Campfire Audio Orbit Review – Out Of Space

Pros –

Excellent design and fit, Great passive noise isolation, App-based eQ support, Dynamic yet articulate bass, Great soundstage for a TWS bud

Cons –

Bassy and laid-back tuning hurts versatility, Unresponsive touch controls, App can be unreliable

Verdict –

Those wanting balance steer clear, for the Orbit excels at what it set out to deliver; that being a rich, larger-than-life listening experience sans other superfluous features.

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Introduction –

Campfire Audio requires little introduction. Starting life as cable-maker ALO, Ken has taken his brand in a different direction now focusing mostly on IEMs. Of course, he’s brought with him years of experience in the audio industry, allowing the company to make some truly unique and authentic products. And, after further refinement, the company has developed numerous technologies producing genuinely impressive results. The Orbit expands upon this, being the first true wireless model in their line-up. Indeed, it implements the same ethos as their high-end models just simplified for a convenient wireless form factor. At its heart lies a high-quality LCP dynamic driver that sits within a specifically designed acoustic chamber. The earphone sports the company’s signature visual design and a substantial battery life. The company has created an app specifically for this model allowing for sound tuning making it a true enthusiast TWS earphone.

The Orbit is available for $249 USD. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on Campfire Audio.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank John at KS Distribution very much for his quick communication and for reaching out to organise a review of the Orbit. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the earphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

• Page 1: Intro, Unboxing, Design
• Page 2: Usability & App
• Page 3: Sound Breakdown
• Page 4: Comparisons & Verdict

Behind the Design –

LCP Dynamic Driver

An increasingly common design, LCP stands for liquid crystal polymer, a lightweight yet rigid material. It is also cost-effective which brings down the overall cost of the product. The Orbit uses a 10mm full-range driver and the company highlights that the overall sound design was approached similar to their wired earphones, considered inside and out. This includes a tuned acoustic chamber promising a spacious, rich and detailed sound.

Ground Up Design

Where many companies resort to OEMs to produce their TWS models for them, the Orbit has been designed by Campfire to deliver their intended experience. This includes BT 5.2 with aptX support, stainless steel spouts, a Type-C and Qi-compatible charging case and also IPX5 water resistance for active use. The result is a stylish earphone with a well-rounded set of features.

Unboxing –

As always, Campfire Audio invite praise with their charming unboxing experience. The Orbit comes in similar packaging to their other models only smaller. Opening up the outer card reveals a hard box containing the charging case and earphones. Additional ear tips and a short Type-C charging cable are also included in separate compartments, providing a total of 3 pairs of silicone and 3 pairs of memory foam tips. The tips have a unique short mushroom-like many other TWS earphones that provide a stronger seal in the absence of wires that provide fit stability. A CFA pin is also included; a nice touch.

Design –

The Orbit delivers a no-frills experience that will appeal to audio enthusiasts. Its design is clean yet unmistakeably Campfire Audio with a three-piece shell that provides a more forgiving interpretation of their more angular wired models. The earthy two-tone colour scheme isn’t overly loud and blends in well with most skin tones making them appealing for day-to-day use. Campfire also colour-matched the silicone tips which provides a charming and coordinated aesthetic in summary.

A high-quality stainless-steel nozzle is reminiscent of their wired models and contributes to the feeling of quality. Though the bulk shells are ABS, the tolerances are very good with just a slightly palpable seam between the two halves but no sharp edges nor grossly mismatched joins. Despite the construction, the shells have a surprising sense of solidity in the hand that separates them from many other plastic shell competitors.

Fit & Isolation –

The Orbit delivers an excellent ergonomic experience that contributes greatly to their overall appeal. I will pay particular attention to the nozzle as I find this is usually the make-or-break design characteristic when it comes to achieving a reliable seal. Here, it sits at a comfortable angle and delivers appropriate fit depth that keeps the bulk of the earphones close to the ear for maximum fit stability whilst also contributing towards great isolation. This is especially pertinent as the earphones lack any wireless-specific stabilisation features. That said, the smoother shell design contributes to great long-term comfort.

The rounded line angles minimise hotspots and they are cradled comfortably by the concha of the outer ear for a nice locked-in sensation during wear. I was able to workout and jog with the Orbit without requiring adjustment or losing seal and the IPX5 rating delivered additional peace of mind. Passive noise isolation is excellent too due to the fully sealed design. Driver flex wasn’t noticeable on my unit nor was there excessive wearing pressure. While no ANC is present, their level of passive isolation is among the best non-noise-cancelling TWS in-ears such as the Lypertek TEVI due to the terrific seal they achieve.  

Charing Case –

The case equally appeals on behalf of its stylised design and slender form factor. For instance, though overall quite compact, the thickness of the Sony WF-1000XM4 case makes it difficult to pocket. The Orbit case has a larger footprint as far as TWS earphones go these days, but a slim profile that fits nicely in a pocket. The case has a green interior but outwardly shares a similar palette, shape and ABS construction to the earphones themselves. The matte finish makes the earphones and case more resistant to oil marks and the satin finish feels excellent in the hand.

ABS is an especially nice feeling plastic that those in the keyboard community especially will be familiar with. The case offers a solid feel though isn’t cumbersome at all with regards to weight. The hinge has a reverse magnet providing a stable and satisfying action in both directions if being a little stiff right out of the box. The earphones seat consistently and this is aided by large contacts on the earphone bodies that improves reliability of the power function. Charging can be done via the Type-C port or Qi wireless. The inside offers a reset button and 4 power LEDs that showcase remaining battery on the case and earphones to the nearest 25%.

Next Page: Usability & App