Mason Blake
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer an Ambient Sound mode, which allows users to hear outside/ambient sounds while listening to music. The level of ambient sound can be adjusted using a slider in the Sony Headphone Connect app. The headphones also feature a 'Speak to Chat' function, which automatically switches to ambient mode when the user starts talking. The Focus on Voice setting in the app can also be used to make voices clearer and filter out background noise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Model Number | WH-1000XM4 |
| Type | Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
| Features | Ambient Sound Mode, Noise Cancelling, Adaptive Sound Control, Automatic Power Off, Touch Sensor Control Panel |
| App | Sony Headphones Connect App |
| Use Case | Long listening sessions, hearing people's voices while listening to music |
| Comparison | Similar sound signature to NC mode but with more noise |
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What You'll Learn
Ambient sound vs ambient sound control
Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones have an Ambient Sound Mode, which allows you to hear ambient sounds through the microphones embedded in the left and right units of the headset while listening to music. This feature can be activated by pressing the 'Custom' button while the noise-canceling function is on.
The Ambient Sound Mode settings can be changed with the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app. Depending on the ambient condition and the type/volume of audio playback, the ambient sound may not be heard even when using the Ambient Sound Mode. It is important to note that the headset should be worn properly, otherwise, the Ambient Sound Mode may not work correctly.
The "Ambient Sound Control" (ASC) setting on the Sony | Headphones Connect app can be used to adjust the level of ambient sound you want to hear. When the ASC is turned on and set to a higher level, the circuitry boosts the level of ambient sound reaching your ears. This means that outside/ambient sounds can be heard more clearly.
When the ASC is turned off, the circuitry that boosts the ambient sound is also turned off. As a result, the only sound deadening you experience is provided by the padding on the headphones. This can result in a subtle change in the sound level.
According to some users, the difference between the Ambient Sound Mode and turning the ASC off is quite subtle. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these features may depend on the surrounding environment and the type/volume of audio playback.
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Adaptive sound control
The Adaptive Sound Control feature on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones is an activity recognition feature that automatically detects your physical situation and adjusts the audio accordingly. This feature provides a smart listening experience, allowing you to hear ambient sounds with your music, such as when you are walking or waiting for announcements. It can also immerse you in your music with noise cancellation when travelling by train or bus.
This feature can be customised through the Sony | Headphones Connect app. In the app, you can switch Adaptive Sound Control between 'On' and 'Off'. When set to 'On', the app learns how you use your headphones with this feature and optimises the timing of switching between settings. You can edit the presets for your action patterns and frequently visited locations to your desired settings. When set to 'Off', you can manually register the presets for your action patterns and locations, and the app will automatically switch headphone settings based on this.
Additionally, in the app, you can access the ''Ambient Sound Control Based on Actions' preset editing screen to make changes to your headphone settings. Similarly, the 'Automatic switching at My Places' option allows you to edit the presets of locations.
The Adaptive Sound Control function is also available on other Sony devices, such as the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds, where it serves a similar purpose of automatically adjusting the noise-cancelling function based on detected actions or locations.
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Speak-to-chat function
The "Speak-to-Chat" function on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones is a feature that allows users to seamlessly switch between listening to music and having a conversation. When the feature is enabled, the headphones sense when the wearer starts speaking. The music is paused or muted, and the headphones switch to ambient mode, allowing the user to hear their conversation partner more clearly.
To activate the "Speak-to-Chat" mode, the headset's automatic audio detection must be enabled first. In the factory setting, "Speak-to-Chat" is disabled. To enable it, the user must hold two fingers to the touch sensor control panel until they hear the voice guidance say, "Speak-to-chat activated". The process can be repeated to deactivate the feature, with the voice guidance saying, "Speak-to-chat deactivated".
The "Speak-to-Chat" mode can also be enabled or disabled through the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app, which offers additional customisation options. Users can adjust the sensitivity of the automatic audio detection and change the time until the "Speak-to-Chat" mode ends. However, some users have reported issues with the feature activating accidentally, both when using the app and when not touching the headphones. This may be due to ambient noise interfering with the audio detection, or it could be triggered by the voices of others, environmental sounds, or announcements.
The "Speak-to-Chat" function is designed to make it easier for wearers to engage in conversations without removing their headphones. While some users appreciate the convenience, others have expressed frustration with the feature, especially when it activates unintentionally. It is important to note that the feature can be disabled or adjusted through the app or by using the touch sensor control panel.
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Voice focus option
The "Voice Focus" option in Sony XM4 headphones is a feature that allows users to focus on voices while suppressing unwanted noise. It is designed to enhance the user's ability to hear conversations in busy environments, such as restaurants, where background noise can make it difficult to hear clearly.
When the "Voice Focus" mode is activated, it prioritizes vocal ranges and makes them slightly louder relative to other sounds. This means that voices and announcements will be easier to hear, while other noises are reduced in volume. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music. For example, a user can enable "Voice Focus" and continue listening to music while remaining alert to important transportation announcements or the voices of people trying to get their attention.
To activate the "Voice Focus" mode, users can utilize the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app. Within this app, there is a "Voice Passthrough" or "Voice Focus" setting that can be checked, enabling the feature. It is worth noting that the "Voice Focus" option may not always significantly boost voices over the ambient noise, especially when the music is playing.
Additionally, the Sony XM4 headphones offer a "Speak-to-Chat" mode, which is another useful feature for facilitating conversations while wearing the headphones. When enabled, this mode automatically pauses or mutes the music being played and activates the microphone to capture the voice of the person the user is conversing with, making it easier to hear them. To activate "Speak-to-Chat", the headset's automatic audio detection must be enabled, and the user must hold two fingers to the touch sensor control panel until they hear the voice guidance confirm that the mode has been activated.
While the "Voice Focus" option is designed to enhance voice clarity, some users have reported varying experiences with its effectiveness. Some users find it helpful for maintaining awareness of their surroundings, while others have noted that it does not always sufficiently boost voices over the background noise, especially in noisy environments.
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Noise cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer both ambient sound and noise-cancelling features. The noise-cancelling feature can be activated by tapping the Mode button on the headphones, which will be confirmed by the voice prompt "Noise Cancelling". The amount of outside noise can be adjusted using the slider below the ambient sound slider in the Sony phone app.
The noise-cancelling feature works by deadening the sound with the ear pads and turning off the circuitry that boosts the level of ambient sound reaching your ears. The result is that outside noise becomes extremely faint.
The Ambient Sound Mode can be used to allow outside/ambient sounds to be heard while listening to music. This mode is said to add width and depth to the sound stage and is useful for hearing someone talking to you or saying your name. It is also useful if you are in a quiet environment and don't want any sound leakage.
The Sony XM4 headset also offers an Adaptive Sound Control setting, which automatically switches headphone settings such as how to mix in ambient sound. This setting can be turned off if desired.
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Frequently asked questions
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have an Ambient Sound Mode that lets you hear outside/ambient sounds. This mode is useful if you want to hear someone talking to you while listening to music.
To turn on Ambient Sound Control on the Sony XM4, you need to install the Sony Headset Connect app on your phone. Then, in the app, set the Ambient Sound slider to your desired level (between 1-20).
The Ambient Sound Mode adds width and depth to the sound stage. It also makes voices clearer and filters out some background noise. However, it does introduce more noise than the Noise Cancelling mode.
