One year after launching the 2-in-1 ClearDryve 200 headset/headphones for professional drivers, Rand McNally debuted a smaller, lighter-weight model with additional features at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. The new ClearDryve 180 converts from premium stereo headphones with active noise cancellation to a noise-cancelling mono headset when an ear cup is removed and the pliable boom microphone is placed into position. It also features five sound equalizer (EQ) presets for optimal listening.
“This new ClearDryve model is the most comfortable, full featured, and flexible 2-in-1 yet,” said Stephen Fletcher, CEO of Rand McNally. “While our ClearDryve technology means users will experience crystal-clear calls and high-end sound, the plush, premium ear cups and high-end finishes provide superior comfort as well.”
Based on driver feedback after release of ClearDryve 200 (pictured, right), says Rand McNally’s Product Management Director Venky Rao, the 180 (left) downsized ear cup from a total ear surround design to a comfortable on-ear cup that delivers high-quality sound for phone calls. It includes an active-noise-cancellation feature for premium listening on downtime in-cab with as little ambient noise intrusion as possible.The 180 is the third in Rand McNally’s line of convertible, wireless headphones. Developed specifically for drivers, the line includes the 200 model, which received a 2019 CES Innovation Award honor from the Consumer Technology Association, and the 50 model, a compact, value-priced headset sold at Walmart.
The flexible, adjustable boom mic for the ClearDryve also responds to driver feedback, says Rao. Rand McNally designed it to retain the high-quality appearance of the non-flexible mic of the 200 with more utilitarian functionality for drivers on the road.Key features:
- 2-in-1 adaptability: A removable earpiece turns the premium stereo headphones into a mono headset. A new, pliable microphone boom – a unique bendable design with multiple encased microphones – swings out of the way when not in use and can be muted. The headset is designed to switch the mono sound from ear-to-ear as the removeable ear cups can be used on either ear, helping reduce ear fatigue.
- Premium listening: Active noise cancellation tunes out ambient noise in the ear cups, eliminating the potentially harmful need to “crank up the volume” to hear. The stereo headphones provide a wired-like quality, high-definition listening experience wirelessly, powered by Qualcomm aptX HD Audio. Beyond these features, the headphones include five equalizer presets to optimize listening for various types of music.
- Clear calls: Multiple microphones in the pliable boom suppress more than 90% of external noise so callers on the other end receive crisp, clear calls.
- Wireless: ClearDryve 180 is cable-free with a built-in rechargeable battery offering more than 20 hours of talk or 20 hours of music playback time or more than 200 hours of standby time. Controls on the headphones enable drivers to take calls, skip songs, and change the volume without having to touch their smartphones. Additionally, the Bluetooth connection allows drivers to wirelessly connect the headphones with their smartphones to enable use up to 50 feet away.
- Voice assistance: The multi-function button on the headset provides one-touch access to a user’s smartphone voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant).
- Comfort and finishes: The headphones feature premium stitched, oil-resistant materials on memory foam, and eye-catching matte and polished metals. The durable on-ear cups provide comfort as well as good looks.
