Sennheiser CX 80U and HD 400U Bring USB-C Audio to In-Ear and Over-Ear Headphones

With the introduction of the CX 80U and HD 400U, Sonova Consumer Hearing continues to expand the Sennheiser portfolio toward fully digital listening solutions. The company responds to a market environment in which smartphones, tablets, and notebooks increasingly omit analogue headphone outputs, placing greater importance on digital audio transmission via USB-C. Both new models are designed to integrate seamlessly into this ecosystem while retaining familiar Sennheiser tuning concepts.

Key Facts

• Fully digital USB-C headphones with onboard signal processing
• Support for audio signals up to 24 Bit and 96 kHz
• Integrated in-line control unit with MEMS microphone
• Plug-and-play operation across a wide range of devices
• Available as compact In-Ear or closed-back Over-Ear designs
• Consistent sound quality independent of the source device

Consistent Sound Through Integrated Digital Conversion

Both headphones rely on direct digital audio transmission via USB-C, eliminating the need for the often inconsistent analogue output stages found in mobile devices. Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled inside the headphones themselves, ensuring stable performance across different platforms. Support for resolutions up to 24 Bit and 96 kHz places the CX 80U and HD 400U clearly above basic headset solutions, making them suitable for music playback, video streaming, and gaming alike.

Sennheiser CX 80U: Compact In-Ear for Everyday Mobility

The CX 80U targets users looking for a small and lightweight solution. As a closed In-Ear headphone, it provides passive isolation from ambient noise, which is beneficial for focused work, studying, or mobile gaming. Three sizes of ear tips are included to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Sonically, the CX 80U follows a balanced tuning approach, complemented by a controlled low-frequency response that maintains presence even at moderate listening levels.

Sennheiser HD 400U: Closed Over-Ear for Work and Entertainment

The HD 400U builds on the concept of the HD 400S, translating it into a USB-C-based design. Its closed Over-Ear construction offers effective passive noise attenuation, making it suitable for both home-office environments and listening on the go. The design remains compact and travel-friendly, featuring a detachable cable and a supplied storage pouch. Sound tuning places emphasis on a robust low-end, which benefits films, series, and gaming content in particular.

Controls, Microphone, and Broad Compatibility

Both models feature an integrated in-line remote with a MEMS microphone, allowing users to adjust volume, control playback, and handle calls or video conferences directly from the cable. Thanks to class-compliant USB implementation, the headphones operate without additional drivers on a wide range of systems, including Apple iOS, Google Android, Google ChromeOS, Apple macOS, and Microsoft Windows. This makes them suitable for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even portable gaming consoles.

Price and Availability

The Sennheiser CX 80U is available at a recommended retail price of € 39,90, while the Sennheiser HD 400U is offered at € 79,90. Both models are available immediately through authorised retailers and via the direct sales channels of Sennheiser.

Conclusion

With the CX 80U and HD 400U, Sonova Consumer Hearing presents two clearly positioned USB-C headphones under the Sennheiser brand that address the realities of modern playback devices. Their fully digital connection ensures consistent sound quality, while the choice between In-Ear and Over-Ear designs covers different everyday scenarios. These models are aimed at users seeking a straightforward yet technically sound audio solution for work, travel, and entertainment.

Technical Specifications