The Grell TWS/1 is the brainchild of ex-Sennheiser engineer Axel Grell. For these noise-cancelling earbuds to make any affect proper out of the gate, Grell Audio needed to carry extra to the desk than simply spectacular ANC. Consequently, they developed their very own proprietary characteristic aptly named Noise Annoyance Discount (NAR) for lowering high-frequency noises. Then they went to work engineering these beauties with trendy wi-fi applied sciences (Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive and LHDC codecs integration) and among the best audio efficiency within the class.
GRELL TWS/1 SPECS
Value: $199
Colours: Black
Battery life (rated): 6 hours (ANC on); 8 hours (ANC off); 30 hours (charging case with ANC on); 40 hours (charging case with ANC off)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
Water resistance: Sure (IPX4 rated)
Dimension: 2.59 x 1.33 x 1.54 inches (charging case)
Weight: 0.25 ounces (per bud)
Not each first try goes as deliberate, and although these buds look and sound attractive, they don’t seem to be blemish free. But when audio and ANC take priority over all different points, then know that the TWS/1 is a unbelievable possibility that may be had at a comparatively inexpensive value.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Availability and value
The Grell TWS/1 is bought for $199 completely by way of Grell Audio. Black is the one colour out there. Bundled with the earbuds are a wi-fi charging case, USB-C charging cable, three units of various sized silicone ideas, two units of various sized foam ideas, and directions.
By comparability, the TWS/1 launched with a decrease MSRP than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wi-fi 2 ($299) and Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279). It additionally falls in the identical value vary as one other top-sounding mannequin: the Beats Match Professional (opens in new tab) ($199). Nonetheless too excessive in your finances? Think about the cheap Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ (opens in new tab) ($99) for its hi-fi sound and customizable EQ.
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Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Design and luxury
Grell constructed their very own fashionable and unique-looking buds whereas additionally incorporating a couple of Sennheiser-like touches. It’s all within the particulars. The TWS/1’s good oval form and tiny stem with an built-in mic give these buds extra of an aesthetic attraction than some other pair of Sennheiser buds. Even the all-black colorway with silver accents is executed higher.
One of many huge distinction makers between the TWS/1 and Momentum True Wi-fi collection is craftsmanship. These buds are composed of sturdy plastic and aluminum that gives a premium really feel and stronger safety. IPX4 certification additionally makes them sweat and water-proof.
The brushed aluminum charging case (2.59 x 1.33 x 1.54 inches) is simply as modern. What’s to not love in regards to the ‘Area Gray’ colour or the skinny LED strip on the entrance indicating cost cycles. It’s heavier than any of Apple or Sennheiser’s instances, however a lot sturdier, and the magnets are highly effective to maintain the buds docked and lid shut.
Consolation-wise, the TWS/1 might be worn for two.5 hours earlier than fatigue units in. I had no points utilizing the buds for a number of hours all through the day. The bulgy cavity rests pleasantly on the concha and the angled sound port slides simply into the canal, permitting the silicone tricks to type a decent seal for optimum match.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Controls and digital assistant
Taking advantage of its actual property, the TWS/1 boasts giant contact sensors on that entrance that assist a number of enter strategies. These embrace single, double, and long-tap gestures, which labored half of time. Nonetheless, the buds additionally assist slide gestures that make controlling monitor navigation (left/proper on the left bud) and quantity (up/down on the fitting bud) seamless.
On-ear detection to robotically pause music whereas eradicating the buds didn’t make the lower.
Google Assistant, Siri, and Bixby are all appropriate and work properly for voice help. Grell’s superior mic array picks up phrases and long-winded inquiries with precision, even in loud settings. Outcomes are returned as shortly because the digital assistants obtain and register instructions.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Audio high quality
On prime of stuffing 10.1mm, high-precision customized dynamic drivers right into a compact design, Grell programmed these buds with SoundID integration and hi-res streaming by way of aptX Adaptive and LHDC codecs. The latter lets you get pleasure from lossless audio on appropriate providers (e.g., Tidal, Deezer). There’s a bunch to unpack, so let’s start with Grell’s excellent sound profile.
The hand claps and shakers at first of Earth, Wind, and Fireplace’s “September” sound extremely crisp, paving the best way for a brilliant horn part that units the tone for a full of life hear. Transitioning to extra boomy tracks, I pulled up Will Periods’ instrumental rendition of the Nas’ basic “It Aint Exhausting to Inform,” which options leveling bass that strikes the eardrum with veracity. Listening to it so properly balanced was one factor, however what bought me most was how Grell’s profile opened the soundstage for different components to shine; the synths and “yea” echoes had been distinctive and completely layered over the melodically funky manufacturing.
Of all music alternatives, it was movie scores that proved the TWS/1 was an audio beast. I needed to choose my jaw up a couple of instances when indulging in Hans Zimmer’s Inception soundtrack, particularly on tracks like “Mombasa” the place the relentless percussion sample elevated auditory stimulation with each increase and snare strike.
The SoundID app helps you to tweak sound through the use of algorithms to regulate the EQ based mostly in your listening to. Previous experiences with the expertise have been satisfying, however that wasn’t the case right here. I observed a drop in definition on all aforementioned tracks, and the emphasised lows made the mids and highs bloated. SoundID outcomes are subjective to all listeners, however take it from somebody who checks earbuds each day: Grell’s default profile is the best way to go.
In the event you’re anxious about noise cancellation compromising sound, don’t be. Grell did a terrific job of sustaining audio high quality with ANC or off. aptX Adaptive delivered low-bit charge transmission and hi-res audio. Whereas I’d like to share impressions of LHDC, none of my smartphones (Samsung Galaxy Be aware S20 Extremely, Google Pixel 6 Professional) assist the codec, so I’m hoping to replace this part with suggestions as soon as I get an opportunity to check it.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Energetic noise cancellation
ANC on the Momentum True Wi-fi 2 was thought of nice by many critics, however I’m right here to let you know that the TWS/1 outmatches it. Grell’s dual-ANC settings and “low-noise, match-paired microphones” work properly to reduce ambient noise throughout the frequency spectrum. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM4 nonetheless stay on the prime of the category, however these short-stemmed buds are usually not that far behind.
Grell’s method to ANC is extra easy and trustworthy than different corporations. They consider the expertise is most fitted to blocking out decrease frequencies, not a lot greater frequencies. That’s the place NAR mode comes into play. This characteristic scans the frequency spectrum and adapts the noise cancellation to decrease mid and excessive frequencies. Each ANC and NAR settings get the job completed.
There was loads of silence when working inside and out of doors the home. Frequent distractions like household chatter, kitchen home equipment, loud speakerphone calls, and my toddler’s digital toys went unnoticed in ANC Mode. Turning on NAR saved high-pitched seems like cries and squeals to a minimal.
Hanging within the gazebo for breathers was additionally peaceable for essentially the most half. ANC blocked out airplanes that flew over the home and any landscaping work that occurred subsequent door. NAR served properly for eliminating chook chirps and child screams from 30 toes away, although there have been moments the place the mics picked up low-frequency noises; lawnmower engines and thunder entered the soundscape.
Allow ANC for sturdy wind resistance to forestall the whisking impact of brisk winds from harming your listening to.
I used to be additionally impressed with TWS/1’s Clear Mode. This got here in helpful throughout strolls with my toddler, letting me hear automobiles, bicyclists, and runners behind me, in addition to loud noises like ambulance sirens from afar. It was most helpful throughout work hours when speaking with the missus over child care duties. To listen to her vocals loud and clear with out eradicating the buds or pausing music was relieving.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: App and particular options
As an alternative of placing out a companion app, Grell selected to companion with Sonarworks for SoundID app assist. As beforehand acknowledged, the app permits for sound customization. What else does it do? Little or no.
There’s a Listening to Take a look at you’ll be able to carry out to additional personalize your SoundID profile, which requires 6 to eight minutes of completion and barely enhances high quality. You can even see a graph of your Desire take a look at with frequency descriptors of your sound profile; mine confirmed “emphasised bass, impartial mids, and accented highs.” Firmware updates and a visible information for the controls spherical out the SoundID app’s perks.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Battery life and charging case
The TWS/1 holds as much as 6 hours of ANC playtime. That’s frequent for many noise-cancelling earbuds, and better than the AirPods Professional (4.5 hours). It might have been good if the buds achieved the WH-1000XM4’s battery life (8 hours with ANC on), however I used to be happy with the three days of reasonable use they gave me earlier than recharging. Toggling off ANC prolonged battery life to eight hours. Excessive quantity and hi-res streaming dropped playtimes by about an hour.
A ten-minute fast cost nets you one hour of use, plus you’ll be able to cost the buds wirelessly by inserting the case on any Qi-enabled charging pad.
The charging case holds between 30 to 40 hours, relying how you employ the buds. That is additionally extra moveable energy than the AirPods Professional (24 hours) and WH-1000XM4 (24 to 35 hours) instances present. Sadly, the case has points with holding expenses. After I totally charged it and left the buds inside for per week, neither had any juice.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Name high quality and connectivity
If it is advisable make a name when in a pinch, the TWS/1 ought to suffice, however don’t anticipate grand name high quality. A number of folks talked about that my voice sounded uneven each time talking outside. Wind and different exterior sounds had been audible and hindered readability. Calls sounded barely clearer indoors, although there was nonetheless some muffle current.
Bluetooth 5.2 operated decently. Vary was shorter than marketed (35 toes as an alternative of fifty toes). Pairing to acknowledged gadgets was fast, however the buds might have benefitted from one-tap Google Quick Pair for Android gadgets.
Grell confirmed that multipoint expertise could be out there in a future firmware replace.
Grell TWS/1 evaluate: Verdict
Axel Grell’s resume robotically set excessive expectations for the TWS/1. Not each engineer can depart a legacy audio model like Sennheiser and launch a competitor that’s as dynamically tuned as what they’ve labored on up to now. Effectively, somebody took the problem private and never solely created wi-fi earbuds which might be sonically superior to any Sennheiser true wi-fi mannequin, but in addition stand out as one the class’s finest audiophile choices.
Grell’s NAR setting lives as much as its noise-cancelling billing and the usual ANC setting is nice for placing a muzzle on each day commotion. Readability and element for music listening are additionally glorious. I’m not a fan of stemmed wi-fi earbuds, however even I can admit that the TWS/1 appears scorching, and the construct high quality is on level.
The finicky controls, lack of additional options, and the charging case’s difficulty with holding expenses are all issues that should be addressed if a second-gen model ever made it to market.
All in all, the ANC and sound on these buds makes them properly definitely worth the funding.
