v-moda to release new Vibe Duo earbuds with mic AND button

[greenlander]

http://www.iphonefaq.org/archives/97253

The Vibe Duos never should have been released without these.

Though I guess mother mobile phone owners might want them that way.

Either way, this is good news.

[linshiwen]

EXCELLENT news, thank you for posting this.

I was going to buy the Vibe Duos, but then I found out there was no control on the mic.... man, who dropped the ball on that one?

[WillJS]

Excellent. :cool:

[dfnj123]

This has been known for while but this confirms it, GOOD FIND

[greenlander]

]I was going to buy the Vibe Duos, but then I found out there was no control on the mic.... man, who dropped the ball on that one?

Well, according to the article - vmoda says it was intentional... that they released the duos sans button because they wanted it to be "universally" appealing.

Personally, I'm confident that is nonsense. It's well known that Apple rushed them to get the vibe duos out and imposed a deadline they couldn't break. So, out came the dumbed down duos...

[RaceTripper]

Any update on availability? I am planning on getting these.

[drater]

Any update on availability? I am planning on getting these.

I'm pretty sure they have them at all apple store and online. However, I do believe that the button on the mic part lack the clicking ability. So you can not stop, pause, fast forward or answer a call with these headphones.

You might want to try these: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/ultimate-buds-apple-etymotic-er6i-iphone-earphones/

[RaceTripper]

I'm pretty sure they have them at all apple store and online. However, I do believe that the button on the mic part lack the clicking ability. So you can not stop, pause, fast forward or answer a call with these headphones.

You might want to try these: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/ultimate-buds-apple-etymotic-er6i-iphone-earphones/Thanks, but this thread is about the forthcoming Vibe Duo Control. That's what I'm asking about. And I want to use my Apple iPhone coupon, not pay out $146 cash to cannibalize my existing headset (which I wouldn't use anyway since they went through the wash).

[paulsmith]

Anyone see the updated duos in a store yet? These have been delayed for a while. They had originally told me August...and then September. However, theres only so many days left in the month... any updates? I really wish there was a comparable alternative with an answer button...

sigh.

[sJv]

Anyone see the updated duos in a store yet? These have been delayed for a while. They had originally told me August...and then September. However, theres only so many days left in the month... any updates? I really wish there was a comparable alternative with an answer button...

sigh.

There is a better solution:
Shure SE110 + MPA. $99 + $39. Reviews show that the SE110 is very similar sonically to the SE210, but a little bigger. Not sure how available the MPA is in Apple stores, though.

-steve

[paulsmith]

There is a better solution:
Shure SE110 + MPA. $99 + $39. Reviews show that the SE110 is very similar sonically to the SE210, but a little bigger. Not sure how available the MPA is in Apple stores, though.

-steve


Thanks for the advice Steve. Is this the setup you're using? I had been hesitant to go with the MPA because of various reports of cable clutter, and the mic being at the wrong place. If you have this setup, can you comment on those two issues? Thanks so much in advance!

[sJv]

Thanks for the advice Steve. Is this the setup you're using? I had been hesitant to go with the MPA because of various reports of cable clutter, and the mic being at the wrong place. If you have this setup, can you comment on those two issues? Thanks so much in advance!

Actually, I don't have this setup, but I may buy it when I go to the Apple store. I am currently using Koss Port-a-pro's that I grafted the iPhone earbud cables, to, or Etymotics with an adapter cable for noisy environments (no mic or control button, though).

The SE series has a modular cable design so the MPA shouldn't have too much cable clutter. The mic isn't in as good a place as the iPhone cable, but Shure has good mic technology, so maybe it works ok? From an audiophile perspective, Shure's should be much better than V-Moda for about the same price (assuming V-Moda prices their Duo Control at around $130-$140).

I plan to post a report if I can find this combo in the Apple store when I visit there in the next few days.

-steve

[Jocko]

The SE series has a modular cable design so the MPA shouldn't have too much cable clutter. The mic isn't in as good a place as the iPhone cable, but Shure has good mic technology, so maybe it works okI looked into this. Unfortunately the SE's still have an 18" cord. So if you plugged that into their adapter and let it just hang, the microphone would be near your belly button. So you have to take the microphone, pull it up towards your head and clip it on your shirt. So now you have an extra 18" of wire hanging there and a clip on your shirt. I know some people don't mind, but its unappealing enough to me that I'm holding out for a better solution.

[NightStorm]

iLounge is reporting that the updated headphones will cost $101 and be available October 1st.

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/v-moda-now-taking-pre-orders-for-vibe-duo-with-playback-control/11535

[RaceTripper]

Now I just have to wait until it shows up in the Apple store.

[wangchunggti337]

Is this going to be a standard one button just like the iPhone buds?

[calvy]

well neither of my apple stores have these in stock today, although both said they've had them on the shelves for a while now, they are just out of stock as of today. Of course, they said that when I called last week too. I want these damn things, why can't I get my hands on them. They don't even seem to be high quality earbuds, they just have the damn mic on them and sound halfway decent. For 100 bucks, I should at least get convenience out of them

[wangchunggti337]

Here's for those interested in the v-modas with button:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/v-moda-vibe-duo-with-control-playback-functionality/

The mic is much bigger than I would have thought. It seems they could have fit a volume rocker in there as well at that size.

They do look sweet though.

[RaceTripper]

Well, I'm headed out on a road trip tomorrow morning and will be staying at Mall of Georgia in Buford. Maybe I'll visit the new Apple store there and see if they have these.

[javaGuru]

I'm glad to hear that these are finally becoming available. Does anyone know when we could expect to see them hitting the Apple stores?

[saisrujan]

V-moda's store has been updated with the new vibe duo w/ control-playback. The Apple on-line store is not updated yet. They don't have a new photo, but iLounge has a couple of new photos. The button is huge, but I don't mind.

The only way you differentiate this is with the word "w/ control-playback" and the following line in the desciption
• Microphone’s call control button quickly answers phone calls and operates music playback features
Otherwise, no new photo, no new brand name.

Please keep track of this on the Apple online store, and update this post when you see it online. I want to buy it with my $100 credit. I will post here as soon as I see it.

[pooryou]

I looked into this. Unfortunately the SE's still have an 18" cord. So if you plugged that into their adapter and let it just hang, the microphone would be near your belly button. So you have to take the microphone, pull it up towards your head and clip it on your shirt. So now you have an extra 18" of wire hanging there and a clip on your shirt. I know some people don't mind, but its unappealing enough to me that I'm holding out for a better solution.

With the SE's as I understand it you would remove the old cable which is modular and use only the iPhone cable, so the cable will not be long like that. If you use another company's phones that is a different story.

[megfilmworks]

I have the SE 30s and the mic adapter. Yes there is way too much cord. But I wrapped it up and twist tied it to get rid of the problem. Audio quality is excellent on the buds (if you shove them deep into the ear) and the mic. Most people are surprised when I tell them I'm handsfree.

[Jocko]

With the SE's as I understand it you would remove the old cable which is modular and use only the iPhone cable, so the cable will not be long like that. If you use another company's phones that is a different story.Thats what I originally hoped, but unfortunately the "modular" aspect is actually an 18" cable. I think it's basically the same thing the Sony's do, where you have the short-ish cable and then an extension. But there's no way to get rid of that 18". Unfortunate. Shure might have gotten a bunch of my money otherwise. Now it might be V-moda getting my money.

[NightStorm]

I ordered a pair of these from the V-Moda website earlier today; can't wait to try them out!

[wickedsteve]

I'm pretty sure they have them at all apple store and online. However, I do believe that the button on the mic part lack the clicking ability. So you can not stop, pause, fast forward or answer a call with these headphones.

You might want to try these: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/ultimate-buds-apple-etymotic-er6i-iphone-earphones/

I checked two Applestores in Denver. One has neither and the other has the old ones without the button. And the new headset's button has clicking ability just like Apple's headset. Just make sure you are not getting the old ones whenever you buy them.

[javaGuru]

I am hoping Apple will get these in stock either on their website or in store. I would buy them directly from v-moda's website but I was hoping to use my $100 credit to get these.

[wickedsteve]

I was hoping to use my $100 credit to get these.

I am also. Just waiting for Applestore to get them in stock.

[calvy]

I got an email from v-moda when I requested order status and they told me that these are on backorder, so expect 7 to 10 days. I am going to cancel my order, I picked up some Sony's that I'm sure sound as good as these v-moda's would have, and put my apple provided chord on the sony earbuds. It looks good to me, and sounds good too. Cheaper than these v-moda's as well, and now I don't have to worry about whether or not I'd like the way v-moda did their button.

[hotsauce]

I got an email from v-moda when I requested order status and they told me that these are on backorder, so expect 7 to 10 days. I am going to cancel my order, I picked up some Sony's that I'm sure sound as good as these v-moda's would have, and put my apple provided chord on the sony earbuds. It looks good to me, and sounds good too. Cheaper than these v-moda's as well, and now I don't have to worry about whether or not I'd like the way v-moda did their button.

How easy are the sony's to take apart? Can you describe how you did it?

Thanks in advance.

[Bernie-Mac]

so have any apple stores got these in yet?

[powerbook911]

Amazon.com has them in stock.

[Bernie-Mac]

amazon doesnt take apples store credit tho :(

[Gonzlobo]

When are the doofs at apple going to sell these?

[Jocko]

When are the doofs at apple going to sell these?Well v-moda has yet to ship mine for over a week now. So obviously they are a little strained on inventory. But I guess that doesn't really help figure out when the Apple stores could have them. It could be they are sold out and thus won't have enough to stock Apple for quite some time. Or it could be that they had to send a huge order to Apple and thus don't have enough to satisfy the orders placed directly via v-moda's site. Oh well. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[calvy]

It appears to me that v-moda's got their head up their a$$es. I emailed them asking about my order, and was told it was on back order and wouldn't ship for another 7 to 10 days. I received the package the next day. They never sent me an email with tracking info or anything.

[izzle22]

amazon doesnt take apples store credit tho :(

Why would they? It has nothing to do with Amazon. I don't think Apple takes Amazon credits either.;)

[rjhouck]

Here is a demonstration of the entire process. My problem is I cannot get the IPhone ear buds apart. The video really does not show this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLzs5aHv3jI

How easy are the sony's to take apart? Can you describe how you did it?

Thanks in advance.

[Bernie-Mac]

Why would they? It has nothing to do with Amazon. I don't think Apple takes Amazon credits either.;)

i know that, i was asking if apple had these in yet and someone said well amazon has them, so i said yeah but amazon doesnt take apple credit therefore i have to wait:)

[calvy]

Here is a demonstration of the entire process. My problem is I cannot get the IPhone ear buds apart. The video really does not show this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLzs5aHv3jI

I've done a couple of them now. I've found that if you grab the outter ring of the earbud on the rubberized part and sort of twist and pull out at the same time, they often pop out on their own. But I've also had to just smash the things on other sets with pliers to get at the solder joints. I didn't care to save the iPhone earbuds, they were headed to the trash anyway.

[pmade]

Amazon.com has them in stock.

I wish they did :(

In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.

[rjhouck]

I've done a couple of them now. I've found that if you grab the outter ring of the earbud on the rubberized part and sort of twist and pull out at the same time, they often pop out on their own. But I've also had to just smash the things on other sets with pliers to get at the solder joints. I didn't care to save the iPhone earbuds, they were headed to the trash anyway.

Thanks for the info. I did not think about smashing the earbuds because I don't want them either.

[pooryou]

Thats what I originally hoped, but unfortunately the "modular" aspect is actually an 18" cable. I think it's basically the same thing the Sony's do, where you have the short-ish cable and then an extension. But there's no way to get rid of that 18". Unfortunate. Shure might have gotten a bunch of my money otherwise. Now it might be V-moda getting my money.

What is the issue I still don't see it. I own the V-Moda and the Shure SE-310 and I can tell you authoritatively that the V-Modas sound like crap and are not worth buying. The Shure's sound better, are more comfortable in the ear, and the modular solution works fine with the iPhone. I realize the SE-110 would be a more fair comparison, but V-Moda don't offer anything better to compare against and I have the SE-310 not the ...

[hotsauce]

I've done a couple of them now. I've found that if you grab the outter ring of the earbud on the rubberized part and sort of twist and pull out at the same time, they often pop out on their own. But I've also had to just smash the things on other sets with pliers to get at the solder joints. I didn't care to save the iPhone earbuds, they were headed to the trash anyway.
So, how easy was it to take apart the sony's without blemishing it?

[Jocko]

What is the issue I still don't see it. I own the V-Moda and the Shure SE-310 and I can tell you authoritatively that the V-Modas sound like crap and are not worth buying. The Shure's sound better, are more comfortable in the ear, and the modular solution works fine with the iPhone. I realize the SE-110 would be a more fair comparison, but V-Moda don't offer anything better to compare against and I have the SE-310 not the ...I have never heard any Shure phones, but I've always assumed they sound much better than something V-moda could put out. I was just referring to the cable aspect of the two. Call me shallow, but I refuse to walk around with loops of wire clipped to my shirt. I don't care if the Shure's gave me a head massage as I listened to them. That's why I ordered the v-moda's. They should sound good enough and I won't look like a Borg walking around. Now if only they'd actually ship my headphones some day...

[pooryou]

I have never heard any Shure phones, but I've always assumed they sound much better than something V-moda could put out. I was just referring to the cable aspect of the two. Call me shallow, but I refuse to walk around with loops of wire clipped to my shirt. I don't care if the Shure's gave me a head massage as I listened to them. That's why I ordered the v-moda's. They should sound good enough and I won't look like a Borg walking around. Now if only they'd actually ship my headphones some day...


Wait you care more about what you look like than the sound?
Why even bother wearing headphones at all then?

There are no loops of wire with the Shure solution unless you use
it with another brand.

Unfortunately the V-Modas don't sound good enough. I have a set
I don't even know what to do with. May as well stick with the Apple ones.

[lenard]

V-moda, best sound, best fit.

[hard-case]

What is the issue I still don't see it. I own the V-Moda and the Shure SE-310 and I can tell you authoritatively that the V-Modas sound like crap and are not worth buying. The Shure's sound better, are more comfortable in the ear, and the modular solution works fine with the iPhone. I realize the SE-110 would be a more fair comparison, but V-Moda don't offer anything better to compare against and I have the SE-310 not the ...

Apples and Oranges, my man.....apples and oranges. Of course the SE-310's are better than the V-moda's.....I do it's only fair to mention that the combo of the SE-310's and the MPA-3C cost 3 times as much as the V-moda model. I mean, by that logic, your SE-310's are a complete waste of money as the UE-10 Pro's with even a HeadRoom amp make them sound like they were made by Fischer-Price. Of course, than kind of setup runs well over $1k.....

I'd also question how much time you spent with the V-moda's, whether you burned them in or not, etc....cause they are a hell of a lot better than the stock buds AND they compare very favorably to the more economically equivalent Shure's. This coming from having the Shure E3C for well over a year, the E4C for over six months, and the V-moda's since release (for about two weeks now, and well burned in when I first got them).

I also don't know why you say there's no cord issue. MPA measures roughly 35", and adding in the 18" length of the SE series you've got 53"....that's about four and a half feet. Hell, 18" from my ears is ony two inches above my belly button, and is NOT the place I'd prefer for the mic. And with the pretty flimsly clip design of the MPA....yeah, there is cord issue. Some people may be fine with it, but I ain't. It gets even worse when you have a full size cord set like the E4C's. Hell, that's pushing over six feet of cable......

[TimTheEnchanter]

I've decided to buy these, just waiting for them to come in stock.

I still might slap better buds on the stock cord for a back-up pair. I'm amazed there aren't more companies out there with similar headphones.

[Jocko]

Wait you care more about what you look like than the sound?
Why even bother wearing headphones at all then?

There are no loops of wire with the Shure solution unless you use
it with another brand.

Unfortunately the V-Modas don't sound good enough. I have a set
I don't even know what to do with. May as well stick with the Apple ones.Um... yeah. What hard-case said.

[jecapaga]

Apples and Oranges, my man.....apples and oranges. Of course the SE-310's are better than the V-moda's.....I do it's only fair to mention that the combo of the SE-310's and the MPA-3C cost 3 times as much as the V-moda model. I mean, by that logic, your SE-310's are a complete waste of money as the UE-10 Pro's with even a HeadRoom amp make them sound like they were made by Fischer-Price. Of course, than kind of setup runs well over $1k.....

I'd also question how much time you spent with the V-moda's, whether you burned them in or not, etc....cause they are a hell of a lot better than the stock buds AND they compare very favorably to the more economically equivalent Shure's. This coming from having the Shure E3C for well over a year, the E4C for over six months, and the V-moda's since release (for about two weeks now, and well burned in when I first got them).

I also don't know why you say there's no cord issue. MPA measures roughly 35", and adding in the 18" length of the SE series you've got 53"....that's about four and a half feet. Hell, 18" from my ears is ony two inches above my belly button, and is NOT the place I'd prefer for the mic. And with the pretty flimsly clip design of the MPA....yeah, there is cord issue. Some people may be fine with it, but I ain't. It gets even worse when you have a full size cord set like the E4C's. Hell, that's pushing over six feet of cable......


what is this proper 'burn in' of the headphones idea you speak of above?

[hard-case]

what is this proper 'burn in' of the headphones idea you speak of above?

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=58157

That explains it about as well as it can be. Basically you're conditioning the headphone's internals for use. As time goes on, during general listening, the diagaphrams loosen up and eventually find their final, settled position. Burn-in, basically speeds up this process.

I can tell you that with my V-moda vibe duo's, putting them on just 24 hours of burn in (hooked up to my iPod on playlist repeat at medium volume) noticeably improved the sound over their initial out of the box tone. Check the other V-moda thread here for my pseudo-review of them for more details.

[wickedsteve]

So today I called a local Applestore asking if the new Vibe Duos were in yet. They said yes. So I went and used my $100 store credit and the button was hosed up. First it kept sending unwanted clicks without being pushed. It paused, played and skipped songs on its own and even hung up on a call. Within minutes the button stopped working at all.
Of course I returned the p.o.s. headset. Buyer beware. Maybe the headphones are quality but the button/mic is very poor quality. Applestore employee told me that was the fourth return today on those headsets.

[VaMac]

I ordered this last saturday and they still haven't shipped. I e-mailed customer service and they said they will ship them today but I checked online and they still haven't been shipped. Has anyone else ordered these and is getting the same thing?

[Hellenek]

So today I called a local Applestore asking if the new Vibe Duos were in yet. They said yes. So I went and used my $100 store credit and the button was hosed up. First it kept sending unwanted clicks without being pushed. It paused, played and skipped songs on its own and even hung up on a call. Within minutes the button stopped working at all.
Of course I returned the p.o.s. headset. Buyer beware. Maybe the headphones are quality but the button/mic is very poor quality. Applestore employee told me that was the fourth return today on those headsets.

Blast! Alternative headphones?

[NightStorm]

So today I called a local Applestore asking if the new Vibe Duos were in yet. They said yes. So I went and used my $100 store credit and the button was hosed up. First it kept sending unwanted clicks without being pushed. It paused, played and skipped songs on its own and even hung up on a call. Within minutes the button stopped working at all.
Of course I returned the p.o.s. headset. Buyer beware. Maybe the headphones are quality but the button/mic is very poor quality. Applestore employee told me that was the fourth return today on those headsets.
Weird, I've had no problems with mine, and after using them for a week or so, I'm pretty happy with them. I'd say it sounds like you unfortunately got a bad pair.

[constant L]

just curious if any else has seen these at the apple store?

[RaceTripper]

just curious if any else has seen these at the apple store?I was at the Apple store this afternoon to buy a 23" ACD and they had the new ones on the shelf, so I bought a pair (was planning to anyway).

They are a much better fit than the Apple earbuds. As for sound...I listen to acoustic jazz and classical music. The Vibe Duos sound much better than the Apple earbuds, but they are a bit boomy and lacking detail in the bass.

[constant L]

I was at the Apple store this afternoon to buy a 23" ACD and they had the new ones on the shelf, so I bought a pair (was planning to anyway).

They are a much better fit than the Apple earbuds. As for sound...I listen to acoustic jazz and classical music. The Vibe Duos sound much better than the Apple earbuds, but they are a bit boomy and lacking detail in the bass.

i picked them up yesterday with my apple credit. Fit is definitely better...sound too. I sort of agree about the bass...i put bass reduction on and it seems like the bass has more detail now though. I plan to try and burn them in over the next couple of nights and see if there is a difference.

[demiurgical]

AppleStore SoHo in NYC is completely out of the Duo's and one of the sales rep told me that they didn't even get the new models in yet. bummer :(

[Kermy]

Got mine at the San Francisco Stonestown Apple store. Sounds better than the iBuds but the bass is definately overwhelming. I have the EQ set at Treble Booster and that helps a bit.

[Jocko]

I ordered this last saturday and they still haven't shipped. I e-mailed customer service and they said they will ship them today but I checked online and they still haven't been shipped. Has anyone else ordered these and is getting the same thing?The site said 7-10 days shipping. I didn't bother their customer service during that time. And, sure enough, on business day 10 I got my shipment notice. Unfortunately now I'm waiting for UPS ground to get them to the east coast.

Looking forward to burning them in!

[pmade]

I got sick of waiting for Apple to start selling them (either on the online store, or a local store), so I ordered them from V-moda yesterday. Shipped today! I paid the $5 for 3 day shipping, so now I'm just waiting for UPS.

[lenard]

No EQ the they sound really good. Give it a try.

[Bernie-Mac]

Got mine at the San Francisco Stonestown Apple store. Sounds better than the iBuds but the bass is definately overwhelming. I have the EQ set at Treble Booster and that helps a bit.

Really? Thats the one im going to saturday, did they have any more?

[RaceTripper]

No EQ the they sound really good. Give it a try.That's my usual setting. As I mentioned, low end is boomy and lacking detail with that setting.

[Kermy]

Really? Thats the one im going to saturday, did they have any more?

when i got them last friday my pair was the last one.

[Bernie-Mac]

when i got them last friday my pair was the last one.

damn you! lol jk

[synth3tik]

YAY!!

More junk construction

[Bernie-Mac]

YAY!!

More junk construction

huh?

[VaMac]

Yeah I still haven't gone mine. I was told that they should ship today though. We will see.

[dalvin200]

anyone know where to get these in the UK?

The newer vibe duo's that is, with the call button/ipod track functionality..

thanks