The Biggest Headphone Announcements from NAMM 2024
Courtesy of NAMM
NAMM 2024, was a significant event for music industry professionals, offering opportunities for networking, learning, and discovering the latest in music gear and technology. With over 3,000 brands from 101 countries, it may have been easy to get lost in action on the conference floor. Never fear.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the latest developments in headphone technology, and showcase some of the best companies and their latest headphone products from NAMM 2024.
1. Sony - MDR-MV1
Courtesy of Sony
The Sony MDR-MV1 Studio Headphones are designed for professional mixing and mastering, offering high-resolution audio clarity and a neutral frequency response from 5 Hz to 80 kHz.
With a lightweight construction and soft, breathable earpads, the aluminum build is perfect for extended sessions. Moreover, these open-back headphones are precision-tuned to deliver unparalleled spatial accuracy, ideal for spatial and stereo sound reproduction, using advanced signal processing to minimize internal reflections.
Sony’s High-Resolution Audio capability ensures pristine clarity, and specially developed HD driver units provide minimal distortion, as well as rich bass without coloration. They come with detachable cables featuring a premium 6.3 mm stereo plug and an adapter for 3.5 mm mini jack devices, making them versatile and easy to use in professional settings.
2. Meters - OV-1-B
Courtesy of Meters
At NAMM 2024, be sure to check out a demo of Meters’ OV-1-B. Embedded in each ear cup of the OV-1-B, you’ll find a distinctive VU meter. These meters are not just aesthetic; they’re functional too.
Controlled via an app, the meters on the OV-1-Bs light up in customizable colors and brightness options. While visually striking, these reminders of classic hi-fi equipment also serve a practical purpose, allowing parents and partners to monitor the volume levels for the user and introduce more safety and awareness to headphone users.
The OV-1-Bs have been designed for comfort, with an over-ear layout, a 40mm internal driver, and external controls for ease of use. They perform well acoustically, providing a finely balanced sound with a wide soundstage, making them versatile for both on-the-go use and dedicated music systems.
3. Sennheiser - HD 490 PRO + HD 490 PRO Plus
Courtesy of Sennheiser
Sennheiser has launched the HD 490 PRO and HD 490 PRO Plus, open-back reference studio headphones. They feature precise sound reproduction, a wide soundstage, and cater to producing, mixing, and mastering needs.
Key elements include a wide frequency response (5 – 36,000 Hz), open-mesh ear cup covers, and angled transducers for realistic sound emulation. The headphones come with two types of ear pads for different sound preferences and include a free license for the dearVR MIX-SE plugin. They offer ergonomic design, braille on the headband, and a patented cable coil structure to reduce noise transmission.
The primary difference between the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO and the HD 490 PRO Plus is in the additional accessories included with the PRO Plus version. While both models offer the same high-quality audio experience, the PRO Plus version includes extra accessories such as a longer 3m headphone cable, a transport case, and an extra fabric headband pad.
Check them out for yourself at NAMM 2024, and see if these headphones provide a comprehensive, high-quality solution for your music production challenges.
4. Audeze - CRBN
Courtesy of Audeze
Originally created as a medical device for MRI applications, the Audeze CRBN electrostatic headphones are on the bleeding edge of headphone tech. They feature a patent-pending polymer film with suspended carbon nanotubes.
The drivers measure 20mm x 90mm, ensuring uniform force distribution across the diaphragm, leading to reduced distortion and enhanced audio clarity. At only 470 grams, the CRBN headphones are among the lightest in their class. Constructed from magnesium, carbon fiber, and premium leather, the design is both elegant and functional, with polished marbled graphite acetate rings and hand-stitched leather details.
They’re versatile, supporting "Stax Pro Bias" 580 Volt amplifiers. Priced at $4,500, these headphones come with a premium aluminum travel case and a certificate of authenticity. You’ll just have to try them out for yourself on the show floor.
5. beyerdynamic - MMX Wireless Gaming Headset
With the launch of the MMX 200, beyerdynamic has expanded its MMX gaming product range, making it ideal for PC and console gaming enthusiasts.
Courtesy beyerdynamic
The headset features Augmented Mode, low latency, and Hybrid Mode with Bluetooth 5.3, offering great performance and flexibility. The MMX 200 wireless is designed for a superior gaming experience, with 40mm studio driver systems providing a clear, comprehensive soundscape for gaming, voice communication, music, and movies.
Augmented Mode blends ambient sounds with in-game audio, enhancing environmental awareness. Hybrid Mode allows the headset to simultaneously connect to two devices using different connection technologies. Users can seamlessly switch between audio sources without needing to manually disconnect from one device to connect to another.
The Meta Voice microphone, with its 9.9mm capsule, ensures lifelike voice transmission and suppresses ambient noise. The headset's smart features include an easy-to-use control wheel for volume adjustment, mute function, and access to augmented Mode.
Designed for extended gaming sessions, the headset guarantees comfort with its new earpad shape and memory foam-filled faux leather headband with an aluminum bracket.
6. Ultimate Ears Pro - IEM Series
Courtesy Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears Pro is set to introduce a new line of universal fit in-ear monitors (IEMs) at the NAMM show. This line, featuring the UE PerForm Fit design, is tailored for aspiring musicians seeking their first high-quality IEMs.
The series includes three models: UE 150, UE 250, and UE 350, each designed for comfort, exceptional sound quality, and durability.
The PerForm Fit design minimizes ear fatigue and irritation while maximizing sound quality and isolation, offering a secure and comfortable fit during performances. This design aims to replace traditional on-stage monitors, which can contribute to long-term hearing loss.
Each model caters to different needs and preferences:
UE 150 a basic model with a single dynamic speaker, offering a neutral, clear sound without frequency enhancement.
UE 250: Ideal for those requiring more bass (like drummers and bassists), featuring dual drivers and a two-way crossover for a tight bass response and detailed highs.
UE 350: Suitable for a wide range of music with three drivers and a two-way crossover, providing clarity, volume, and smoothness across the frequency range for a more "live" audio experience.
The new IEMs come with a carry case, foam or silicone ear tips, and a 50-inch IPX T2 cable.
7. Avantone Pro - Planar the II
Courtesy of Avantone
Avantone Pro has recently launched the Planar the II, an innovative addition to their high-end audio gear lineup, designed especially for music professionals. These open-back, reference-grade headphones are not just an upgrade but a complete overhaul of the previous Planar model.
The Planar the II stands out with its advanced planar driver technology, which uses a matrix of neodymium magnets for evenly distributed force, minimizing harmonic distortion and ensuring rapid response times. The sound quality is a significant highlight, offering a detailed, balanced audio profile with a frequency range of 30Hz–30kHz. Perfect for various professional applications like mixing, mastering, tracking, podcasting, and streaming.
The Planar the II headphones are lighter than their predecessor, with cozy ear pads and an open-back design to eliminate pressure buildup or acoustic resonance. The set also includes a high-grade, removable, 2-meter 3.5 mm cable, adaptable for different workflows and preferences.
With features like a noise-free cable to prevent RF interference and a lighter build for increased comfort, these headphones are set to be a favorite among audio professionals seeking top-notch sound quality and comfort.
8. Hed Technologies + HEAR360 - Unity
Courtesy HED Unity
Hed Technologies and HEAR360 have joined forces to create Unity, a revolutionary wireless headphone that sets a new standard in audio experiences. Unity is the first of its kind to feature "Full-Fidelity" streaming, providing true lossless audio over Wi-Fi with the support of HEAR360’s Spatial Audio Engine. This innovation offers listeners hi-res lossless audio with unlimited wireless range and head-tracked spatial audio, all in one product.
Unity's onboard Wi-Fi streams lossless audio directly, showcasing detailed and nuanced sound without the drawbacks of compression. The headphones also offer the flexibility to switch between high-resolution lossless audio via Wi-Fi, lossy audio via Bluetooth, or a direct signal via a wired dongle, all enhanced with immersive spatial audio.
Designed to work seamlessly with existing content libraries and streaming platforms, Unity aims to deliver a premium, uncomplicated listening experience. The accompanying Unity app provides features like ANC, head-tracking, channel gain, and EQ presets.
Debuting at NAMM 2024, Unity promises unparalleled sound quality in the wireless headphone market, embodying what Hed Technologies and HEAR360 call "better than high fidelity – Full-Fidelity."
The introduction of new technologies like "Full-Fidelity" streaming and advancements in spatial audio have set new standards in sound quality and user experience. This year's show will be another great demonstration of the industry's commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology, providing professionals and enthusiasts alike with exciting new tools to enhance their listening and make the world sound incredible.
