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Overview
Ahh, a wired world with wireless
connectivity (isn’t that a dichotomy?). Aren’t we all looking to
shed our wired tethering and be free? I found a piece of that
evolving world with the help of an entomological “friend” no less.
Enter the Aerielle Audio Bug ABWAS-150 wireless audio system.
With all of the audio and video devices I have filled up within our
house, just like you, and the accompanying headphone pile; I’d love
to take all those wires/cables and start a telephone company. But
not today as I grabbed my “buggy”, legless buddy (reminded me of a
scarab beetle) to lift up my wireless spirit desires.
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Aerielle AudioBug FM Transmitter |
The Audio Bug system
features patented FM-4100 wireless headphones with an FM receiver
and a very sensitive antenna delivering excellent sound qualities.
The AB-250 wireless transmitter sends hi-fi stereo audio signals
from almost any audio or video device with output stereo jack
capabilities. No, you won’t be untethered for those long distances
you had imagined, but the 15’ claimed by Aerielle is wrong. Yes, I
am categorically stating the 15’ range they stated is inaccurate.
How do I know? Because I tested this system and the range was beyond
the 15’ mark. Of course, the “AB” as I call it (short for alien bug
and not Audio Bug since it’s a bug not on any entomology charts I
know), the range is always dependent upon natural or human-made
objects/structures obstructing AB from the headphones. But, walking
to another room with two walls of medium construction density in
between, I was able to clearly hear the hi-fi sound with no
distortion. The maximum distance I reached without some type of
distortion was 19’. Fairly impressive considering the obstructions
posed for AB. It plugs into any output source and transmits to four
frequencies (88.1, 88.3, 88.5 and 88.7) selected on the FM-4100
headphones. I tested the AB system on virtually every audio/video
device I possess (computer, laptop, MP3, PMP, radio, satellite, TV,
stereo equipment, VCR, DVD and more). It’s great for listening to TV
or music in bed without disturbing your significant other. The
stereo sound was surprisingly bold, crisp and adjustable volume on
the side of the headphones with on/off switch. The AB also lit up
its blue “alien” eyes as soon as audio output contact was made. The
auto-off feature on AB was great to retain extended battery life
(over 40 hours on one CR2 battery). The FM-4100 headphones operate
on two AAA batteries for 20 hours of listening enjoyment. I should
note the only major problem I encountered with this system was when
the AB transmitter was near a large amplified device. Switching
frequencies compensated for this effect.
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Aerielle Audiobug FM headset |
Aerielle also provides an optional, wearable sports pouch (AWSP-100)
to keep your little buddy secure along with your mobile audio/video
companion. The adjustable dual top strap headphones are lightweight,
comfortable and fit snugly on your ears wit the cushioned “ear muff”
design. The two AAA batteries snap into place underneath a slide on
cover on the headphones for secure fastening.
Wish
List
Here is my “wish list” for
minor improvements I would like to see for this system:
- Larger circumference for the headphone ear coverings as not
everyone has the same size ears. This would increase size and add a
little weight, but provide total “outside” noise-canceling
performance to make the listening experience heightened even more.
- Create a small “pouch” on the top or sides of the headphones,
which would be very useful in “carrying” AB along
- Fluoresce the frequency markings on both the headphones and AB as
they are a little difficult to see in those dark settings of home
theaters
- Increase the length of the AB audio input cable to avoid
interference from amplified devices
- Different designs of the AB. Perhaps an ET™ or AI™ model, as the
kids love the variations!
- Switch AB power supply from CR2 battery to lithium ion “button”
type as CR2s are sometimes difficult to locate at retail outlets and
the “button” battery would reduce the form/size factor of AB
Conclusion
Overall, I give this product a score of 9.2 out of 10 on my “bugs
life” entomological meter. Get rid of your wired world today!
How to Buy
The Aerielle
ABWAS-150 RF Wireless Audio System sells for
$89.95 on the Aerielle
online
shop.
AudioBug ABWAS-150 system specifications:
AB-250 Wireless Transmitter:
Size: 2” L X 1.5” W X ¾” H
Weight: Two ounces
Battery: One CR2
Battery Life: 40+ hours
Transmission Range: 15+ feet (dependent upon obstructions)
Auto-off in 30 seconds with no audio input
Auto-on when >35mV audio detected
Patented: Yes
Compatibility: All audio devices with 3.5mm stereo output jack
Frequency Response: <10Hz >15kHz
Signal to noise ratio: >55dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.3%Typical
Frequencies: 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7 MHz
FCC Part 15 certification: Yes
CE compliance: Yes
FM-4100 Headphones:
Size: Headphone: 7 3/8 X 6 3/16 (187X157mm)
Ear cushion outside: 2 7/8 X 2 3/8 (73X60mm)
Weight: 5.1 ounces (with two batteries)
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