Tag Archives: SBC

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Noble Audio has spent the last decade quietly earning a serious reputation among audiophiles, not by chasing trends, but by obsessing over sound quality. From handcrafted in-ear monitors to some of the most refined true wireless earphones on the market, Noble has always focused on performance first.

Now the company is turning its attention to something many people overlook entirely: the Bluetooth source itself.

Meet Sceptre, a compact USB-C Bluetooth dongle designed to dramatically improve wireless audio quality from phones, tablets and laptops, without forcing you to replace the headphones you already love.

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio
Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Fixing the Weakest Link in Bluetooth Audio

Most devices today rely on built-in Bluetooth hardware that prioritises power efficiency and compatibility over outright audio quality. Even with excellent headphones, that internal Bluetooth chip can be the bottleneck.

Sceptre sidesteps that problem entirely. By acting as an external high-performance Bluetooth transmitter, it bypasses your device’s internal Bluetooth hardware and unlocks support for advanced codecs such as LDAC and aptX Adaptive. The result is cleaner, more consistent and noticeably more detailed wireless sound.

For anyone who has ever wondered why Bluetooth audio still feels like a compromise, this is a refreshingly direct solution.

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio
Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Serious Hardware in a Tiny Package

At the heart of Sceptre is Qualcomm’s latest QCC5181 chipset, delivering Bluetooth 5.4 with improved efficiency and stability. By handling Bluetooth transmission externally, Sceptre enables advanced codecs including LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC, even on devices that would normally be limited to basic Bluetooth audio.

Paired with Noble’s own true wireless earphones or any high-quality Bluetooth headphones, the improvement is immediately obvious. Music sounds more open, dialogue is clearer and wireless audio finally starts to feel worthy of good headphones.

Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio
Noble Launches Sceptre, a Tiny Bluetooth Dongle with a Big Impact on Wireless Audio

Designed for Real-World Use

Noble has clearly thought about how Sceptre will actually be used day to day. A charge-through USB-C port allows your phone or tablet to charge while you listen, which is ideal for long journeys, desk use or extended gaming sessions.

Support for HFP, A2DP and AVRCP means calls, media playback and controls all work exactly as they should. With a Bluetooth range of up to 20 metres, Sceptre remains stable in typical home and office environments, and it works happily with true wireless earphones, over-ear headphones and even powered Bluetooth speakers.

Initial setup is handled via the Noble app, after which Sceptre can be plugged into any compatible USB-C device and just gets on with the job.

A Small Device That Expands the Noble Ecosystem

What makes Sceptre particularly interesting is what it represents for Noble Audio. This is not just another accessory. It is an expansion into the wider wireless signal chain, improving sound quality at the source rather than only at the headphones.

It also feels very on brand. Instead of forcing users into a closed ecosystem, Noble has created a compact, portable tool that improves wireless audio across a wide range of existing gear.

Pricing and Availability

Sceptre launches on 6 February 2026 with a UK price of £64.99, alongside pricing of $69.99 and €69.99 internationally. It will be available directly from nobleaudio.com and selected retailers worldwide.

For anyone serious about wireless audio, Sceptre is one of those rare products that solves a real problem in a simple, elegant way. Sometimes, better sound is not about new headphones at all, but about fixing what feeds them.

Shure Aonic 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones debut in a New Colour

With Christmas just around the corner, a great sounding pair of noise-cancelling headphones should be at the top of everyone’s list. Whether drowning out background sound while working from home or rocking out to the greatest hits in the back of the family car, noise-cancelling headphones help listeners make the most of the moment.

Expanding users’ choices—and fusing together style + function—Shure is unveiling a new White/Tan colour option of its award-winning AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. Also available in Black and Brown, all three colours will be available at a special promotional price of £289 from now through November, that’s a more than a 30% discount!

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

Music and style icons all over the globe have relied on Shure on and off the stage for decades – Adam Levine, J Balvin, and Jennifer Lopez just to name a few. They—along with Elvis, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, and others—have trusted Shure microphones and gear in the studio and on stages worldwide.

“Shure has an impressive history of creating headphones for the professional audio industry – people who wear them all day for a living – so creating comfortable, high-quality headphones for anyone, including consumers, is in the Shure DNA,” said Eduardo Valdes, Senior Director, Global Marketing, Musician and Consumer Audio, at Shure. “Now, with Shure’s AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, music lovers can also experience that same quality of audio wherever they may be. The additional colour choices fit into consumers’ style and aesthetic – no matter their preference.”

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

When it comes to headphones, consumers expect audio that is high-quality, clear, and an accurate reflection of the artist they’re listening to. But today, headphones can also represent your personality and style. The addition of the gorgeous White/Tan colour completes the aesthetic portfolio of AONIC 50, giving listeners even more ways to express themselves.

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

Built To Provide Studio-Quality Audio For Work and Play

Engineered from decades of stage and studio experience, AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones deliver a premium listening experience with exceptional comfort and durability. Shure’s first wireless headphones, AONIC 50, feature adjustable noise cancellation to help block distractions for a truly immersive experience with the flip of a switch. Users who want to interact with the world around them can activate Environment Mode to hear immediate surroundings.

Up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge provides a week of use without needing to recharge. Fingertip controls provide quick access to answer calls, adjust volume, or pause music with a push of a button. AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones offer Bluetooth® 5 wireless technology for enhanced stability and a range of up to 30 feet. Featuring a dedicated, high-performance headphone amplifier, AONIC 50 supports popular audio codecs, including Qualcomm® aptX™, aptX™ HD, aptX™ Low Latency audio, Sony LDAC, AAC, and SBC.

AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR
AONIC 50 WIRELESS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES DEBUT IN A NEW COLOUR

When Bluetooth isn’t an option, AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones can connect to wired sources with a 3.5mm analogue audio input to ensure an uninterrupted connection to any device.

Shure’s AONIC 50 headphones are a precise blend of cutting-edge technology and tried-and-true design. Developed with comfort in mind, the sleek, modern AONIC 50 is beautifully crafted with elegant stitching on an adjustable headband for precise ear-to-ear fit, ensuring users get the most out of each listening session. The earpads and underside of the headband are cushioned with plush memory foam and lined for outstanding comfort while taking long calls from home or while on-the-go.

Customisable Listening Experience with the ShurePlus PLAY App

When paired with the free ShurePlus PLAY App, listeners can personalize their noise cancellation and Environment Mode levels. Available for iOS and Android, the PLAY app is also a full-featured music player with EQ, supporting standard and hi-res music files.

In addition to the feature controls, the PLAY app lets users customize tone and voice prompts for important notifications, like power on/off, connection confirmation, and low battery. It can also be used to upgrade firmware for AONIC 50 headphones.

The limited-time promotional pricing is effective for all AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones (Black, Brown, White/Tan) now through November 30.

We may earn commission if you visit Amazon through our links