Pocket Insider Latest Technology Review
Blue, a company that built its reputation as one of the best microphone manufacturer, has decided to venture into the headphone market with the release of Blue Ella headphone. It combines both the planar magnetic drivers and the emotional impact of dynamic headphones to deliver a unique listening experience. It also has a built in amp to broadcast clear-cut audio on different listening devices. Let’s take a quick look at the features before diving into the review.
Features:-
- Planar magnetic technology for uncompromising clarity and detail
- Built-in audiophile amplifier for true high-fidelity sound
- Custom double-sided 50mm x 50mm drivers deliver incredible sound
- Revolutionary personalized fit for superior comfort
- Closed-back design for truest sound reproduction
- Rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime; Ella continues to play music even when battery has no charge
Review
Design & Build Quality
The Blue Ella’s unique design was inspired by the Formula 1 race car. It features the swing arm and hinged band that makes the Blue Ella a pleasure to wear while delivering the best sound quality. Not to mention, the build quality on the Blue Ella is pretty impressive too.
Weighing at ~1 lb, the Blue Ella is definitely not lightweight due to the built-in amplifier, planar magnetic driver and a rechargeable Lithium ion battery.
On the left side of the headphone, users will find a circular amp control, with the enclosed the audio jack and a micro-USB port. The amp control provides three different settings; Off, On and On+. Off puts the headphone in passive mode without using the built-in amplifier. On, on the other hand, turns on the built-in amplifier to provide crisp and natural sound, and On+ turns on the amplifier with an enhanced bass presence.
Blue also included necessary accessories; a 3.5mm to 1/4″ adaptor, a 3.5 mm audio cable with Apple iPhone/iPad control and microphone and a regular 3.5 mm audio cable with no controls.
The Blue Ella also comes with a soft carrying case for traveling purposes.
Overall, we loved the attention to details the team put into the Blue Ella’s design, with its unparalleled build quality.
Battery Life
Blue claims that the battery on the Blue Ella will last up 12 hours. During our test, we found the claim to be quite accurate with the amp control set at On. An indicator can be found on the side; a solid glow indicates the Blue Ella is fully charged, a quick glowing pulse indicates the battery is running low, and a soft glowing pulse indicates the headphone is being charged.
The Blue Ella takes about 4 hours to be fully charged. Note that the headphone can be used even though the battery is drained, without the amp control.
Audio Quality
The Blue Ella boasts a combination of both the planar magnetic technology and a built-in amp to deliver a “perfect blend of punch and accuracy.”
We first tested the bass with Awolnation’s Sail and Imagine Dragons’ Radioactive. The bass seems a little soft with the amp control set at Off. However, once we set the amp control to On, we were blown away by the impressive bass, with no distortion. Setting the amp control to On+ doesn’t seem to have much of a difference other than the instruments sounding slightly louder.
As for mids, we tested with the track Payphone by Maroon 5. The overall audio and background music, especially the keyboard, can be heard clearly without the drum overpowering it.
Lastly, for the high, we played Celine Dion’s How Does a Moment Last Forever and this is where the Blue Ella excels. Every instruments used can be heard perfectly, accompanied by the high vocals and clarity from the artist.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Ella headphone is truly one of the best headphone we have reviewed to date. From its build quality to audio quality, we have plenty of praise for the Blue Ella. The only downside is the price, currently priced at $699.99.
