Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones come with spatial audio and more

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Shure has announced the successor to its popular AONIC 50 wireless headphones in the form of the new AONIC 50 Gen 2. The AONIC 50 has found its way onto our recommendation list for the best over-ear wireless headphones as the premier choice for people who want to connect to multiple devices, and the Gen 2 upgrade appears to be all set to succeed in the same direction.

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 wireless headphones come with 50mm dynamic drivers that leverage the company’s decades of stage and studio expertise. They are designed to be comfortable to wear for long hours, although they appear to follow the same design as its predecessor. The predecessor was frequently criticized for being a heavy set of headphones, so it would be interesting to see how Shure has improved on this end with the Gen 2.

The highlight of this Gen 2 upgrade of the AONIC 50 is that it now includes spatial audio. Shure says this is powered by a proprietary algorithm that “delicately enhances the spaciousness without compromising the original audio.”

There are three modes for spatial audio on these headphones:

The AONIC 50 Gen 2 also features a new hybrid active noise cancelation technology. Microphones are now present on the inside and outside of the ear cups to help effectively eliminate ambient sounds. There are four levels available to control ambient noise: Light, Moderate, Max, and the new MaxAware setting, which is aimed towards conversations while blocking unwanted noise.

Other improvements on the AONIC 50 Gen 2 over the predecessor include up to 45 hours of battery life, which is said to be more than double the runtime from before. The new quick charge feature gets you up to five hours of use with only 15 minutes of charge. The headphones also feature Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound technology for a consistent and clear audio experience.

Some highlights that have been carried over include support for the ShurePlus PLAY app, an “Enhanced Environment Mode,” customizable EQ, six microphones, and proprietary automatic gain control settings. These headphones also support Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs.

The AONIC 50 Gen 2 wireless headphones will be available in Black color for $349. This price includes a two-year warranty, a protective zippered carrying case, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a USB-C charging and audio cable. You can buy them from Shure’s website and other retailers.