Design and features:Although this portable ear-insert model lacks active noise reduction, the earplug-like design helps to reduce both outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment. The earphones have medium-high sensitivity, so they can provide satisfying volume levels even with lower-powered portable audio devices. The ADV Alpha has an inline volume control that works with iPads and some iPod and iPhone models, plus an integrated microphone and player function controls that are compatible with iPads, some iPods, and some iPhones and some other cellphones. The call connect/disconnect button can be used with some iPhones and other cell phones. These earphones may not operate properly with some non-iPod players or other audio equipment. Additional features include a detachable reflective audio cable and 10 pairs of earpieces of various types and sizes, a removable shirt clip, and a moisture-resistant carrying case. This model claims to be weather resistant.
Sound quality: The ADV Alpha delivers very good overall sound, with a warm character. Bass has good impact, but is slightly pronounced and boomy. Midrange is even but a bit smoothed over, and lower and mid-treble are even, while upper treble gradually rolls off. Overall sound is somewhat closed in, with good dynamics.
Comfort: We found that these earphones produce sense of pressure in the opening that might be uncomfortable for some. We had to fiddle a bit with these earphones to seat them properly and to get the best sound quality, but once they are fitted they stay in place with no problems.
