Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones Launched With Smart Noise Canceling and Real-Time Audio Upscaling

Highlights

• Sony WH-1000XM6 launched with Sony’s new QN3 processor, Edge-AI, DSEE Extreme enhance compressed audio in real time and up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on.
• The headphone features include Scene-based Listening, Spotify Tap and Multi-Point Auto Switch for seamless device transitions.
• Priced at $449.99 USD, they come in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue colours.

Caption – Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones. (Image credit – Sony)

Sony has just launched the latest addition to its popular 1000X series of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM6. These new headphones bring smarter noise control, improved audio upscaling and a more comfortable design. Here’s everything we know about the new audio accessory.

Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones – Pricing & Availability

Caption – Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones colours. (Image credit – Sony)

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue colour options.

It is priced at $449.99 USD. The packaging is eco-friendly, made from 100% paper using Sony’s Original Blended Material, which combines bamboo, sugarcane fiber, and recycled paper.

Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones – Key Features

At the heart of the XM6 is Sony’s all-new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, which is seven times faster than the chip in the previous model. It works alongside twelve microphones to automatically fine-tune noise cancellation depending on your surroundings. This is 1.5 times more than before.

There’s also a new feature called Adaptive NC Optimizer that adjusts noise cancelling based on ambient noise levels and even air pressure. A redesigned driver unit also helps block out unwanted sounds more effectively. For moments when you need to hear what’s happening around you, Auto Ambient Sound mode lets in important sounds like train or flight announcements. You can control these settings manually or automatically through the Sony Sound Connect app.

To ensure top-notch sound quality, Sony teamed up with mastering engineers from Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering. You get two main sound profiles, Classical and Balanced, and hardware improvements like a carbon fibre dome and a custom voice coil to enhance detail across all frequency ranges.

Caption – Closer look at the Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones design (Image credit – Sony)

The headphones support High-Resolution Audio and LDAC and even compressed files are upscaled in real time using Edge-AI and DSEE Extreme.

You can fine-tune the sound using a 10-band equaliser or pick from preset modes like Game EQ (ideal for shooters) or Cinema 360 Reality Audio Upmix (great for movies). For calls, the XM6 uses a six-mic beamforming setup that clearly separates your voice from background noise. There’s even a dedicated mute button.

Caption – Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones case. (Image credit – Sony)

The synthetic leather headband is wider and the earpads are softer, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The asymmetrical headband makes it easy to tell the left side from the right at a glance. The headphones fold up using metal-injected joints and come with a magnetically closing compact case.

The WH-1000XM6 also includes smart features like Scene-based Listening, which uses built-in sensors to adjust sound and noise control based on what you’re doing and where you are. It supports Spotify Tap, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. With LE Audio and AuraCast, you get low-latency playback and audio sharing. It also supports Multi-Point and Auto Switch, so you can seamlessly move between devices without disconnecting.

Battery life is solid too with up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on. Plus, a 3-minute quick charge gives 3 hours of playback and you can listen while charging via USB-C.

FAQs

Q1. What makes the Sony WH-1000XM6’s noise cancellation better than previous models?

Answer. The headphones feature Sony’s new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, which is seven times faster than before, working alongside twelve microphones for optimised noise cancellation.

Q2. What smart features do the WH-1000XM6 headphones include?

Answer. They offer Scene-based Listening, Spotify Tap, Multi-Point Auto Switch for seamless transitions between devices, and LE Audio with AuraCast for low-latency playback.

Q3. How long does the battery last, and is there a quick-charge option?

Answer. The headphones provide up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on. A 3-minute quick charge gives 3 hours of playback, and they support USB-C charging.

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