About the PSB M4U 2
Precise, detailed PSB sound in a portable design
Precise, detailed PSB sound in a portable design
Long revered for their musical honesty and superior value, PSB speakers have been a favorite of audiophiles and industry insiders for over 40 years. Now PSB has created headphones that pack the same sonic realism and precision as their speakers into a portable package you can take with you anywhere. The PSB M4U 2 with active noise-canceling technology reproduces your music with exquisite detail and clarity, while isolating you from noisy environments. You can enjoy your own private concert in peace, without distractions from the outside world.
"It's hard to describe the M4U 2's sound because it's so close to flawless and so free of an identifiable character. The bass sounds extremely smooth and tight, the mids are exceptionally clear, and the highs are rich and detailed. Not only does the M4U 2 sound like a really great speaker, it sounds like a great speaker in a great listening room."
— From Brent Butterworth's review in Sound+Vision Magazine, June, 2012
Read the full review
Switch between your calls and music with ease
The M4U 2's in-line remote and microphone make it easy to answer and end calls, and pause, play, or skip through the songs on your iPod®, iPhone®, or iPad®. PSB includes two detachable headphone cords that feature a handy push-to-hear control that lets you mute the audio and amplify outside sounds to carry on a conversation with those around you without removing your headphones. For travel, the supplied airline adapter lets you easily plug into the in-flight entertainment.
Enjoy peace and quiet while you travel. (Black model shown)
Power and comfort
You can select from three different operating modes to fit different listening situations. Passive mode allows you to enjoy your tunes without battery power — ideal for those times when you're playing music through high-quality home audio gear or a headphone amp. Switch to active mode, and the headphone's built-in amplifier kicks in to provide an added boost that turbocharges the sound coming from your portable player. Or, engage the active noise cancellation circuitry when you just want to tune out the world and relax to your music uninterrupted.
Along with delivering fantastic sound, a truly great headphone has to be comfortable. The M4U 2's soft padded earcups feature a two-way adjustable pivoting design for a secure, custom fit and hours of listening enjoyment. Dual input connections let you conveniently plug the cable in on either the left or right earcup. The folding design and included storage case make them easy to take along.
From our review of the PSB M4U 2 noise canceling headphones
"These are my favorite noise-canceling headphones I've experienced to date. They're open, bass-forward without being unfocused or obnoxious, well-extended and overall, extremely pleasant to listen to. Plus, they are comfortable, mobile phone friendly and easy to manage while sitting in a coach seat."
— Woody, Crutchfield Home A/V writer
Product highlights:
- folding, over-the-ear design with closed, padded earcups and adjustable headband
- active noise-canceling technology reduces distracting external sounds
- active listening mode uses built-in headphone amplifier for more powerful and precise audio with portable sources
- tri-mode operation allows passive listening (without batteries), active listening mode, and active listening mode with noise cancellation
- in-line remote/microphone for hands-free use with iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad®
- in-line push-to-hear monitor control pauses the audio source and noise-canceling feature for brief conversations without removing headphones
- convenient dual input connections let you plug the cable into the right or left earcup
- large 40mm drivers for low distortion and extended range
- frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (±1.5dB)
- sensitivity: 102 dB
- impedance: 32 ohms (passive mode); 10k ohms (active/noise canceling mode)
- warranty: 2 years
- Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Included accessories:
- two 60" detachable headphone cords: one with in-line remote/microphone and monitor control; one with in-line monitor control only
- full-size headphone (1/4") and twin-plug airline system adapters
- extra set of ear pads
- protective carrying case
- cleaning cloth
- two "AAA" batteries
- MFR # M4U 2 White
Fit FactorsSM
- Snug fit
- Feels heavier than most
- Good for work/office
Fit FactorsSM
Headphone Guy
Comfort is an often overlooked — but extremely important — factor when it comes to headphones. How your headphones fit and feel plays a big part in how much you'll enjoy them.
We tested and scored several headphones to give you a better idea about fit and wearability before you buy.
How the PSB M4U 2's measure up
Here are our main takeaways for these headphones, including key measurements and how they stack up with the other over-ear headphones we tested.
Overall comfort
Security & stability
| Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Snug fit | Feels heavier than most | Firm padding (earcups and headband) |
| Recommended for | ||
|---|---|---|
| Work, office | ||
| Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ||
| 12.8 oz | | |
| Earcup width | ||
| 2.7 in | |
|
| Earcup height | ||
| 3.8 in | | |
How did we test comfort?
We invited a group of 20 Crutchfield employees to try on a selection of 50 over-ear headphones and grade them on fit and comfort. See all headphones we tested.
How did we grade these headphones?
Our participants rated each set of headphones by assigning a separate score for five different fit and comfort elements, or "Fit Factors": (1) ear pad softness; (2) headband softness; (3) clamping pressure; (4) perceived weight; and (5) how secure and stable they stayed during head movement.
Learn more about our Fit Factor testingWhat's in the box:
- White over-ear noise-canceling headphones
- Pair of spare earpads
- 5' Cable with in-line remote/microphone and monitor button (with straight 3.5mm plug on one end and a right-angle 3.5mm plug on the other end)
- 5' Cable with in-line monitor button (with straight 3.5mm plug on one end and a right-angle 3.5mm plug on the other end)
- Airline adapter
- 3.5mm-to-1/4" adapter
- Cleaning cloth
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Zippered semi-hard case
- Caribiner
- Quick Start Guide
- Limited Warranty
- Music for You brochure
- Earpad Installation and Removal card
Featured review
I got these based on the price cut from 400 to 300. Thinking they must be worth it. Sound quality is good and built quality feels nice and tight.
V from Sioux Falls, SD
Customer Q&A
Q
Is the microphone compatible with Apple devices or Android devices? On another site it states iPhone/iPad, but I haven't see that clarified anywhere else.
A
I have used my PSB M4U 2 on my iPad and on my Kindle Fire. I have facetime and skyped and it works great.
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More details on the PSB M4U 2
Features & specs
| General | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fit Style | Over-the-ear | |
| Earcup Type | Closed | |
| Earcup Width x Height | 2.729" x 3.8" | |
| Noise-canceling | Yes | |
| Bluetooth | No | |
| Mic For Taking Calls | Yes | |
| Voice Assistant Access | ||
| Amazon Alexa | No | |
| Google Assistant | No | |
| Siri | No | |
| Connectors | ||
| 3.5mm | Yes | |
| 1/4" | Yes | |
| Lightning | No | |
| 4.4mm balanced | No | |
| XLR4 balanced | No | |
| 2.5mm | No | |
| Other | None | |
| Specs | ||
| Frequency Response | 20-20k Hz | |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB | |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms | |
| Weight | 12.8 ounces | |
| Cord Length | 60" x 2 | |
| Parts Warranty | 2 Years | |
| Labor Warranty | 2 Years | |
Product Research
Features
Overview: The PSB M4U 2 headphones are part of the Music for You (M4U) series of high performance headphones. The M4U 2 has Active Noise Cancellation, powered by two "AAA" batteries (supplied), which eliminates external noise. The headphones come with two 5' cables (one with an in-line remote/microphone and one without), airline and 1/4" adapters, an extra set of earpads, and a semi-hard zippered storage case.
Operation Modes: The M4U 2 headphones feature three modes of operation, controlled by a 3-way switch on the right earcup: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Active Mode, and Passive Mode. When ANC is activated, external noise is picked up by the built-in microphones and canceled by introducing an inverted (out-of-phase) signal. At the same time, the incoming audio signal is amplified by the built-in amplifier. In Active Mode, the audio signal is amplified, but there is no Active Noise Cancellation. In Passive Mode, both active circuits (ANC and amplifier) are shut off, and the music is driven by the connected device. You can listen in Passive Mode when your batteries are exhausted.
Room Feel: The M4U 2 has Room Feel technology, which gives the headphones the same true-to-nature sound as a pair of PSB's in-room loudspeakers.
Ear Pads: The soft earpads are designed for comfort and fit. The ergonomic ear pads are gyro-suspended and self-adjusting to give you a precise fit. The M4U 2 comes with a spare pair of earpads.
Cables: The M4U 2 includes two 5' tangle-free cables, which can plug into either side. Both cables have an in-line Monitor button (see Monitor Function below). One cable is designed for use with your smartphone, and includes an in-line remote and microphone. The remote lets you answer and hang up your call, and play/pause, skip forward, and skip backward. The controls are compatible with iPhone and Blackberry. The other cable has no in-line remote/mic. A dual-input airline adapter and 1/4" stereo adapter are included.
Note: The cables must be plugged in with the straight end in the headphones and the right-angled end in the playback device.
Monitor Function: Both included cables have an in-line Monitor button. When pressed and held, the current audio track is attenuated by 30dB, and the surrounding sounds will be amplified through the headphones. The Monitor Function only works when the headphones are in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) mode.
Batteries: The M4U 2 noise-canceling headphones are powered by two "AAA" batteries (supplied), which are inserted into the left earcup. Battery life is approximately 55 hours on average when using Active Noise Cancellation. You can use rechargeable batteries if desired, however, battery life will be shorter.
Specifications:
- Frequency Response (+/- 1.5dB): 20-20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity (1kHz/1mW): 102dB
- Power Handling: 30mW maximum
- Impedance: 32 ohms (passive), 10k ohms (active/ANC)
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
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