Latest news with #audiotechnology
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
These wireless headphones have a dedicated button to switch from studio sound to other audio profiles, and as a working musician, I think they could be great for bedroom creators
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Kail Audio HP-1 are wireless cans with instant switching of sound profiles Sonic profiles for bass heavy and popular consumer headphones Launching at $199 / £199 / €199 If you make audio for other people to listen to, you'll know how much of a pain it is to have to listen on multiple things – but of course you have to do it, because what sounds good on neutral studio monitors may be too bassy on a pair of Beats or unclear on AirPods. That means accumulating more earbuds and over-ears than you have ears, which is expensive and in my case, also very annoying because I keep forgetting to charge any of the wireless ones. Kali Audio may have a better option. Fancy a set of reference over-ear wireless headphones that can switch to emulate the sound of bassy boomers or airier options? That's what the new HP-1 promise to deliver, albeit without naming any specific headphone models. They're a single pair of headphones with a triple-split personality. Kali Audio HP-1: key features and price The Kali Audio HP-1 headphones are over-ear closed-back headphones with 40mm drivers, a promised 18Hz to 22kHz frequency range, and custom digital signal processing profiles. There are three different voicings: studio, bass-heavy and consumer, all accessible instantly via the press of a button. There's a 3.5mm cable (essential for latency-free music production) and the headphones also have Bluetooth for more relaxed listening, although that only has the basic standard SBC and AAC codecs, rather than aptX or LDAC. Battery life is promised to be 40 hours, and there's active noise cancellation for when you need to take your show on the road. The first profile, studio, is the standard one for these headphones, and it's designed to deliver transparent and accurate sound when you're mixing or mastering just like any other pair of studio headphones. Press a button and you'll switch to the bass-heavy mode, which emulates the sound of "headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans." The difference between fairly flat headphones and the more prominent low-end of such headphones can be quite considerable, so this setting should help keep the bass tight rather than overly boomy. The third voicing is consumer, which according to Kali Audio "replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers", which is an impressively phrased way of telling me you mean AirPods without telling me you mean AirPods. I haven't tried these headphones, so I can't say how they compare to the headphones they aim to emulate. But if Kali has cracked the sound profiles, these could be a good option for those of us who can't afford to buy a library of headphones purely for mixing. With an official of $199 / £199 / €199 (about AU$400) the Kali Audio HP-1 are well within reach for bedroom producers as well as ones with bigger budgets. You might also like Link 1 Link 2 Link 3
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Knowles Balanced Armatures Will Power Status Audio's New Pro X Premium Earbuds
A hybrid arrangement of two balanced armatures and a dynamic driver make up each earpiece in the new ... More Status Pro X true wireless earbuds. Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN), the leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components, including high performance capacitors, radio frequency filters, advanced medtech microphones and balanced armature drivers has announced that Status Audio has selected Knowles BA drivers for its new Status Pro X true wireless earbuds. Featuring a triple-driver hybrid configuration that uses two Knowles balanced armature transducers and a dynamic driver in each earbud, this distinctive combination is designed to deliver clear sound that can rival many other hybrid true wireless stereo earbuds currently in the market. Hybrid Driver Arrangement As consumers increase their expectations of what high-definition audio can deliver, this latest collaboration showcases the technical advantages of using a hybrid driver arrangement in a pair of true wireless earbuds. The new Status Pro X premium earbuds use a tripe hybrid driver arrangement that brings together two ... More Knowles balanced armatures and a 12mm diameter dynamic driver. Status Pro X earbuds have a sophisticated acoustic system that uses two miniaturized Knowles balanced armature drivers with the raw muscle of a 12mm diameter dynamic driver. The result is a frequency response that captures subtle sonic textures and dynamic range that a single-driver configuration simply can't achieve. The Status Pro X users have the option of selecting an equalizer adjustment including the Status Signature setting or the Knowles Curve setting, based on the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve. More Satisfying Listening Experience. The Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve is a breakthrough in audio engineering and is based on research that shows how listeners across all age ranges and hearing abilities prefer expanded treble response beyond 10kHz for a more satisfying listening experience. By leveraging Knowles balanced armature technology, Status Audio says it can reach the higher frequencies necessary to produce optimal audio performance which unlocks intricate musical details while preserving the natural tonal balance that most audiophiles demand. The Status Pro X earbuds use high sensitivity balanced armatures that make it possible to improve ... More hearing personalization while still maximizing power efficiency. 'Our balanced armatures represent the pinnacle of miniaturized audio engineering,' says Jon Kiachian, president of medtech and specialty audio at Knowles Corporation. 'The collaboration with Status Audio exemplifies how our BA drivers can help innovative brands deliver truly exceptional audio experiences in remarkably compact form factors. The Status Pro X showcases exactly what becomes possible when cutting-edge driver technology meets thoughtful product design—an audio experience that reveals all the nuances and details of music that conventional earbuds simply cannot reproduce.' Knowles balanced armature drivers produce an unprecedented sound performance for their size, allowing Status Audio to produce an earbud that's 21% smaller than its previous model without compromising sound quality, frequency range or battery life. The high sensitivity of the balanced armatures also makes it possible to improve hearing personalization while still maximizing power efficiency. The Status Pro X earbuds are now available for pre-order and will start shipping early September. For more information on Knowles balanced armatures, visit To find out more about the new Status Pro X, visit the company's website.
Forbes
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The New Audeze Closed-Back Planar Magnetic LCD-S20 Headphones With SLAM Technology
The new LCD-S20 headphones from Audeze are the first planar-magnetic headphones with a closed-back ... More design, making them suitable for use by recording studios. In the audio world, Audeze is known as the leading exponent of planar-magnetic headphones, an advanced driver technology that produces sound in a different way to the more usual dynamic drivers found in most headphones. Unlike a dynamic driver, planar magnetic technology uses an ultra-thin membrane that is excited by a grid of magnets to produce a sound that's dynamic and with a super-fast response that many people prefer because of its energy and dynamism. Planar magnetic has many of the advantages of regular dynamic drivers, but with the best aspects of electrostatic headphones, without the massive price premium. Now Audeze has chalked up another first by launching the LCD-S20, its first pair of closed-back headphones using planar-magnetic drivers. By using its award-winning driver technology, Audeze has also used its patent-pending SLAM technology to increase the bass response and expand the spatial imaging of the headphones to create a sound that's more like an open-back design but with the advantages of closed-back headphones. As well as being suitable for recording, Audeze says the new LCD-S20 are a good choice for mixing ... More and engineering recordings. First Closed-Back Planar Magenetic Why opt for closed-back headphones? Well, if you're a recording engineer or a broadcaster, you can have the subtlety and energy of planar-magnetic drivers without the sound leaking out and disturbing others or being picked up by a microphone. It also means you get the advantages of planar-magnetic technology when out and about without being disturbed by external noise like traffic or other distractions. At $499, the new LCD-S20 are Audeze's most affordable LCD headphones, bringing the benefits of planar-magnetic technology to producers, musicians and audiophiles who need acoustic isolation. The acronym SLAM stands for Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator. It's a technology that Audeze introduced with its flagship CRBN2 electrostatic headphones in 2024. SLAM uses precisely tuned acoustic channels to selectively enhance low frequencies and enable more linear and accurate diaphragm movement. Instead of the usual slatted ear cups, the Audeze LCD-S20's closed-back earbuds are covered in a ... More hard-wearing textile. Wider Soundstage For the first time, SLAM is available on a pair of planar-magnetic headphones and the result is a richer, more lifelike low end, which Audeze says brings more accurate detail for precise soundstage presentation compared to similar closed-back headphones. What this means in practice is these closed-back headphones sound more like the best pair of open-back headphones, thanks to a wider and airier soundstage as well as a frequency range of 10Hz to 40kHz. 'With the LCD-S20, we're bringing Audeze's renowned studio-quality sound to a broader audience without compromising on innovation or performance. The integration of our SLAM technology is a leap forward in both audio fidelity and user experience,' says Audeze's CEO, Sankar Thiagasamudram. 'LCD-S20 is not just an entry point into the Audeze family; it's a testament to our commitment to making world-class audio accessible to everyone, from budding musicians to seasoned audiophiles,' he adds. Planar-magnetic technology is different from the more usual dynamic drivers used in most headphones. ... More It consists of a thin and stiff membrane that's moved by an array of Flexor magnets made from Neodymium 50. Magnetic Ear Pads Audeze has designed the LCD-S20 for long-term user comfort and convenience. There are supple and supportive user-replaceable synthetic leather ear pads and a head strap that distributes the weight of the headphones. The LCD-S20 are the first Audeze headphone to use a new magnetic earpad attachment mechanism that enables users to quickly and easily swap or replace their earpads. In addition, the LCD-S20 have a detachable single-sided cable that users can connect to either the left or right earcup to have the cable position that suits their taste. Built around the proven Audeze chassis, which we first saw on the popular Audeze Maxwell gaming headset, the LCD-S20 also feature a spring-steel headband and forged aluminum yokes with high-strength and glass-infused nylon parts. The ear cups are wrapped in a woven cloth to give them a robust finish. The LCD-S20 headphones have a stereo 3.5mm jack on each ear cup so the user can choose whether to ... More have the cable attached to the left or right side. Made In Southern California The 90mm planar magnetic drivers used in the LCD-S20 are assembled in Audeze's Southern California factory and include the company's patented innovations, such as Fluxor magnets, Fazor waveguides, plus Uniforce voice coils, which help ensure accurate, ultra-low distortion sound. Innovation is a word that's often misused, but the LCD-S20 with their combination of Audeze planar-magnetic drivers and SLAM technology with a groundbreaking closed-back design makes these headphones genuinely innovative by bringing together the sophistication of planar-magnetic sound in a closed-back design that sounds like a premium open-back pair of headphones. The Audeze LCD-S20 planar-magnetic headphones with SLAM technology are available now from the Audeze website and are priced at $499.
Forbes
16-06-2025
- Forbes
New SoundPeats Air5 Pro Earbuds Come With AI Powered ANC And Snapdragon Sound For $79
There are a couple of earbud makers who seem to consistently punch above their weight in terms of quality and value for money. The first is EarFun and the second is SoundPeats. The latter has just announced the launch of its latest high-quality wireless earbuds in the form of the SoundPeats Air5 Pro. Building on its award-winning and affordably priced lineup, the new Air5 Pro earbuds are a significant evolution for the brand with their high-performing features that take listening to what SoundPeats describes as 'flagship-level audio quality, intelligent noise control, and seamless wireless delivery.' The SoundPeats Air5 Pro are priced at just $79.99 but promise to deliver a 'rich, studio-grade listening experience.' These new earbuds are powered by a Qualcomm QCC3091 chip and support Snapdragon Sound technology, which is something of a surprise at this price point. At the heart of the Air5 Pro are 10mm composite dynamic drivers that create a full-bodied sound characterized with deep lows, forward mids and clear treble. Thanks to the new Bluetooth LE Audio and the hi-res LC3 codec, the Air5 Pro are suitable for for gaming and video streaming thanks to low levels of latency. Integration of LDAC and aptX Lossless audio codecs means these earbuds can compete with wired models. The Air5 Pro have SoundPeats' smartest and most powerful active noise cancelation to date. Equipped with AI-powered ANC, the Air5 Pro can reduce ambient noise by up to 55dB, an unusually high figure. The ANC automatically adjusts to the listener's surroundings and ear fit in real time. They also incorporating advanced wind noise reduction for cleaner sound when making calls. Six microphones enhanced by AI noise reduction and Qualcomm's cVc 8.0 capabilities mean calls should be both loud and clear wherever the call is taking place, even in windy outdoor conditions or on a busy street. The PeatsAudio smartphone app provides control of the sound experience with the Air5 Pro. The app can customize EQ settings, switch listening modes and access the firmware updates. The app includes a convenient 'Find My Earbuds' feature, making it easier to find those earbuds when you forget where you put them. A full charge of the Air5 Pro batteries will power the earbuds for up to 7.5 hours of continuous playback. There is an additional 37 hours of backup power in the charging case and a fast 10-minute charge will provide up to 2 hours of listening time. The Air5 Pro has an ergonomic and lightweight design with each earbud weighing just 4.8g. SoundPeats claims that the earbuds have a comfortable and secure fit, even for extended wear such as a long-haul flight. The Air5 Pro have been recognized with Japan's prestigious VGP 2025 Gold Award, one of the most esteemed honors in the country's AV industry. These hi-res earbuds with their AI-powered noise cancellation are designed to reveal every nuance of a recording without breaking the bank. The SoundPeats Air5 Pro wireless earbuds are available now from Amazon and priced at $79.99.
