PSB Announces M4U 8 Wireless High-Performance Headphone

Active Noise-Cancelling Model Features Tri-Mode Operation and Latest RoomFeel™ and Bluetooth HD Technologies

PSB Speakers, long renowned for affordable excellence in loudspeaker and headphone design, introduced the M4U 8, a wireless Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphone with Tri-Mode operation and the company’s exclusive RoomFeel™  technology. The M4U 8 is PSB’s first wireless headphone and the company’s most advanced design to date – a much-anticipated encore to the best-selling M4U 2 launched in 2012. The PSB M4U 8 is targeted for the performance-minded music lover on-the-go and is shipping immediately at an affordable MSRP of $399.

The M4U 8 employs Tri-Mode operation, which means the headphone has three ways in which music lovers can enjoy their music while on the go. Active with ANC mode is recommended for music listening where ambient noise could interfere with the enjoyment of music, while Active Only mode is recommended for music listening where ambient noise is not an issue. Both of these modes rely on the two rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries included with the headphone, designed so the music lover can swap out depleted batteries for freshly charged ones, including regular AAA batteries. Listen all day and all night with up to 15 hours of run time in Bluetooth or Active modes. Unlike some headphones with ANC, the M4U 8 can be operated passively when battery power has been depleted or by those preferring to use an external amplification device. The three modes are easily changed with a toggle switch located on the right ear cup.

Personal audio has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and with that, the technology and performance of headphones have also made great strides. With the M4U 8, I wanted to create a complete headphone that sounded superb in virtually any environment or application. We placed special attention on its ergonomics so that the user can enjoy listening comfortably for hours on end. I'm confident that anyone who has enjoyed our previous headphones will find the M4U 8 to be a substantial improvement in every respect, with the added convenience of wireless.

Paul Barton, Founder and Chief Designer, PSB Speakers

The M4U 8 features PSB’s exclusive RoomFeel™ technology. Used in all prior PSB headphones, RoomFeel makes music sound more natural by considering the effects of the room on music playback. Almost all recorded music is monitored using direct radiating loudspeakers to determine the acoustic balance for the final mix. RoomFeel scientifically takes into account the "room gain" that occurs when playing direct radiator loudspeakers in a room. The result is a much richer and more natural listening experience. Utilizing the DSP capabilities of the M4U 8’s Bluetooth chipset, the implementation of RoomFeel featured in the M4U 8 headphone is the most advanced yet. Music lovers will love the freedom of wireless headphones with the performance of high-end loudspeakers in an acoustically optimized room.

The M4U 8 features aptX™ HD enabling 24-bit music quality over a Bluetooth® wireless connection. There are also two different wired modes of operation - 3.5mm wired connection or via USB from the computer that also recharges the batteries. Enjoy the convenience of wireless operation while on the road, at the office or around the house.

Particular attention to comfort and ergonomics has been placed in the design of the M4U 8. The first thing one notices, at less than 13 ounces (362g), is the relative lightweight for a full-size, active headphone. The unique two-way adjustable ear pads are gyro-suspended to conform to the user’s head. The softness of the ear pads adds to the sublime comfort and allows the M4U 8 to be enjoyed for hours on end. The expandable headband offers a wide range of adjustment for a personalized fit.

The M4U 8 folds easily and is supplied with a rugged travel case and connection accessories for travel and storage. Tangle-free cords are supplied for wired connection and for USB connection to a computer. The headphone also can be paired with most smartphones and used for phone conversations. A “listen through mode” allows the user to momentarily listen to the outside world as well as have the ability to answer a connected phone. Two built-in, hands-free mics provide enhanced clarity.

Like all PSB speakers and headphones, final voicing is performed by founder and Chief Designer Paul Barton at Canada’s famed National Research Council. PSB’s research has discovered how listener preferences can be integrated into a wide range of speaker designs for many different applications, yet all featuring consistent sound quality that is natural and lifelike.

“Personal audio has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and with that, the technology and performance of headphones have also made great strides,” noted Paul Barton, founder and chief designer of PSB Speakers. “With the M4U 8, I wanted to create a complete headphone that sounded superb in virtually any environment or application. We placed special attention on its ergonomics so that the user can enjoy listening comfortably for hours on end. I’m confident that anyone who has enjoyed our previous headphones will find the M4U 8 to be a substantial improvement in every respect, with the added convenience of wireless.”

The PSB M4U 8 will be on active display along with other PSB products at CES 2018 in the Lenbrook Suite 29-236 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Jan. 9-11, 2018. It will be joined there by sister brands NAD Electronics and Bluesound with Lenbrook personnel on hand to demonstrate the company’s premium products and answer any questions.

Key Features of the PSB M4U 8

  • PSB’s most advanced headphone to date
  • Tri-Mode operation: Active with ANC, Active Only and Passive Modes
  • Active Noise-Cancellation (ANC) with four adaptive mics
  • Wireless Bluetooth with aptX HD
  • Exclusive RoomFeel technology for rich, natural sound
  • Improved comfort and ergonomics for enjoyment hours on end
  • Travel-ready with travel case and connection accessories
  • Design and final voicing performed by Paul Barton at Canada’s famed NRC

About PSB Speakers
Founded in 1972 by renowned speaker designer Paul Barton, PSB is a leading global speaker brand, now celebrating more than 45 years. Currently sold in more than 70 countries around the world, for music or movie listening, the company has set the standard for high-performance, high-value speakers and headphones. 

Marketing and Media Contacts:

Mark Stone
Manager, Distributor and Dealer Relations
E: mstone@lenbrook.com

Peter Hoagland
US Media Relations
E: peter@hoagland.us

Richard Stevenson
UK Media Relations
E: richard@rogerswood.co.uk

Source: PSB Speakers