Master & Dynamic MW08 headphones combine premium materials and hybrid ANC

Master & Dynamic is no stranger to true wireless headphones. The company already has three models on its curriculum, including the feature-packed MW07 Plus. This most recent release debuted in 2019, so M&D should reveal an updated model at any time. Today the company is doing just that with MW08. The true $ 299 wireless headphones maintain an overall design similar to that of their predecessors, but this time the company opted for new materials, hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), ambient sound modes and slightly larger drivers.

On the outside, the main difference between MW08 and its predecessor is the materials used to manufacture them. While the MW07 Plus has an acetate casing, this new model is ceramic with an aluminum strip that houses the antenna around the edge. The end result is a more polished look and an aesthetic that fits better with Master & Dynamic headphones – products that typically combine aluminum, leather and other textured materials. MW08 is also noticeably smaller than MW07 Plus, and the company eliminated the adjustment wing that came with the previous model.

The integrated controls are still here, with a multifunctional button on the right headset to play / pause, skip tracks, pair and voice assistant. A volume button on the left headset also activates and deactivates ambient and ANC sound, depending on which side you press and hold. Master & Dynamic added an additional microphone to each headset for a total of three on each side. The company says that this setting offers “superior wind reduction” to keep calls sounding crisp and clear. Of course, almost all headset companies make promises about the quality of calls, so this is something that I will have to test the merits of during our review.

The included charging case is still made of shiny stainless steel (color varies with some headset color options), but instead of opening like a Altoids can, the hinge is now at the top edge. This means that the case is standing on the short side instead of lying down. To accommodate the new opening, the USB-C connector has been relocated to the right.

Master & Dynamic covered the basics when it came to ANC on the MW07 Plus, but this feature is much more robust in MW08. These new headphones offer hybrid active noise cancellation with two modes: ANC Max and ANC throughout the day. MW08 also offers two ambient sound modes, Voice and Awareness, so you have an alternative option if the environment requires it. The company also opted for slightly larger 11 mm beryllium drivers to power its “characteristic sound” in the new model – compared to the 10 mm units in the MW07 Plus. Until now, Master & Dynamic has not offered a complementary application for its headphones. With MW08, the company will debut M&D Connect: mobile software that displays battery levels, as well as allowing you to choose ANC and ambient sound modes and more. Unfortunately, the company says the application is not compatible with the MW07 Plus.

When it comes to battery life, the MW08 can last up to 12 hours on a charge and there is an additional 30 hours of listening time with the included charging case. A fast charge feature will provide 50% of battery life in 15 minutes, while a full charge will take 45 minutes. In addition, wireless charging offers the ability to complete things without having to pick up a cable. Finally, if you need to take the MW08 for a training session, the headphones are water resistant with an IPX5 rating. More specifically, they must withstand sweat and moisture, but you should avoid submerging them entirely.

MW08 will be available in black, white, blue and brown on March 30 for $ 299 – the same price as MW07 Plus when it launched. This existing model will remain in the product line, and Master & Dynamic will reduce the price to US $ 249 when MW08 starts to be marketed at the end of the month.

Update 23/03/21 21:45 ET: This post has been updated to clarify the details of wireless charging in MW08.