Some of our readers may recall our previous encounter with Shenoy Audio through their SH010 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, which we reviewed back in 2022. Since then, the boutique manufacturer known for its guitars, amplifier heads, portable speaker cabinets, and personal audio devices, has carved a niche for itself in the audio industry.
Founded by the GRAMMY Award-nominated artist, producer, and audio engineer, Arun Shenoy, this proudly Singaporean brand continues to innovate and expand its product line. Today, we turn our attention to their latest offering: the Shenoy AIR Open Ear AIR Conduction Headphones.
Designed for the physically active and audiophiles alike, these headphones promise high-fidelity sound and rugged usability. Let’s dive into whether Shenoy AIR lives up to these bold expectations.
Technical Specifications
| Type | Open Ear AIR Conduction Headphones |
| Weight | 17 grams |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2, Chip C7006F4 |
| Bluetooth Range | ≤12 Meters |
| Audio Codecs | SBCAAC |
| Operating Frequency | 20Hz – 20KHz |
| Sensitivity | 123 dBMicrophone: -42 dB±1 dB |
| Speaker Specification | 15.4 mm ±0.05 |
| Waterproof Level | IPX5 |
| Battery Type | Polymer Battery (100mAh) |
| Charging Time | 1.5 Hours |
| Playback Time | 8 Hours |
| Talk Time | 6.5 Hours |
| Shell Material | ABS + 30% PC |
| Body Material | Titanium Alloy Memory Steel Wire |
| Charging Port | Magnetic |
What’s in the Box?
With your purchase, you’ll find the headphones themselves, a charging cable, and a quick start-up guide.
First Impressions: Aesthetic and Build Quality
Unboxing the Shenoy AIR, you’re greeted by a sleek, minimalist design that is both modern and functional. From the moment you hold the Shenoy AIR, it’s clear that these aren’t your ordinary, run-off-the-mill headphones.
They feature an intuitive three-button control system integrated into the frame, allowing for easy access to volume adjustments, track changes, and call handling—ideal for users on the move! The magnetic charging points are subtly incorporated into the design, enhancing the sleek profile while making the charging process swift and effortless.
Another distinctive design element is the Bass Reflex Port, which is not just a functional component but a style feature that hints at the advanced audio engineering beneath the surface. This port is cleverly integrated to maintain the headphones’ sleek lines while serving its purpose of enriching the bass response. The overall aesthetic of Shenoy AIR is one that speaks to both the audiophile who appreciates sound and the style-conscious individual who values a clean, modern look in their gadgets.
In terms of build quality, the Shenoy AIR immediately stands out with a durable yet lightweight frame made from titanium alloy memory steel wire. It is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while maintaining a featherlight presence on your ears.
This choice of materials also ensures a comfortable fit that adapts to the user’s movements. The exterior shell made from ABS+30% PC contributes to the overall lightness and is responsible for their barely-there feel. Overall, we genuinely loved the durability without the bulk.
Available in three stylish colors–Steel Gray, Aquamarine Blue, and Oxblood Red–the earphones speak of a sophisticated aesthetic that’s both understated and appealing.
Sound Quality: Beyond the Open Ear
Testing the Shenoy AIR headphones revealed an impressive auditory experience that pushes the boundaries of what open-ear headphones can deliver. From the first notes of a classical symphony to the deep bass of a hip-hop track, the headphones offer a richness and depth that is often missing in open-ear designs.
Highs and Mids
The clarity in the higher frequencies is impeccable. Listening to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” the violins had a crisp and bright quality without any shrillness, preserving the sweetness of the strings. Vocals in acoustic tracks are equally impressive; the mid-range is handled with care, ensuring that voices have warmth and presence. This clarity and balance make the Shenoy AIR an excellent choice for vocal-heavy tracks, where every nuance and breath is discernible.
Bass Performance
The real test of any headphone’s sound quality often comes down to its bass performance, especially in open-ear designs where bass can feel absent or weak.
The Shenoy AIR challenges this with its innovative Bass Reflex Port. This feature enriches the low-end response remarkably. When listening to electronic music or drum-heavy tracks, the bass feels both substantial and nuanced—not just a background thump but a layered, integral part of the sound landscape.
Soundstage and Separation
The open-ear design naturally lends a sense of spaciousness that closed headphones can struggle to achieve. The soundstage is broad, with good instrument separation that makes live recordings feel as though you are standing in the audience. This quality brings an immersive experience to recordings, where the directionality and placement of instruments are clear and distinct.
Overall Audio Experience
Generally, the Shenoy AIR provides an audio experience that is both expansive and detailed. Whether it’s the subtle tick of a high hat, the strum of a guitar, or the echo of a live concert, these headphones manage to maintain clarity and fidelity.
The balance between the robust bass and the clear highs, supported by the solid mid-range, makes the Shenoy AIR a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
Microphone and Call Quality: Clear Conversations On the Go
Shenoy AIR comes packed with a dual microphone system that’s designed specifically for voice calls. This system includes one microphone dedicated to capturing your voice and another designed to pick up and cancel out ambient noise. This noise-canceling capability is crucial for maintaining clear communication in noisy environments.
During calls made in various challenging settings, such as a bustling cafe or a noisy train station, the headphones performed well. The noise-canceling feature effectively minimized background noise, allowing the person on the other end of the call to hear my voice with pretty clearly, free from distractions like chatter and traffic noise.
Comfort and Usability: Featherlight Companion
Tipping the scales at a mere 17 grams, the Shenoy AIR feels almost weightless, a crucial feature for headphones designed for active use. Whether you’re sprinting on a track or navigating through your daily commute, the ergonomic design ensures the headphones stay securely in place. The open-ear design of the Shenoy AIR headphones also keeps you connected to your surroundings, a critical safety feature for runners and cyclists.
The weightless design of the earphones becomes immediately noticeable during a treadmill workout. Throughout the session, these headphones felt virtually nonexistent, allowing me to focus entirely on my running without any distraction from weight or discomfort. Not once did I need to adjust them too.
Further enhancing their utility, the Shenoy AIR headphones boast an IPX5 water resistance rating, confidently standing up to sweat during a high-energy workout. This durability reassures that no matter how rigorous the exercise or variable the weather conditions, these headphones will perform reliably and consistently.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Untethered and Uninterrupted
Shenoy AIR shines in its connectivity and battery performance. During testing, the Bluetooth 5.2 LE Audio delivered swift pairing and maintained a strong connection even from a distance away, effortlessly handling transitions between multiple devices.
The headphones consistently provided up to eight hours of playback and close to 7 hours of talk time on a single charge, aligning well with the best offerings in the market. I found the quick charging feature particularly impressive; the magnetic charger replenished the headphones in a little over an hour, significantly reducing downtime and keeping me connected throughout the day.
App Integration: Sound Customization
Shenoy AIR will come with an app that is compatible with Apple and Android devices. This application offers sound customization features that will allow users to tweak EQ settings and personalize their listening experience further, adding a layer of versatility to the already impressive headphones.
Users can adjust the equalizer settings to suit their personal taste or select from a variety of presets tailored for different music genres, from classical to heavy metal, ensuring optimal sound for every track.
While we have not tested the app (it is not available yet), we believe that it allows for real-time adjustments to the bass levels, which will be a game-changer for audiophiles who want to perfect their sound environment. This feature, coupled with the headphones’ unique Bass Reflex Port, will provide a dynamic and immersive listening experience that is rare in open-ear headphones.
This level of personalization not only enhances the versatility of Shenoy AIR headphones but also elevates the overall user experience!
Pricing and availability
Shenoy AIR will be launching soon on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. For more details and to stay updated on the release, visit their Indiegogo campaign page.
Shenoy Audio offers global shipping via DHL priority air courier at a highly subsidized cost! For those residing in Singapore, shipping is free.
You can also find Shenoy Audio on Shopee SG, Lazada SG, Carousell SG, and Amazon SG.
Verdict
The Shenoy AIR Open Ear Air Conduction Headphones stand out not just for their style and performance, but also for their innovative Bass Reflex Port, a unique feature that significantly enhances the bass response, setting a new standard for open-ear headphone audio quality.
Ideal for audiophiles and active users alike, they deliver high-fidelity sound with a robust build. Features like an intuitive control system, long battery life, and fast charging enhance convenience, making these headphones a strong contender for anyone seeking quality and reliability in their audio experience. Whether for daily commutes, workouts, or leisure listening, Shenoy AIR provides an exceptional open-ear listening experience.
