Design and features:Although this Bluetooth wireless home/studio-style over-ear model lacks active noise reduction, the closed design helps to reduce both outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment. It can be used wirelessly with audio devices with Bluetooth capability or cord connected to standard audio equipment. When cord connected the headphones have medium-high sensitivity so they can provide satisfying volume levels when used with home audio equipment and even lower-powered portable audio devices. The Urbanite XL Wireless has a built-in microphone and integrated touch sensitive volume, music player function and call connect/disconnect controls for use with paired Bluetooth devices. Additional features include optional NFC Bluetooth pairing, the ability to simultaneously connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time, and a pairing memory for up to 8 Bluetooth devices. This model has earcups that fold for ease of storage/transport, and comes with a detachable 45-inch audio cable with built-in mic and call answer/music player control for iPhone/iPod/iPad and smartphone use and a universal volume control that will work with any cord connected device (the cable's 4-contact mini-plug may not be compatible with some non-Apple/non-Android mobile devices or other audio equipment), a USB charging cable, and a carrying bag.
Sound quality: The Urbanite XL Wireless delivers sound quality that falls in the very good range, making it a decent choice for the more critical listener for both music and movie soundtrack playback, despite a few noticable sonic issues. The overall sound can best be described as full, with a bright treble. Bass (the tonal region that more or less covers bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is boomy. Midrange (the tonal range that more or less covers voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is somewhat even, but a bit grainy and hazy. Treble (the tonal range that covers cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended, but more prominent than the rest of the tonal range and is sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer are reminiscent of bacon frying). While the sound has a good sense of liveliness it is a bit closed in (lacks a sense of openness, making you well aware sound-wise that headphones are covering your ears). There was no significant difference in sound quality between wireless and wired modes.
Comfort: We found that these headphones produce a sense of moderate pressure around the ears. The over-the-ear fit of the ear pads may be cramped for those with bigger ears, and the pads might feel hot after prolonged use. During wireless use incidental contact with the touch controls on the right earcup can cause unintentional track pause, playback, skipping, or volume level changes.
