Latest news with #CampfireAudio
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Save $200 on Campfire Audio's IEMs that push the limits of what earbuds can do
Here's something you won't find on our list of the best earbuds but you may be interested in if you're deep into the music space or play music yourself. They're Campfire Audio's Supermoon IEMs. An IEM is a type of earbud (though some may argue it is its own, separate device) that sit directly in your ear canal (IEM stands for In-Ear Monitors) and provide a 'pure' sound free of post-processing. They're typically used for live audio feedback by musicians but are also appreciate by audiophiles for their extreme quality. Of course, with that great sound quality, they can be very expensive The Ultimate Ears Premier are $2,999, for example. But sometimes you can get a very expensive pair of IEMs at a discount. Right now the Campfire Audio Supermoon are marked down from $1,099 (they used to be $1,500) to $899, a savings of $200. These are premium IEM earbuds, no matter how you look at it and, if you're in the audiophile world, they're a possible pickup for you. Why you should buy the Campfire Audio Supermoon The Supermoon are 14mm planar magnetic IEMs that combine solid bass and technical details on the high-end of the spectrum. They have a wide 5Hz to 20kHz frequency response and produce less than 1% total harmonic distortion. They come in a cool shiny black or a color that I can't help but call, as a native of the state, a 'Tennessee' orange. In our large IEM shootout they were featured as an example of what the very top of the line of IEMs can get you — earbuds that fit perfectly in your ear because they were built for your very ear, an 'undeniably smooth and precise sound signature,' and a listening experience that gives noticeably more even at the hard to improve upon midtone level. The rub was that they were $1,500 at that time. Today, they're considerably more affordable. The Campfire Audio Supermoon are down to $899 for a limited time, $200 off of their usual price of $1,099. They aren't the usual fare around here, but they can bring something new to your music experience if you need something extra. If they aren't your style, however, you should check out Campfire Audio's new Axion earbuds that are also designed to provide a premium listening experience, though at a more universally approachable price.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Noble Audio Introduces New Multi-Driver Knight IEMs With An Entry-Level Price Tag
Buying a pair of In-Ear Monitors, such as the recently launched Campfire Audio Clara IEMs, will set you back $2,000. They sound great but not everyone is willing to drop that much on a pair of posh earbuds. However, if you want a high-performance pair of multi-driver IEMs but you can't or won't pay a high price tag, then the new Noble Audio Knight IEMs might be just what you've been looking for. For the past decade, Noble Audio has been building a reputation for itself by making some excellent IEMs aimed at discerning audiophiles at the top end of the market. The company has a passion for making hand-crafted IEMs with both universal and custom fits. Custom fit IEMs are molded to suit an individual's ears, while universal IEMs use ear-tips of different sizes to suit all ears. With the launch of the new Knight IEM, Noble Audio is taking aim at the growing market for entry-level market for IEMs. Plenty of people want the subtleties and sophistication of multi-driver IEMs but without the eye-watering price tag. By producing an affordable pair of multi-driver IEMs, without compromising on sound and build quality, Noble Audio hopes to bag a slice of this growing market. Historically, knights in shining armor were members of the nobility and warriors whose job it was to protecting a kingdom and its subjects. Knights were expected to embody honesty and chivalry. It's the honesty that Noble is chasing on with the Knight IEMs thanks to their carefully engineered response at a sensible price. With Noble Audio's rich signature sound , the Knight IEMs offer a premium performance at an accessible price without compromising on sound quality. Encased in an aluminum shell with a striking three-dimensional acrylic faceplate in deep purple and blue, the Knight IEMs strike a bold look. Designed to offer clarity and a rich audio performance, the Knight IEMs are fitted with a dual-magnet, dynamic 10mm driver in each earpiece. This robust driver can elevate the power of the overall audio performance while serving up a deep and controlled bass and sub-bass which creates a more immersive listening experience. Alongside the dynamic drivers, Noble Audio has selected a Sonion balanced armature driver which has exceptional clarity as well as articulate mid-range frequencies. For the treble end of the sound, Noble has opted for a Piezo super tweeter that rounds things off with detailed high frequencies that provide the focus for a stereo soundstage. The Noble Knight IEMs are priced affordably, although the company says it hasn't cut corners on quality. The combination of all three drivers enables the Knight IEMs to adapt to a wide range of musical genres and can provide the kind of audio performance that will satisfy the demands of everyone from enthusiasts, audiophiles or casual listeners looking for an audio upgrade. The Knight IEMs ship with high-quality 8-core OCC cable with OFC silver plating. The cable is coated in a PU skin-friendly material and is detachable, using 0.78-2 pin connectors with L/R markings. The cable is terminated with a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn jack plug, although the detachable two-pin cable can be easily swapped out or upgraded with different cable and plug. The Noble Audio Knight IEMS are available to buy from and priced at $289 / £269 / €309 which is significantly less than many high-end and multi-driver IEMS.
Forbes
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Alessandro Cortini From Nine Inch Nails Creates His Own Clara IEMs With Campfire Audio
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 27: Alessandro Cortin, guitarist for Nine Inch Nails, performs during ... More Boston Calling Music Festival on May 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by) Celebrity endorsements of products are nothing new. Ever since the boom in teenage culture, back in the 1950s, companies selling musical instruments, sporting equipment and fashion have drafted in well-known names to sell their wares. In these modern times, endorsement even extends to the consumer electronics with signature editions of products bearing the names of celebrities on the packaging. Normally, I would shun anything that's been endorsed by a celebrity because in many cases the famous person has just exchanged an endorsement for a bundle of cash. However, in the case of the new Clara In-Ear Monitors made by the highly respected boutique earphone brand of Campfire Audio, things were different. These high-end IEMs were not just endorsed by but actively developed and tuned with the help of Alessandro Cortini, guitarist and member of U.S. band Nine Inch Nails. I caught up with Alessandro Cortini at his home on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal's capital city, where the synth-loving musician and all-round nice guy lives with his family and a herd of 20 cats. In my book, anyone who loves cats that much must be a good person and worth listening to. Cortini's Clara IEMs have detachable cables and a whole host of ear tip options. Cortini has the honor of being the first Italian to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 2020, when he was included as a member of the band Nine Inch Nails. As well as playing instruments, Cortini also makes them. He created a patchable synthesizer called Strega produced by Make Noise. It was during the crazy times of the global pandemic in 2020, during those long months of lockdowns, that bands like Nine Inch Nails found themselves grounded. The band was founded by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio, back in 1988, and were unable to tour during that time. It was then that Cortini developed a bug and it wasn't Covid 19. Instead, he contacted the audiophile bug and developed a love and fascination with everything audio, especially high-end hi-fi. Alessandro Cortini was bitten by the audiophile bug during the pandemic. Cortini takes up the story: 'I'd been using IEMs for performances for some time and developed a connection with Ken Ball and the guys at Campfire Audio, in Portland Oregon. Ken and I share the same kind of passion for music and we even use the same brand of digital player. One day, Ken offered me the chance to design my own IEMs and with his help and experience, I was able to produce something that captured the way I enjoy music.' 'During lockdown, I had the opportunity to learn about dynamic drivers and balanced armatures, the two main types of transducers used in IEMs. Ken knows everything there is to know about how the technologies used in IEMs sound and he was able to guide me towards selecting the units that would bring out the kind of signature sound I was looking for.' Although Cortini is a member of Nine Inch Nails, his tastes and passions for music range far and wide. Originally from Italy, Cortini lived in the States for many years and it's impossible to avoid soaking up the amazing musical diversity of that country. During our conversation, we chatted about music ranging from Gregorian chant to the best of Blue Tone jazz and classic numbers from the Great American Songbook. I asked Cortini what he was looking to get out of the Clara IEMs. Ken Ball is founder and lead acoustic engineer at Campfire Audio and helped Alessandro Cortini ... More develop the unique sound of the Clara IEMs. 'I love lots of different music but I wanted to create IEMs that had enough definition at the top end to create a dynamic and focused soundstage, but I didn't want them to be harsh or give the listener a headache. Nice and smooth with a silky treble was what I was looking for' he adds. 'I was also wanted a bass with a certain warmth and definition. I wanted it to feel a bit like putting on a woolly jacket on a chilly day; warm but not so heavy as to be thick and overpowering.' 'With Ken Ball's help, we managed to narrow things down to a dual magnet dynamic driver with a bio-cellulose diaphragm that takes care of those low frequencies. For the mids, we used the latest technology with a dual-diaphragm balanced armature. For the treble or higher end, we chose two dedicated super-tweeters with exceptional precision.' "For me, making music is an equal measure of creating and listening. What I listen to will sometimes inform my next compositional move. Clara IEMs are not only a sonic manifestation of my preferences in terms of their tuning and spatial portrayal, but Clara IEMs are also a reflection of the deep bond between Ken and me, both musically and philosophically.' The earpieces of Clara IEMs are unmistakable with their Campfire Audio housings. 'I've been a fan of Campfire Audio for a long time and having the chance to share in the process of making a new pair of IEMs with someone like Ken has made this a fantastic journey. I'm very proud of what the Campfire Audio team and I have managed to produce with Clara. I think it combines emotion with accuracy, letting audiophiles enjoy the precision as well as the music. For musicians, they amplify the creativity through the vibrant and physical emotional transfer the IEMs provide.' Ken Ball, the founder and lead acoustic engineer at Campfire Audio, agrees with Cortini and adds: "Working with such an accomplished and creative artist like Alessandro has been an honor and a privilege. Our shared passion and personal taste in music, and a love for electronic music specifically, forged a bond that led to the pursuit of Clara.' 'Science, art, and music have been the three pillars of my life, adds Ball. 'Bringing decades of pursuing these pillars to a project alongside Alessandro, who shares these values and brings his unique creative vision and expertise, has been a highlight of my career. I think we have designed something very special that will resonate with fans of Campfire and the audiophile community.' The frequency response of Alessandro Cortini's Clara IEMs isn't dead flat. Both men aren't wrong. For anyone who listens to Clara IEMs, there is an instant and unmistakable completeness about their sound that would pair well with almost any musical genre. The IEMs don't have a dead flat response but neither do they display the classic U-shaped EQ or coloration that so many manufacturers seem to settle for today. The Clara IEMs have a warm bass, a forward midrange and a silky treble that's just sharp enough to bring the soundstage into perfect focus without making the listener's brain work overtime top descramble distortion. The sign of a good pair of speakers, earphones or IEMs is how they help the listener forget they are listening to an audio system by thoroughly immersing the listener in the emotion of the music. That was Cortini's aim for Clara and it's fair to say he and Ken Ball hit the target with 100% accuracy. Despite the use of some well-matched multiple drivers, Clara sounds like it's been tuned to sound more like the very best of dynamic IEMs but with the precision of balanced armature technology. Clara offers the best of both worlds. Alessandro Cortini is a member of the U.S> band Nine Inch Nails. As well as playing the guitar, he ... More also has an interest in synthesisers and even made his own Strega patchable synth with Make Noise. Chatting with Cortini is almost as infectious as listening to Clara IEMs. His viral enthusiasm is more contagious than Covid. In the sometimes-sterile world of digital music, we often miss out on the passion and joy of music as we listen for details. Cortini has managed to distil his passion into the sonic signature of these unique IEMs. It's a rare achievement and perhaps only something a musician could have achieved with the technical guidance of someone as experienced as Campfire Audio's Ken Ball. The Alessandro Cortini Clara IEMs are available now from Campfire Audio and are priced at $1,999. The Clara IEMs ship with two cables, one with a single-ended 3.5mm jack plug and the other with a balanced 4.4mm jack plug. The package also includes Campfire Audio's Pilot portable DAC dongle for use with devices like smartphones that may not have an analog jack. The IEMs also have a hardshell touring case for life on the road and a new mini dimensional folding IEM wallet, Breezy Bag Jr mesh zipper case in charcoal, Breezy Bag Micro two-pocket IEM pouch in charcoal, microfiber cleaning cloth, assorted ear tips In foam, silicone, Final Type-E plus an IEM cleaning tool. The Clara IEMs ship with two cables, one with a single-ended 3.5mm jack plug and the other with a ... More balanced 4.4mm jack plug. The package also includes Campfire Audio's Pilot portable DAC dongle for use with devices like smartphones that may not have an analog jack. The IEMs also have a hardshell touring case for life on the road and a new mini dimensional folding IEM wallet, Breezy Bag Jr mesh zipper case in charcoal, Breezy Bag Micro two-pocket IEM pouch in charcoal, microfiber cleaning cloth, assorted ear tips In foam, silicone, Final Type-E plus an IEM cleaning tool.
Forbes
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Campfire Audio Launches Its New Alien Brain In Ear Monitors
The new Campfire Audio Alien Brain IEMs contain five drivers in each earpiece including an ... More innovative dynamic bass unit with a glass dome. Portland-based Campfire Audio has announced its second new pair of IEMs in a month. The all-new Alien Brain earphones are the next entry in Campfire's acclaimed line of hybrid-design, in-ear monitors. Alien Brain IEMs are described as having 'an expertly tuned sonic signature paired with Campfire's renowned, hand-crafted build quality.' Ken Ball, founder and lead acoustic engineer at Campfire Audio, explains: 'Building on over a decade of earphone design and engineering, we expanded the legacy and boundaries of what is possible in a dynamic-BA hybrid, with the all-new, five-driver Alien Brain. The price performance of the new Alien Brain was one of our main goals here. Get your close encounters of the hi-fi kind with the all-new Campfire Audio Alien Brain!' With the launch of Alien Brain, Campfire's dual-magnet dynamic driver has had an innovative update with an all-new 10mm glass-PU diaphragm. As a dedicated low-frequency driver, this new dynamic driver has a glass speaker dome and a polyurethane diaphragm, bringing a new flavor of bass presentation while keeping all the strengths of Campfire's dual-magnet line. The Alien Brain IEMs from Campfire Audio are supplied with a new 32-bit/384kHz USB-C DAC dongle. Complementing this new dynamic driver are two mid-frequency dedicated balanced armatures that have been tuned by Campfire's acoustic engineering team for precision, detail and emotive quality. Rounding out Alien Brain's driver complement are two high-frequency balanced armatures for a crisp treble and wide soundstage. The five drivers in each earpiece and their tuning elements form a sonic signature that ranges from an impactful bass drop or the delicate nuances of a classical symphony to a sound that Campfire says is low-fatigue and eminently listenable. Housed in a sleek, black PVD full CNC stainless steel shell, the Alien Brain IEMs have a modern aesthetic along with durability and resonance control. A combination of high-grade materials and ergonomics provides a robust and premium feel with comfortable wear for long listening sessions. Campfire's new iridescent dome lid rounds out the playful and striking design of Alien Brain. Alongside enhanced performance comes an upgraded accessory pack. Alien Brain IEMs are bundled with Campfire's new 32-bit/384kHz USB-C DAC dongle, offering high-quality performance with portable devices. Two more new additions to Campfire's already accessory pack are a compact leather carrying case and High & Clear high-traction silicon ear tips. Campfire Audio's new Alien Brain IEMs will be available later this month from a range of retailers. The suggested retail price is $999 / £999.
Forbes
07-04-2025
- Forbes
Campfire Audio Reveals Its New USB-C Axion Earphones With Built-In DAC
The new Axion earphones from Portland's Campfire Audio can plug directly into the USB-C port of a ... More smartphone thanks to a built-in DAC chip. Ever since most smartphone makers removed the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack from their products, we've been forced to opt for either wireless Bluetooth earbuds or invest in an external DAC and use regular wired earphones. Now Campfire Audio has announced its new Axion earphones as an alternative to wireless. While some wireless earbuds can sound very good, if you are an Apple iPhone user the the wireless sound quality you are able to access is capped at the limit of the AAC Bluetooth audio codec. It's not a bad codec but it isn't lossless and it isn't high resolution. Boutique earphone brand Campfire Audio decided it was about time that music lovers were given more choice when it comes to the type of earphones they can use with their smartphones. The Portland company set about designing a pair of high-end and wired earbuds that use a USB-C connection and a built-in DAC for suppluing upgraded sound quality. The Axion earphones from Campfire Audio feature removable cables so the connection can be replaced ... More if damaged. Despite their premium sound quality and fresh styling, the new Axion are the Campfire Audio's most accessible pair of earphones yet. The Axion feature a new, full-range silicon dynamic driver featuring enhanced tuning. The Axion also include an integrated, high-resolution DAC for turning digital sound into high-quality analog waveforms. The new earphones also have black-and-clear styling as well as USB-C connectivity. 'We set out to provide a high-performance, accessible entry into the world of high-fidelity, portable audio. Axion checks all boxes when it comes to true hi-fi on the go; incredible sonic performance, plug-and-play usability, lightweight and comfortable,' says Ken Ball, the founder and lead acoustic engineer at Campfire Audio. Designed to be easy to use with any USB-C smartphone, the Axion have a high-quality integrated USB-C cable with an embedded 32-bit/384kHz DAC chip that delivers reliable and high-fidelity audio with a wide range of smartphones, tablets, laptops or portable gaming devices. The Campfire Audio Axion headphones have a built-in DAC and a three-button inline remote control. As a further benefit for smartphone users, the Axion's USB-C cable also has an in-line microphone and an intuitive three-button remote that enables users to manage their phone calls, adjust volume levels and control media playback without having to reach for their smartphone all the time. At the heart of the Axion, the full-range silicon dynamic driver uses innovative technology that blends a unique design and compact size that's similar to a balanced armature driver but with the more fulsome sound quality of a dynamic driver. The driver has been precisely tuned using Campfire Audio's years of acoustic engineering experience and the brand claims the Axion provide users with a smooth and balanced sound. The Axion earphones are Campfire Audio's most accessible model to date and they will appeal to anyone who wants to move from using Bluetooth wireless earbuds to a higher-quality wired design with a high-quality DAC for decoding hi-res digital audio files. Pricing and Availability: The new Campfire Audio Axion earphones will be available towards the end of April from a range of retailers, including Amazon. The suggested retail price is $249 / £249.
