With its Tour Pro 2 model, which we tested last year, JBL introduced an innovative concept to the industry: a charging case with touch screen. The American brand has reworked this innovation with the Tour Pro 3, now available.
The interface has been optimized by enlarging the screen by 30% and making the controls more fluid to facilitate access to a whole range of functions (volume, notifications, calls, noise reduction, spatialization), all without using his smartphone. A habit – it must be admitted – that is difficult to adopt, but which can be particularly suitable for people working in an open space.
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It’s as easy as pie! Simply connect a USB-C to 3.5mm jack cable and the box transmits sound from analog sources – TVs, games consoles or hi-fi systems – directly to wireless headphones, without the need for external adapters. You will have understood: no more poor quality headsets offered by airlines during long hauls. Now you can enjoy a movie or an episode of your favorite series with your JBL headphones.
Additionally, the JBL Tour Pro 3 are JBL’s first TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones to feature Auracast technology, making it easy to share audio content with any compatible device using the button on the case’s screen. smart charging.
Like in the studio
The sound quality offered by JBL is undeniable. However, the sound signature of the Tour Pro 3 has been optimized. They deliver more balanced sound with crisp highs and powerful bass, enhanced by a dual hybrid driver system, a first for JBL TWS.
JBL has also redesigned comfort. In addition to the five sizes of silicone tips, the brand offers an additional pair of foam tips with the Tour Pro 3. Result? Better adaptation to individual ears and increased passive sound insulation, offering a definition increasingly close to that of a studio.
Spatial 360 head movement tracking technology has also been introduced with this new model. It allows for more immersive sound spatialization, where sounds actually seem to come from their original location, even during head movements. An addition that may seem artificial… unlike active noise reduction (ANC) 2.0.
This is undoubtedly impressive, especially for those who have never worn headphones with ANC: with the Tour Pro 3, you hear absolutely nothing else. This efficiency is based on measuring ambient noise more than 50,000 times per second. To put it simply, no matter the surrounding sound level (street with heavy traffic, bus, train, plane, etc.), you will be immersed in a bubble, that of your music.
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Always a gadget, unless…
As with the JBL Tour Pro 2, this new intelligent charging case remains a gadget… as long as you don’t get into the habit of leaving your smartphone in your pocket or on your desk.
Certainly, almost all functions are accessible by scrolling the screen from left to right. But there is a catch: you cannot choose the playlist you want to listen to directly via the case. If this were to change, the chances of doing without your iPhone or Android device would be considerable. The 2.0 gadget would then become a real digital tool, especially since the headphones alone offer around 8 hours of listening time with ANC activated, and the case extends this duration up to 44 hours.
Available for €299.99, the JBL Tour Pro 3s are expensive, but they’re clearly worth it. For audiophiles or enthusiasts of new technologies, their innovations justify the investment. For others, this update might seem secondary, especially since the Tour Pro 2 remains a solid alternative (€140.99) with a unique touchscreen box on the market.
For more information, visit www.jbl.com.
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