JLab has once again raised the bar for sports earbuds with the JLab Epic Sport ANC 3. Building upon the success of their previous Epic Sport models, these new earbuds deliver a powerful combination of audio quality, durability, and convenient features.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Dual Drivers: For rich, balanced sound.
• Hi-Res Audio and Lab Spatial Audio: Immersive listening experience.
• IP66 Sweatproof: Ideal for intense workouts.
• Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Blocks distractions.
• 52+ Hour Battery: Long-lasting power.
• Ergonomic Sport Fit: Comfortable and secure.
• Built-in Interval Timer: For timed workouts.
• Customizable Sound: Adjust to your preference.
• For those in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge will give you 60 minutes of playback time.
• Google Fast Pair and Find My Device for Android devices
• Wireless Charging: Conveniently recharge your earbuds using a wireless charging pad.
• Integrated USB-C Charging Cable: Includes a built-in USB-C charging cable for easy charging on the go.

Performance Analysis:

• Sound Quality: The combination of hybrid dual drivers, Hi-Res Audio, and Lab Spatial Audio delivers exceptional sound quality. Expect rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making it perfect for various genres of music.
• Noise Cancellation: The hybrid active noise cancellation effectively blocks out background noise, allowing you to focus on your workout without distractions.
• Battery Life: With a 52+ hour battery life, you can enjoy long listening sessions without worrying about recharging.
• Comfort and Fit: The ergonomic sport fit ensures a comfortable and secure fit, even during intense workouts.
• Durability: The IP66 sweatproof rating guarantees durability and resistance to elements.
• Features: The built-in interval timer and customizable sound options add value and versatility to the earbuds.

Understanding Balanced Armature Drivers

Balanced armature drivers are a type of electroacoustic transducer, often used in high-fidelity earphones and headphones. They are known for their exceptional clarity, detail, and sensitivity, making them ideal for reproducing high frequencies.

Overall Impression:

The JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 offers a premium listening experience for athletes. Its combination of high-quality sound, impressive battery life, durability, and useful features make it a top contender in the sports earbuds market. If you’re looking for earbuds that can keep up with your active lifestyle and deliver exceptional audio performance, the Epic Sport ANC 3 is definitely worth considering.

Understanding Hybrid ANC

Hybrid ANC is a noise-cancelling technology that combines feedforward and feedback microphones to provide superior noise reduction.

• Feedforward Microphones: These microphones are located on the exterior of the earbuds and capture ambient noise from the surrounding environment.
• Feedback Microphones: These microphones are located inside the earbuds and monitor the residual noise that reaches the listener’s ears.

How Hybrid ANC Works

1. Noise Detection: The feedforward microphones detect ambient noise from the environment.
2. Anti-Noise Generation: The ANC algorithm generates an anti-noise signal that is equal in amplitude but opposite in phase to the detected ambient noise.
3. Noise Cancellation: The anti-noise signal is played through the earbuds, cancelling out the ambient noise and reducing the noise level reaching the listener’s ears.
4. Feedback Adjustment: The feedback microphones monitor the residual noise that reaches the listener’s ears. The ANC algorithm adjusts the anti-noise signal accordingly to further reduce noise levels.

Benefits of Hybrid ANC

• Superior Noise Reduction: Hybrid ANC offers superior noise reduction compared to traditional ANC systems, as it can effectively cancel out a wider range of noise frequencies.
• Improved Sound Quality: By reducing background noise, hybrid ANC can improve the overall sound quality and clarity of the audio.
• Enhanced Comfort: By reducing noise levels, hybrid ANC can reduce listening fatigue and make the listening experience more comfortable.

Noise Control Modes

• ANC On: Activates the hybrid ANC system for maximum noise reduction.
• ANC Off: Turns off the hybrid ANC system.
• Be Aware: Allows the user to hear outside noises, while still providing some level of noise reduction.

Hybrid ANC is a valuable feature for those who want to enjoy a quiet and immersive listening experience, especially in noisy environments. By combining feedforward and feedback microphones, hybrid ANC can effectively reduce noise levels and enhance the overall listening experience.

Audio Excellence

At the heart of the Epic Sport ANC 3 lies a hybrid driver configuration featuring Knowles balanced armatures and a 10mm dynamic driver. This innovative setup ensures a more refined audio experience, particularly in the treble range. The earbuds can output up to 40 kHz, providing exceptional clarity and detail.

JLab has also partnered with Knowles to incorporate the renowned Knowles Curve into the JLab app available for Google Play Store and the App Store.

This equalizer setting, which follows the Harman curve up to 8kHz and then introduces a boost at 16kHz, offers a more tailored listening experience. By catering to listeners’ preferences in the high-frequency range, the Knowles Curve can potentially restore some of the sparkle that our ears may lose over time.

Features for Fitness Enthusiasts

The Epic Sport ANC 3 is packed with features designed to enhance your workout experience. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology helps to block out distractions, allowing you to focus on your music or podcast. When you need to stay aware of your surroundings, the transparency mode provides a clear audio feed of your environment.

Durability is a key consideration for sports earbuds, and the Epic Sport ANC 3 doesn’t disappoint. With an IP66 rating, these earbuds are resistant to dust and water, making them suitable for even the most intense workouts.

Conclusion

The JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 is a compelling option for fitness enthusiasts seeking exceptional audio quality and durability. With its hybrid driver configuration, Knowles Curve support, and a range of convenient features, these earbuds are well-equipped to elevate your workout experience. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performance pair of sports earbuds, the Epic Sport ANC 3 is worth considering. Priced at $99 and £99 from JLab.

TNC Score

4.2/5.0