The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are, without a doubt, a game-changer in the premium noise-canceling headphone market, offering a compelling blend of exceptional sound quality, class-leading battery life, and significant comfort upgrades over previous generations. If you’re hunting for a pair of headphones that can be your daily driver, from transatlantic flights to deep-focus work sessions, these should be at the very top of your list. Sennheiser has clearly listened to feedback, delivering a product that punches well above its weight, especially considering its competitive price point against established rivals. They truly redefine what you can expect from a wireless audio experience, focusing on raw performance where it matters most.
Here’s a quick rundown of how they stack up against some of their notable competitors:
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Key Features: 60-hour battery life, excellent adaptive noise cancellation, superb sound quality, comfortable design, customizable EQ via Smart Control app.
- Price: ~$379.95
- Pros: Unbeatable battery life, rich and detailed audio, effective ANC, highly comfortable for long listening sessions, strong Bluetooth connectivity.
- Cons: Design might be less “premium” visually than some competitors, no folding hinges for ultra-compact storage, app can be a bit finicky for some users.
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- Key Features: Industry-leading noise cancellation, clear call quality, good sound, sleek design, speak-to-chat function.
- Price: ~$399.99
- Pros: Arguably the best ANC available, lightweight and comfortable, good sound profile with clear vocals, excellent call quality.
- Cons: Shorter battery life 30 hours than Momentum 4, less impactful bass than some competitors, not foldable for travel.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Key Features: Renowned Bose noise cancellation, Immersive Audio spatial sound, comfortable fit, stable Bluetooth 5.3.
- Price: ~$429.00
- Pros: Legendary ANC, very comfortable, Immersive Audio provides a unique listening experience, solid build quality.
- Cons: Shorter battery life 24 hours standard, 18 with Immersive Audio compared to Momentum 4, sound signature can be less dynamic than Sennheiser for some.
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- Key Features: Seamless Apple ecosystem integration, premium build materials, excellent noise cancellation and transparency mode, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.
- Price: ~$549.00
- Pros: Superb sound quality, top-tier ANC and transparency, stunning design, unrivaled Apple device pairing, comfortable earcups.
- Cons: Very expensive, heavy, short battery life 20 hours, comes with a controversial “Smart Case” that doesn’t fully protect, Lightning charging.
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- Key Features: High-fidelity sound, adjustable ANC and Environment Mode, aptX Adaptive support, long battery life, robust build.
- Price: ~$349.00
- Pros: Audiophile-grade sound, excellent build quality, effective ANC, good battery life 45 hours, comfortable earcups.
- Cons: Can be a bit bulky, ANC is good but not class-leading, price is competitive but still premium.
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- Key Features: Hybrid active noise cancellation, 50-hour battery life, Hi-Res Audio Wireless, comfortable design, multi-point connection.
- Price: ~$149.99
- Pros: Excellent value for money, very good ANC for the price, impressive battery life, comfortable, customizable EQ.
- Cons: Sound quality is good but not on par with premium options, build materials feel less premium, call quality is decent but not exceptional.
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- Key Features: True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Smart Talk, SilentNow, Personi-Fi 2.0, 50-hour battery life with ANC off.
- Price: ~$299.95
- Pros: Solid sound quality, effective ANC, good battery life, comfortable, useful smart features like Smart Talk.
- Cons: ANC isn’t quite as potent as Bose or Sony, app can be a bit cluttered, design is somewhat understated.
Unpacking the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: A Deep Dive
When you’re shelling out for premium headphones, you want to know you’re getting your money’s worth.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless aren’t just another pair of cans.
They represent a significant pivot for Sennheiser, blending audiophile-grade sound with lifestyle-friendly features. This isn’t about incremental upgrades.
It’s about a re-evaluation of what a top-tier wireless headphone should deliver.
We’re going to pull back the curtain on every critical aspect, from the audio fidelity that makes podcast sing to the design choices that either make or break long-haul comfort. Roccat Kone Xp Air Review
Audio Fidelity: The Sennheiser Signature Refined
Let’s cut to the chase: sound quality is paramount, and Sennheiser has always excelled here. The Momentum 4 Wireless continue this legacy, offering a sound profile that is both incredibly engaging and remarkably versatile. This isn’t a flat, sterile sound. it’s vibrant, dynamic, and genuinely enjoyable.
- Driver Technology and Soundstage: The Momentum 4 utilize custom 42mm dynamic drivers. What does that mean for your ears? It translates to a wide and expansive soundstage for a closed-back headphone. Instruments don’t feel crammed together. instead, there’s a good sense of separation, allowing you to pick out individual layers in complex tracks. Imagine listening to a live recording and being able to distinguish the position of each podcastian – that’s the kind of spatial awareness these headphones aim for.
- Bass Response: Sennheiser has dialed in the bass with precision. It’s deep, impactful, and well-controlled, without ever becoming muddy or boomy. For genres like hip-hop, electronic, or anything with a strong rhythmic foundation, the bass provides a satisfying thump. Critically, it doesn’t bleed into the mids, ensuring that vocals and lead instruments remain clear and articulate. This isn’t just about quantity. it’s about quality and texture.
- Mid-Range Clarity: This is often where headphones stumble, but the Momentum 4 shine. Vocals, guitars, and pianos are rendered with exceptional clarity and natural warmth. There’s a richness to the mid-range that makes acoustic tracks and vocal performances truly captivating. You’ll notice subtle nuances in voices and instruments that might be lost on lesser headphones.
- Treble Performance: The treble is crisp, detailed, and extended, without being harsh or fatiguing. Cymbals shimmer, and high-frequency details are presented with accuracy. Some headphones can over-emphasize the treble, leading to listener fatigue, but Sennheiser has struck a fine balance, ensuring sparkle without sibilance.
- Customization via App: Sennheiser’s Smart Control app is your gateway to tailoring the sound. While the default tuning is excellent for most, the app offers a built-in equalizer where you can fine-tune the sound profile to your exact preferences. This is a powerful tool for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, allowing you to boost bass for workouts or flatten the response for critical listening. There are also preset sound modes, like “Podcast” or “Bass Boost,” if you prefer a quicker adjustment.
Battery Life and Charging: A Marathon Performer
Let’s be frank, 60 hours of battery life isn’t just “good”. it’s absolutely monumental and a significant differentiator in the premium headphone space. This feature alone is a compelling reason for frequent travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who hates constantly charging their gear to consider the Momentum 4.
- The 60-Hour Promise: Sennheiser claims up to 60 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled, and real-world testing largely confirms this. This means you could fly from New York to Sydney and back, or commute for weeks on a single charge. It removes battery anxiety entirely, allowing you to focus on your audio, not your power bank.
- Impact on Usage: Think about it: a full week of heavy use without reaching for the charger. This is particularly transformative for:
- Long-haul flights: No more dead headphones midway through a trip.
- Extended work sessions: Stay focused without interruption.
- Multi-day trips: Leave the charging cable at home.
- Forgetful chargers: A few minutes on the charger can give you hours of playback.
- Fast Charging Capabilities: When you do eventually need to charge, the Momentum 4 support fast charging via USB-C. A quick 10-minute charge can provide several hours of playback, which is incredibly useful for those moments when you’re rushing out the door and realize your headphones are dead. This rapid top-up ensures you’re rarely caught without power.
- Charging Indicator and Efficiency: The headphones provide clear battery status indications, both through voice prompts and within the Smart Control app. The efficiency of the Bluetooth 5.2 chipset combined with Sennheiser’s power management is truly impressive, setting a new benchmark for the category.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode: Silence and Awareness
In a noisy world, effective noise cancellation is no longer a luxury. it’s a necessity.
The Momentum 4’s adaptive noise cancellation ANC system is a significant upgrade and a strong contender against the best in the business, complemented by a very natural-sounding transparency mode.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation ANC: The ANC on the Momentum 4 is highly effective at tackling a wide range of low-frequency ambient noise, such as airplane rumble, bus engines, and the hum of an HVAC system. It intelligently adapts to your surroundings, meaning it adjusts the level of cancellation based on the detected noise, providing an optimal experience without over-canceling. While perhaps not the absolute best in total silence like Sony’s latest, it’s very close and handles dynamic environments impressively. It significantly reduces distractions, allowing you to concentrate on your audio or enjoy some peace.
- Real-World Performance:
- Commutes: Chops out the drone of train cars and the general hubbub of public transport.
- Office Environments: Effectively dampens keyboard clicks and low-level office chatter.
- Cafes: Reduces the barista’s machine and general background conversations.
- Home Use: Great for blocking out appliances or distant street noise.
- Transparency Mode Aware Mode: This feature is increasingly vital, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing your headphones. Sennheiser’s transparency mode is remarkably natural and clear. Unlike some implementations that sound tinny or artificial, the Momentum 4’s transparency mode makes it feel almost like you’re not wearing headphones. This is perfect for:
- Hearing flight announcements.
- Engaging in quick conversations.
- Being aware of traffic when walking outdoors.
- Ordering a coffee without taking your headphones off.
- Wind Noise Reduction: A common pitfall for ANC headphones is wind noise. The Momentum 4 has shown good resistance to wind interference, particularly noticeable when using transparency mode or taking calls outdoors. Sennheiser has likely implemented algorithms or microphone placements to mitigate this issue.
Comfort and Design: A Pragmatic Evolution
Sennheiser made a bold move by redesigning the Momentum series, shifting from the classic, exposed metal aesthetic to a more streamlined, contemporary look. This wasn’t just about aesthetics. it was about optimizing for comfort and practicality, especially for extended wear. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Review
- Materials and Build Quality: The Momentum 4 utilize a combination of high-quality plastics, soft-touch silicone, and plush faux leather. While some purists might miss the metallic accents of previous generations, this new approach contributes significantly to weight reduction and flexibility. The headband is covered in a soft fabric that feels pleasant against the head, and the earcups feature ample, soft memory foam padding. The overall build feels sturdy and durable, capable of withstanding daily commutes and travel.
- Ergonomics and Fit: This is where the pragmatic design truly shines. The earcups are generously sized and oval-shaped, providing excellent coverage around most ears without undue pressure. The clamping force is just right – firm enough to feel secure but not so tight as to cause discomfort, even during prolonged listening sessions. The headband distributes weight evenly across the top of the head, preventing hot spots.
- Swiveling Earcups and Storage: One notable change is the removal of the folding hinges. Instead, the earcups now swivel flat, allowing for easier storage in their included soft case. While this makes them less compact than some competitors that fold into a smaller footprint, it contributes to the sleek profile when worn and potentially to the structural integrity. The flat-folding design is convenient for slipping into laptop bags or backpacks.
- Weight Distribution: At approximately 293 grams around 10.3 ounces, the Momentum 4 are not the lightest headphones on the market, but their excellent weight distribution makes them feel lighter than they are. This is crucial for comfort during those marathon 60-hour listening sessions. You can genuinely forget you’re wearing them.
- Aesthetics vs. Practicality: The new design is less “flashy” than previous Momentum iterations. It’s a clean, minimalist look that prioritizes function. For many, this mature and understated aesthetic is a welcome change, focusing on the listening experience rather than being a fashion statement.
Connectivity and Controls: Seamless Integration
A powerful headphone is only as good as its usability. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless aim for seamless connectivity and intuitive controls, ensuring your interaction with them is as smooth as your audio experience.
- Bluetooth 5.2 and Codec Support: The headphones feature Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a stable and efficient wireless connection. More importantly, they support a wide array of high-quality audio codecs:
- SBC: Standard codec, universally compatible.
- AAC: Preferred codec for Apple devices, offering better quality than SBC.
- aptX Adaptive: The star of the show. This dynamic codec adjusts its bitrate based on signal strength and congestion, ensuring low latency for gaming and video, and high-resolution audio for podcast where bandwidth allows. It’s a significant advantage for Android users and those seeking the best possible wireless sound.
- Multipoint Connectivity: A fantastic feature for modern workflows, multipoint allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously. For example, you can be connected to your laptop for video calls and your phone for podcast. If a call comes in on your phone, the headphones will automatically switch over, and then switch back to your laptop audio once the call ends. This eliminates the need to constantly pair and unpair, streamlining your daily routine.
- Physical Buttons vs. Touch Controls: Sennheiser opted for a mix of physical buttons and touch controls on the right earcup.
- Physical Buttons: These handle power, Bluetooth pairing, and activating ANC/Transparency modes. They offer tactile feedback, making them reliable and easy to locate without looking.
- Touchpad: The large surface of the right earcup is a touch-sensitive panel for playback controls play/pause, skip track, volume adjustments swipe up/down, and call management. While touch controls can sometimes be hit-or-miss, Sennheiser’s implementation is generally responsive and intuitive after a brief learning curve. Gestures are straightforward and consistent.
- Smart Features and Sensors:
- Auto On/Off: The headphones automatically turn on when you pick them up and turn off after a period of inactivity, conserving battery.
- Smart Pause: Removing the headphones from your ears automatically pauses playback, and resuming playback when you put them back on. This is a genuinely useful quality-of-life feature that prevents you from missing a beat and saves battery.
- USB Audio and Wired Option: Beyond wireless, the Momentum 4 also support USB-C audio, allowing you to connect them directly to a computer for a high-quality digital audio connection and simultaneous charging. They also include a 3.5mm analog cable for traditional wired listening, which is excellent for inflight entertainment systems or when you simply prefer a wired connection.
Call Quality: Clear Conversations on the Go
In an increasingly connected world, headphones aren’t just for podcast. they’re essential communication tools. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless aim to deliver clear and effective call quality, ensuring you sound good on virtual meetings and phone calls, even in challenging environments.
- Microphone Array: The Momentum 4 feature a multi-microphone array designed to isolate your voice from background noise. This typically involves beamforming technology, where multiple microphones work in tandem to pick up your voice and simultaneously suppress ambient sounds.
- Noise Reduction during Calls: This is where the M4 excel. During testing, they demonstrate strong noise reduction capabilities for the person on the other end of the call.
- Wind Noise: Significantly reduces wind interference, making outdoor calls viable.
- Environmental Sounds: Dampens common background noises like street traffic, office chatter, or the hum of appliances, ensuring your voice remains the focus.
- Voice Clarity: Your voice comes across as clear, natural, and well-defined, avoiding the muffled or distant sound that plagues many headphone microphones.
- Real-World Scenarios:
- Busy Streets: You can take calls on a moderately busy street and still be clearly understood.
- Public Transport: The noise of a bus or train is largely filtered out, allowing for effective communication.
- Open-Plan Offices: Reduces the distraction of colleagues’ conversations.
- Comparison to Competitors: While Sony and Bose have made significant strides in call quality, the Momentum 4 are right there in the top tier. They consistently deliver performance that allows for professional and personal calls without needing to switch to your phone. This focus on clear communication rounds out their impressive feature set.
App Experience and Customization: Tailoring Your Sound
The Sennheiser Smart Control app is not just an accessory. it’s an integral part of the Momentum 4 Wireless experience, unlocking their full potential and allowing you to tailor every aspect of their performance to your liking.
- Intuitive Interface: The app features a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and access various settings. It generally provides a smooth and responsive experience, although like any software, occasional quirks can appear.
- Sound Customization:
- Equalizer EQ: This is the crown jewel for audio enthusiasts. The app provides a 3-band graphic equalizer with the option for a more advanced “Sound Check” guided EQ setup. You can fine-tune the bass, mid-range, and treble to your specific preferences or to match different podcast genres. Want more thump for your workout playlist? Dial up the bass. Prefer a more analytical sound for classical? Adjust accordingly.
- Sound Zones: This innovative feature allows you to create location-based sound profiles. For instance, you could set up a “Home” profile with a specific EQ and transparency setting, and a “Commute” profile with maximum ANC and a different EQ. The headphones will automatically switch to these profiles when you enter the defined geofence, adding a layer of smart automation to your listening.
- ANC and Transparency Settings: The app offers granular control over noise cancellation and transparency mode.
- You can toggle between ANC, Transparency, and a neutral mode.
- There’s a slider to adjust the level of ANC or transparency, allowing you to find your perfect balance between isolation and environmental awareness.
- Some users report that the app needs to be open in the background for certain features like adaptive ANC to work optimally, which is a minor consideration for battery life on your phone.
- Firmware Updates: The app is also the portal for firmware updates, ensuring your headphones always have the latest features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Regularly checking for and installing updates is crucial for optimal performance and longevity.
- Battery Status and Device Information: Easily view the exact battery percentage, manage connected devices, and access the user manual directly within the app. It centralizes all essential information and controls, enhancing the overall user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery life of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless boasts an impressive 60 hours of continuous playback with Active Noise Cancellation ANC enabled, making them one of the longest-lasting premium wireless headphones available.
Do the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless have good noise cancellation?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless feature excellent adaptive noise cancellation that effectively reduces a wide range of ambient sounds, including engine hums, office chatter, and general background noise, providing a quiet listening experience. Epson Pro Ex7280 3Lcd Wxga Projector Review
How is the sound quality of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
The sound quality of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is superb, characterized by a rich, detailed, and dynamic sound profile with deep, well-controlled bass, clear mid-range, and crisp, non-fatiguing treble. They offer Sennheiser’s signature audiophile-grade sound.
Are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless comfortable for long wear?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are highly comfortable for long listening sessions. They feature plush earcups, a well-padded headband, and a balanced clamping force that distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure points.
Do the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless support aptX Adaptive?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless support aptX Adaptive, along with SBC and AAC codecs, providing low-latency and high-resolution audio streaming for compatible devices, particularly beneficial for Android users.
Can I connect the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless to multiple devices at once?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless support multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them, for example, from a laptop for calls to a phone for podcast.
Is there an app for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
Yes, the Sennheiser Smart Control app is available for the Momentum 4 Wireless. It allows for sound customization EQ, managing ANC/Transparency modes, creating sound zones, and accessing firmware updates. Razer Barracuda X 2022 Review
Do the Momentum 4 Wireless fold for portability?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless do not fold with hinges like previous Momentum models. Instead, their earcups swivel flat, making them easy to store in their included soft carrying case and slip into bags.
How is the call quality on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
The call quality on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is very good. They utilize a multi-microphone array with effective noise reduction, ensuring your voice comes across clearly and naturally even in noisy environments.
What’s included in the box with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
Typically, the box includes the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones, a soft carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Do the Momentum 4 Wireless have a transparency mode?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless include a natural-sounding transparency mode also known as Aware Mode that allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones, useful for announcements or conversations.
Can I use the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless with a wired connection?
Yes, you can use the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless with a wired connection using the included 3.5mm audio cable or via a USB-C audio connection to a computer, which also charges the headphones. Corsair Voyager A1600 Review
How long does it take to fully charge the Momentum 4 Wireless?
A full charge for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless takes approximately 2 hours. They also support fast charging, providing several hours of playback from a quick 10-minute charge.
Are the earcups replaceable on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
While Sennheiser does not explicitly market easily user-replaceable earcups, it’s often possible to find replacement pads from third-party vendors or through Sennheiser’s service channels for wear and tear.
Do the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless have auto-pause?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless feature Smart Pause, which automatically pauses your audio when you take the headphones off your ears and resumes playback when you put them back on.
What is the main improvement of the Momentum 4 over the Momentum 3?
The main improvements of the Momentum 4 over the Momentum 3 include significantly longer battery life 60 hours vs. 17 hours, improved noise cancellation, a redesigned form factor for enhanced comfort, and a more neutral yet customizable sound profile.
Are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless good for gaming?
Thanks to their support for aptX Adaptive, which offers low latency, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless can be a good option for casual gaming. For competitive gaming, a dedicated wired headset might still be preferred. Benq Th585P Review
Can I adjust the ANC level on the Momentum 4 Wireless?
Yes, you can adjust the level of adaptive noise cancellation and transparency within the Sennheiser Smart Control app, allowing for fine-tuning based on your environment and preferences.
Do the Momentum 4 Wireless have a physical power button?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless have a physical power button on the right earcup, along with a multi-function button for ANC/Transparency and a touch-sensitive panel for media control.
How do the Momentum 4 Wireless compare to the Sony WH-1000XM5?
The Momentum 4 Wireless offer significantly longer battery life 60 hours vs. 30 hours and a generally more dynamic sound.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 often boasts slightly superior overall noise cancellation and call quality, though both are excellent.
Are the Momentum 4 Wireless waterproof or water-resistant?
No, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are not rated as waterproof or water-resistant. They are designed for general everyday use and should be protected from heavy rain or immersion in water. Msi Summit Ms321Up Review
What kind of USB port do the Momentum 4 Wireless use?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless use a USB-C port for charging and for digital audio connections.
Do the Momentum 4 Wireless come with a hard case?
No, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless come with a soft, fabric-covered zippered carrying case, which protects them during transport, but it’s not a hard-shell case.
Can I use the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless for watching movies?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are excellent for watching movies due to their immersive soundstage, clear audio, and low latency especially with aptX Adaptive, enhancing the cinematic experience.
Is the EQ customizable on the Momentum 4 Wireless?
Yes, the equalizer is fully customizable via the Sennheiser Smart Control app, allowing you to tailor the sound profile to your personal preferences with a 3-band EQ or guided “Sound Check.”
Do the Momentum 4 Wireless automatically turn on and off?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless feature auto on/off functionality, turning on when you pick them up and off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery. Kaspersky Plus Review
Are there any color options for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are typically available in Black and White color options, though availability may vary by region and retailer.
What is the Bluetooth range of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, with Bluetooth 5.2, offer a standard wireless range of up to 10 meters 33 feet, though actual range can vary depending on obstacles and interference.
Can I use the Momentum 4 Wireless with a PC or Mac?
Yes, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are fully compatible with PCs and Macs via Bluetooth for wireless audio and calls, and can also be connected via USB-C for digital audio.
How do I reset the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless?
To reset the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, usually, you’d hold the power button for an extended period e.g., 20-30 seconds until a specific LED pattern appears, or follow the specific reset instructions within the Sennheiser Smart Control app or user manual.
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