Cancel out 99.9-per-cent of noise with the EKSAtelecom wireless all-day headset

When it comes to tuning in to music or podcasts, let’s be real – most earbuds aren’t exactly a joy, especially if you’re settling in for a long session. And those bulky over-ear headphones? They can turn your ears into a sauna and won’t even warn you about what’s happening around you. And when making or taking calls, it’s hardly a pleasure for either party even if you are in your car on your hands-free, due to all the external unwanted noise.

It may not surprise you that the new EKSAtelecom S30 True Wireless Air Conduction Headset, an innovative solution, was inspired and designed with truckers in mind. Comfortable for all-day wear, it eliminates up to 99.9 per cent of unwanted ambient sound, while keeping you fully aware of your environment.

There’s no doubt the cabin of a big rig can be noisy, so can driving to and from work, ambient building sounds, mall and stadium crowds or TVs blaring, family chatter to name a few.

AI POWERED NOISE CANCELLATION

The breakthrough to its crystal-clear communication stems from EKSAtelecom’s VoicePure Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) Technology. It incorporated AI-powered algorithms into the S30’s four built-in beam-forming noise-cancelling mics. Basically, it listens to the audio – human voice and environmental sound, then dynamically detects and directs what audio needs to be heard and what noise needs to be suppressed before it reaches the listener.

OPEN-EAR DESIGN

The S30’s open-ear design differs from typical earbuds that go inside your ears. It allows you to hear calls, music or podcasts while also enabling you to hear what’s around you, which can be handy when speaking to a clerk at the store, hearing a honk of a horn or being alerted of impending danger.

ON-EAR CONTROLS

The adjustable mic boom can be worn on either the left or right side for your convenience. Simply wrap each earbud around your ear with the adjustable hook and position the speaker where it fits comfortably and sounds best for you. I find them so comfortable, even wearing glasses, I sometimes forget I have them on.

Additionally, each earpiece features a single multifunction control button for pairing, call and music control. One neat feature is that one side adjusts the volume up, while the other adjusts it down. You can also use a single earpiece for calls, and some functions can be accessed from a control button on the cradle while your S30 is recharging.

There’s a separate mic button conveniently located on the back side of the boom arm to power the mic or mute for privacy mode.

ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE AND BLUETOOTH 5.3

The S30 offers an up to an impressive nine hours of talk time or 16 hours of music on a single charge, with up to 70 hours total with a fully charged cradle which also has its own battery. An audible “low battery” alert will remind you every five minutes when you’re down to your last 30 minutes of charge. If you’re in a pinch, charging it for just five minutes will keep you going for about an hour. Recharge time is about two hours.

The S30 also features the latest Bluetooth 5.3, so it works from up to 30m (99 ft.) away from your device, allowing you to be out in the garage, or potentially even be next door and still take calls. It can also be paired with up to two devices, so you can easily switch between your smartphone and computer.

REAL-WORLD USAGE

As someone who takes a lot of calls and spends many hours listening to podcasts, the noise reduction and reduced ear fatigue are certainly a gamechanger. And while the incorporation of AI is new industry-wide, along with the innovative design, the results are somewhat impressive.

To illustrate the power of the EKSA’s ENC, standing on a windy street corner, the noise from the elements was barely perceived. Taking the call inside, powering up and standing in front of a noisy Instant Pot air fryer, the person listening from their car heard a barely noticeable noise, but mostly because they were listening for it. They’re also splashproof, so a little rain while out for a walk won’t hurt either.

The ability to isolate the noise is not perfect, but pretty amazing. In a food court next to a video arcade in a large shopping centre, I encountered a few instances where the noise cancellation caused some distortion due to piercing sounds – but in all fairness, then that’s not really a place you’d want to take calls, anyway.

By definition, any open-ear headsets do not plug up your ears completely. So, while you might be able to crank up the volume to catch your tunes or calls in a bustling stadium, you may want to opt for a different solution when you’re mowing your lawn.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, the EKSAtelecom S30 is perfect for anyone who wants a great sound and listening experience along with clear calls and comfort anywhere, anytime. You can enjoy hours of uninterrupted use all without worrying about battery life. It uses AI technology to block out background noise, so you can hear and be heard, even in noisy places. It’s easy to wear and control, making it great for those who want hassle-free communication and enjoy life.

It comes with a protective zippered case for the headset, charging cradle, EVA pouch and USB-C cable. It’s available directly from eksatelecom.com and currently sells for $211 plus import charges.