Up for Pre-order: PSB M4U 8 MKII

Over the last year and a half, I’ve really come to appreciate – and rely on – active noise cancelling headphones. They’re great for blocking out noise for calls (or just to focus) during the work day, as well as listen to music and watch shows in the evenings at lower volumes. One of the latest that I’ve run across are the PSB M4U 8 MKII headphones.

Now, about that name – yeah, that string of letters and numbers doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, does it? For as awkward as the model name is, I have to say that the design of these headphones is just lovely. It’s a balance of rounded and squared-off edges in balance, and the overall look is definitely that of high-end audio. No garish logos or colors, just clean, dark design.

Of course, looking good is just part of the battle – for headphones, they need to sound good too. Of course, we’ve not had the PSB M4U 8 MKII in, so we can’t speak to it with authority, but it seems like they’ve got a good foundation in place. You’ve got a broad range of frequencies being delivered by their 40mm drivers, but they also enlist technology to help.

How so? Well, much like we saw with the Soundcore Q35, there’s an associated app that helps you tune the output of the headphones to what your ears can actually hear, whether they’ve dropped some fidelity to age, too many concerts, or just plain not being able to hear certain frequencies. This is invaluable, and really does help the sound output in my experience.

I, for one, am all about the bluetooth connectivity that the PSB M4U 8 MKII offers. However, if you want a wired connection for fidelity – or the battery has run out – you’ve got that here. You’ve got the standard 3.5mm connection, but interestingly, they’ve put the connector on both earcups. This means you can plug in for whatever feels more natural to you (I’m a left-side preferrer) or to get the cord closer to what you’re plugging into. It’s a welcome bit of flexibility, and hey – should one connection become inoperable for some reason, you’ve got backup.

I may not be as wild about the 18-hour battery life with ANC turned on, but hey, that still gets you through a few work days at a time, right? And again, I think the design of these headphones really puts it to the head of the class for options out there, and the physical (not touch) controls for volume, playback, and mode will be welcome to many. Good design (and tech) doesn’t come cheap, however. The pre-order for the PSB M4U 8 MKII headphones just started about a week ago, and you can reserve yours for $399, with delivery anticipated to begin in November 2021. psbspeakers.com

Details from PSB

Bluetooth HD wireless connection with aptX™ HD and Qualcomm® cVc™ technology
Separate Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Active, and Passive Modes
All-digital ANC with digital MEMS microphones decreases audio conversion error

PSB’s latest RoomFeel™ technology with greater detail and better imaging
Personal Sound by Audiodo™ through the PSB Headphones app
Access additional features, settings, and over-the-air updates using the
PSB Headphones app

NFC pairing for supported devices
Over-ear, amplified, closed back design
Physical controls for volume, playback, and mode selection

Unique dual 3.5mm input connections (left or right side)
Tangle-free cords for analogue wired and USB-C connection
1/4” stereo and dual-input flight adapters

Runs on included rechargeable battery power
Up to 25 hrs battery playtime in Active Mode
Gyro-suspended ear pads

Carry case and easy folding for travel and storage

Tech Specs

Frequency Response

LF Cutoff -10dB	10-20,000Hz
LF Cutoff -3dB	15-20,000Hz
Within ±1 1/2dB	20-20,000Hz

THD, total harmonic distortion

ANC: ON (1kHz/1mW)	0.5%
ANC: OFF (1kHz/1mW)	0.25%

Power Handling

Maximum

30mW

Impedance

Passive

32 Ohms

Transducer

Type	Dynamic
Operating Principle	Closed
Size	40mm

Ear Coupling

Circumaural

Connection

Connection	1/8” * (3.5mm) Stereo Jack (Left or Right) Bluetooth aptX^{® HD} USB C
Cables	Standard Cable – 2m (78 3/4″) Detachable Tangle-free USB Cable – 2m (78 3/4″) Detachable Tangle-free

Battery Life

Wireless Active Mode	25 hrs
Wireless ANC Mode	18 hrs

Construction

Headband	Spring Steel
Driver Enclosure	ABS + Polycarbonate
Earpads/Headpad Cover	Leatherette
Travel Case	EVA

Dimensions / Weights / Finish

Overall	7 7/8 x 7 7/8 x 2 7/8 (200 x 200 x 70mm) (Travel Case)
Ear Cushion Outside	2 3/4 x 3 7/8 x 3/4” * (68 x 98 x 17mm)
Weight	12oz (342g) with cable
Finish	Jet Black
Notes	* Non-metric measurements are approximate. All specifications are subject to change without notice.