PaMu Slide 2 Wireless Audio Earbuds - Active Lifestyle Audio Review

BUDS FOR EARS: There are buds who are our pals. Then "this Bud's For You." Can't forget the aromatic buds which can find their way into baked sweets inducing a euphoric effect. Yet the only immediate relief within the bounds of bustle are the earbud audio speakers. Whether for the active lifestyler or the individual seeking contemplative solace with a good book, among a litany of choices, Roadblazing.com editors now share their impressions of a new, affordable wireless active noise cancelling audio earbud, the Padmate PaMu Slide 2. 

IN THE BOX:

• PaMu Slide 2 Bluetooth wireless earbud stereo headphones - 1 pr. Left and Right
• Compact gloss polycarbonate sliding drawer USB-C earbud / fast charging case (color matches earbuds)
• USB-C to USB cable
• Rubberized earbud sleeves - 4 sizes
• Available in 3 colors: black, white or green

EARBUD SPECIFICATIONS:

• NOW $79.00 (normally $159 USD) + shipping, available at Padtech.com
• Bluetooth version 5.2
• Bluetooth transmission range: < 10 m
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, Sensitivity: 97 dB, Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Earbud driver dimension: 10 mm PEN, titanium
• Playback time: up to 6.5 hours (26 hrs. w/ charge case), Talk time: up to 10.5 hours, Standby time: up to 60 hours
• Charge time: < 20 minutes USB-C fast charging, 1.5 hrs. (full), 2.0 hrs. (wireless charger, full)
• Charge capacities: earbuds = 45 mAh, charging case: 450 mAh, inductive wireless charging
• IPX4 moisture / splash resistance
• Three Knowles microphone active noise cancellation -42dB
• Qualcomm QCC5124 APT-X and AMS 3460 noise cancellation microchips
• +30dB voice enhancement
• Touch swipe activation and control w/ phone call interruption
• Microphone for Siri and phone calls
• User manual w/ illustrative pictures
• Weight: (each earbud) 5.8 grams;
• Dimensions: (earbuds external) 27.0 x 22.0 x 25.5 mm LxWxH; (charging case): 70.0 x 44.5 x 32.0 mm

SET-UP:

• Connect white polycarbonate slide out tray charging case to 110 V AC wall outlet via USB-C to USB electronic device input or 2-3 amp USB AC plug (not included)
• Push on back of charging case to open charging tray
• Insert Left and Right PaMu Slide earbuds into corresponding marked charging wells
• EZ magnetic docking
• Sequential white LEDs indicate percentage of charge - Solid white LED = charge percentage complete

PaMu Slide 2 wireless active noise cancelling audio earbuds

• Remove earbuds from sliding tray charging case
• Activate Bluetooth on wireless source, then Search for Devices
• Locate PaMu in Device list, then Connect
• Insert PaMu earbuds into ears with microphone oriented lowest
• Check for fit in outer ear canal - select another of the 4 supplied earbud sleeves for improved fit

EARBUD CONTROLS:

• Left or Right earphone (customizable via Android / Apple iOS device application)
  • One Click - Play / Pause, Answer phone call (in call mode)
  • Two Clicks - Decline phone call (in call mode)
• Left earphone - Double Click for previous track
• Left earphone - Touch slide up or down for volume attenuation
• Right earphone - Double Click for track advance
• Right earphone - Click and hold to activate / de-activate Noise Cancellation

AUDITION:

Wireless Audio Source: OnePlus 9 featuring Dolby® Atmos

Music Selections:

• "Rescuerdos de la Alhambra" - Francisco Tárrega performed by Nana Mouskouri - bright strings, goose bump Soprano vocals
• " 'Cause We've Ended as Lovers" - Jeff Beck - long guitar note sustains mixed with fret board tapping blues
• "That's How You Know" - Lari White - sweet harmonics of vocals and autoharp
• "1983...A Merman I Shall Turn To Be" - Jimi Hendrix Experience - epic psychedelic mellow leads to Mitch Mitchell's frenetic snare drum and Hendrix's Stratocaster amp feedback.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:

• Spatial without forced presence
• Modest volume
• Distortion free
• Plethora of bass, flat percussion
• -1 Brassy horns
• -1 Mid frequency vocal emphasis masks some highs

EARBUD USE IMPRESSIONS:

• Simple Bluetooth pairing
• Easy Unplug and Play use
• -1 Slightly heavier than the PaMu Slide earbud predecessor
• +/- Now on par size-wise with competition due to active noise cancellation
• Good earbud sleeve fitments
• -1 Earbud position adjustment accidentally triggers touch actions
• Decent ear comfort duration: 30 minutes
• Secure fit during jog at decent clip
• Active noise cancellation meaningful improvement over passive

ROADBLAZING.COM VERDICT:

PROS:

• Value buy for $79.00 USD (now on sale from $159.00 for limited time)
• update to the PaMu Quiet Active with the PaMu Slide's charging case form factor
• Lightweight
• Charging case battery holds 2 additional full charges
• Easy to secure in ear
• Multiple settings via soft touch adjustment
• Extended wear time comfort
• Status audible notifications
• Auto activate when inserted into ears
• Active noise cancellation switchable and effective
• Android / Apple iOS application customizes individual earphone controls
• Acceptably long playback time
• Low quick charge time < 20 min. = full charge
• IPX4 moisture resistance

CONS:

• Average playback and standby duration
• Audio quality shy of more expensive competition, with weak bass
• Over sensitive device touch controls
• Use of mobile device app tedious

Just in time for back to school, Padmate PaMu Slide 2 Bluetooth earbuds are available for sale at their Indigogo crowd funding website: Pamu Slide 2 Indiegogo now priced at a limited time promotional discount!!

****The manufacturer provided a courtesy sample of the product used in this review. Roadblazing.com makes no warranty representations other than those by the manufacturer.****