At Mixx we know that durable tech matters and when you find a pair of earbuds that perfectly fits your needs, you need to know that they can handle your daily routine all the way from the morning commute to an after-work gym sesh. It really helps to know what conditions your headphones are built to withstand. Nobody wants to be caught in a downpour without tech that can handle it.
If you’re shopping for any audio products, amongst the spec list, you’ll often see something called an “IP rating”. Once you know what they’re for, you’ll find that they’re a nice and straightforward way to see how lifeproof your gear is in an easy-to-understand number.
What exactly is an IP rating?
An IP rating (Ingress Protection) shows how well a device is protected from dust, dirt and water; this is written as “IP” followed by two numbers. The first represents the level of protection against solid objects and the second represents the level of protection against water. The higher the number, the higher the protection.
Sometimes you’ll see a “X” instead of a number. This simply means that part hasn’t been tested. For example, IP6X means the device is fully protected against dust while IPX6 means the device has strong protection against water.
Protection from solids such as dust and small objects
The first number shows how well a device is protected from solid objects like dust, dirt or accidental contact. The scale runs from 0 to 6, with higher numbers offering stronger protection. At level 6, the device is completely dust-tight.
Protection from water
The second number shows how well a device handles water. This scale runs from 0 to 8, covering everything from light drips to full submersion. Lower ratings protect against small splashes, while higher ratings can handle rain, sprays or limited time under water.
The Mixx range is built for a range of conditions
At Mixx, we offer a wide variety of IP rated products designed for day-to-day use. Most of our earbuds and headphones are rated at IPX4 making them able to withstand splashing water from any direction. This may not be the case with all Mixx products, however, so check the product listing before getting your Mixx product wet.
We also we offer more hard-wearing products designed here in the UK specifically to withstand various conditions:
• Mixx Resonate: Is rated IP56 and is designed for an intense workout.
• Mixx StreamQ DB5: Is rated IPX7 and is designed for use in the shower.
• Mixx Resonate Pro: Is rated IP68 and is designed for complete submersion while swimming.
Written by Asha Kalsi
FAQs
• What does the "X" mean in an IP rating?
The “X” means that the device hasn’t been formally tested for either solids or water. IPX6 describes a product that hasn’t been tested for solids like dust and sand while IP6X describes a product that hasn’t been tested for water-resistance.
• Is "water-resistant" the same as "waterproof"?
No, water-resistant products (rated between IPX4 and IPX6) are designed to withstand limited exposure to water such as sweat, rain or water splashes while waterproof products (rated IPX7 or IPX8) are built for full submersion in water for a limited period of time.
• Can I take my Mixx headphones into the shower?
Mostly no. The majority of the Mixx product range is NOT designed with shower use in mind and water damage will void the product warranty. Mixx’s standard headphones and earbuds are rated IPX4 and are able to withstand day-to-day use (especially here in the rainy UK) but not deliberate contact with water. We do, however, offer audio products designed with water exposure in mind such as the Mixx SoundQ DB5 speaker and the Mixx Resonate Pro.
• Are IP ratings tested against hot water, steam, or soap?
No, standard IP tests are conducted using clean, room-temperature water and it’s important to note that hot steam or soaps like shampoo can degrade the rubber seals in the product over time. Because of this, we recommend that you always give your waterproof gear a quick rinse with fresh water after contact with soapy water, ocean salt or pool chlorine. Even with waterproof tech, it’s important that you gently wipe your audio gear down with a dry cloth if it comes into any contact with water.
• Can I use Bluetooth underwater with swimming headphones?
No, because Bluetooth signals cannot travel effectively through water. The Mixx Resonate Pro offers internal MP3 storage so you can enjoy your music underwater with no stress
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