Sony unveils 'next level' noise cancelling headphones created by Taylor Swift's sound engineer
Sony claims the WH-1000XM6 headphones, endorsed by music star Post Malone, are "the most advanced noise cancelling yet"
Noise cancelling headphones have become all the rage over the last few years. The headphones help people block out noise when studying, exercising, or simply enjoying a bit of peace and quiet.
Devices which claim to be noise cancelling can sometimes be deceiving. Users may only clock this when they are out in public and realise their favourite podcast or song is - you guessed it - interrupted by background chatter.
However, Sony has just announced the WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones which claim to be its "most advanced yet" and will even "block distractions before they reach you".
The headphones were co-created by world-renowned mastering engineers at three of the industry top recording studios including Randy Merrill, who has worked with music icons like Taylor Swift, Adele, and Ed Sheeran.
The mastering engineer from Sterling Studio praised the headphones, saying: "Sony has always been a benchmark for premium quality, and the WH-1000XM6 headphones take it to a new level.
"They transport me to a different world with their excellent bass, frequency response, soundstage and detail. They truthfully represent the sounds of the recordings that we work so hard to make."
So, what are all the features of the WH-1000XM6? Sony's new Adaptive NC Optimizer adjusts to any form of external noise and air pressure, meaning "unmatched noise cancelling precision".
Auto Ambient Sound mode is even better at adapting to your surroundings in real time, balancing music and external sound, while multiple microphones filter noise or let in what matters.
This could be announcements, conversations, or simply the world around you. Users can adjust settings automatically or fine-tune them manually in the Sony | Sound Connect app.
Gamers can also enjoy the Game EQ to enhance sound quality for FPS gaming. And for those watching movies on the go, 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema brings spatial sound experience to make you feel like you're in a movie theatre.
Making calls? Your voice will be isolated from background noise so you are always heard even when others are talking. If you need to mute, you can do it instantly, via the button right on your headphones.
If you're concerned about comfort, a soft fit wider headband infused with vegan leather should make for a pressure-free fit. And the asymmetrical headband design makes it easy to identify the left and right side with just a glance.
In fact, the earpads are designed for all-day wear thanks to stretchable material that provides a secure yet gentle fit to reduce pressure.
The earphones also slip seamlessly into bags and airplane pockets and boast a compact case that now features a magnetic closure for easy access.
The headphones connect to top streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, and switching between devices is "seamless," so you can stay connected without interruption.
Charging these devices is always a thought, but with the WH-1000XM6, you can listen and charge all at once.
Need to keep going when the battery is low? Plug in the USB charging cable and keep listening to your favourite tunes.
On the go? Three minutes in the socket gives you up to three hours of charge - a timeframe not to be sniffed at.
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Global superstar Post Malone has even thrown his weight behind the gadget.
"Great sound is essential for me when I'm making and listening to music," said the Sunflower singer. "These new noise cancelling headphones make you feel completely inside the music"
The WH-1000XM6 are available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue from May 23, 2025, and retail at £399.
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