By Gregg Ellman
McClatchy-Tribune
Blue is a company many, including myself, know for its outstanding recording microphone devices. Now they have launched the Mo-Fi headphones to listen to your recordings or any other audio.
I’d say with the launch of the Mo-Fi, Blue Microphones can call themselves a well-rounded audio company, after I heard the incredible sound pumped into my ears.
The over-the-head high-fidelity wired headphones include a 240 mW amplifier, 50mm dynamic drivers and a long-life, rechargeable (microUSB), 1020mAh polymer lithium-ion battery to power them for up to 14 hours. A cool feature shuts off the headphones once they are taken off.
According to Blue, the built-in audiophile amplifier offers six times more power than typical mobile devices, which explains why the sound is so powerful. The amp has a great feature with three settings; On, On+ and Off.
They describe the settings this way: When switched to On, Mo-Fi activates the amp to deliver powerful, detailed sound. On+ engages the amp’s analog low-frequency enhancement circuit to deliver incredibly deep and smooth bass. Off puts Mo-Fi in passive mode, for connecting to a home AV receiver that may already have high-output amplification for headphones.
The Mo-Fis have an almost retro-looking multi-jointed headband and ear cups, which are as comfortable as any. They are constructed with high-quality aluminum and high-strength plastic components, which all contribute to the attractive design.
The headband can be adjusted to fit most any head size or shape, all while the ear cups stay in place. A pivoting arm and a headband adjustment knob make it simple to make changes.
While they aren’t advertised as noise canceling, I don’t think it matters. I wore them on a recent cross-country flight and with the clarity being so good and the volume cranked up, I don’t think having that feature would add anything.
Included with the Apple-certified headphones are a carrying pouch, gold plated cables and a USB wall outlet charger.
Details: mofiheadphones.com, $349.99
Keep touchscreens clean
With new smartphones, tablets and everything else in the world being controlled by touchscreens, Toddy has the solution for keeping them clean.
The 5-by-7-inch Toddy cloth is a simple solution for any screen, and it stores in a pocket for on-the-go help.
My favorite is the Toddy wedge ($14.99), built like a wedge. You can easily grab it and use the microfiber cleaning side for polishing. What makes it unique is it acts as a nice hands-free stand for desks.
Both the wedge and cloths are available in a variety of colors and patterns and can be customized with a logo or photo.
Details: www.toddygear.com cloth, $9.99 each or $19.99 for a pack of three
Charge your devices on the go
The Kero Nomad cable is one of the smallest but one of the most important accessories you should carry.
Kero calls the 3-inch portable lightning to USB cable as the world’s first key ring cable that charges and syncs mobile devices. It’s made with flexible rubber so it can withstand wear and tear and has interlocking caps to ensure the safety of the charging tips.
All I can add is it’s incredibly handy to always have a charging cable on hand.
The lightning tip ($24.99) is compatible will all the Apple lightning products including iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and the Nano.
A microUSB cable ($14.99) is also available.
Details: keroproducts.com
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