Most audio tech companies have been developing more and better noise cancellation, but Hong Kong-based iASUS has also taken a step in the other direction in the interest of safety for cyclists and runners who want to enjoy music on the go. Their new EAR3 inline micro amp uses a built-in mic that captures what’s going on outside and layers it with your music, so that you can enjoy the tunes and still here the next car rolling up behind you. They’ve got a crowdfunding campaign of sorts going on now, so check out the details after the break, and how to get one in time to hang it on the tree…
iASUS has gone to Indiegogo to push this new product out, but more importantly to be fast so that they can do a special early bird deal to get a first pre-production run out in time for the holidays. Their campaign is actually just an Indiegogo flexible goal, which means that everyone who orders will receive the product no matter what they raise.
The EAR3 micro amp uses what they call Variable Background Sound (VBS) which lets you dial in the level of environmental noise mixed in with your own music. So now you can stay aware of your surroundings no matter what activity you are doing, whether it is walking down the sidewalk engrossed in a podcast or staying motivated getting in those winter base miles with your own soundtrack. The VBS can also be switched off for undisturbed music listening indoors.
The EAR3 can boost your headphone levels by 10dB and has a built-in rechargeable battery with a 20hr run time. It charges by micro USB, and uses the same port to connect to your device with the included 3.5mm-to-microUSB cable that supports headsets with inline mics for hands free phone use as well.
The early special is $60 + shipping and available in either black or espresso and will ship by December 15th if you get your order in for Christmas delivery timing. Shipping is just $10 to the US but jumps to $25 for Canada, the EU, or Australia. Check it out on Indiegogo.
