Drop has teamed up with audio pioneer Axel Grell to introduce a groundbreaking advancement in audio technology with the Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones. Leveraging Grell’s extensive expertise in audio engineering and product development, these headphones could represent a significant leap forward in stereo imaging and audio engineering, aiming to revolutionize the way people experience sound.
The Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones are designed to offer a more natural and immersive audio experience, drawing inspiration from the intricate structure of the human ear. Unlike traditional headphones, these driver-forward, open-around-ear headphones feature a unique placement of the drivers in front of and away from the ears.
This innovative design allows the headphones to leverage the natural geometry of the ear to direct sound into the ear canal, resulting in a sound field that closely mimics the experience of listening to speakers in a room.
Axel Grell, with over three decades of experience in audio engineering, explains the philosophy behind this groundbreaking design: “Our ears are as individual as fingerprints, so when you put a driver right on top of the eardrum like most headphones do, it will sound good for some and bad for others,” shares Grell.
“By positioning the driver in front of the ear, we’re bringing the natural geometry of the ear into the sound forming process, allowing the brain to equalize the sound. Combined with its open-around-ear design, these signature headphones create a rich and pure, unrivaled audio experience that will give you goosebumps.”
Key specs of the Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones include a frequency response range of 12-32,000 Hz (-3db), a dynamic transducer principle, and a nominal impedance of 38 ohms. With a weight of 365g (without cable), these headphones offer both comfort and performance, making them suitable for extended listening sessions.
Lukas Mondoux, representing Drop, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “To be able to bring Axel’s audio vision to life at Drop with the OAE1 is incredibly gratifying,” said Mondoux at Drop.
“Other products touched by Axel's genius have been among the most popular and well-rated among audio afficionados and our Drop community for years, so we have no doubt this new level of natural, pure audio will delight audiophiles.”
Drop + Grell OAE1 Technical Specifications:
The Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones are a limited-edition release, with only 1,000 pieces available. They are priced at $349 for pre-order, with an MSRP of $399.
Pre-order period begins on May 9, offering all interested enthusiasts the opportunity to secure these innovative headphones before they sell out.
