Sanwear-Hardwire Earbuds Feature
Industry newcomers SAN Sound have a new piece of audio hardware available for consumers, the Sanwear-Hardwire. This ambitious piece of hardware is looking to redefine what it means to be wired earbuds, a trend that most of the industry has strayed away from. By utilizing USB-C, the hope is to maximize the number of usable devices. By including varying sizes of sport hooks and silicone ear tips, the goal is to provide users with the best possible fit. And by being wired, the need for Bluetooth syncing and recharging is avoided. As someone who misses wired earbuds, I’ve been looking forward to this new product.
USB-C Compatibility
The Sanwear-Hardwire is solely compatible with devices that can provide audio via USB-C. For console gamers, this can create some unfortunate limitations. The Sanwear-Hardwire marketing suggests PS5 is compatible, but this is only partially true. PS5 controllers do not allow for headphones to be connected via USB-C. Same applies to both Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series controllers. All of these controllers require AUX cable or to connect to the console via Bluetooth. So, in the case of the PS5, you would have to connect the earbuds to the USB-C port on the actual console, meaning you’ll be sitting 48 inches from your console. Not ideal by any stretch. For the Nintendo Switch 2, you can connect these earbuds in handheld mode, so that’s a positive. For other devices, such as Android phones, tablets, newer model iPhones, laptops, and PCs, as long as their is a USB-C port, they’re compatible.
Customizable
Included in the box are four pairs of silicone ear tips ranging from 8mm to 12mm (there is no 11mm) and three pairs of sport hooks (two 22mm and one 18mm). The first step to using these earbuds is figuring out which ear tips and sport hooks fit your ear best. The ear tips will rest just on the outside of the ear canal, which ideally should block out any external noise while taking in the maximum amount of sound from the earbuds.
In practice, you’ll insert the earbuds into your ear, and then twist to lock them in. Easy, right? Well, it took me ages to figure out the “lock” part. We actually had to reach out to SAN Sound PR to ask for further clarification on how this is supposed to work. Fortunately, with some added information, I was able to lock in a seal, providing me with the sound as intended. The trick for me was learning that when you twist, you need to twist upward. Clearer directions in the box would have been appreciated.
Comfortability
For earbuds, it’s important that they sit comfortably inside your ears. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the Sanwear-Hardwire earbuds very comfortable when used for long periods of time. I found I could use them for about 15-20 minutes before they started irritating my ears. Maybe it’s just because I’m not used to earbuds of this size and shape. There is pressure that’s applied inside my ears when I use these earbuds. While I appreciate this is probably designed to maintain the seal, it’s just not a pleasant feeling. It’s quite possible that in time, my feelings will change as I get used to them more.
Audio Cortex
The Audio Cortex is the irregular hexagon-shaped device that processes all the audio that the earbuds receive. When worn, it rests just below your neck, and is the point where the left and right earbud cords deviate. It has a single button on it, that can be programmed, via Bluetooth, to have different functions. This could include skipping tracks, pausing, etc. It also appears to be where the microphone is located.
This Audio Cortex is where all the magic happens and what makes the earbuds’ audio sound so great. Music sounds great with this device. Everything sounds so clear and distinctive, and there is some very solid bass as well. However, this all comes with the strict caveat that you lock in a proper seal with the earbuds. I do wish the Audio Cortex was a few inches lower down the wire, but that’s just personal preference.
Microphone Issues
Unfortunately, the microphone leaves something to be desired. When I spoke with my girlfriend over the phone, she noticed a distinct difference in my voice. Not quite muffled, but it sounded like I was in a small room. I then let her use the earbuds and listened to her – and noticed exactly what she mentioned. This does not produce the same fidelity in voice as say Air Pods or other headsets do. Maybe it’s the location of the microphone that is causing the discrepancy in sound, since it rests below the chin.
The Audio Cortex does apparently include a learning model that is supposed to improve microphone voice recognition over time. Time will tell how much improvement we’ll actually hear.
Ambitious
I appreciate SAN Sound’s ambitious plan to bring a solid pair of wired earbuds to the market. With their Audio Cortex, and a proper seal, everything sounds pretty incredible. I did find the Sanwear-Hardwire a bit uncomfortable to wear over long periods of time. I’m also concerned about what happens if someone were to lose or damage an ear tip or sport hook. Maybe SAN Sound will offer replacement ear tips and sport hooks. I personally don’t anticipate using them for gaming, given the limited USB-C compatibility. Maybe in the future, game controllers will allow for USB-C headphones/earbuds. Until then, I’m not sitting 48 inches from a game console.
With that said, if you’re into handheld gaming, or you have a gaming set-up that would work for the 48 inch wire, these wired earbuds might be the perfect addition. The prospect of no more recharging batteries, no more syncing Bluetooth, and the solid sound, makes the Sanwear-Hardware wired earbuds a strong option for audiophiles.
***Sanwear-Hardwire earbuds provided by the manufacturer for testing.***