Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone – Recommended for Sports Enthusiasts

Looking for a pair of no-fuss earbuds to motivate you through tough workouts? The Sony MDR-AS400EX may be the perfect fit. As a lightweight, sweat-proof option made by an audio industry leader, these earbuds aim to deliver quality sound without weighing you down. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these earbuds stand out.

Overview

The Sony MDR-AS400EX earbuds have a clean, low-profile design optimized for exercise and outdoor activity. Available in black, these wired, in-ear earbuds use tangle-resistant cabling to prevent frustration when untangling headphones pre- and post-workout. They connect via a 3.5mm jack compatible with most smartphones and audio players.

Key Features:

• Sweat proof and waterproof - ideal for workouts
• Over-ear loops keep earbuds secure
• Tangle-resistant cabling
• Balanced sound with clear vocals

Design

The Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone has a sleek, low-profile design optimized for sports and exercise. The earbuds come in a subtle black colorway with minimal branding. The adjustable earloops are made from soft silicone and provide a secure yet comfortable fit. The cabling is tangle-resistant and finished with a gold-plated 3.5mm plug.

Ease of Use

These earbuds offer a hassle-free user experience. The multiple ear tip sizes ensure you can find a perfect fit. The earloops simply slide over the ears and can be tightened or loosened to your ideal tension. Controls are limited to one button on the cable for taking calls and playing/pausing audio.

Quality & Durability

While not a premium headphone, the Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone is well-constructed given the affordable price point. The waterproof housing protects the drivers from sweat damage during workouts. The earloops and cabling feel study and able to withstand daily use and being stuffed into a gym bag.

Sound Quality

The Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone delivers balanced sound with emphasis on vocal clarity. The bass is slightly lacking compared to more expensive sport earbuds. However, the overall audio is decent for listening to upbeat workout playlists. They aren’t ideal for critical listening.

Microphone

It contains an in-line microphone and single button remote for taking calls and controlling music playback. Call quality is acceptable though the mic prioritizes voice isolation over natural tone.

Noise Isolation

The in-ear design provides reasonable passive noise isolation. With music playing at moderate volume, these earbuds can block out a fair amount of ambient gym noise. They offer less isolation than models with ANC.

Battery & Connectivity

The Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone are wired and do not contain batteries. They connect via a standard 3.5mm jack and are compatible with most smartphones, tablets, and audio players.

Waterproofing

Sony advertises these as fully waterproof earbuds. They can be submerged in water and used safely for activities like swimming or in the rain.

Use Cases:

The Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone is optimized for high-intensity workouts and outdoor activities like:
- Running
- HIIT classes
- Gym training
- Hiking
- Biking
- Water sports

User Feedback Analysis:

Reviews of the Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone are somewhat mixed, though generally positive among active users.

For those seeking sturdy, waterproof earbuds for the gym or trails, the consensus is overwhelmingly favorable. Users praise the flexible earloops for keeping the buds firmly in place even during hardcore indoor cycling or outdoor jogging sessions. One reviewer happily reported they stayed snugly in place even after being “drenched in sweat.”

When it comes to casual use, however, reviews are more critical. Some note the over-ear loop design feels bulky and awkward for everyday wear. One user joked they looked like Princess Leia’s peculiar ear jewelry from Star Wars! Without the need for stability during exercise, the loops are an unnecessary nuisance.

Audio quality earns decent but not glowing reviews. While adequate for podcasts and pop songs at the gym, critical listeners report a lack of bass and muddled vocals. Audiophiles seeking booming sound for electronic dance tunes or lush acoustic ballads will be disappointed. However, most reviewers concede lively workout playlists come through clearly enough to motivate high-intensity training.

Comfort is decided by achieving the proper personalized fit. Once sized correctly, the earbuds themselves provide a surprisingly comfortable in-ear feel. However, getting the balance of the earloops adjusted just right takes some trial and error for certain users. Having patience through the break-in period is advised.

Overall, active users praise their sweat-resistant durability, customized fit, and reasonable sound for the affordable price tag. Yet those seeking earbuds equally suited for gym and leisure will find the sporty design less than ideal for casual relaxation. Provided your primary need is stability during dynamic exercise, the Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone is a compelling choice.

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Earbuds stay in place during workouts
• Sweat-proof and waterproof
• Tangle-free cabling
• Good audio quality for the price

Cons:

• Earloops can feel bulky if not exercising
• Takes some adjustment to get right fit
• Bass is lacking compared to high-end sports earbuds
• Not well-suited for casual listening

Value:

With an MSRP around $25, these are very reasonably priced for waterproof sports earbuds. The design prioritizes fit and stability over sound quality, making them a good value for athletic use.

Summary

Overall, the Sony MDR-AS400EX earbuds are a smart choice for workout enthusiasts seeking comfort, stability, and waterproofing. If you need dependable earbuds to power through your training, these warrant a close look.

The Sony Legacy

As a top electronics brand since 1946, Sony has released several iconic headphone models over the decades. While the Sony MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphone doesn’t have the pedigree of the premium MDR-Z1R, it delivers rugged quality at an affordable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the Sony NEW MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphones perform in terms of comfort and fit during physical activities?

The Sony NEW MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphones are designed with adjustable loops that provide a comfortable fit, ensuring they stay in place during various activities. The package includes multiple sizes of fittings to accommodate different ear shapes and sizes. However, some users have reported difficulties with the earbuds staying in place, particularly during more intense movements.

What is the audio performance like on the Sony NEW MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphones?

While the primary focus of these headphones is not on superior audio quality but on their waterproof and sport-friendly design, they do provide a satisfactory audio experience for the context they are intended for. Users have noted that the bass might be lacking, but the mids are solid, and the highs can be adjusted for a better experience through an equalizer.

How do the design and build of the Sony NEW MDR-AS400EX Sports In-ear Headphones contribute to their usability during sports?

The lightweight design, combined with a tangle-free cord and a gold-plated 3.5mm connector, enhances the usability of these headphones during sports. The adjustable clip and ear loops add to the practicality, allowing for a secure fit that can be customized to the user’s needs.

Tips

• Ensure you select the correct size of ear tips and adjust the loops properly to secure the headphones in place during your activities.
• Use the included adjustable clip to attach the cord to your clothing, preventing the headphones from being pulled out during movements.
• For better sound quality, especially if you find the bass lacking, experiment with the EQ settings on your device.

Knowledge

1. Waterproofing in Earphones: Waterproof or water-resistant earphones are specifically designed to prevent damage from sweat or water, making them ideal for sports or activities where exposure to such elements is likely.
2. Importance of Proper Fit: Achieving a proper fit not only ensures comfort but also significantly impacts the sound quality, especially the bass response, of in-ear headphones.

Specifications

• Color: Black
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Special Feature: Tangle-free cord
• Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 5.91 x 0.79 inches
• Item Weight: 0.32 ounces
• Manufacturer: Sony
• ASIN: B00B2G3JYK
• Item model number: MDR-AS400EX B
• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
• Date First Available: January 20, 2013
• Number Of Items: 1

Box Includes:

• Earbuds
• Hybrid silicone rubber ear tips (S/M/L sizes)
• Adjustable earloops
• Carry case
• Clip

Usage:

Adjust the earloops and insert the earbuds for a secure fit. Ensure the loop goes over the back of your ear to hold in place. Position the clip on your shirt collar to limit cable bouncing. Pair the 3.5mm plug with your device and enjoy your workout playlists with clarity and bass.