---
product_id: 2178057
title: "Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring"
brand: "superlux"
price: "VT23291"
currency: VUV
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Superlux"
url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/2178057-superlux-hd668b-semi-open-reference-monitor-headphones-50mm-neodymium-drivers
store_origin: VU
region: Vanuatu
---

# 50mm Neodymium Drivers Wide 10–30kHz Frequency Response Detachable Single-Sided Cables Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring

**Brand:** superlux
**Price:** VT23291
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Hear Every Detail, Own Every Mix.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring by superlux
- **How much does it cost?** VT23291 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/2178057-superlux-hd668b-semi-open-reference-monitor-headphones-50mm-neodymium-drivers)

## Best For

- superlux enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted superlux brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Ultra-Responsive Drivers:** 50mm neodymium drivers deliver crisp highs and reveal subtle audio details.
- • **Versatile Workflow Ready:** Includes dual detachable cables (1m & 3m) plus cable clip for flexible setups.
- • **Immersive Semi-Open Design:** Enhanced imaging and separation for perfect spatial awareness in your mixes.
- • **Precision Studio Monitoring:** Reference tuning for critical mix decisions and flawless audio editing.
- • **Comfort for Marathon Sessions:** Lightweight frame with auto-adjusting headband keeps you focused longer.

## Overview

The Superlux HD668B semi-open headphones feature powerful 50mm neodymium drivers with a wide 10–30kHz frequency response, delivering precise, revealing sound ideal for professional mixing and monitoring. Its semi-open design enhances stereo imaging and separation, while lightweight comfort and detachable single-sided cables provide flexible, long-lasting studio use—all at an unbeatable value.

## Description

The Superlux HD668B is a semi-open reference monitor headphone designed to be revealing and precise for studio work. Its detailed presentation helps you identify mix issues quickly—useful for editing, EQ decisions, de-essing checks, and verifying ambience and separation. With Ø50 mm neodymium drivers and a wide 10–30,000 Hz response, HD668B highlights transients and fine texture, making it a reliable tool for mix-checking vocals, cymbals, and instrument definition. The semi-open design assists with imaging and separation, supporting placement and depth judgments in complex sessions. Built for long use, it features a lightweight frame with an auto-adjusting headband. For practical workflows, it includes detachable single-sided cables in 1 m and 3 m lengths plus a cable clip to reduce accidental disconnects. Listening note: HD668B is intentionally revealing; on bright tracks or bright systems, the upper mids/treble can feel forward—many users like it for analysis, and some apply slight EQ for casual listening.

Review: Hear your music in all its glory! - The headphone/earphone competition today is fierce. The quest to offer better sound quality has been heating up since the introduction of the iPod and subsequent DAPs (digital audio players). Back then, the "pay more money for more performance" was the mindset. $20 headphones sounded like $20 headphones. $200 headphones put $20 headphones to shame, $500 headphones were better than $200 headphones and so on. The educated consumer knows that those days, for the most part, are behind us. It isn't that a $30 headphone can run all over a $200 headphone. No! However, the landscape and the game has changed considerably over the years. The competition is so stiff that you no longer have to pay lofty prices to get RELATIVELY comparable sound. The consumer that does his/her due diligence will discover that OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) release headphones that are near identical to the big brand names but only have a slight variation in sound signature. A good example of this, seven or eight years ago would have been the Sennheiser CX300 ($40 big brand) versus the Creative EP-630 ($20 bargain brand). Today you might look at the AKG 240. Over the years, prices for the AKG 240 have gone from approximately $150 to $60+/- due to competition from the Superlux 668B ($38) and/or Samson SR850 ($50). The AKGs are in a completely different price bracket now because the Superlux and Samson are comparable at their respective price points. Question: Can a $60 headphone sound as good as a $150 headphone. Apparently, yes, because it is in fact the same headphone (AKG @ $150 = AKG @ $60). The difference isn't the sound quality, but rather the price point. This begs the age old question when it comes to audio equipment. Is the difference in price an exercise in futility due to the law of diminishing returns? In the larger scheme, no, but as the landscape changes, sometimes the answer is a resounding yes. I can list half a dozen sub-$200 headphones that will run roughshod over some very popular $400 - $500 headphones. The SoundMAGIC HP150 come to mind. What about the sub-$100 market? The Philips SHP9500 come to mind. They easily hold their own when compared to some very popular $300 - $400 headphones. Implementation and tuning is the name of the game and some of the well known brands fail to impress and their lofty prices are not justified. The uneducated consumer is simply overpaying for a recognizable brand. That can't go on for much longer. Indeed, the sound quality gap among mid-fi headphones has narrowed considerably and pricepoint may not be the reliable litmus test that it once was for the simple. What about the sub-$50 headphone market? Is there any reason to venture where only the entry-level sub-par headphones or the basic "two cans with a wire" usually reside? Is there anything remotely redeemable at this price point? clouds open and angels do somersaults.... It's the Superlux 668B. back to reality.... I bought these six months ago and have given them time to break in. What a great set of headphones these are. I can't say at any price point because these are made mostly of plastic and the earpads are entry-level. However, the combination of highly detailed, accurate sound and detachable cables for $38 make these a rare treat. How is it that $38 can gain you an above average set of studio monitors? Yes, studio monitors so you can hear the tiniest detail across the entire frequency range when doing a final mixdown. I think the lower mids are ever so slightly recessed in order to avoid bass bleed into the mid frequencies, but the lower-mid slight recess is barely noticeable. The lower-mids is where the warmth of a vocalists voice is, but again, it's barely noticeable. In general, you will hear everything the way the recording engineers intended for you to hear it. That is typical of studio monitors. These are phenomenal for $38, because you will hear everything. I should note that these go to the Nth degree to capture the details in the treble so if you have an aversion to treble you can always use your EQ to roll it off. These are all about the details. Treble extension is about as far as you can take it without being sibilant. I highly recommend these as studio monitors and if you enjoy a neutral sound signature these may work well as your go-to headphones. The detachable cable is such a nice touch on these because you can always replace the cable with a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable of any length if it fails. You actually get two detachable cables. There is a 3ft 3in cable for mobile use and a 9ft 10in cable for home use. If you are like me and need more than ten feet you can simply combine the two cables for a total of more than twelve feet. That's great because I didn't have to purchase an extra cable to meet my needs. When I purchased these 668b headphones I purchased a set of velour earpads just in case the pleather pads made my ears sweat, but thus far I haven't had to install them. The doo-hickeys near the top, where you usually find a headband, are comfortable. The headphones adjust well for me and I have had no issues with fit or discomfort when wearing these for hours on end. Your experience may be different if you have a large noggin' or if your body temperature tends to run hot (meaning if you sweat easily). Bottom line is these are a "no brainer" at $38 because they are excellent. Easy decision. No regrets I'll post pictures at a later date. Hope this was helpful.
Review: Not an audiophile just a casual user - Let me start of by saying I'm just a casual user. I'm no audiophile but I can appreciate quality audio. I can't really compare this to anything else besides the gaming headphones I've used in the past but these headphones are leaps better. I've been playing a game called Squad, which is a half step up over Battlefield but not quite a full on sim like Arma 3. From my experience the directional audio is fantastic. I can hear shots or explosions at specifc angles and I can pin point them. Speaking of explosions they sound very full and lovely. The cracks of bullets are crisp which is fantastic and scary. For the money these are probably the best sub $50 headphones and paring this with the Antlion ModMic you got youre self an amazing gaming headphone. For under $100 together its heaps better in quality in both build and audio/voice! There are some negatives to the Superlux HD668B. For one it's made of plastic but you have to cut corners somewhere. You can't really expect metals to be used on sub $50 headphones. Although its made of plastic I'd imagine these would be lighter than their metal counter parts. If youre the type of person to leave your headphones on the ground, don't get these. You'll probably snap them, not saying its fragile but it's definitely not rock solid. I would recommend getting a headphone holder/stand. The other downside is what many have said. These get uncomfortable after +2 hours of use. Thankfully I just ordered some replacement velvet pads as well as a headphone stand. All in all this product is great! In fact its so great that I've completely have stopped using my computers speakers and have just left them plugged in all the time now. With the new more comfortable pads coming in, I doubt I'll ever unplug them.

## Features

- Reference Tuning for Precise Mix Decisions: Built for critical monitoring—helps you judge level balance, EQ moves, edits, and noise more confidently during recording, mixing, and post-production.
- Imaging & Separation for Placement Checks: Semi-open design supports clearer left-right placement and layer separation, making it easier to evaluate panning, reverb/room cues, and depth in a mix.
- 50mm Neodymium Drivers (10–30kHz) Reveal Detail: Wide response and fast transient presentation help uncover sibilance, harshness, cymbal texture, and subtle artifacts that can be missed on more “forgiving” headphones.
- Revealing Clarity (Listening Note): Purposefully detailed for analysis and mix-checking. Listening note: on already-bright material, the upper mids/treble may sound forward—some users prefer a warmer chain or slight EQ.
- Lightweight Comfort + Detachable Single-Sided Cables: Auto-adjusting headband for long sessions. Includes detachable straight cables (1 m & 3 m) and a cable clip for flexible studio and desk setups.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B003JOETX8 |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Batteries | 1 A batteries required. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #62,802 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #778 in On-Ear Headphones |
| Cable Feature | Detachable |
| Cable Length | 3 Meters |
| Compatible Devices | Music Production Equipment, Laptops, Desktops, Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Telephones, Smart Speakers, Televisions, Car Audio Systems, Cellphones |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,559) |
| Date First Available | June 16, 2011 |
| Earpiece Shape | around-ear |
| Frequency Response | 30000 Hz |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00510000537548 |
| Hardware Interface | 3.5mm Audio |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Included Components | Adapter, Cable, Headphone, User Manual |
| Input Device Interface | Audio jack |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 7.8 ounces |
| Item model number | HD668B |
| Manufacturer | Superlux |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Model Name | HD668B |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Noise Control Features | active_noise_cancellation |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Audio Monitoring |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
| Series Number | 668 |
| Special Feature | ios-phone-control |
| Specific Uses For Product | Professional |
| Style | HD668B |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | Yes |
| UPC | 758762342714 796594788928 602720271489 760450562748 887481531212 510000537548 721047491148 686755997033 |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Superlux
- **Color:** Black
- **Ear Placement:** Over Ear
- **Form Factor:** Over Ear
- **Impedance:** 56 Ohms

## Images

![Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61+C0IFOv8L.jpg)
![Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61L39Uy8zxL.jpg)
![Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613-ewxZ81L.jpg)
![Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oG21CRTUL.jpg)
![Superlux HD668B Semi-Open Reference Monitor Headphones – 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Wide 10–30kHz Response, Precise Imaging & Detail, Detachable Single-Sided Cables for Mixing & Monitoring - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61rSjo7a9iL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Model** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: how are these vs the  sentey arches gaming headset headphones usb 2.0 connector 7.1 digital surround sound (white) gs-4731**
A: The problem with USB headphones is that they're just headphones with their own USB audio sound card.  Most onboard audio already provides virtual surround sound.  If they don't Windows10 offers Spatial sound for free, which will provide virtual surround sound.    I've been using these headphones with a ModMic5 for about a year now and they've been amazing for gaming.

**Q: What is the sensitivity (dB/mW) of these headphones? Can my laptop computer drive them?**
A: These are the specs direct from their website.  From my own personal experience, my laptop does just fine.  I have not amped them personally, but I have read (online) that they do improve with amping.  Also driving them from my iTouch is good.  Just switch off the EQ and they sound great.Type: Dynamic, semi-openDriver: ¨ª50 mm, neodymiumSensitivity: 98 dB SPL (1 mW)Frequency Response: 10-30,000 HzMax. Input Power: 300 mWRated Impedance: 56 ¥Ø (Copper-coated aluminum wire)

**Q: As Semi-Open headphones, will people around you be able to hear what you are listening to? Also, will a headphone amp increase the sound quality?**
A: To piggy-back off Seth's answer, I have these and Audio Technica models m40fs and ath-a550z, and both isolate sound more.  I can't hear my partner talking if I'm listening to music with those, but I can tell that she's talking to me when I'm wearing the HD668B.  She has also commented on how loud I listen to music while wearing them, though not with my audio-technica models.

Perhaps something others can relate to, I've tried to convince myself to give away some of my headphones (in part to justify buying new ones) but cannot make myself give these up.  They serve a purpose and provide a good listening experience.  My other headphones do to.  I can't say they are better or worse overall, but that it's a different experience which you may find more useful in certain situations.  And for the price, every audiophile should own a pair.  I'm about to replace the cable on these with a permanent one after the rubber near the ear-piece cracked.  No loss of fidelity yet, and I repaired it with shrink-wrap, but considering the price I'm using these as my first experiment to upgrade a headphone cable.

**Q: Do they come with the extra velour pads, like the HD661s?**
A: I just found the perfect set at amazon.com lyxpro has-30 replacement pads. $10.00 leather. Very soft and slightly deeper.Carefully stretch and roll edge over pad,put on diaphragm and roll on. May need extra set of hands. Takes patience,but worth it. So comfortable.Improves siblance highswith punchier bass. Sound stage and placement remains awesome.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hear your music in all its glory!
*by D***Y on August 4, 2016*

The headphone/earphone competition today is fierce. The quest to offer better sound quality has been heating up since the introduction of the iPod and subsequent DAPs (digital audio players). Back then, the "pay more money for more performance" was the mindset. $20 headphones sounded like $20 headphones. $200 headphones put $20 headphones to shame, $500 headphones were better than $200 headphones and so on. The educated consumer knows that those days, for the most part, are behind us. It isn't that a $30 headphone can run all over a $200 headphone. No! However, the landscape and the game has changed considerably over the years. The competition is so stiff that you no longer have to pay lofty prices to get RELATIVELY comparable sound. The consumer that does his/her due diligence will discover that OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) release headphones that are near identical to the big brand names but only have a slight variation in sound signature. A good example of this, seven or eight years ago would have been the Sennheiser CX300 ($40 big brand) versus the Creative EP-630 ($20 bargain brand). Today you might look at the AKG 240. Over the years, prices for the AKG 240 have gone from approximately $150 to $60+/- due to competition from the Superlux 668B ($38) and/or Samson SR850 ($50). The AKGs are in a completely different price bracket now because the Superlux and Samson are comparable at their respective price points. Question: Can a $60 headphone sound as good as a $150 headphone. Apparently, yes, because it is in fact the same headphone (AKG @ $150 = AKG @ $60). The difference isn't the sound quality, but rather the price point. This begs the age old question when it comes to audio equipment. Is the difference in price an exercise in futility due to the law of diminishing returns? In the larger scheme, no, but as the landscape changes, sometimes the answer is a resounding yes. I can list half a dozen sub-$200 headphones that will run roughshod over some very popular $400 - $500 headphones. The SoundMAGIC HP150 come to mind. What about the sub-$100 market? The Philips SHP9500 come to mind. They easily hold their own when compared to some very popular $300 - $400 headphones. Implementation and tuning is the name of the game and some of the well known brands fail to impress and their lofty prices are not justified. The uneducated consumer is simply overpaying for a recognizable brand. That can't go on for much longer. Indeed, the sound quality gap among mid-fi headphones has narrowed considerably and pricepoint may not be the reliable litmus test that it once was for the simple. What about the sub-$50 headphone market? Is there any reason to venture where only the entry-level sub-par headphones or the basic "two cans with a wire" usually reside? Is there anything remotely redeemable at this price point? clouds open and angels do somersaults.... It's the Superlux 668B. back to reality.... I bought these six months ago and have given them time to break in. What a great set of headphones these are. I can't say at any price point because these are made mostly of plastic and the earpads are entry-level. However, the combination of highly detailed, accurate sound and detachable cables for $38 make these a rare treat. How is it that $38 can gain you an above average set of studio monitors? Yes, studio monitors so you can hear the tiniest detail across the entire frequency range when doing a final mixdown. I think the lower mids are ever so slightly recessed in order to avoid bass bleed into the mid frequencies, but the lower-mid slight recess is barely noticeable. The lower-mids is where the warmth of a vocalists voice is, but again, it's barely noticeable. In general, you will hear everything the way the recording engineers intended for you to hear it. That is typical of studio monitors. These are phenomenal for $38, because you will hear everything. I should note that these go to the Nth degree to capture the details in the treble so if you have an aversion to treble you can always use your EQ to roll it off. These are all about the details. Treble extension is about as far as you can take it without being sibilant. I highly recommend these as studio monitors and if you enjoy a neutral sound signature these may work well as your go-to headphones. The detachable cable is such a nice touch on these because you can always replace the cable with a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable of any length if it fails. You actually get two detachable cables. There is a 3ft 3in cable for mobile use and a 9ft 10in cable for home use. If you are like me and need more than ten feet you can simply combine the two cables for a total of more than twelve feet. That's great because I didn't have to purchase an extra cable to meet my needs. When I purchased these 668b headphones I purchased a set of velour earpads just in case the pleather pads made my ears sweat, but thus far I haven't had to install them. The doo-hickeys near the top, where you usually find a headband, are comfortable. The headphones adjust well for me and I have had no issues with fit or discomfort when wearing these for hours on end. Your experience may be different if you have a large noggin' or if your body temperature tends to run hot (meaning if you sweat easily). Bottom line is these are a "no brainer" at $38 because they are excellent. Easy decision. No regrets I'll post pictures at a later date. Hope this was helpful.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not an audiophile just a casual user
*by J***J on January 21, 2016*

Let me start of by saying I'm just a casual user. I'm no audiophile but I can appreciate quality audio. I can't really compare this to anything else besides the gaming headphones I've used in the past but these headphones are leaps better. I've been playing a game called Squad, which is a half step up over Battlefield but not quite a full on sim like Arma 3. From my experience the directional audio is fantastic. I can hear shots or explosions at specifc angles and I can pin point them. Speaking of explosions they sound very full and lovely. The cracks of bullets are crisp which is fantastic and scary. For the money these are probably the best sub $50 headphones and paring this with the Antlion ModMic you got youre self an amazing gaming headphone. For under $100 together its heaps better in quality in both build and audio/voice! There are some negatives to the Superlux HD668B. For one it's made of plastic but you have to cut corners somewhere. You can't really expect metals to be used on sub $50 headphones. Although its made of plastic I'd imagine these would be lighter than their metal counter parts. If youre the type of person to leave your headphones on the ground, don't get these. You'll probably snap them, not saying its fragile but it's definitely not rock solid. I would recommend getting a headphone holder/stand. The other downside is what many have said. These get uncomfortable after +2 hours of use. Thankfully I just ordered some replacement velvet pads as well as a headphone stand. All in all this product is great! In fact its so great that I've completely have stopped using my computers speakers and have just left them plugged in all the time now. With the new more comfortable pads coming in, I doubt I'll ever unplug them.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great headphones, great price, great customer service
*by C***A on June 11, 2015*

I was looking for some headphones to use as a monitor for podcast recordings, and came across the Superlux HD6668B. I read all the reviews, compared to as many competitors as I had time for, and eventually decided these were the best bang for the buck. I was not disappointed. I am no audiophile, but the sound from these headphones is really sharp. I hear details I don't notice from my iPhone ear buds, and they don't overwhelm my ears even at higher volumes. I did have a problem listening to a professionally recorded podcast right out of the gate - there was just a piercing quality to the audio that wasn't there when listening to the same recording on my earbuds. But things seemed to have calmed down as I've broken them in. They are fairly comfortable, but I can see how some would not enjoy the design. The two head pads provide noticeable pressure on your skull, but it hasn't caused me any discomfort, even after more than an hour of listening. The earphone covers don't breath particularly well, and I've noticed a little perspiration when wearing them in a hotter-than-normal environment. Neither of these issues are big ones for me. What was a big issue for me was customer service. The headphones come with both a 1 meter and 3 meter cable, and the 3 meter cable in my box was damaged - I could only hear sound in one ear when using it. The 1 meter cable worked fine. I sent a quick email off to Avlex customer support explaining my situation, and hoping they would be able to help me. I got a quick response from a nice fellow named Kevin, who explained what info he needed from me, and also what he could do to help. I provided the info, and he provided me with a replacement cable. He also went through the trouble to test the cable he sent me to make sure I didn't get another dud. Sure enough, the replacement worked great, and I am now a faithful Avlex/Superlux fan. I highly recommend these headphones for their quality, price, and the great service you get from Avlex.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Superlux HD668B Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones
- Cosmos 1 Pair Black Color Velvet Replacement Earpad Ear Pad Cushion Compatible with AKG K 240 Studio Headphones

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/2178057-superlux-hd668b-semi-open-reference-monitor-headphones-50mm-neodymium-drivers](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/2178057-superlux-hd668b-semi-open-reference-monitor-headphones-50mm-neodymium-drivers)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu*
*Store origin: VU*
*Last updated: 2026-03-08*