Noble Audio’s Astrid wireless earbuds are built around a simple question: how should a pair of earphones sound to you, specifically? The Texas-based company says the answer lies in a personal hearing test and three driver types in every earpiece.
Noble has been busy. Its lineup already includes the Lu Ban wired in-ear monitors, which use cocobolo wood shells, and the Noble FoKus Artemis over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. We gave the Artemis a 4.5-star review.
The Astrid sits in the middle of Noble’s range. It is priced at $539 / £499, which places it above the $200 Osprey and Rex5 and below the flagship Prestige Encore II.
Three drivers in each earpiece
Noble has built hybrid earphones and in-ear monitors before, so the Astrid’s layout is familiar territory. Each earpiece carries three drivers: an 8.3mm dynamic driver, a 6mm planar driver and a balanced armature.
The dynamic driver uses a PU diaphragm paired with an aluminium-magnesium alloy dome. The planar and balanced armature units work alongside it in a hybrid system. Noble says the combination accounts for differences between your left and right ears, and for how your hearing differs from other listeners’.
Curious how a three-driver layout performs in a different design? Nothing’s triple-driver headphones with transparent design show another take on multi-driver earphones.
The hearing test and a custom equalizer
Audiodo Personal Sound runs a short astrid earbuds hearing test on each ear. It builds a personal hearing profile, then adjusts playback to match. Noble describes this as the core of the Astrid’s sound.
The separate Audiodo Equalizer lets you raise or lower bass, mids and treble. Noble’s stated goal is a tuning that reflects both how you hear and how you want your music to sound.
Noise control, calls and battery life
The Astrid offers Active Noise Cancellation and a Transparency mode, which lets outside sound through when you need to hear it. Microphone noise and wind reduction are included to improve calls.
Bluetooth 6.0 and two-device multipoint let you stay connected to a phone and a laptop at the same time. Noble rates each charge at up to 11 hours of listening. With the case, the total rises to up to 40 hours, depending on settings.
The earbuds charge over USB-C or wirelessly. They ship with silicone ear tips and carry an IPX4 rating, which means they resist splashes but are not built for submersion.
If your music library lives on an iPhone or Mac, the iFi UP Play Max for high-res audio offers a low-cost way to get more detail from your Apple devices.
Orders are open at nobleaudio.com and through selected retailers. For listeners who want a tuning built around their own ears, this hearing test makes the Astrid worth a close look at its price.
Via creativebloq.com
Frequently asked questions
What drivers are inside each Noble Astrid earpiece?
Each Astrid earpiece contains three drivers: an 8.3mm dynamic driver, a 6mm planar driver, and a balanced armature. Noble says these work together in a hybrid system.
How much do the Noble Astrid earbuds cost?
The Noble Astrid earbuds are priced at $539 / £499. They sit above the $200 Osprey and Rex5 and below the flagship Prestige Encore II.
How long does the Noble Astrid battery last?
Noble rates each Astrid charge at up to 11 hours of listening. With the case, the total rises to up to 40 hours, depending on settings.
Can the Noble Astrid earbuds be used in water?
The Astrid earbuds carry an IPX4 rating, which means they resist splashes. They are not built for submersion.
More in
Tech Accessories
All Tech Accessories
More like this
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Headphones Feature Impressive 57-Hour Battery and Cutting-Edge Eight-Mic ANC
Noble Audio Unveils Osprey: High-End Design Meets Affordable Price in New Wireless IEMs Launch
Fairbuds 2 Revolutionize Earbud Ownership with Easily Replaceable Batteries and Stylish Design
Designer Sketches AirPods Open, Moving Apple's Famous Stem Behind the Ear
Moto Buds Ultra 27 Take Calls on a Nod, With Wing Fins Holding Them in Place
