Fresh ‘n Rebel might not be the first name that pops up when discussing headphones. However, with its Clam ACE 2 priced at 99 euros, the Dutch brand demonstrates that it’s possible to offer an over-ear headset with ANC, multipoint Bluetooth, and refined finishes without breaking the bank. Is this an economic miracle or a painful compromise? We put it to the test.
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Founded in 2013 in Rotterdam, Fresh ‘n Rebel has carved out a niche in the audio accessories market with a straightforward promise: colorful, fun, and budget-friendly products. They don’t claim audiophile pretensions or battle over decibels, just straightforward products aimed at a young, urban crowd. Yet, the Clam ACE 2 marks a shift: at 99 euros with hybrid ANC and a minimalist design, it targets a more mature audience.
Compared to the Clam ACE, the ACE 2 offers improved battery life, enhanced noise cancellation, and the ability to adjust the sound signature according to the user’s hearing abilities.
But in a market dominated by brands like Sony, JBL, and newcomers like Nothing, is there still room to make a mark?
Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Technical Specifications
The Clam ACE 2 comes with notable upgrades. It boasts a longer battery life—100 hours without ANC and 60 hours with ANC compared to the previous model. It also features advanced Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity and includes the “Personal Sound by Audiodo” feature, which provides a 3-minute hearing test to customize the sound profile based on individual auditory needs, a feature absent in the original Clam ACE.
Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Design: Sleek and Unpretentious
In a departure from the norm, Fresh ‘n Rebel opts for understatement with the Clam ACE 2. Our review unit came in a matte “Petrol Blue” with subtle stitching on the faux leather headband. Although plastic is the predominant material, it is of high quality, featuring a slightly granular texture that avoids a toy-like feel. The ear cups display a concentric circular pattern that is simple yet distinctive.
The steel-reinforced headband wrapped in faux leather feels sturdy. The metallic hinges, a rarity at this price point, pivot smoothly without any wobbling or squeaking, indicating meticulous assembly. The memory foam pads, also covered in faux leather, contour comfortably around the ears without excessive pressure. Weighing just 290 grams, the Clam ACE 2 is light enough for extended listening sessions.
Ergonomics: Physical Buttons Make a Comeback
Fresh ‘n Rebel has decided against finicky touch controls in favor of physical buttons. On the right ear cup, there’s a notched volume wheel and a large central circular button for play/pause and calls. On the left, a similar button toggles active noise cancellation or transparency mode. These settings are default but can be customized in the app.
The tactile feedback from the buttons is intuitive, and their longer travel reduces the likelihood of accidental presses. This old-school approach with large, reliable buttons is commendable.
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Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 My Sound App: Comprehensive and Customizable
The dedicated My Sound app is surprisingly thorough, offering an array of features. The standout is Personal Sound by Audiodo, a 3-minute hearing test that tailors the sound profile to compensate for individual hearing loss, subtly enhancing clarity, particularly in vocal tones. While not revolutionary, it’s certainly more than a gimmick and can significantly improve the listening experience for those with uneven hearing loss.
Manual Equalizer and ANC Modes
The app also provides a 10-band graphic equalizer (from 32 Hz to 16 kHz) with presets for various music genres and the ability to create custom profiles. As for ANC, the app allows detailed management of noise cancellation, offering settings for depth (strong or soft) and a wind noise detection toggle, useful for reducing the impact of wind when outdoors.
Bluetooth 6.0 and More
The Clam ACE 2 features the latest Bluetooth 6.0, ensuring more stable connections in crowded environments and improved energy efficiency. Audio latency is minimal, maintaining perfect lip sync during video playback and only slight delays during gaming. However, the headset supports only basic AAC and SBC codecs, which might not satisfy audio purists, though it’s adequate for most users and streaming services.
Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Noise Cancellation Surprises
The hybrid active noise cancellation of the Clam ACE 2 is effective without being spectacular. At its price point, it doesn’t promise miracles, but it does a decent job of dampening low to mid-frequency noises like engine rumbles and general hubbub. However, nearby voices and high-pitched sounds remain perceptible. The transparency mode works well for holding quick conversations without the robotic effect often found in other models.
Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Audio: Distinct Personality
The sound signature of the Clam ACE 2 is bold, with dynamic 40 mm drivers that emphasize the highs, offering a vivid sound profile that can be adjusted via the app. The bass is well-rounded, the mids are consistent, and the highs are pronounced. This tuning can be modified, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences.
Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Calls and Battery Life
The integrated microphones handle calls adequately in quiet settings but struggle to suppress background noise in louder environments. Battery life is a strong point, with the headset running for up to 112 hours on a single charge under typical conditions, and it features quick charging, providing 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.
Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam Ace 2 Price and Availability
The Fresh ‘n Rebel Clam ACE 2 is available for 99 euros and comes in various colors. It competes directly with the similarly priced Nothing CMF Headphone Pro, which offers comparable features and customization options.
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.