Xiaomi ANC headphones test - USB-C and noise canceling

First impression of the Xiaomi Piston ANC

The Xiaomi ANC in-ear headphones continue the high-quality and sonically convincing Xiaomi headphones series. Developed in collaboration with the musician Luca Bignardi, Xiaomi relies on a connection via USB-C and has also implemented active noise canceling using MEMS microphones for the first time.

What's in the box

The scope of delivery is impressive. The headphones are delivered in a practical box that contains 4 pairs of silicone ear tips in sizes XS, S, M and L in addition to the in-ear headphones. Also included are a small velvet bag for safe storage of the box or headphones, as well as 2 pairs of silicone protectors that are slipped over the housing drivers to ensure better carrying comfort and lower noise transmission. The enclosed operating instructions are written in Chinese and English.

Design and workmanship

The driver housings are made of a high quality titanium alloy. Due to the extremely low weight of a total of 20g and the ergonomic design of the Xiaomi ANC headphones, Xiaomi promises the best possible wearing comfort. The separation of the correct direction of wear is already clear from the curved design and is also indicated by a left-right mark on the housings. The cable is 1.25 meters long and textile-sheathed.

 The microphone and cable remote control are separate on this in-ear. The microphone is located on the supply cable of the right in-ear unit and is therefore at speaking height. The cable remote control is also the Y-separation of the two supply cables. The music playback and volume can be controlled via a total of 3 operating buttons. Active noise suppression can be activated via a switch on the side of the cable remote control. A blue LED indicator shows the status of the ANC function. The processing of the Xiaomi Piston ANC is not objectionable. 

sound quality

The built-in driver covers a frequency range between 20 and 40.000 Hz, the impedance is 32 ohms and Xiaomi specifies the sensitivity as 113dB. As hi-res audio certified headphones, lossless audio quality - beyond the CD standard - is guaranteed. The active noise reduction works in the frequency range of 50 - 2.000 Hz and enables noise compensation up to 25dB.

The sound coordination of the Xiaomi ANC headphones is balanced. Especially for lovers of electronic music, the Xiaomi Piston ANC shows a precise and high-energy bass reproduction without it being too dominant in the foreground or flowing into the middle area. Even in the mid-range, the headphones have a grippy, literally blooming sound with a pronounced upper mid-range. The Xiaomi In-Ear can clearly differentiate between vocals and instruments, creating a dynamic listening experience that is by no means strenuous. Heights are shown gently and by no means exaggerated. Due to the very warm sound, the headphones are particularly suitable for conventional music consumers. If you prefer a neutral, downright analytical sound, you will not have any pleasure with the Xiaomi ANC headphones!

Active Noise Cancellation

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) function of the Xiaomi headphones is an active noise suppression through anti-noise. The ambient noise is measured via MEMS microphones in the driver housing and compensated for by an opposing polarity signal. Mainly noises from lower frequencies are compensated.

The best way to describe function is with a slight pressure on the ears. Of course, not all outside noise will be hidden. Noises such as voices appear quieter and dull. City sounds, however, are almost completely filtered.

In combination with the already noise-isolating construction of the Xiaomi Piston ANC, the Active Noise Cancellation function of the headphones is a perfect complement to listen to music undisturbed. The sound quality is not affected by the active noise cancellation. When the ANC is switched on, only a slight background noise is noticeable, but it is so low that it is completely lost when the music is played.

Wired remote control and microphone

 Unfortunately, the wired remote control does not work as described in the instruction manual. The music playback can be controlled via a total of 3 buttons, and calls can also be accepted and rejected. In the test, music could only be paused and continued via the middle control button, and calls could be accepted or rejected. According to the operating instructions, however, it should be a multifunctional button that can be used to play the previous or next track by clicking twice or three times. Even with one Xiaomi Mi6 this feature was not feasible! The other two buttons are used for volume control and can be reprogrammed to select the title with a Xiaomi smartphone.

The recording quality of the microphone responsible for calls is convincing. Thanks to its noise-suppressing function, the recording quality is extremely clear and free of interfering noises. However, you should keep the microphone close to your mouth, as the recording volume is significantly reduced even at a short distance.

comfort

Thanks to the ergonomic design, the Xiaomi ANC headphones are extremely comfortable to wear. Thanks to the oval-shaped sound tubes and the additional silicone protectors, the in-ear sits in the ear without a lot of pressure, but is still fail-safe.

Compatibility

Xiaomi explicitly mentions that the in-ear - especially the ANC function - is only compatible with a few Xiaomi top models. Among them are currently the models Xiaomi Mi6, Mi5S, Mi5S Plus, Mi5, Mi Mix and Mi Note 2. The Mi 4C and Mi 4S models have limited compatibility. Not compatible are the Xiaomi Mi5C and the Redmi Pro models.

 However, the test showed that the Xiaomi ANC In-Ear is also compatible with smartphone models from other manufacturers. With the tested smartphones ments Apollo, UMIDIGI Z Pro and Elephone P9000 There were no problems with music playback and the active noise cancellation also worked perfectly. In order for the headphones to function correctly, support for the "USB Audio Device Class 3.0" standard is probably sufficient.