Sony announced the newest edition of its award-winning 1000X series – the WH-1000XM5 wireless, noise-cancelling headphones. This latest model brings a whole new immersive, distraction-free sound experience to its users. Thanks to the new technologies, users can elevate the already industry-leading noise cancelling and audio quality on the WH-1000XM4 to a whole new level.
The best noise-cancelling just got better
The WH-1000XM5 has been created with Sony’s most remarkable noise-cancelling yet, with two processors controlling eight microphones that dramatically reduce noise, especially in the mid-high frequency range and an Auto NC Optimiser that automatically optimises noise cancellation, depending on the environment. Whether listeners are trying to zone into their work in a busy cafe or want to relax during a hectic morning commute, the WH-1000XM5 create an immersive listening environment.
With the help of the Integrated Processor V1, the WH-1000XM5 unlock the full potential of Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, while the specially designed 30mm driver unit enhances noise cancelling. These features improve sound clarity and bass reproduction, creating incomparable noise cancellation that allows listeners to totally switch off from the world around them.
Driver unit
Exceptional sound engineered to perfection
The WH-1000XM5 headphones are setting a whole new standard for high-quality audio. Sony’s meticulous selection of materials and their assembly means users can enjoy their favourite tracks the way they should be experienced.
The specially designed 30mm driver unit with a light and rigid dome uses carbon fibre composite material that improves high-frequency sensitivity for more natural sound quality. Sony’s unique technologies include a premium-lead free solder containing gold for excellent connectivity and optimised circuitry that ensures users experience clear, consistent sound with every track.
Structure
Music lovers can now enjoy premium, High-Resolution Audio, with and without the wires, thanks to Sony’s industry-adopted audio coding technology, LDAC[iii]. All their music will be restored to high range sound with the use of DSEE Extreme™,[iv] that upscales digital music files in real-time, allowing them to appreciate all the fine details the artist injected into their most-loved tracks.
These new headphones are 360 Reality Audio Certified that, allow users to enjoy a custom immersive music experience with personalisation[v].
Work anywhere with noise-cancelling
Industry-leading call quality
No location is off limits for taking calls with the WH-1000XM5 headphones. Sony’s precise Voice Pickup technology uses four beamforming microphones and an AI-based noise reduction structure to isolate the user’s voice with perfect precision, while a newly developed wind noise reduction structure minimises wind noise during calls. So now, a busy street or a noisy work environment can be the perfect place for a quick catchup call with friends or colleagues.
Industry-leading call quality
Brand new design with improved wearing comfort
For those familiar with the iconic design of the WH-1000X series, the WH-1000XM5 introduces a beautifully crafted evolution in the style for the range. An all-new noiseless design is beautifully finished in newly developed soft fit leather with a stepless slider. The new synthetic soft fit leather material fits snugly around the head, taking the pressure off listeners’ ears, blocking out external noise so they can keep listening all day, free of discomfort.
The headphones with effortless control
Sony knows users mov through their day at a fast pace, so when they finish a busy workday and arrive at the calmness of their own home, the WH-1000XM5 make this transition seamless using Adaptive Sound Control. This automatically tailors sound to suit their situation, recognising their most frequented locations and adjusting the ambient sound settings accordingly.
Adaptive Sound Control
The WH-1000XM5 integrate Quick Access so listeners can configure these headphones to resume Spotify playback with two or three taps, without the need to touch their smartphone[vi].
Sony also helps users listen to their music safely with the Sony Headphones Connect app, comparing sound pressure data recorded by their headphones with the guidance of the World Health Organisation (WHO). They will receive instant OS notifications when listening levels are too high.
Sony Headphones Connect app
The WH-1000XM5 also come with smart features to help users effortlessly sail through each day. Thanks to Speak-to-Chat[vii], they can stop for a quick conversation, and their headphones will automatically stop the music and let in ambient sound. Once their chat is over, the music plays on, and with the help of an instant pause their personal soundtrack will stop playing as soon as they take the headphones off.
Speak-to-Chat
The WH-1000XM5 are also Google Assistant and Alexa compatible, helping users with everyday tasks for hands-free help on the go. They can connect with friends and family, get information, listen to music, set reminders and more[viii].
Effortless pairing
Staying connected has never been easier, as these Bluetooth headphones can be paired with two devices at the same time. When users receive a call, their headphones know which device it’s coming from and instantly connects them to the right one. They can also quickly switch between devices with just the touch of a button.
Multi-point connection
The WH-1000XM5 support Google’s helpful new Fast Pair feature, allowing users to effortlessly pair with your AndroidTM devices. They can also locate where they last left their headphones. Swift Pair makes it quick and easy to pair their headphones to their Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop PC or tablet.
Made with the environment in mind
Sony has designed these headphones with the environment in mind. There’s no plastic in the WH-1000XM5 packaging[ix], which is designed based on low toxicity design principles and a ‘Made to be Remade’ philosophy that’s more socially responsible. The product box is produced using recycled and sustainable materials developed especially for Sony. WH-1000XM5 also uses recycled plastic materials from automobile parts[x].
Product packaging
All-day power and portability
Sony wants users to tune in and enjoy hours of their favourite artists, making sure nothing gets in the way of your listening experience. The WH-1000XM5 comes with an impressive 30 hours of battery life so that they can enjoy superlative sound even on long travels, and if they’re in a rush, they can now get a remarkable three hours’ worth of charge in just three minutes using USB Power Delivery (PD)[xi].
The WH-1000XM5 comes with a handy collapsible carrying case that can be made thinner for easy storage, letting users easily take their headphones wherever they travel.
Collapsible carrying case
Partnership with global superstar Khalid
In line with the WH-1000XM5 launch, Sony has partnered with global superstar and Sony Music Entertainment artist Khalid on storytelling around how WH-1000XM5 headphones provide premium listening for music.
“As an artist and music fan, quality listening is important to me and Sony’s new WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver quality music experiences in a big way,” says Khalid. “The noise cancelling really makes you feel closer to the music and hear all the details in a song, transporting you to a different world, which is how I love to experience music.”
To learn more about the partnership, click here.
For full product details, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5
[i] As of January 1, 2022. According to research by Sony Corporation, measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines in headband style of wireless noise cancelling headphones market.
[ii] As of January 1, 2022, measured using ETSI guidelines, headband style of wireless headphones’ market excluding headset with boom microphone or USB dongle. Call quality excludes impediments related to the mobile device, third party service providers, Internet, network connectivity or environmental conditions.
[iii]Need to set the function to “Priority on Sound Quality” using the Sony | Headphones Connect app. Compatible devices supporting LDAC will be needed.
[iv] Activate DSEE Extreme™ from the Sony | Headphones Connect app.
[vi] Install the Spotify app and set up with Sony | Headphones Connect app. Spotify service may not be available in some countries/regions.
[viii] Google Assistant headphones features, including “Ok Google” hot word detection, are only available when connected to a supported Android™ device. Google and Android are trademarks of Google LLC. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Google Assistant and Alexa are not available in all languages and countries/regions. Install the Google app and set up with Sony | Headphones Connect app. For Amazon Alexa, install the Amazon Alexa app and set up with Sony | Headphones Connect app.
[ix] Depending on geographical region. Coating and adhesive materials excluded.
[x] Recycled plastic is subject to change.
[xi] The adapter is not included with WH-1000XM5.
