DALI IO-12 Over-Ear Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Dark Chocolate

The DALI IO-12 sit at the top of DALI’s IO headphone range, above the IO-4, IO-6 and IO-8. Where those models established DALI’s approach to wireless headphone sound — prioritising accuracy and musicality over bass-heavy consumer tuning — the IO-12 take the concept further by incorporating driver technology drawn directly from the company’s flagship loudspeakers.

SMC Driver Technology

The IO-12 are the world’s first headphones to use DALI’s patented Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) in their magnet system. SMC is a granular, non-conducting magnetic material that DALI has used in its loudspeaker drivers for years — most notably in the KORE flagship. In conventional drivers, iron-based motor components generate eddy currents when the voice coil moves, introducing non-linear harmonic distortion. Because SMC is electrically non-conducting while remaining intensely magnetically permeable, these eddy currents are eliminated. The result, according to DALI, is a significant reduction in distortion and an increase in midrange clarity and musical communication. The top plate, bottom plate and pole piece of the IO-12’s magnet system are made entirely from SMC; combined with a neodymium magnet disc, the IO-12 is DALI’s first driver to use no iron whatsoever in its magnet system.

50 mm Paper Fibre Driver

The 50 mm full-range driver uses a free-edge paper fibre cone diaphragm — a material DALI has refined across decades of loudspeaker development. The paper fibre construction employs randomly aligned fibres of variable length to create a diaphragm that is simultaneously light, stiff and well-damped, producing what DALI describes as a natural, relaxed sound with detail. The driver is powered by a fully bridged (BTL) Class D output stage.

Connectivity & Hi-Res Audio

The IO-12 offer four connection modes. Wireless Active mode uses Bluetooth 5.2 with support for AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs, providing access to all features including ANC, DSP processing and the two sound modes. Wired Active USB mode connects via USB-C and supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio with full 48 kHz bandwidth and no down-sampling — DALI considers this the best-sounding connection mode. Analogue Wired Active mode uses the supplied 3.5 mm mini jack cable with the headphones switched on, retaining ANC and sound mode functionality. Analogue Wired Passive mode works with the headphones switched off, drawing no battery power — useful when the battery is exhausted or when you prefer the inherent sound of your source device. The IO-12 are Hi-Res Audio Certified and support Bluetooth Dual Mode for simultaneous connection to two devices.

Active Noise Cancellation

The IO-12 incorporate active noise cancellation with three modes: ANC On for maximum isolation, Transparency to allow ambient sounds through for conversations and awareness, and ANC Off. A dedicated ANC button on the right ear cup cycles through the modes. The oversized square leather ear pads also provide substantial passive isolation.

Sound Modes

Two equalisation profiles are available: Hi-Fi mode, which reflects the frequency balance of the incoming signal, and Bass mode, which enhances low frequencies. DALI notes that Bass mode can also be useful for glasses wearers, compensating for the slight bass reduction that can result from the arms of glasses disturbing the ear pad seal.

Design & Comfort

The IO-12 feature genuine leather on both the headband and ear pads, with oversized square ear cushions designed for long listening sessions. The headphones fold flat via a one-way hinge for compact storage in the included luxury travel case. All controls are physical buttons located on the right ear cup — there are no touch controls and no companion app. The IO-12 carry an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. Designed in Denmark.

What the Press Says

• "Neutral, revealing, effortlessly detailed sound" — TechRadar ★★★★☆ (November 2023)
• EISA Award: Best Premium Wireless Headphone 2024–2025