtime: Up to 9 hours + 4 additional charges with Charging Case
• Charge time: 2 hrs
• Signal Range: 33 ft/10m
• Driver: 11mm (diameter)
• Noise cancellation: cVc 8.0 (passive)
• Water resistance: IPX7
• Earbuds dimensions (each): 1.89 x 1.49 x 1.18 in
• Earbud Weight (each): 0.25 Oz
• Built-in microphone
• On-Device Controls:
  • On / Off
  • Volume control
  • Play / Pause
  • Next / Previous
  • Calls (logo button)
• Warranty: 1 year

Specification & Features | Z2 Headphones

• Playtime: Up to 35 hours/ Up to 28 hours with ANC
• Charge time: 3 hrs
• Signal Range: 33 ft/10m
• Driver: 40mm (diameter)
• Noise cancellation: T-Quiet™ ANC technology (active)
• Water resistance: IPX7
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.2 x 8 in
• Weight: 8.9 Oz
• Built-in microphone
• On-Device Controls:
  • On / Off / Play / Pause / Calls / Voice Assistant
  • Volume + / Next
  • Volume – / Previous
  • ANC
• Warranty: 1 year

Active vs. Passive Noise Cancelling

Of note the main difference in features between these 2 Treblab audio products is the noise cancellation methods. The X3 PRO earbuds block out noise by sealing the ear canal and passively preventing outside soundwaves from entering the inner ear. This is different from the Z2 headphones. They use active noise cancelling technology which samples the ambient background noise outside the headphones and then produces sound waves inside the earcups to cancel out the ambient noise waves. This is an advanced technology and one i expected to significantly outperform the passive noise cancelling. But i was wrong. I actually found the X3 PRO earbuds to be more effective at blocking outside sound. This was primarily due to the Z2 headphone band not producing enough tension to fully seal the earcups over my ears. I tried adjusting the band and earcups many times but was always left wanting a little snugger fit. This was most apparent when I wore them on a long airplane ride to Europe and again when i tried to wear them to the gym. There was always very slight outside ambient noise (even with ANC). And at the gym they had a hard time staying 100% secure.

Use with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

The biggest success I found with these products was being able to wear the X3 PRO earbuds comfortable in the workshop. Specifically, I loved that i could easily wear them with my grinding shield or welding helmet. I usually have to wear foamies for this purpose but as a result sometimes miss business calls. The X3 PRO earbuds allowed me to enjoy music or take calls while finishing up my metalwork jobs for the day.

X3 PRO Earbuds worn w/ Grinding Shield

Of note, neither the X3 PRO earbuds nor the Z2 headphones are decibel rated for sound protection. So if you are required to provide/wear a minimum hearing protection level by OSHA standards, then these products are probably not the right fit for you.

Overall Thoughts | Treblab Z2 & X3 PRO

I am very satisfied with the Treblab Headphones and Earbuds (Z2 & X3 PRO) I tested out in the shop and on the job site. Of the two I preferred the earbuds even though i honestly thought it would be the Z2 headphones. The case, sounds quality, and overall fit and comfort of the X3 earbuds is excellent. I especially like the magnetic fit into the charging case with the ability to get 3x charges out of it. I liked the Z2 headphones but didn’t think the sounds quality was a s crisp as the X3’s. This was likely do to comparatively excessive background noise stemming from a less than snug fit. Tightening up the headband slightly would go a long way to fix this and would help the Z2 headphones stay in place a bit more securely as well. Overall I was pleased with both products and, at their current price points of $70/$90 (X3 PRO/Z2), are worth the money.

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