[Review] "Has complete wireless come this far?" Impact of about 45,000 yen, Noble Audio "FoKus PRO" – AV Watch

No NC, no waterproof "Sound quality is everything"

There are many differences between FoKus PRO and FALCON PRO, but first of all, when you get the real thing, it's "completely different". Details will be described later, but FoKus PRO is one size larger than FALCON PRO, and the form is more organic, like a custom IEM.

That's right, FoKus PRO was originally created by Noble Audio's founder John Moulton, aka "Wizard". It is said that the development started after a prototype machine that was half played.

In other words, FoKus PRO is not the starting position of "Let's make TWS with good sound", but "Let's make Noble Audio's wired custom earphones wireless". "A picture is worth a thousand words", and when you feel the smooth texture of the FoKus PRO in your hand, you feel something like "the difference as an earphone". In fact, it seems that this housing is made with 3D printing technology using the know-how of custom universal earphones cultivated so far.

Exactly custom universal earphone-like housing

While the first generation FALCON and FALCON2 had only one dynamic driver, the FALCON PRO has a Knowles BA (balanced driver) for high frequencies. It was a hybrid type equipped with a door armature) "SRDD" (consisting of 2 BAs) and a 6mm diameter dynamic type "Tri-layered Titanium-coated Driver (T.L.T. Driver)" for the mid-low range.

FoKus PRO is also a hybrid type, equipped with two Knowles BA drivers for the mid-high range and one 8.2mm dynamic driver for the low range. The configuration is the same as FALCON PRO, but the dynamic driver has a larger diameter.

This is where FoKus PRO is amazing.

First of all, although it is an active noise canceling function, it is not installed even though TWS is close to 50,000 yen. This is not a reason such as "because it was troublesome to install". As a result of pursuing the main theme of FoKus PRO, "Sound quality is the top priority", it is not installed on purpose.

As you know, active noise canceling (ANC) has multiple microphones built into earphones to detect external noise and noise that enters your ears. By generating a signal with the opposite phase and playing it along with the music, the noise is canceled out and the music can be enjoyed in a quiet space.

However, according to this ANC, Noble Audio, it can be an obstacle for "high-quality sound reproduction".

For example, the amplifier installed in the Bluetooth SoC drives the unit and plays music. cannot be used 100% fully for music playback only.

In addition, microphones for detecting noise must be built in various places, but TWS, which has to incorporate SoC, batteries, units, antennas, etc. in a small body, does not have enough space. Security is a thorny issue. Problems such as not being able to increase the size of the unit because the microphone must be built in, or not being able to place it in the best location for sound quality can arise.

The problem that had to be weighed between convenience and sound quality was that ``to improve the sound, it would be better not to install all of them''. This FoKus PRO.

Furthermore, the "waterproof function", which is not uncommon in recent TWS, is not installed for the reason that "acoustic design is restricted". It's no longer "Han-like". If it's an ordinary manufacturer, it's likely that they'll be thrown out by people in the company saying things like, "No, you can't sell a product without noise cancellation in this price range at a store," or, "It's impossible to have a product without waterproofing these days." It's really exciting that it's a pure portable audio maker to release it with "all sound quality".

By the way, the price is also expensive for TWS, and it seems that the distributor was worried about whether it would sell, but when the distributor listened to the sample in advance, the buyer in charge said that the sound was too good. I'm surprised to hear that the first shipment has already sold out after an order has been placed.

Also, even if it says "high-quality sound full swing", it does not mean that external noise is left unattended. As mentioned above, the shell shape using the know-how of custom universal earphones enhances physical sound insulation. In addition, the types of earpieces included have increased from the previous model, including double flanges and horizontal ones. You can choose the one that fits the shape of your ear more. It is a stance that if you prevent noise from entering in the first place with these ingenuity, you can do without ANC. Considering that many wired earphones are not equipped with ANC, it can be said that it is a “natural” way of thinking.

In addition to the normal type earpieces, horizontal ones and double flange types are also included. You can choose the one that fits your ear better

In addition to SBC/AAC/aptX, Bluetooth codec also supports aptX adaptive. It achieves both high sound quality and low delay, and can transmit at a maximum of 48kHz/24bit.

In addition, TrueWireless Mirroring improves low latency, connectivity, and battery durability, and the continuous playback time is 7.5 hours (at 50% volume).

Regarding TWS, connection stability is also important, but FoKus PRO costs more than products already on sale overseas, but the model for Japan is a custom-made specification that further strengthens the output of radio waves. It is said that it ensures the same connection stability as the FALCON series. In fact, I tried going back and forth several times while listening to music with FoKus PRO on the platform of JR Shinjuku station during busy hours, but there was no break.

The main unit, which allows you to continue listening to music even on the crowded Shinjuku Station platform, has a luxurious feel, and the charging case is also made of metal, which gives it a luxurious feel. The opening and closing operation of the lid is also highly precise and comfortable.