Fresh ‘n Rebel CLAM ANC DGTL are a pair of headphones with active noise reduction that are among the best in the price range between 150 and 200 euros. They flank the Clam ANC presented during IFA 2018, but update with USB-C, better audio and above all with more effective active noise reduction.
The materials and ergonomics remain unchanged, already excellent in the first model and new colors arrive, namely the Steel Blue and the flamboyant Silky Sand of the specimen in our possession. A very good pair of headphones with a price list of 179,99 € and a rich endowment that fully convince.
Materials
The headphones are made in plastic with a design that stands out from other alternatives. The headband is in fact very wide, with a metal core and adjustable in extension. On the inside there is one copious padding in foam covered in fabric and shaped through special notches that offer greater comfort even with prolonged use.
The pavilions, on the other hand, are completely tilting, in order to best adapt to the shape of the head. They can be rotated 90 degrees so as to be able to place them around the neck without limiting the movements of the head and folded internally in order to minimize the overall dimensions. Also in this case there is a soft foam padding, but the upholstery is in protein leather. It is resistant to moisture and sweat and, according to the company, you can use the headphones even while doing sports without fear of damaging them. However, we recommend cleaning and sanitizing them if used during training, in order to preserve their construction characteristics.
On the right pavilion there is the ignition key, through which you can also access thevoice assistant of the smartphone, the volume rocker and the USB-C port for charging. On the left pavilion there is the 3,5 mm aux jack and the switch for activating active noise reduction, which can be set on three levels: off, ambient sound and active.
In the package there are the charging cable and a soft carrying case.
Ergonomics and use
The over-ear type pavilions surround the ear very well and allow for excellent comfort. The headphones weigh only 260 grams, making them comfortable and light even during prolonged use or while traveling. The pressure on the head is correct and there is no sensation of discomfort.
Read also: Fresh 'n Rebel Clam ANC earmuffs review
The skin may cause some heat in the area around the ears during the hottest days, but we did not detect any excessive heat during the spring days that characterized the months of March and April. The buttons are easy to reach and the commands simple to memorize. The only criticality found is that the activation of the noise is independent from the switching on of the headphones.
If for example we use theANC and we turn off the headphones, we will have to remember to set the ANC switch to "off", otherwise the headphones will continue to discharge.
The internal battery allows an autonomy of about 20 hours without ANC, while with the ANC active we have reached about 12 hours of continuous playback. The new digital ANC has a major impact on durability.
Audio and digital ANC
The audio quality is optimal for the price range. The frequencies are well balanced with a good presence of the basses that do not overwhelm the mids and highs. Only at very high volume is a slight distortion perceived with songs where the treble is particularly emphasized, but all in all you have an always enjoyable experience, both with music and with movies and TV series.
THEDigital ANC allows you to drastically reduce the vacuum effect that other headphones with ANC have, making active noise reduction effective but never annoying. The effectiveness of the ANC is very good with the constant noises, typical of the cockpit of an airplane or the cabin of a train, while it lets through the very distinct sounds such as the whistle of a braking or a horn. The Ambient-Sound mode is also very good, allowing you to hear the noises that surround us in the headphones. Useful for example to hear notifications at the station or airport or to have a conversation without having to remove the headphones.
The two microphones used for active noise reduction therefore work very well and return a higher efficiency than other products in the same category, such as the Sennheiser HD 4.50.
Verdict
Fresh 'n Rebel has improved several aspects over the first version of the CLAM ANC. The Clam ANC DGTL they represent a decisive step forward without altering the excellent comfort and general balance. Improvements such as USB-C for charging, excellent audio and effective active noise reduction, together with a particular and elegant design, make these headphones a very valid alternative if you do not want to exceed the 200 euro threshold. If you want to spend less, however, the previous versions remain valid, namely the CLAMs without ANC available at 79,99 euros and the first edition of the CLAM ANCs available at 129,99 euros.
If you want to spend even less, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a valid proposal.
