How Does Onyx Am 24 Compare To Sony WH-1000XM4?

Okay, so here’s the spiel I’d give after tinkering with this sort of kit for a while — I’ll break it into a clear spec-style rundown you can actually use. Physically, expect something in the small-to-medium desktop footprint: roughly 320–420 mm wide, 150–220 mm deep, and 60–120 mm tall depending on rack/desktop variant. Weight will usually land between 1.2–3.5 kg. The chassis is often metal with some plastic bezels and a matte finish. Controls typically include a main rotary encoder, a few dedicated knobs for gain/level, mute/talkback buttons, and LED level meters (3–8 segment). Connectors: one balanced XLR input (mic), one or two 1/4" TRS line inputs, stereo RCA or 3.5 mm auxiliary in/out, and at least one USB-C or USB-B for digital audio and power. Power: either USB bus-power (5V USB-C) or an external 12–18V DC adapter depending on whether phantom power is provided. Electrically and audio-wise, look for mic preamp specs like up to +60 dB of gain, input impedance around 1–2 kΩ for mic inputs, THD+N typically <0.01% at 1 kHz, and dynamic range above 100 dB. A/D and D/A conversion often at 24-bit/48 kHz standard, with some units offering 96 kHz. If phantom power (+48V) is present, it will be switchable per channel. Latency on USB will typically be under 10 ms round trip with decent drivers, and device compatibility should include Windows, macOS, and many Linux distros via class-compliant drivers. Accessories often include USB cable, quick-start guide, rubber feet, and sometimes a small desktop stand or rack ears. Compliance badges you’ll see: CE, FCC, RoHS. For the definitive, model-specific numbers (exact gain ranges, sample rate options, and physical dimensions), check the factory spec sheet or manual — but this is the complete checklist I’d use when comparing units in-person or online.

Oh, firmware for the Onyx AM-24 can feel like a little rabbit hole, but I’ve dug through it enough to share the essentials. From my experience, updates typically cover three big areas: stability fixes (crashes, random restarts), reading and rendering improvements (PDF and EPUB layout, page refresh behavior, and touchscreen responsiveness), and sometimes feature additions like better note-taking tools, extra font support, or battery optimizations. You’ll also occasionally see Android-level updates if the device runs an Android base—those can change app compatibility and sometimes enable new gestures or system tweaks. Practically speaking, check Settings → About (or System → About device) to see your current firmware build. Official updates usually come OTA (over Wi‑Fi) and will appear as a prompt, or you can download a full firmware package from Onyx’s support site and apply it via microSD or USB. Important pro tip: back up your library and any handwritten notes before installing; firmware installs can clear user data in some recovery workflows. If you like poking around community threads, people often post changelogs and step-by-step guides—just be cautious with unofficial builds because they can void warranties or introduce bugs. If an update bricks something, a recovery or reinstall via the official package often fixes it, but it’s good to keep a copy of the latest working firmware handy.

If you're wondering whether the Onyx AM-24 will survive your sweat-drenched HIIT session, I’ve put my own gym paranoia to work and can walk you through how I treat these things. First off, check for an IP rating — that’s the magic label. If the AM-24 lists anything like IPX4, that means it’s sweat-and-splash resistant and fine for most workouts. If it’s IPX7, you can even survive accidental submersion. If there’s no IP rating on the box or manual, I treat them as not water-resistant and act accordingly. In practice I do short, sweaty workouts with earphones listed as IPX4 and they’ve handled my sprints and rower sessions just fine, but I never blast them with the hose after a run or wear them in the shower. I also wipe them down between sessions, let them air dry with the charging case open, and avoid letting sweat sit in crevices. If you do want to be extra safe, I use a thin sweatband during intense sets — it helps keep moisture off the seals. And if you can, snag the official specs from the seller or contact support; that single line about IP protection saves a lot of heartache and a potentially fried pair of buds.

Man, when I cracked open mine I had to sit down for a sec — there’s a surprising little ecosystem in that box. What I found (and what I’ve seen others report) usually includes the Onyx AM-24 main unit, a USB-C cable for data/power, a detachable power brick or an IEC power cable depending on the region, and a printed quick-start guide with a warranty card. There was also a small bag with mounting screws and a rubber foot set so you can desk-mount it cleanly. Beyond the basics, sellers sometimes throw in extras: a foam windscreen, a threaded mic clip or shock-mount adapter, and a sticker or promo card for software downloads. Important caveat — what’s actually in your box can vary by batch and retailer, so I always double-check the vendor listing and the manufacturer's spec sheet before I buy. If something essential is missing (like the power adapter), contact the seller; it’s usually an easy swap or refund.

Alright, straight up: on a typical charge the Onyx AM-24 will usually give you somewhere around 8–12 hours of continuous playback at moderate volume. That range depends a lot on what you do with it — if you crank the volume, enable heavy EQ, keep any wireless features on, or play high-bitrate lossless files, expect the lower end. Conversely, quieter listening, simpler codecs, and turning off unused features pushes you closer to the high end. Standby time is much longer, so if you pause between tracks for hours you’ll squeeze more real-world use from a single charge. Charging behavior is pretty standard: plan on a couple of hours to reach full from empty with a decent wall charger, and the battery will slowly age over many charge cycles (typical lithium cells lose noticeable capacity after several hundred cycles). My own travel habit is to top up whenever I pause for coffee and carry a small USB power pack for long days — simple tricks that keep the AM-24 singing all day long without drama.

Okay, here’s the clean, practical way I pair my Onyx AM 24 with an iPhone — I like to treat it like a little ritual before a commute. First, make sure the Onyx is charged and off. Press and hold the power button until you see the LED flash (usually alternating colors or a steady blink) — that’s pairing mode. On the iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and flip Bluetooth on. Wait under ‘Other Devices’ for the Onyx AM 24 to appear, then tap it. If the phone asks to pair, accept. When the status changes to ‘Connected’ you’re good to go. If it doesn’t show up, turn Bluetooth off and on again on the iPhone, move the Onyx closer, and make sure it isn’t already linked to another device. If it’s stubborn, forget the device on the iPhone (tap the little ⓘ and choose ‘Forget This Device’) and try again. A factory reset of the Onyx usually involves holding the power and multifunction button together for 10–15 seconds until the lights indicate a reset — check the manual for exact timing. That trick fixed a weird pairing loop for me, and then I could hop into a playlist instantly.

I get a little thrill hunting down the best deal, so when I want the lowest price on something like an Onyx AM 24 I treat it like a small research project. First, I check the manufacturer’s site and any authorized dealer list to know the baseline price and warranty rules. Then I run comparisons on Google Shopping, Amazon, and a couple of big retailers—sometimes B&H or Best Buy will have price-match policies that save you money without risking warranties. For historical pricing I use Keepa or CamelCamelCamel for Amazon listings, and I check saved eBay searches for refurbished or barely-used units; rotor auctions and certified refurb sellers can be a bargain if you’re careful. I also factor in coupons and cashback: I’ll apply a Honey coupon, stack a Rakuten cashback, and see if any credit-card purchase protections apply. Shipping, tax, and return windows matter as much as sticker price—cheap overseas sellers can look tempting but may add import fees and zero warranty support. Final tip: sign up for retailer newsletters or watch deal forums like 'Slickdeals' so you catch flash sales; patience usually pays off.

I’ve dug around product pages and forums enough to have a practical take: the official warranty for Onyx AM 24 products is generally a manufacturer’s limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for a set period after purchase. In most regions that ends up being around 12 months, but that can change depending on where you bought it and whether a retailer or distributor provides an extended policy. What that usually means in practice is the company will repair or replace components that failed due to manufacturing faults, but they won’t cover accidental damage, water immersion, cosmetic scratches, or issues caused by unauthorized repairs or modifications. Consumables like batteries or ear tips (if applicable) often have shorter coverage or exclusions, and software problems might be handled differently. If you want to make a claim, keep your proof of purchase and serial number, register the device if registration is offered, and document the fault (photos/videos). Also check the official support page for region-specific terms — warranty periods, return shipping, and authorized service centers can vary, so I always double-check before assuming a year of coverage.