New Headphones Focus on Gaming and Design Changes
Sony has officially revealed the WH-1000XM6 noise cancelling headphones, launching in Australia on 16 June for $699.95 AUD. The new headphones are available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue, with all three colours priced equally. Pre-orders are now open through official channels.
Gaming Features Included for First Time
Sony collaborated with its INZONE gaming division to include a Gaming EQ setting for the WH-1000XM6. This marks the first time the company has included gaming-specific tuning on its flagship headphones. The new model also features a 10-band equaliser for customised sound tuning, offering settings for music, cinema and gaming.
Key New Features at a Glance
- 30 hours of battery life with Bluetooth and ANC enabled
- 3-minute USB-PD charge provides 3 hours of use
- Foldable design with a thinner magnetic case
- Twelve microphones with adaptive noise cancelling
- New QN3 processor replaces QN1 from the XM5
- Support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast
- Improved call quality using beamforming AI
Updated Design with Functional Improvements
Sony redesigned the WH-1000XM6 to fold like earlier models, reintroducing hinges using stainless steel via metal injection. The case includes a magnetic clasp and opens flat, helping fit into travel pockets. The headband is now wider and flatter for better comfort and features asymmetry to indicate direction. Earcups now have seamless edges and a rounder shape. A circular, recessed power button replaces the previous rectangular button for improved usability.
The new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones
Improved Noise Cancelling with 12 Microphones
The WH-1000XM6 uses 12 microphones, up from eight in the previous model. There are six mics per earcup, including four outer and two internal units. Mesh covers reduce wind noise. Sony’s Adaptive NC Optimiser updates noise cancelling in real time, improving on the Auto NC Optimiser from the XM5.
Processor Upgrade Enhances Audio and Noise Cancelling
Sony’s QN3 processor replaces the QN1 chip used in the WH-1000XM5. Sony claims QN3 runs seven times faster and includes a look-ahead noise shaper. This improves digital-to-analogue conversion by reducing distortion and enhancing dynamics. The processor works with the DSEE Extreme engine to upscale compressed files closer to high-res quality.
Audio Tuning Draws on High-Profile Experience
Sony tuned the headphones with engineers who have worked with Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Bob Dylan. The headphones also borrow technology from Sony’s premium Walkman series, including a low phase noise crystal oscillator and gold-infused solder. These changes aim to reduce crosstalk and electrical interference.
360 Reality Audio Upmix and Multipoint Support
The WH-1000XM6 includes 360 Reality Audio Upmix for spatial audio during stereo content playback. Bluetooth Multipoint allows connection to two devices at once and switching between them without disconnecting. Users can now listen to music while charging, a new feature absent from earlier Sony flagships.
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Call Quality Enhanced Through AI and Mic Placement
Sony placed three microphones near the mouth to improve voice pickup. Beamforming AI focuses on voice and removes background noise. Sony’s “precise voice pickup technology” returns and ensures clarity even in windy or noisy environments. Sony Sound Connect app includes a setting to focus the mics on voice during calls.
Comfort and Fit Adjustments
The WH-1000XM6 increases clamping force slightly for better isolation without causing ear strain. The earpads use the same pleather material and avoid overheating. Users wearing glasses reported no discomfort during testing. The earcups maintain a similar size to XM5 but have a cleaner finish without seams.
Sound Quality Upgrades Over Previous Generations
The WH-1000XM6 includes newly developed 30mm soft edge dome drivers. Sony uses carbon fibre composite material for improved lightness and rigidity. The headphones offer improved precision, openness and detail. Tracks like Billie Eilish’s “No Time To Die” and Eminem’s “Till I Collapse” highlight vocal clarity and dynamic impact.
In the Inception soundtrack’s “Time,” the XM6 delivers detailed and composed sound. Compared with Bose QC Ultra Headphones, Sony’s sound remains cleaner and more precise. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 rivals Sony in detail, but Sony provides greater expressiveness.
Bass Performance Delivers Defined Power
Massive Attack’s “Angel” showcased strong bass without distortion. Percussion remained clear and sharp. Every bass note sounded measured and controlled. There was no lingering resonance.
Battery Life and Charging Specifications
Sony kept battery life at 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC active. A USB-PD charger gives 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute charge. Users still cannot listen over a wired USB-C connection.
Final Summary
The Sony WH-1000XM6 launches in Australia on 16 June for $699.95 AUD. It introduces a foldable design, faster processor, gaming EQ, and stronger ANC. These updates, combined with enhanced sound and call performance, make the WH-1000XM6 a major update over the XM5.
