Drop dives into driver geometry on Axel Grell’s OAE1 signature headphones, unveiling insights.

In the realm of audio, perception is everything. No two ears are alike, and that’s why understanding how sound is perceived and what factors influence that perception is crucial. With this in mind, Drop collaborated with Axel Grell to develop the OAE1 Signature headphones, delving deep into the intricacies of sound perception. The result? A unique design that takes into account the natural equalizing effect of our ears.

The OAE1 Signature headphones boast a distinctive geometry and driver placement, strategically utilizing the structure of the pinna (the external part of the ear) to guide soundwaves into the ear canal. Unlike most headphones on the market, which sit close to the ear and bypass the pinna’s shaping function, the OAE1 Signature positions its transducers further forward and angled back towards the ear. This allows the soundwaves to envelop the pinna, leading to an increase in spectral information and a more authentic sound experience for the listener.

If you’ve been a headphone enthusiast for some time, you might recall AKG’s K1000 headphone, which employed a similar principle. The K1000 featured adjustable hinges that allowed users to customize the driver angle, resulting in a more natural soundfield that accommodated the pinna. However, this open baffle design lacked in low-end response due to its lack of seal around the ear. The OAE1 Signature addresses this issue by incorporating an acoustic baffle, enabling both a natural sound field and impressive low-end bass response.

When it comes to listening to sound from natural sources like concerts or stereo speakers, we rarely experience sound solely coming from the far left or far right. Typically, the sound we hear comes from the front, or we instinctively turn our heads in that direction. Unfortunately, most headphones fail to replicate this natural experience. Their speakers are usually positioned perpendicular to an imaginary axis through both ears, resulting in a sound field that mimics voices or instruments placed directly on this axis. In other words, the sound appears to come from the far left or far right.

The Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature headphones take a different approach. The speakers are positioned at an angle, with their bio-cellulose diaphragms radiating sound waves as if they were a source in front of the listener. This clever positioning aligns with the direction of sound incidence, reminiscent of well-placed loudspeakers optimized for stereo reproduction.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature headphones, as we continue to explore the fascinating world of sound perception and push the boundaries of audio technology.

Background Information

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About AKG: AKG is an Austrian brand famous for its high-quality audio equipment, including headphones and microphones. They are known for their excellent sound quality and are often used in professional audio recording and broadcasting settings.