Sound investment!

Audio accessories are becoming, smaller, lighter, more use-specific

If, like me, you are one of those for whom a high decibel Diwali is not exactly a treat, let me share an insight I gained after a few noise-filled seasons — if you don’t like the sound out there, make some of your own. Last year, I was forced to work all through the Diwali holidays on an urgent writing assignment. Even though the glass panes in our apartment are of a noise muffling kind, sounds of noisy revelry still trickled in. To help me concentrate on the task at hand, I put on a pair of headphones and played some of my favourite, soothing Sitar and Santoor tracks, while working on my PC. When the ear muffs became uncomfortable, I switched to my music speakers which effectively shut out the phataka sounds from outside.

Which is why I thought to share my experience with two recent audio accessories which each in a different way, help to create your own audio zone. HyperX Stinger Gaming headset: Kingston better known for its Flash storage products, has made a dent in the audio business with the HyperX family of headphones. The latest, the Stinger is made with gamers in mind, but I found it works just as well for other audio enthusiasts. At 275 grams it is light on the head and the foam cups sit snuggly once you have adjusted the steel extender for comfort. The volume control is a slider on the right hand cup. The microphone on the left side can be swivelled and automatically mutes when made vertical. Audio-wise the headphones have a response from 18 Hz to 23 Khz with a 500 milliwatt output. The cable connects directly with 3.5 mm plug to phone or gaming consoles like PS4, XBox and Wii. For connecting to a PC, an extender has been provided. I found the sound to be excellent, though I used audio tracks rather than a game to test it. The HyperX Stinger headset retails for Rs 4,599, but is currently enjoying a festival rate of Rs 3,999 at Amazon.

Ultimate Ears UE Roll 2 speaker: The newest product in the Ultimate Ears catalogue of Bluetooth speakers looks similar, but puts out more sound from its distinctive, discus-shaped rubber-encased body. At 300 grams it is very portable and comes with a bungee cord which makes for easy looping to belt or backpack.

The wireless range seems to have improved too and it is now rated to connect with up to 8 Bluetooth devices like music player or mobile phone at up to 30 metres. It houses 3 drivers which ensures good all round sound and a full charge keeps the Lithium ion batteries going for some 8-9 hours. The key differentiator of UE speakers is its waterproof housing, an important consideration when used for poolside parties and the like. This time they have thrown in a ‘floatie’ for free, a small inflatable raft on which you can secure the speaker and have it floating in bathtub or swimming pool. Cool!

The UE Roll 2 works with an app that lets you control it from your phone. However, it cannot be used as a speaker phone. I am guessing the target user won’t want to be disturbed. It costs Rs 8,495 in India.