This article is from the M! 350 (November 2022).
BERLIN • After the attractively priced Pulse 3D wireless headset in winter 2020, Sony is daring to make another advance in this segment with three models from the Inzone label. We took a close look at and listened to the professional variant Inzone H9 (290 euros). With the design of the H9, Sony once again relies on the PS5-inspired color combination of white and black. The dominant material, on the other hand, is high-quality plastic for the outside, i.e. the frame and the outside of the headphones, as well as soft synthetic leather for the area below the headband and the excellently fitting ear cups. A positive side effect of this combination of materials: the Inzone H9 weighs just 330 grams, which, together with the moderate contact pressure, ensures a high level of comfort for several hours. Both headphones are flexibly mounted and can be rotated so that they rest comfortably on the collar bones when not in use. The buttons on the underside of the headphones are easy to reach and have been positioned with sufficient distance from each other so that there is no confusion.
We also liked the slightly protruding volume control on the left and the fact that the flexible microphone arm can be muted by simply flipping it up. The microphone quality is okay, but does not do justice to the high price of the device. The situation is different with the 40 mm drivers. In the test, they delivered crystal-clear sound and a spatial sound that was easy to locate. Noise canceling is on board the H9 and easily filters out background noise, such as a fan running in the background. Unfortunately, it is not enough to hide people who are talking in the same room. Another great thing: while the H9 is connected to the PS4, PS5, PC or Mac via a 2.4 GHz USB wireless dongle, you can also accept cell phone calls via Bluetooth, stream music and more. The battery life of around 30 hours is pleasing, as is the quick charging via the supplied USB-C cable.
