No matter where you go, the black Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones deliver pristine sound quality while automatically adjusting ambient sound according to your activity and registered locations, leaving your hands and mind free from the hassle of changing settings just to hear what you want to hear. Plus, the headphones detect when you're wearing them and start and stop your audio for you.

Noise cancellation is accomplished with Sony's dedicated HD Noise-Canceling QN1 processor and Sense Engine. Sense Engine is designed to automatically adjust the level of ambient sound based on your environment. If quick communication is needed, simply speak to chat without audio playing or just cover the right earcup with your hand to monitor the outside world.

When it comes to what you do hear, the WH-1000XM4 headphones use DSEE Extreme audio upscaling to perform genre- and instrument-based optimization of the sound, and they support LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. When used with a compatible source device, LDAC transmits approximately three times more data, up to 990 kb/s, compared to conventional Bluetooth. This is meant to make your high-resolution audio content sound even better when it's played back through the 1.57" drivers with LCP diaphragms (liquid crystal polymer).

Whether you're looking for peace and quiet while working from home or you want an ideal pair of headphones for traveling, Sony crafted the noise-canceling WH-1000XM4 to be both convenient (with support for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant) and comfortable, thanks to the soft, pressure-relieving earpads and the lightweight design.

Custom Sound for Activities & Locations    Automatically Adjusts Ambient Sound    Wearing Detection & Speak-to-Chat    DSEE Extreme Audio Upscaling    Hi-Res Audio Compatible 1.57" Drivers    Wireless Bluetooth & NFC Tap Technology    Built-In Rechargeable Battery    Up to 30 Hours of Playback with BT+ANC    LDAC, AAC, and SBC Wireless Codecs    Includes 3.5mm Audio Cable

Dual noise sensor technology, featuring two microphones on each earcup, captures ambient noise and passes the data to the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. Using a new algorithm, the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 then applies noise cancellation processing in real time to a range of acoustic environments.

Working together with a new Bluetooth Audio SoC (system on chip), it senses and adjusts to music and noise signals, as well as acoustic characteristics between the driver unit and ears, at over 700 times per second.

Adaptive Sound Control is a smart function that can learn to recognize locations you frequently visit, such as your workplace or favorite café, and tailor sound for the ideal listening experience. In addition, it automatically detects what you're up to—walking, waiting or traveling—then adjusts ambient sound settings to suit the situation.

The WH-1000XM4 headphones incorporate two technologies to maximize noise-canceling performance. Unique Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing delivers optimal sound at high altitude, while Personal Noise Cancellation Optimizer analyzes unique sonic characteristics caused by head size, glasses, and hair, then tailors sound to you.

A proximity sensor in the WH-1000XM4 headphones can detect whether you're wearing them or not, then adapt playback accordingly to help save battery power. Take off your headphones and the music pauses automatically. Put the headphones back on and the music automatically resumes.

As soon as you speak to someone, Speak-to-Chat automatically stops the music and lets in ambient sound so you can conduct a conversation—handy if you want to keep your headphones on or your hands are full. Based on Precise Voice Pickup Technology, this smart feature uses five microphones built into the headphones and advanced audio signal processing to recognize and react to your voice. Once your chat is over, your music starts playing again automatically.

Regardless of the level of noise-cancelation, the Quick Attention features lets you quickly hear your environment, whether it's to hear an emergency announcement or have a quick conversation. Simply place your hand over the housing of the right earcup to quiet things down so you can hear.

Adjust ambient sound with the Sony | Headphones Connect app to cancel noise while still allowing essential sounds, like transport announcements, through when you're listening on the move. Ambient Sound Control lets you adjust the volume of background sound and gives you the option to allow voices alone to be heard. Meanwhile the Equalizer lets you customize sound levels to suit your music.

When the WH-1000XM4 headphones are paired with your smartphone, you can use them to access the phone's voice assistant. Ask it questions and have it perform tasks just like you would normally do; enjoy entertainment, connect with friends, get information, listen to music and notifications, set reminders, and more.

Conversation flows freely with easy, hands-free calling. Leave your phone where it is, just speak with a double tap. Thanks to Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal processing, WH-1000XM4 delivers clearer voice quality to the other person on the phone.

A built-in analog amplifier integrated in the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 realizes a pristine signal-to-noise ratio for low distortion and exceptional sound quality for portable devices. Powerful 1.57" drivers with liquid crystal polymer (LCP) diaphragms make the headphones ideal for handling heavy beats, and they can also reproduce a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz.

Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence) co-developed with Sony Music Entertainment, DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. Dynamically recognizing instrumentation, musical genres, and individual elements of each song, such as vocals or interludes, it restores the high-range sound lost in compression for a richer, more complete listening experience.

For total convenience, WH-1000XM4 headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. When a call comes in, your headphones know which device is ringing and connect to the right one automatically. You'll also be able to quickly and smoothly switch your headphones to either of the two devices at the touch of a button.

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation
Quick Charge: With just 10 minutes of charging via an AC adapter (not included), you can gain up to 5 hours of battery life
Tap Controls: Intuitive tap and swipe gestures on the outside of the right earcup let you adjust volume, play/pause audio, change tracks, and answer calls
Swivel & Foldable: The earcups swivel inwards so they pack up neatly in the included compact case

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I own the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, which I use for film production location sound. I'm looking for a more compact alternative that will take less space in my camera bag. Are the Sony MDR-7506 a good option in that regard?

A: Yes, the Sony MDR-7506 Headphones (BH #SOMDR7506 • MFR #MDR-7506) are a great option for monitoring location sound, with 40mm drive units that can accurately capture a wide dynamic range. They are also easily foldable and should definitely take up less space in your bag than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x's.

Q: 2. sound suddenly completely stopped coming through from the rh ear pad. left still works. about a year old. is it serviceable and where? i'm in new york city

A: It may be fixable depending on where the issue is on the headphone. For a repair option, you could reach out to Pro Sound Services at 212.586.1033. However, the cost of the repair be close to the cost of a new pair anyway, in which case we recommend purchasing a new pair.

Q: 3. Is the 1/4" TRS phono connectivity the same as the 1/4 phono jack?

A: When referencing the MDR-7506 with those two terms, then they are referring to the same 1/4'' TRS connection utilized with the adapter on the 7506's. Please note, a 1/4'' jack can be either TRS (stereo) or TS (mono). You would want to specify which you are referencing when choosing cables, adapters, etc.

Q: 4. Is this headphone stereo? I assume it is due to type of plug, but just want to verify before purchasing it.

A: Yes - not to be a turd, but if you look at the photo it says so right there.It's a great pair of headphones - have had them for two years and no complaint!

Q: 5. Do this phones work for listening televisions ???

A: Yes. Provided the TV has a headphone connector jack (3.5mm) these headphones may be plugged in. Below will allow an extension of either 10 feet or 25 feet: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/392841-REG/Rode_VC1_Stereo_Mini_Male_to.html https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/160694-REG/Hosa_Technology_MHE_125_Stereo_Mini_Male_to.html The Sony MDR 7506 headphones are excellent quality; I own these fo 15 years and are great sounding and comfortable!

Q: 6. Is the 1/4 adapter screwable?

A: Yes the 1/4 adapter that ships with the 7506s has threads. The adapter fits snuggly over the 1/8 plug and locks in place by twisting / tightening the threaded section at the end of the assembly. The connection is secure. Sound quality and clarity remain excellent.

Q: 7. Can I connect to my Fender Amplifier to privately listen to my guitar rifts? thanks!

A: If your amp has a headphone output, than yes you can.

Q: 8. Are the earpads replaceable?

A: Yes, the earpads on Sony MDR-7506 Headphones are replaceable.

Q: 9. Relative to comparables, do these warm up your ears at room temperature or do they breathe?

A: The Sony MDR-7506 Headphones are closed-back headphones, so they will retain some heat naturally. However, with the default earcups they are not as large or tight of a fit as some other popular closed-back models.

Q: 10. Are these bluetooth?

A: No, the Sony MDR-7506 Headphones connect to an audio source via hardwired 3.5mm connection and do not offer any wireless Bluetooth functionality.