With the headphone jack slowly fading away in most smartphones, especially flagships, users now have a choice between Bluetooth or USB-C headphones and earbuds. While generally known for its premium accessories like power banks, chargers, and USB hubs, Moshi also makes headphones and earbuds. Our Moshi Mythro C review takes a look at some pretty fantastic sounding USB-C earbuds with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Read on for our full review!
Specifications
The Mythro C USB Type-C Earphones have the following features and specifications:
- DR8 Neodymium driver (15 Hz-20 kHz / -10dB@1kHz) in anodized aluminum housings
- Lightweight ergonomic design allows for extended comfortable listening
- Integrated microphone with 4 button control, including EQ enhancement
- High-resolution audio (24-bit/96 kHz) with a Class G amplifier
- Includes a convenient HandyStrap cable manager
- Hybrid injection eartips (3 sizes: S/M/L) for great noise isolation and comfort
- Google Assistant support
- Transducer Unit: DR8 full range 8mm neodymium driver
- Sensitivity: 100 +/- 3dB @ 1kHz
- Frequency Response: 15 – 20,000Hz (-10dB @ 1kHz)
- Impedance: 18 Ω
- Ear-coupling Type: Canal-fit silicone
- Noise isolation (passive): Up to 23dB
- In-line control: Four buttons with MEMS microphone
- Wearing type: In-Ear
- Compatibility: USB-C phones and tablets
- Product Weight: 0.63 oz (18 g)
What’s in the box
- Moshi Mythro C USB Type-C Earphones
- 3x silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cord management strap
- User manual
- Three-year warranty (when registered)
Design
At a glance, the Moshi Mythro C USB Type-C Earphones look like your fairly typical earbuds. They definitely do have a bit more of a premium look to them. Our review sample came in the Gunmetal Gray colour scheme, you can also get Jet Silver.
For the Gunmetal Gray variation, half the earbuds are constructed with aluminum and have that light gunmetal gray finish. The Moshi logo is printed in white on the outside of this finish. The other half, closer to the eartip, is a black plastic finish. When worn, all you can see is the nicer metal finish.
As for the eartips, Moshi has included three sizes — S/M/L — for optimal fit. As is the case with any in-ear headphones, getting a proper fit and seal is paramount for getting the best sound the earbuds have to offer.
Oddly missing for the earbuds themselves is the usual L or R to indicate which ear they go in. Thankfully, the ear tips are colour coded — white for left and red for right — just like speaker wires. Unfortunately, this isn’t indicated in the product guide anywhere but if you lay the in-line remote flat with the buttons up, you can easily tell which earbud should go where. In addition, the Moshi logo that is printed on the side points forward so that is another way you can tell which ear each ear bud belongs in.
On the underside of each earbud is where the wires connect. The wires are pretty thin, but seem sturdy — only extended use will tell what longevity they bring. Roughly a foot in length, the meet at the top of the inline control/DAC unit. In addition, there is a small slider which you can use to adjust the length of the wires for more or less slack, depending on your preference.
The inline control unit is also where the DAC is contained. On the outer side, there are four buttons: a plus for volume up, a ridged middle MFC for various controls, a minus for volume down, and a DJ Boost button. While the inline control is plastic, the buttons are a glossy darker gunmetal aluminum. On the reverse side are the Mythro logo in silver and a small pinhole for the microphone.
Finally, the main cable extends out of the bottom of the inline control unit. Just about 30-inches long, the cable ends in a sturdy USB Type-C plug for USB-C supported devices.
Ease of Use
Being a wired headset, the Moshi Mythro C is pretty easy to use. Just plug it in to your smartphone and away you go. Of course, for best sound, you’ll want to install the Moshi Digital Audio App, more on that in a moment.
As far as the inline control unit is concerned, the plus and minus buttons control your volume. The middle multi-function button (MFB) allows you to play or pause the track by pressing it once. Doing so will also answer or hang up a phone call. Pressing it twice quickly will skip to the next track while pressing it three times quickly will skip to the previous track. Finally, pressing and holding this button will invoke your Google Assistant.
The bottom oval button toggles DJ Boost. When pressed, it will enable whichever preset you have set on the Moshi Digital Audio App or disable it.
Overall, this is a pretty easy set of earbuds to use, although using the triple press to go to the previous track was a bit hit and miss.
Software
The Moshi Digital Audio App is pretty straightforward and simple to boot. With it, you can update the firmware on your Mythro C Earbuds, or save up to five different presets. Once you’ve saved and selected a preset, you can then toggle it using the DJ Boost button on the inline remote or through the app itself.
Aside from that, there’s no menu of any sort so, presumably, when there is a firmware update you’ll be notified and guided through the process.
Sound Quality
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably wondering what a DAC does. A built-in digital-to-analog converter offers high-resolution sound for your earphones. With a Class G amplifier and 24-bit/96 kHz high-resolution audio, you really are getting immersive sound with these headphones.
When used out of the box, the Mythro C Earphones offer up crisp highs and deep punchy bass on the Pixel 3 smartphone. In fact, I’m a huge bass lover and I found that the Mythro C were balanced just right between highs, mids, and the punchy and warm bass. Whether it be J.S. Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 4 in E-Flat Major, BWV 1010: VI. Gigue” by Yo-Yo Ma, Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky,” “Unfinished Symphony” by Massive Attack, or anything in between, it was easy to lose myself in whatever track I was listening to with this earbuds.
When coupled with the app, you can tweak the sound stage even more to your preference, offering up even deeper base and crisper highs should you desire. To be honestly blunt, the Mythro C have easily replaced my favourite pair of wired 3.5mm earbuds for devices with USB Type-C ports… even ones that have a separate headphone jack.
Microphone/Call Quality
Again, I’m not one to take calls while wearing earbuds or headphones but during our test call, the microphone and call quality during our test call was more than adequate. The other party had no issues hearing me, although I do tend to speak a bit louder than usual on calls while wearing earphones.
Price/Value
We know well enough by now that a high price doesn’t necessarily dictate quality sound when it comes to earbuds. There are plenty of affordable options out there and, fortunately, the Moshi Mythro C USB Type-C Earphones are right up there offering great sound with its built-in DAC and comfort for the price. On that note, these decent sounding USB Type-C earbuds have an MSRP of only US$49.95 — a great value for what you get.
Wrap-up
Bluetooth earbuds aren’t for everyone. With the 3.5mm audio jack slowly disappearing, the Moshi Mythro C USB Type-C Earphones offer great sound and comfort at a great price for those with USB Type-C devices. Because of the price, build quality, and great sound, the Mythro C are an easy choice for a Top Pick of 2019 Award here at Techaeris.
*We were sent a sample of the Mythro C USB Type-C Earphones for the purposes of this review. In some of our articles and especially in our reviews, you will find Amazon or other affiliate links. Running a website does take money, along with time. Any purchases you make through these links often result in a small amount being earned for the site and/or our writers.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
