NOX Audio introduced me to their new headphones: The Specialist and the Scout. Using headphones are a very common thing for us podcasters and gamers, so I had to give them a whirl.

The Specialist

Right away I thought these headphones were awesome with their sleek look. Then I put them on and loved how they felt on my ears. Sensitivity plagues my ears and anyone can relate to headphones starting to irritate theirs’ after a while. The pads on the phones were extremely soft and light-weight feeling. The dial on the side is the volume control for easy access. They played some techno-type music for me to listen to the audio quality. It was clear sounding and the noise from outside the headset was quickly reduced. One of the most unique things about the Specialist is that it has a retractable microphone. If a person just wants to listen to music they can without a microphone n the way, but if they want to use it for skyping or gaming the can just unwind it and start talking. The Specialist comes in 4 colors: black, red, blue and green. Green is my favorite. They aren’t as flashy as Skullcandy headphones, but their capabilities make up for that. The Specialist is compatible with the Xbox 360, PS3, PC and handheld gaming systems as well as personal media players and cell phones including the iPod and iPhone. Hooray for new Xbox headsets!

Specs

- Drivers: Dual 26mm Mylar

- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20kHz

- Noise Reduction:  6 dB @ 1 kHz

- Sensitivity: 104 dBSPL @ 1 kHz

- THD: <0.5% @ 1 kHz; <2% from 40 Hz to 20 kHz

- Input impedance: 32-ohms

- Microphone: 4mm Omnidirectional

- Weight: 0.30 lbs

Included in Box

- Specialist Stereo Headset

- Carrying Case

- 3.5mm detachable cable

- PC Splitter

- User Manual

- Warranty Card

Now Available

- Pricing: $79.99*

*Negotiator gaming adaptor available in bundled package for $99.99

The Scout

The other headphone NOX Audio showed me was called the Scout. Small but full of surprises. Notice the different shape of the buds. The little flaps scared me at first but they are actually quite comfortable. Made out of a soft plastic that flexes to fit into your ears, these guys would slip in and stay in. The Scout has good audio quality and a cool microphone like the Specialist. Located on the earbuds’ wire there is a small piece that would normally look like it served no purpose but to separate the buds. That small piece is an omnidirectional microphone which currently boasts “the world’s smallest send/end button.” So neat! You just press it and the music plays or stops. I know because I was there and they let me push it. It is compatible with the same products as the specialist (with purchase of the Negotiator Universal Optical adaptor) so if you are looking for a smaller option to the Specialist, this is it!

Specs

- Drivers: 6mm Balanced Armature

- Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20kHz

- Sensitivity: 107dBSPL @ 1kHz @ 100mV

- Input impedance: 32-ohms

- Microphone: 4mm Electrets Omnidirectional

Included in Box

- Scout Headset

- 3 Ear Cushions

- 2 Silicone Flanges

Release date: Fall 2010

- Pricing: $89.99

So if you are in the market for a new headset or headphones, try out some NOX Audio ones. They aren’t any more expensive than other headphones/headsets (other than Bose maybe) and pack a lot of punch other don’t have.