Gabrian's

Closed Back Design, High Sound Insulation and Output:

Closed back design is almost a necessity for high quality multi-track recording. When a vocalist listens to previously recorded tracks, they should not leak into the vocal microphone. Or when a drummer listens to click track and other instruments, sound of his drums should not over power what he is trying to listen and sync to. Also an engineer trying to mix a live concert, should be able to “solo” the track he is trying to adjust without much leakage from the room sound. In many of these situations having the ability to increase the sound volume of headphones for a short period of time is also a necessity. HP1 is designed with all of these factors in mind. It provides superb sound insulation and an efficient and powerful transducer that can produce sufficient loudness even if the headphone amp or mixer output is not loud enough for the environment. Large circular ear pads covered with soft plastic completely encircle the ears for maximum comfort and insulation. So in most situations, a lower level of playback is necessary compared to headphones with other designs.

A drawback with many closed back headphones is lack of good bass reproduction. Three types of tuned internal sound ports in HP1 (inside the ear cups) allow sound waves to travel between the two sides of the transducer, thus allowing it to vibrate freely, much like open back headphones, and to produce correctly proportioned bass response. Furthermore the uneven surface shape of inside the ear cups helps to minimize standing waves.

The large 48mm transducer features a ribbed diaphragm. The ribs provide more rigidity for the thin diaphragm so that the entire surface can move together, minimizing distortion. A sound port in the center of the transducer magnet prevents air from being trapped in the dome over the voice coil. This allows free movement of the voice coil, contributing to the warm and natural sound of HP1.

Low nominal resistance of the transducer is integral to its high efficiency. At any given output level, HP1 is considerably louder than most headphones. Thus even small portable devices can provide sufficient sound volume.

Durable Construction

Use of impact resistant material and modular construction ensure longevity of HP1. Although made to last under demanding use, cable, ear pads, transducers, or even the frame can be replaced if something out of the ordinary happens to them. The detachable cable with mini XLR connector helps to easily store the headphones when not in use.

Comfort

Professional headphones need to be comfortable to accommodate long hours of use. HP1 only weighs 220 grams (13.75 ounces) and this small weight is evenly distributed to top and sides of the head. The ear pads are covered with very soft plastic that is pleasant to the touch and they are large enough that the ears fit completely inside. So the weight of the headphones rests on the head and not the ears. The height of the top band is self adjusting so each time you put HP1 headphones on, they immediately feel comfortable.