Libratone’s Q Adapt On-Ear aims to bring flexibility to noise cancellation

In September, Libratone released its Q Adapt In-Ear headphones. They might have looked like a standard pair of wireless earbuds, but they offered a unique feature: adjustable noise cancellation that allowed listeners to customize just how aware they are of their surroundings. Now, the company has taken that same technology and sized it up in the new Q Adapt On-Ear wireless headphones.

“Fitting into our users’ flexible lifestyle has always been a top priority at Libratone, from the portability of indoor/outdoor speakers to the multiple levels of noise cancellation in our newest headphones,” Libratone CEO Jan McNair said in a statement. “The Q Adapt On-Ear wireless headphones are the latest in Libratone’s portfolio of advanced acoustic lifestyle products, giving users the signature Libratone sound in a distinctive design that looks great everywhere, from the catwalk to the sidewalk.”

Libratone calls the technology that allows listeners to mix outside sound into what they are hearing CityMix, and it offers a total of four levels of noise cancellation. Like other noise cancellation technology, Libratone’s can aim to completely block out nearby sounds, but can also be set to let you stay aware of what is around you during a jog or when a co-worker is trying to get your attention.

This is not the only step Libratone has taken toward eliminating headphones as a barrier between listeners and the outside world. The company’s Hush feature silences playback when the user waves their hand over the earcup, meaning no more searching for a button when you want to hear something or someone better.

“During our research, we learned that users love the immersive sound of on-ear headphones, but that they also wanted the option of hearing the outside world without having to remove the device,” Libratone President Mike Culver said. “We designed both the Q Adapt On-Ear headphones, and the recently released Q Adapt In-Ear earbuds, to liberate on-the-go listeners from having to constantly take off either product when their environment changed. Libratone’s adjustable noise cancellation specifically addresses this need — and lets you clearly hear the person next to you when they’re complimenting you on your headphones.”

The Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear headphones are available in Cloudy White or Stormy Black and can be pre-ordered via the company’s website for $250. The headphones will be available for purchase later in November.