Kali Audio has announced the launch of its new HP-1 over-the-ear DSP-powered headphones. Designed for mixing and studio use, the headphones offer a neutral and accurate representation of a mix. They can also let creatives hear how their work might sound on some of the most popular headphones in use today.
The HP-1 headphones feature three voicings: Studio provides a transparent and “accurate sound” that reproduces music faithfully. The next voicing is called Bass-Heavy and replicates the sound of headphones popular with hip-hop and EDM creators. Finally, consumers can reproduce the sound of popular headphones sold alongside many smartphones and computers.
The Three Voices
Users can switch between the three headphone voicings by pressing a button on the HP-1. An LED on the right ear cup changes color to indicate which tuning has been selected. A voice prompt also tells the user exactly which voicing they are listening to.
Although these are wireless headphones, there is the option of using a wired connection via a 3.5mm jack on the headphones. A suitable cable is included in the box. While a wired connection gives the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, the pair also work wirelessly with Bluetooth and there is support for SBC and AAC codecs.
As well as being a pair of studio headphones, the digital signal processor used in the HP-1 enables the headphones to sound like an all-around performer. Other features include active noise cancelling, wireless calling and physical playback buttons on the headphones that enable them to become part of a listener’s everyday listening habits.
The Kali HP-1 headphones are a closed-back design with a foldable yoke. Kali uses 40mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response of 18Hz to 22 kHz. The headphones have an internal and rechargeable battery can play for up to 40 hours on a full charge and can be recharged with the supplied USB-C cable. The HP-1 ship in a zippered carrying case that protects them when traveling.
Pricing and Availability:
The Kali Audio HP-1 headphones are available globally from kaliaudio.com and priced at $199 / £199 / €199.
Tech Specs:
- Type: Wireless/Wired.
- Style: Closed and foldable. .
- Fit: Circumnaural.
- Driver size: 40mm.
- Active Noise Cancelling: Yes.
- Frequency response: 18Hz – 22kHz.
- DSP latency: 17ms.
- DSP bypassable: No.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (AAC, SBC) / 3.5mm stereo plug.
- Charging: USB-C.
- Controls: Buttons.
- Built-in mic: Yes.
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion.
- Battery life: 40+ hours.
- Color: Black.
- Carrying case: Yes
- Replaceable earpads: Yes.
- Weight: 150g.
- Included: HP-1 headphone, USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm cable, 3.5mm to ¼-inch headphone adapter.
