Sony WH-ULT900N (ULT Wear) FCC Teardown

With the earpads removed, we have 2 new parts in the new model. First, on the left, we can see the capacitive wear detection sensor, and on the right, extra foam which is under the earpad cushions. The earpads are attached using clips like previously.

Removing the drivers and their plastic holder, there is no cover on the back of the driver like in the WH-XB910N. While the photo is rather poor, there does appear to be some kind of seal/membrane/lip sealing the drivers, see the red arrows bottom right.

Here is a closeup of the drivers and the wear detection (red arrow). The capacitive sensor only surrounds half of the driver, where as in the WH-1000XM5, the sensor encircles the entire driver. I wonder if we will see a change like this in a future WH-1000XM6. For the new model, Sony has switched to a ribbon cable for the connection to the MEMS feedback NC microphone (like WH-1000XM5). The previous model also used a MEMS microphone and was covered by a rubber cover, no doubt removed here for the certification.

A close up of the sensor. I would think such a sensor could easily be added to Sony’s mid and low range headsets. Would add a great selling point, automatic pause and play.

The feedforward microphone is probably under the red arrows, but whether it is a MEMS or electret type is unknown. My guess is we might see an electret type again but perhaps Sony has changed it to MEMS. There is some kind of glue covering the mic or perhaps the hole for the cable, hard to tell with these photos. Similar glue coverings were present in the WH-XB910N, but not for the feedforward NC mic, that was held in place with a plastic cover and screws.