The Blackbox M10B is able to block off unwanted noise, thanks to its Active Noise Rejection technology. For $299, this noise-cancelling headphone helps you enjoy your music in peace for hours on end.
 Click to enlarge |
The M10is not a fancy-looking headphone that attracts attention: our unit sports an black design (with a bit of grey) that gives it a very ordinary and plain look. Out of the box you get two detachable headphone cables, a 6.5mm jack, an airplane adapter, and a carry pouch. While the pouch prevents it from getting scratched, it could have been better if the company included a hard case to give it additional protection.
Using the headphone for prolonged periods was not an issue – the padded earcups were comfortable and didn’t get ‘hot’, while the headband sat on top of our head without moving around. Like the Audio Technica ATH-ANC7b’s that we reviewed earlier this year, users need to insert a battery (AAA) on the right ear cup. The main switch to turn the noise-cancelling on/off is located on the left side.
According to Blackbox, the M10’s 40mm neodymium speakers provide an audio frequency response between 20Hz – 22KHz, while its noise-cancellation technology reduces up to 22dB of external noise.
 Click to enlarge |
We used the unit during our morning and afternoon commute to test its noise-cancelling capability. Overall, the M10 was able to reduce and sometimes eliminate ambient noise. Audio quality is not as great compared to other noise-cancelling headphones, with highs, mids and lows sounding a bit muffled and washed out.
Playing music at high volumes may help eliminate background noise altogether but is not advisable as sound tends to leak from the headphone. Enveloping yourself in sound may be good, but not if you add to the noise pollution.
Unlike other noise-cancelling headphones that need to be charged, the M10 can still work once that battery runs out. It may not cancel out background noise and provide the best audio experience, but at least it still works. The battery lasts for about 50 hours, which is good for something that uses a single battery.
Overall, the Blackbox M10 is able to eliminate background noise without problems. Sure, it may not have the best audio quality, but for $299, this headphone is definitely worth checking out.
