Design and features:This Bluetooth wireless noise-canceling home/studio-style on-ear models has a closed design and electronic noise canceling feature to reduce both outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment.
Additional features:Has integrated volume control, microphone, and call connect/disconnect control. Free JBL Headphones app download for Apple and Android mobile devices adds additional features and software updates.
Sound quality:We found the LIVE 680NC delivers sound quality that falls in the very good range - it reproduces music and voice very well although it does have some noticeable sonic quirks and excellent active noise reduction. The
bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep but is boomy and somewhat prominent. The
midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is fairly even but is somewhat grainy, hazy and a bit congested (think sonic traffic jam), and is somewhat overwhelmed by the bass. The
treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is fairly extended but is somewhat sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound reminiscent of bacon frying) and a bit smeared. While the sound has a decent sense of liveliness, it is closed (sound-wise it's obvious you have something plugging your ears) and does a decent job of recovering room ambience. Mixed character; warmish bass, neutral midrange and coolish treble. The overall sound can best be summarized as bassy somewhat grainy and sizzly, and a bit smeared. The tone settings of the app do have a noticeable effect on the sound of these earphones. The noise canceling feature produces a very faint rush that can be heard when there is no audio program to drown it out.
Noise Canceling: Excellent noise reduction across the entire frequency range with the low frequencies reduced the most. Orientation changes the noise reduction characteristic - when the noise is coming from the front a bit less high frequency noise can be heard. The noise canceling feature produces a very faint rush that can be heard when there is no audio program to drown it out.
Comfort and Fit:There is a sense of moderate pressure on the ears. As typical of on-ear models the ear pads might feel hot and/or sticky after prolonged use.
Large
Users with larger heads might find that the headband does not have enough adjustment range resulting in the headband slightly pressing on the top of the head.
Stability
Some users with small to medium head sizes may find that when they lean far forward the headphones feel unstable and shift forward, not so for those with larger heads.
When the audio cord is used the sound of it rubbing on clothing may be faintly heard through the earphones.
