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Drop + grell TWS1X IEM
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Drop + grell TWS1X IEM

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Product Description
We partnered with Axel Grell—legendary engineer behind some of Sennheiser’s most sought-after headphones—to create a true-wireless IEM with unprecedented audiophile-grade performance. Working closely with Axel’s new brand, grell, we left no feature unrefined. Noise-canceling is revolutionized with grell’s innovative psycho-acoustical Noise Annoyance Reduction (NAR) system. Connectivity is optimized with Bluetooth 5.2 and support for the latest codecs. Communication is crystalized with an advanced microphone array and patent-pending Multilayer Turbulence Eliminator (MTE). And sound quality? It’s best-in-class, thanks to custom-designed dynamic drivers. Introducing the Drop + grell TWS1X IEM: your new true-wireless staple.
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EarFidelity
34
Dec 8, 2021

Drop + Grell TWS1X is a new TWS IEM by Drop in cooperation with legendary engineer Axel Grell. It uses a 10mm custom dynamic driver and it's priced at $199.

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Introduction If you're into audio, then you probably have heard of DROP (previously known as Massdrop). Over the past few years, they have grown into the biggest community-based audio retailer in the world, which cooperates with some of the most known companies in the world, including Sennheiser, Hifiman, Dan Clark Audio, etc.  Now, they're launching a new product, the Drop + Grell TWS1X. Axel Grell himself is a legendary audio engineer who stands behind some groundbreaking products like the HD800 series or the best-selling product ever on Drop, the HD 6XX. Having all that in mind, my expectations of the TWS1X are really high, let's see how it went. Packaging
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First of all, I haven't received the original packaging. It's probably due to the fact, that these are still in the final development process. Nonetheless, I've gotten all the essentials that'll be included in the final packaging, which are: TWS1X Earbuds Aluminum charging case USB-C charging cable Five pairs of eartips Three wingtip pairs The included accessories are of decent quality. The USB-C charging cable is very, very short and not very functional, and it is the worst element of the whole packaging. Other than that, you're getting two pairs of foam eartips and three pairs of silicone ones. The blue wingtips look good and they actually make the TWS1X sit very securely in your ear. I've personally been using the originally installed, firm ones and I find them just about perfect for me, but you've got some room for adjustments.  Last but not least, the charging case. This thing is absolutely brilliant. Made of aluminum, it feels sturdy, very secure, and not too heavy at the same time. It's a joy to use, it has plenty of room inside, which means you can use the earbuds with comply eartips and they'll still charge with no problem. The case also supports wireless charging, which is always a welcome addition.  Design, Build and Comfort
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Now into the build quality and comfort. The TWS1X looks really interesting and intriguing. The earbuds are on a large size though, and after getting them in my hands for the first time, I was worrying that they'll be simply too big. Fortunately, while the overall size of the earbud is large, its ergonomic design and wise engineering resulted in a TWS that I can wear all day long.  First of all - they look very interesting. I got quite a few questions about them while wearing them in public. The outer part that sticks out of your ears is where all the controls happen, thanks to glass touch panels. They feel very responsive and intuitive, a thing I cannot say about some other TWS earbuds I've used.  Regardless of the large size though, a single unit weighs about 7.3g which is pretty good for what it offers. As mentioned earlier, I can easily wear them for a couple of hours with no problem whatsoever (been there, done that), which is pretty essential for this kind of product. It's meant to be comfortable, easy to use, functional and practical, and it's all that. The TWS1X has a small "tail" on the bottom, where the microphones are placed. I've tested in a couple of times with phone calls, and every single time I got informed that my voice is very clear and loud, going as far as being better than through a built-in microphone of my phone. Finally, a TWS IEM that does phone calls properly. Other than the phone calls, the microphones have another job - they are widely responsible for the ANC and NAR technologies.  Tech
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Here things are starting to look really interesting.  First of all, the TWS1X uses 10mm custom dynamic drivers with a tolerance of 1db, which is lower than many high-end brands selling IEMs for thousands of dollars. I'm not saying that it is a deal-breaker or a deal-maker, but it definitely is a nice and modest approach.  The use of such a big dynamic driver makes for a really good audio reproduction, but we'll get there in the next paragraph.  Now, let's talk about all the different types of sound isolating technologies that are present in the TWS1X.  First of all, we have the ANC mode that works very well. The isolation is strong, making your daily trips around town much more enjoyable. You'll still hear a car passing by while not listening to music, but all the background noise, wind, and distant people talking is gone. It's a very strong effect, but it doesn't make you feel like you're underwater like some other ANC products.  Now into my favorite feature: with just a touch of the left earbud, you'll switch to the Transparent mode, and suddenly you're hearing everything that's going on around you. It works marvelously, so much that I've been using the TWS1X at my job and trips to the store. A quick touch to the left panel and I'm hearing everything as clearly as with nothing in my ears at all, this is a life-saver. One of the biggest selling points of the TWS1X is the new NAR sound-isolating technology by Axel Grell, which is told to be revolutionary in noise-canceling. Honestly, for me, it works almost the same as the ANC, but it additionally empowers the bass of the noise-canceled sounds. For example, when someone is constantly talking to you while switching from the ANC to NAR, the biggest difference is that the person sounds more bassy with the NAR, while both canceled noise just about equally.  When it comes to connectivity, the Drop + Grell TWS1X uses Bluetooth 5.2 with Qualcomm 5141 chipset. There's no LDAC, but you've got LHDC, which currently is probably the best codec in the game, mainly due to its low latency. Lastly, one of the most important things about a TWS IEM is the battery, and I'm happy to report that the TWS1X delivers. With the ANC turned on, the earbuds themselves have about 6 hours of playtime in them, with an additional 28 hours in the case. With the ANC turned off, you're looking at more than 8 hours in the earbuds themselves, and about 37 in the case, which is an absolutely brilliant score. You won't be thinking about recharging them too often.  The earbuds are also Splash Proof with an IPX4 rating, which means that you don't have to worry if it starts raining or if you plan to use them in the gym. Don't get too crazy though, it's just a minor splash resistance, so you should avoid getting really wet anyway.
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Sound
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Let's get into the sound of the TWS1X. In terms of the tuning, it checks all the boxes of quality, super portable TWS IEM on the go with its bold, powerful bass response and exciting overall performance. The bass is definitely the star of the show here. It sounds big, forward, and addicting, but the quality is there as well. An elevated bass response helps the noise-canceling while providing a lot of fun at the same time. I personally know a lot of people that are looking for flat-sounding, neutral earphones on the go, and I never understand that. While wandering around the city, on the way to work, or just grabbing the groceries I always look for a fun, exciting, and entertaining sound that'll make that everyday walks more enjoyable.  Back to the bass of the TWS1X, it's not as controlled or polished as many would want. It bleeds into the midrange a little bit, adding that rich and big body to vocals, which I actually really like, but it has to be noted. Other than that, this is a fun provider, working wonders with every music genre I listen to on the daily basis. It doesn't matter if it's electronic music, rock, metal, or rap, everything sounds exciting and it makes you involved with the music.  The midrange is slightly warm and thick sounding, mainly due to that delicate bass bleed, which actually suits my preferences perfectly. Vocals sound smooth, lush, and rich, with no hint of harshness or graininess. The TWS1X is definitely a V-shaped IEM, so the whole midrange is slightly recessed, but to the point where it's still enjoyable and natural sounding, it's just not in the spotlight. It serves a rather supporting job in the overall sound presentation, which again, is widely desirable on the go. I just don't want to rate it as a classic IEM, because it is not a classic IEM whatsoever. You won't be using them in the same kind of scenarios, but their job is to be your company in everyday duties outside.  Still, while playing my classic test song, A Thousand Shards Of Heaven by Lunatic Soul I got a rich, intimate and warm vocal reproduction, while the rest of the spectrum was fun-oriented. It was when I played Sylosis or Daft Punk though when I had a lot of fun walking around. I actually tend to listen to more expressive and dynamic music ever since I got them because it gives me that sense of huge, spectacular sound. 
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Let's get into the treble. It is once again fun and quite forward sounding, which it should be. It makes everything sound vivid and engaging, while not being harsh or bright. A thing that must be taken under consideration while making this kind of product, is that majority of people will listen to compressed music which is not mastered too well in the first place. Thanks to that, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Of Monsters And Men, Nero, etc sound impressive and just enjoyable, without making you overthink the technical aspect of every recording.  Don't worry though, this review might seem like a continuous excuse for a rather poor technical performance, but it is nowhere close to the truth. Actually, the TWS1X is a technically impressive TWS earbud when it comes to the overall sound performance. My point is that it has a rather specific kind of performance to deliver, and it does that just about perfectly. I somehow feel like I need to express the fact, that not every headphone should be neutral sounding with a frequency response close to Harman. I feel like it gets widely overlooked nowadays, with more and more people looking only at the frequency graph and then judging the product without giving it a second thought or even a brief listen. So, yeah, the TWS1X's tuning is exceptional for what it is - an on-the-go, TWS IEM meant to give you a fun and exciting listen.  The soundstage is really impressive for this kind of product. It sounds open, spacious and the imaging is really good. Sure, you won't get a feeling of listening to an open-back headphone, that'll be impossible. Still, the stereo image is very clear, every instrument has its place and you'll have an easy time pointing to each and every sound source on the soundstage.  Regarding the size of the actual stage, it is medium-sized with limited depth. While the TWS1X sounds quite wide and open in this regard, the depth is limited to about 2 feet in front of you. Again, it is rather desirable, because a huge soundstage would limit the overall forwardness and that bold feeling to the music. Overall, the TWS1X is a good staging IEM, but definitely nothing extraordinary.  Having all that in mind, I'll go ahead as far as calling the TWS1X an almost perfect TWS IEM. It's very comfortable, looks sick, has great battery life, superb functionality and it sounds fun and exciting, without even a slight sense of being too much.

Comparisons   Fiio FH3
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These two are very different when it comes to the type of experience they're meant to deliver. The FH3 is more audiophile-oriented with limited functionality over the TWS1X, while it's also widely more demanding. To get the most out of it, you're looking at a 100 dollars+ spent into a quality DAC/AMP, such as the Lotoo S1, Luxury & Precision W2, or some iBasso offerings. When you'll have that setup on your hand, you'll end up with an impressively technical and high-fidelity kind of sound performance. Still, when it comes to the overall ease of use, functionality, and ergonomics, the TWS1X is miles ahead of the FH3.  When it comes to the raw audio performance though, the FH3 is more technically capable with better detail reproduction and a better soundstage. The TWS1X on the other hand sounds fuller, more fun and engaging, while sacrificing some of the technical aspects a little bit. It's not a night and day difference though, which is quite impressive, having in mind that we're talking wired vs Bluetooth.  Campfire Audio Honeydew

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The overall sound performance of the TWS1X reminds me somehow of the Campfire Audio Honeydew. Both are extremely fun, bold, and engaging sounding, being a great choice for outside activities or everyday trips. The biggest difference is of course the functionality and overall comfort.  In terms of the sound signature, there are some differences as well. The Honeydew is slightly recessed in the midrange area and its treble is softened up in comparison to the TWS1X. The overall sound performance stays quite similar though, with both focusing on that engaging, head-bobbing type of experience.  Summary
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The hype is real. The Drop + Grell TWS1X is a brilliant TWS pair of earphones that deliver in every important aspect. Great build quality, fantastic ergonomics, battery life, great ANC, and most importantly - the sound that is both impressive and very fun to listen to. For $199 these are one of the best recommendations I could give for an everyday, easy-to-use headphones to use outside. My girlfriend is constantly trying to steal them from me, which should give you an idea of how good these are for an average consumer. If you're looking for a good pair of TWS IEMs, look no longer and just get them. 
 
Highly recommended. Gear used during this review for the sake of comparison and as an accompanying equipment:
  • Headphones – Fir Audio M5 Custom, Campfire Audio Honeydew, Fiio FH3
  • Sources– Phone (LHDC, aptX Adaptive), Cayin N3 Pro

Recommends this product? Yes
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Epitaph117
8
Dec 15, 2021
Got mine to Evshrug. Having the same problem, would be great if the app gave me a percentage complete on the update. There is also what appears to be a typo when updating that says "Updading". I am on IOS and the app doesn't seem to want to stay connected. I am using the "Drop TWS1X" to match my bluetooth devices instead of "grell TWS1X"
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Epitaph117
8
Dec 15, 2021
Unsure if you got this resolved or not. I had to be playing music for it to get past the Updading prompt. I am on IOS, unsure what you are working with. I am having some issues with it staying connected when I don't have music running, not sure if its the app or the iems.
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heya-onkyo
9
Jun 28, 2022
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Own one for its sound performance, functionality and experience!
How would I say about this earphone?  Should own one for its sound performance, functionality and experience!  It took around 13 days from order to home arrive for the Grell TWS1X IEM. A bit lengthy for waiting its arrival be frank but, worth it! Update the firmware is a must to do right after the little box opening. The app function is really fantastic, I found not much review out there but the functions to customise your SoundID and to do a comprehensive ear test for knowing your ears’ frequency response are really amazing! Though the result might not make you happy coz you will know your ear is getting bad on high frequency sensitivity (that’s normal for getting old in life), the app and the earphone are doing their best with synergy. The case is nicely built with metallic touch, USB Type C charging, light weight and robust. About the sound, I compare it with B&O beoplay E8 (3rd gen), Airpods pro, M&D MW08, with switching between flat and SoundID profile, it is far beyond my expectation for this price tag. Dynamic driver sounds smoother, warmer and more musical. The app can upload the SoundID profile to the earpieces via bluetooth. I still need more time to toggle between ANC and NR function for experiencing the difference in noise cancellation performance but in general ANC is doing its job very well.  The earphone fit me so well but not quite winning her heart (my wife). Not quite knowing the reason but she prefer her choice anyway.  So that’s about all my experience so far (after two weeks usage).  By the way, I learnt this little gadget from Youtube around the Munich 2022 Hi-End audio show, in there an interview with Mr Grell about his new product Grell TWS1X. Thanks to YouTuber!
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(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
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Evshrug
3774
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Jul 1, 2022
heya-onkyoThanks for the wonderful review! I made an explanation video of the NAR mode (in English): https://youtu.be/yl3xkSkybbw Its more like an evolution of ANC that adapts itself based on the ambient noise, so that higher frequencies don’t stand out separately as much as they would with traditional ANC.
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peterlask
114
Dec 9, 2021
I am proud to present the Drop community the world premiere in - depth review of Grell TWS/1. The sample was kindly provided by Drop + and the full review is available at Headfi. (https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/grell-audio-tws-1.25593/review/27464/) Let's skip boring introductions and cut to the chase.
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What is NAR? When the environment is noisy the TWS/1 blocks it out passively in the high mid and high frequency range. For the low and low frequency range the ANC function can be activated. A very strong noise reduction in the low frequency range makes higher, more annoying, frequencies more audible. Therefore, the new grell Noise Annoyance Reduction (NAR) technology (patent pending) scans the noise spectrum and controls the ANC using a psycho- acoustic model for a minimum of annoyance. SoundID application by Sonarworks Unlock the full potential of your grell TWS/1 headphones with SoundID so you can rediscover your favorite music with unprecedented audio clarity, exactly the way the artist intended it to sound in studio, then further personalized to your unique hearing ability and listening preferences. SoundID represents a paradigm shift in audio quality, moving away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to personalizing sound throughout the journey from creators to the end listener. Your sound profile is as unique as your fingerprint—but even more advanced, thanks to smart algorithms and machine learning that evolve with you over time. The free profile can be set up in minutes with a simple app test to identify your SoundID and is automatically saved directly on your grell TWS/1 headphones. With SoundID’s Advanced Parametric EQ built-in, there are infinite ways to create your own custom preset or reset your frequency response curve to its flat state. Intuitive adjustments are tailored for even the most demanding audiophiles for an unmatched level of personalization, detail, and clarity.
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Connectivity The TWS/1 supports Bluetooth 5.2 through the Qualcomm 5141 chipset which is compatible with the Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™, Qualcomm® aptX™ adaptive, LHDC and has a working range over 50 meters. It is compatible with iOS and Android, as well as tablets and laptops. Battery life With the case fully charged the TWS/1 can provide up to 34 hours of listening time with ANC ON (6 hours in earbuds and over 4 full charges in the charging case) and up to 45 hours of listening time with ANC OFF (Over 8 hours in earbuds and over 4 full charges) The case is charged through the USB type C charge connector and it is wireless charging compatible. Actual battery life is quite close to the one advertised by the manufacturer. I was able to get about 6 hours of playing music and making calls with ANC and NAR mostly enabled while the case provided four full charges.
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Charging case The case body is made from brushed aluminum with a plastic bottom and it is lightweight with a premium black matte look. Build quality is very good and at the front there are four LEDs that flash white and green to indicate the remaining battery life of the case and the earbuds that are magnetically attached into it. The case is designed in such a way so it can accommodate the ear buds with the attached silicone ear fins that are used for better fit.
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Build quality The black matte earbuds shell is made from a combination of plastic and aluminum with an outer glass touch field for gesture commands. Build quality is very good and they look beautiful with a contemporary design that is discrete and doesn't call for attention. There are no physical buttons and all control actions are performed through the touchpad.
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Fit and comfort The TWS/1 are advertised as easy and firm to fit but I had some trouble in doing so. The inner part of each earbud is quite bulky, the nozzle very shallow and the ear tips selection limited. So fitting firmly was quite challenging for me and never managed to get a deep insertion of my liking, at least with the silicone ear tips. The trick is to do some kind of a twisting move and while doing so one of the ear tips detached and ended up shoved into my ear canal. Then I used the included silicone ear fins that helped a little with stability. Thankfully there were included two pairs of memory foam ear tips that at last offered the long desired fit but I hate the idea of using them and have to buy a new pair every month. You mileage may vary depending on your ear shape but they should definitely have included some double and triple flange ear tips. On the plus side is that after you fit them, then they are so featherweight and feel super comfortable without causing any ear fatigue after a prolonged time of use.
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User interface and functionality Connecting with the TWS/1 is extremely simple as they will automatically enter pairing mode upon pulling them out of the case. Connection signal is stable with a good working distance and I haven't experienced any disconnections at all. Controlling the earbuds is done through gesture commands in both pieces. You can perform all the usual actions like raise/lower the volume, play/pause, skip tracks, answer calls, activate voice assistant and enable/disable ANC and NAR or the voice transparency mode. Learning curve is minimal and the touch area is quite sensitive and responsive but due to the small effective area people with thicker fingers will end up with a few accidental actions. The gesture commands are fixed and cannot be further customized as you can do for example with the Sennheiser TWS earbuds. Call quality The TWS/1 employs an advanced microphone array and patent-pending Multilayer Turbulence Eliminator (MTE) which in practice results in a crystal clear communication both for the caller and the answerer. A truly remarkable performance, nothing more to add here. Stock sound quality When someone buys TWS earbuds he is definitely prepared for sacrificing some sound quality in favor of functionality but with the TWS/1 this loss is minimal. The sound quality (with aptX adaptive codec enabled) is very good with an engaging and highly musical presentation. The target response is Harman type and the lows get a boost that is carried up to the mid-bass area and makes for a warm and enjoyable sound signature suitable for all kinds of music. There is plenty of sub-bass energy with enough rumbling to please with contemporary music and despite the mid-bass emphasis the TWS/1 is equally competitive with classical and acoustic music although heavy bass lines get somewhat masked and sound clouded. The bass is full bodied and tight, controlled and impactful but not reference firm or too fast and you can hear a certain amount of boominess / hollowness. Clarity is good and the layering is satisfying only hampered by the aforementioned masking. The mids feature, what else, an Axel Grell trademark tuning, that means they are very engaging, slightly upfront with full and rounded vocals that have excellent expression and the finest articulation. There is plenty of harmonic wealth with a mostly natural timbre and all instruments sound organic and real, guitar solos are delicious and this is an earbud with some seriously rewarding vocals. Treble is only slightly forward to add the necessary sparkle but everything is in tune, nothing sounds bright or harsh, voices are not shouty and this is an exemplary performance with plenty of energy while staying smooth and controlled. Higher frequencies sound full and absent of the related thinness that is usually observed in TWS earbuds. Decay is natural with cymbals and other percussion instruments sounding full bodied with good reverb without being rushed to fade out. The TWS/1 is not the most detailed earphone but it is resolving enough to express all the needed information, after all it isn't meant for critical listening. The soundstage is open and spacious with accurate positioning from the left to the right but the projection is mostly flat, layered in the horizontal axis, missing in depth and dimensionality. TWS earbuds are often used for watching movies and playing games and from my testing I can report that I didn't experience any kind of lagging even under fast moving frame rates.
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Sound quality with the SoundID application The SoundID application has some pretty powerful algorithms and a DSP that offers a great amount of quality customization to the sound. The listener can use the Parametric EQ and simply adjust the sound to his preferences or even better have the advanced SoundID tests to further personalize the adjustments. I have used it with some excellent results and I enjoyed a much improved experience without hampering the technicalities of the ear buds. This free to have application is a powerful tool and I would count it as the strongest selling point of the Grell TWS/1.
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Active noise canceling and NAR ANC and NAR are pretty much close in performance, doing a decent job in canceling the incoming noise without lowering the quality of the sound experience. While I have certainly used more efficient active noise canceling solutions, the key difference here is that the implemented algorithms do not negatively affect the sound in any way. I would even dare to go as far as to say that the sound is better with the ANC and NAR enabled! The difference with NAR engaged is minimal but it does add some extra audible quality to the sound. The NAR is activated after the ANC so the user can have the options of - none active - ANC active - ANC & NAR active. At the end I liked the TWS/1 and I can happily confirm that it is a successful premiere for the Grell brand. The sound is very good with all kinds of music and that is with both ANC/NAR active or not, the tuning can be highly personalized with the SoundID application, battery life is great and build quality is top notch. My only objection is related to the fit which may not be so firm for all users and the lack of some extra ear tips that could compensate for that. The TWS/1 are excellent sounding earbuds with the Axel Grell legacy imbued into them but the road to glory is not paved with gold. This is an oversaturated market with some tough and established competition but I am sure that the TWS/1 is going to find its way to the top.
Recommends this product? Yes
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Evshrug
3774
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Dec 15, 2021
peterlaskIt’s interesting that you noticed improved performance with ANC/NAR turned on… Axel confirms it! I asked him “You know, there’s a general rumor/myth that ANC headphones sacrifice fidelity for the sake of the feature. Do ANC headphones have to be soft and boomy, or is that just the way they have been tuned?” He replied, “ANC actually makes the sound better!” And then he had to leave, giving me a day to wonder and theorize! My theory was that environmental noise, such as a rumbling truck, droning airplane, or babble of people have the effect of masking parts of the music. While this is somewhat true, it’s not what Axel was getting at! The next day, he explained that there is a microphone inside the earpieces too, and the ANC also works to cancel the backwaves and resonances as well! You see, drivers emit sounds in all directions; the front of the driver directs sound towards your eardrum, but the opposite side of it also creates sound waves that reverberate/reflect off of the back of the sealed enclosure before bounding back to your eardrum, a tiny bit later and slightly blooming the sound. An open-backed headphone is so great because these backwaves escape without adding to what you hear, reducing distortion, and the TWS1x’s active noise cancellation also reduces distortion by canceling these back waves!
(Edited)
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peterlask
114
Dec 15, 2021
EvshrugHey it's not of a confidence that I am an expert reviewer 😃 Well this is something very clever that the designer did. I wouldn't expect something less from the legendary Grell. And the results paid off. This are great TWS earbuds with very likeable sound signature. Can't wait for more products to come.
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pbergonzi
16
Feb 16, 2022
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Firmware Update Enhanced Experience
I found that the firmware update to 2.3.0.0 gave all-around improvements, most especially to the volume The SoundID App tailored these to my personal hearing profile, and the ANC and NAR functions are profound. I appreciate that their low profile helps to lower breeze noise also. These are now the best True Wireless IEM's I've ever used. Thank you Axel Grell, and Drop.
Recommends this product? Yes
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pbergonzi
16
Apr 18, 2022
I'm glad for your further improvements. How can I see a changelog for 2.7.0, or at least some tangible list of improvements?
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Evshrug
3774
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Apr 19, 2022
pbergonziI’ve been updating the stickied post in the Discussion section with as much detail as I can. It was a fairly small update, but we figured “why wait?” while we’re implementing the Multipoint bluetooth that Qualcomm recently added to the chipset we used in the grells!
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caslca
19
Dec 17, 2021
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No, i don't think so
The buds are very nicely made, great metal case, really good fit & finish. The comfort is also surprisingly good, but i think they need larger ears. E.g. I'm fine with my 1000xm4s while my kids or my wife can't use them whatsoever. They come with a lot of ear tips and 4 kinds of wings, ranging in softness/airness - really good design there. So why the bad review? These earbuds are just not ready whatsoever for use by end consumers. -- The app greeted me with a mandatory update(1.0.0.0 -> 2.0.0.0) on my iphone13pro-max. After spending nearly 2 hours, performing resets, trying 4 times to install the update(waiting ~25min for each as suggested by techs here), I decided to try on my OnePlus 9Pro. The update succeeded there on the first try, and had a nice progress bar to show stuff is happening. -- The earbuds emit screeching sound(feedback) when placed back in their case. I'm honestly a bit uneasy about putting them in my ear canals. -- The touch control do not work reliably. On both sides, the double-taps work flawlessly as do swipes. Single taps however have the success rate of ~10%. I was so excited about this feature since my 1000XM4s do not offer any volume control.(yes I know i can remap but i need controls for ANC and tap to play) -- Volume was low for a while. I didn't know what's going on, but discovered that you must complete the soundID evaluation before normal levels can be used. Once i did that 5-10min process, it worked a lot better -- Volume control however was horrible. Increasing the volume works to about 70% after which the earbuds crash. They need to be placed back in their box for a reset. -- I had the earbuds drop connection a couple of times. Reset fixed them each time. -- LHDC is a protocol supported by few select devices, mostly I think in markets with Chinese-made phones. My OnePlus9Pro does have it in the dev options. I tried it on and it crashed the earbuds. The default selected by the phone is AptXAdaptive I'm not going to comment on sound quality as I was too busy fidgeting with this alpha-level product to try and make it work to actually test my favorite songs with. It reminds me quite a bit of my early days(months?) trying to make a linux laptop connect to my wifi. I'm not a student anymore. If I need something, I buy a product and expect that it works out of the box. If it doesn't it goes back.
(Edited)
Recommends this product? No
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devil13
21
Dec 25, 2021
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Seems Like A Beta Product
At this point, I don't think these things are actually ready for release. Connection issues, touch control issues, software issues, left bud not working issues, the list goes on...Couldn't get them to connect at first, then couldn't get the SoundID app to connect, then couldn't get them to update the firmware. Not a good start, now the left bud won't work half the time and when it does, I hear static/feedback, would love to tune them but when going into the SoundID app, it connects and tells me everything is good, but it doesn't play anything for me to choose between A and B to tune, then the app just freezes on me and they have to go back in the case and we start the whole process over again (still can't get the tuning done). At this point I've given up. Shouldn't have to work this hard to just use them. Can't speak to the sound quality because I can't get that far. Not saying that all this couldn't be improved and these things couldn't be great in the future, but right now they aren't worth the hassle.
Recommends this product? No
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devil13
21
Dec 26, 2021
Thanks for the advice - I’ll check it out, but I can’t even get to the point where I have issues with the seal or controls. The SoundID app is preventing me to getting connected and tuned. Grell should have had their own app. I got these and a pair of Nothing ear (1)s for XMas. While the ear (1)s are just OK as earbuds, I can at least use them as intended.
(Edited)
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wontons4u
4
Dec 30, 2021
devil13Agreed 100%, hence I returned my set until the proper "final version" is released.
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GRIMMx50
13
Dec 23, 2021
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These have been nothing but headache. The SoundID app, which is needed to update firmware and set custom eq profiles, is slow, refuses to work in some cases, and unpolished. The touch controls are unresponsive and hard to use. Bluetooth connectivity cuts out while in use. Usually when trying to take them out of the case to use only one will turn on so I'll have to fiddle with the unresponsive touch controls to reset them. The foam tips wont let the product fit in its charging case. They make screeching noises when inserted into the case. The volume from these are fairly low. They do sound and look very nice but my issues with this product outweigh the good.
(Edited)
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Mark-E
11
Jun 18, 2022
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I Love 'em, and I hate 'em
I absolutely love the sound quality of these IEM's but thoroughly detest the completely unpredictable controls. Sure... they come with cute little cartoon instructions on how to tap... press... swipe your way to audio bliss, but those cartoon pictures don't match what ever the hell it is the IEM's decide to do. I've reached the point where I've given up. I use the volume control on my phone, and avoid touching the IEM's as best I can. Still, they decide to do what they want. I've learned to avoid scratching behind my ear, and I'm beyond cautious in putting on or taking off my sunglasses, because I'm sick to death of them suddenly announcing that they are "Calling Pete The Electrician" or anyone else they decide to pull up out of my contacts list. No... Sorry Pete... I don't have an Electrical Emergency at Midnight... My damned IEM's decided to Butt Dial You because they have a mind of their own. Accidentally get your hand to close to your ear? "Trans Parent On!" Aw Crap! "Trans Parent On!... Trans Parent Off... Trans Parent On... Trans Parent Off" Dammit.... I don't want a Trans Anyone anywhere near me, Just give me the ANC I'm looking for and shut the hell up! Bottom line... I love the Audio Quality of these IEM's But if one of them falls in the sink while I'm wearing them (Managed to catch it in time, thank you very much) or falls in the toilet (missed it by that much) I'm not going to shed a tear. I'll just throw the damned things away and buy something that works. They are rugged though, I'll give you that. They've bounced down the driveway while I'm hauling the trash cans to the curb... They've bounced across the floor of my workshop and hidden under my Table Saw without sustaining any damage (Unless of course the reason that the battery on the left IEM only lasts about four hours is because It fell out of my ear one too many times.) But No... I wouldn't recommend this product to a friend, and I wouldn't buy them again.
Recommends this product? No
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Evshrug
3774
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Sep 15, 2022
I just checked my eartips: all the sizes of my silicone tips have the same insertion depth (the foam has a mm of variance that doesn’t seem related to size). I had to give my buds a little wiggle-wiggle sometimes to make sure the tips weren’t sticking to the sides and let the lid close, but usually the magnets held them inside firmly enough that the lid closes with a clap (also held by magnets). I also recommend wiping the tips off before you put them back. I totally get that you use these while working out; now that I currently don’t work for grell audio, I still use mine on walks and with the dumbbells in my basement.
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24HourPickles
3
Nov 5, 2022
Mark-EGood review. The casual transphobia is a nice touch.
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jjon1979
10
Feb 16, 2022
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The most temperamental pair of earbuds
Sound: 10/10 Noise-canceling: 11/10 Fit: 6/10 Usability: -1/10 Once you get past the 2 hour period of trying to correctly update and pair them, you may actually find yourself enjoying them. They sound awesome, and the ANC is better than any other earbud I've tried. The touch controls are a bit much but they are pretty reliable. The fit is decent and the ear tip choices are nice however the rubber wings are completely useless for me as they don't even touch my ears during use. Still, the buds stay secure in my ears while walking even though they are large. Connecting to your device each time is a bit of a hassle. Sometimes they work perfectly, and other times only a single side will pair, or they say they're paired but don't play. I'm beginning to think they read your mind because if you are perfectly happy, they won't connect properly, but once you're frustrated and just about ready to return them, they work great. To fix this, I have stayed perpetually annoyed, and they have worked great for the past couple of days.
Recommends this product? Yes
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Evshrug
3774
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Apr 13, 2022
jjon1979In oysters, the irritation creates the pearl. We’re continuing to work on the connection bug (meanwhile, firmware 2.7.0 preserves battery charge better between uses), and we look forward to smoothing out the experience. Meanwhile, we’re honored that you say they sound awesome and have better ANC than others… thank you for the review!
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Ecume
32
Apr 12, 2022
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I tried to love them, really.
Audio quality: sounds great when ANC is off, but the moment any processing is active I get a persistent buzz in the right earbud. As with any QC issue, YMMV - but mine is unusable on ANC unless I'm in a _really_ loud environment, like in a plane cabin, where the ANC helps more than it detracts. UI is a solid negative point, too - in theory it should be as easy to use as much as any other capacitive interface - but even after firmware updates its weird combination of oversentitivity whenever I'm just handling the earbuds, or insensitivity when I actually try to manipulate the controls continues to bug the heck out of me. I keep getting them turning transparent mode on and off randomly, and phone calls are incredibly annoying. Want to make the slightest adjustment to the earbud during a call? Boop, you've hung up on your meeting. Tried these for months, I was on one of the preorders. Gave it multiple firmware updates to see if it would get better. Unfortunately, no dice.
Recommends this product? No
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Ecume
32
Aug 25, 2022
Hi Evshrug, I'm sorry to hear that! Hopefully your situation is temporary and gets resolved soon. I'll submit a request to Drop, thanks for the tip. Take it easy.
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Evshrug
3774
Community
Oct 11, 2022
EcumeI think I’ve been taking things too easy 😂 I’m hoping to get back into product reviews, since there’s finally not a conflict of interest. So, silver lining? I hope you got an exchange and are enjoying your headphones again :)
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