When asked by the brand representative for Sennheiser to come check out their headphones at Governors Ball, I happily obliged. Meeting with Jeff at the Silent Disco Tent, I learned about the Sennheiser brand and their mission for “The Pursuit Of Perfect Sound.” Being a musician in a former life, I was familiar with the legendary Sennheiser microphone line, which if you can afford them, is a perfect choice for recording. What I didn’t know is, Sennheiser is also making a high-end line of stylish and powerful headphones. After thoroughly testing the Urbanite XL pair I was given, I’ve come to the conclusion that they are the best pair of headphones I’ve ever used.
The box I was given containing the Urbanite XL’s was stylish and very sturdy, confirming that they paid attention to the smallest of details. Inside the box contained the headphones, carrying pouch, charging cord, dedicated plug-in cord and some instructions that were easy to understand. First, I charged the set, that took under two hours and in turn, is supposed to provide over 24 hours of sound without having to charge. The claim is true and actually got more than 25 hours of uninterrupted use before I had to charge again.
Sennheiser Urbanite XL packaging
Wearing the headphones is a comfortable experience, they feel solid, but not heavy and sat firmly atop my dome while head-banging. The user controls, which are done by swiping or tapping your fingers on the side of the headphone, are a bit tricky to get used to, and may be the only drawback. After using the set for a few hours, I got used to the controls and found them convenient and easy enough. Being that the headphones are wireless, I wanted to experience them that way first. Many wireless models lose a bit of “oomph” or depth when you listen without a cord, but after switching back and forth a few times, I honestly could not hear any audio drop-off whatsoever when connected via Bluetooth.
The Urbanite XL line clouts “Massive Bass” without losing the high ends, and the statement is definitely true. I listened to everything from the bass-heavy – Run The Jewels, to some old ass Jazz with screaming clarinet, that hits the highest of notes. The Urbanite XL’s handled them both with ease and the sound they emit are really superior to other brands at the same price. I grew up in a Bose family, and have always stayed true to their audio products, but the Urbanite XL sound is just better than any of the Bose I’ve owned. The noise cancelling feature is also noteworthy as I sat next to a screaming baby on the subway, slid the Urbanite’s on, hit play… and poof – no more wailing kid. They also work just like the factory earbuds and can use your iPhone or Android device to make calls with.
Being that I’m always on the run, and my bag is over-packed with various photography equipment, I decided to test the durability of the pair by stuffing them into the already full bag. The fact that they fold up makes them easily transportable and after I pulled them out after an overfilled train and running to catch a bus, there was no warping and the set felt perfect on my head with no damage.
As we take our music more and more seriously, discarding the ear-buds that come with your new phone and plugging in an over the ear model is the norm. I suggest throwing out the ear-buds entirely and hit up an online store to get a pair of Sennheiser Urbanite XL’s, your ears will thank you!
4.5 out of 5 Pancakes!
Article: Shayne Hanley
