Pocket Insider Latest Technology Review
Blue announced its wireless headphone, Blue Satellite, at the beginning of the year at CES. The headphone features both proprietary active noise cancelling (ANC) and a built-in audiophile amp to deliver Blue’s legendary sound quality. Let’s take a quick look at the features before diving into the review.
Features:-
- 4-driver system featuring 2 custom 44mm ultra-responsive Blue dynamic drivers
- Blue noise-cancelling technology with dedicated ANC drivers
- Built-in audiophile amplifier for true high-fidelity sound on any device
- On-board controls for intuitive operation
- Fold-able construction for easy portability and storage
Review
Design & Build Quality
Blue Satellite bears a somewhat similar resemblance to its elder siblings, Blue Ella and Blue Sadie, in terms of its unique design. However, the Blue Satellite is lacking certain design features such the hinged arm. The lack of hinged arm is certainly a disappointment, as we try to find a perfect fit while having the headphone on.
The Blue Satellite weighs a little lighter than its predecessors but the weight is definitely noticeable due to its built-in amplifier and the rechargeable Lithium Ion battery.
On the left side of the headphone are buttons for the amplifier, active noise cancellation (ANC) and Bluetooth connectivity. Located at the bottom of the left earcup, users will find the power button and a micro-USB port for charging.
Travelling along the outside of the right earcup are buttons for a volume rocker, track and call control. At the bottom of the right earcup is a 3.5 mm audio port for users that would prefer a wired connection.
Blue also included necessary accessories; a regular 3.5 mm audio cable and a micro-USB cable. It also comes with a carrying case to help protect the headphone while travelling with it.
Overall, we love the build quality and the attention of details that was put into the Blue Satellite.
Battery Life
Blue claims that the battery on the Blue Satellite will last up to 8 hours with Bluetooth, ANC and Amp turned on and 24 hours with just Bluetooth. During our test, the headphones lasted about 7.5 hours with Bluetooth, ANC and Amp turned on at 50% volume. With just Bluetooth, we managed to achieve 25 hours of playtime.
Another nifty feature is that the power button serves as an indicator, where it blinks every second to indicate that the battery is low (around 10%). Fully charging the Blue Satellite via the micro-USB port takes about 3 hours on average.
Audio Quality
All of Blue’s headphones have a built-in amp and the Blue Satellite is no exception. It features a combination of both analog audiophile amplifier and Blue’s proprietary 44 mm driver to deliver “every detail of your music with clarity and punch.”
The first song we played was Michael Jackson’s Billy Jean and Awolnation’s Sail. Right off the bat, we can tell that without the Amp turned on, the bass was almost non-existent. But once we turned it on, the bass was definitely amplified.
As for mids, we played the track Hallelujah by Pentatonix. Without any instruments playing in the background, the group’s vocal can be heard clearly. The mids definitely felt nice and has some warmth to it.
Lastly, for the high, we played one of Celine Dion’s song, It’s All Coming Back to Me Now, which sounds absolutely amazing. With the Amp turned on, the 44mm driver places its focus on both the singer’s high octave range and the instruments in the background.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Satellite offers plenty of features and delivers on its promise for a premium wireless noise-cancelling headphone with audiophile amp. With its custom tuned 44mm drivers powered by the built-in all-analog amplifier, it definitely did not disappoint. And being wireless is definitely a plus, especially in today’s market.
