Epos IMPACT
Contents
EPOS offers two main series; ADAPT and IMPACT. The IMPACT series is intended for open office applications and offers features as ‘Voice pickup,’ an AI-assisted technique that lets your voice come through and suppresses other sounds. Advanced noise cancellation is also on board. You have a choice between wired and wireless. The ADAPT series looks a bit more like the headphones we know; large oval ear cups. Some models are smaller sized and semi-open with a microphone dongle. The prices of the Epos products range from €60 to €300. The IMPACT series offers various options such as ANC, wireless, wired or “inline” (control on the cable) and various refinements in speech recognition and voice isolation, noise reduction, PTT (push-to-talk as in intercom systems).
The Epos IMPACT 460
The headset is packaged in a dark gray ‘wool-ish’ pouch that can be closed with an elastic band and a button. The ‘Scandi feel’ is unmistakable! The IMPACT 460 is an on-ear headset with a microphone dongle that can be turned up. The 460 is a wired version, connectivity is through USB-C. For those with a USB-B connection, there is an adapter that can conveniently stay attached to the cable so you won’t lose it easily.
The headset is somewhat similar in shape to the Sennheiser HD-25 Light; not surprising given the long-standing partnership the two brands had for several decades. The Epos IMPACT 460 is light, 124 grams, and the fit is easily adjustable. The nice thing about on-ear headphones is that they don’t completely shut out our surroundings. There is a volume control on one of the ear cups.
In use
Connections are via the USB port on the computer or phone. In both cases it works smoothly and no drivers are needed. The phone recognises the EPOS as headphones and on the MacBook we see it as an external DAC. Even when conferencing online, the setup is (not surprisingly) easy. As an option, EPOS offers (at no extra costs) a model that is certified for Microsoft Teams, which means that the headset is compliant with standards on issues such as noise cancellation (bi-directional) and speech recognition. This version boasts a dedicated button for entering online meetings.
EPOS states that the IMPACT 460’s sound is tuned for good call intelligibility. This makes sense, given the intended user group of this type of device. This is indeed quite noticeable in use. We prefer the Epos IMPACT 460 to wear on during online meetings or phone calls. The intelligibility is excellent, and here we must say something about the microphone. On a call with colleague Jaap, he commented that the microphone is so exceptionally good. Your editor’s intelligibility was clearly better with this headset than through the phone’s built-in microphone. Duly noted.
And music?
We also listened to music during the review period. With the microphone turned off; you can do that by turning it up, a red light then comes on. The sound characteristics are very neutral. The midrange is reproduced very well and pronounced, the bass and treble are somewhat suppressed. This leads to a sound that is a bit uncomfortable at first, as headphones and in-ears are usually good at producing just the bass and treble. After a while you get used to it and it is a fine headphone to listen to for a long time. We think is also a fine device for use in the studio or on the go with your DAW and laptop; a bit like the Auratone 5C Super Sound Cubes you often see in studios. These are also primarily midrange oriented and therefore ideally suited for mixing and mastering.