Tag: dsp

Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones First Look

Kali Audio HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today and we have these in for review.

The HP-1 has 3 voicings:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.

Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.

Check out the first look at these headphones which we really look forward to testing out and if you have any questions drop em in the comments section on YouTube and stay tuned for a full hands on review soon.

A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.

In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.

The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.

 

The Kali Audio HP-1 is  available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

Unboxing Video

Nearity Open Bluetooth Earbud MemPod Pro 2S Review

The Nearity Open Bluetooth Earbud MemPod Pro 2S are a neat pair of open-ear bluetooth transcription headphones that you can also listen to music on so these effectively are a hybrid product which would suit many people out there today. This works on device and can also transcribe phone calls if required.

The design is simple and there is a retractable mic which is handy and three buttons on the device itself all on one side keeping it all easy to use and there is a button on the mic to start and stop recording, the mic is not removable for those wondering.

The build quality is excellent and something akin to what you would find on open-ear sports earbuds and there is a cover on the charging port.

There is an app as you can see below and also the video review and again simple to use a nice simple UI and does not make life difficult at all and you can also switch between two devices.

One can argue our phones can now dictate but this device does it in a simple effective way with ease and with no real effort required some might argue that you are using another device which again true this acts more than just a dictation device and can be used for calls and music at home or on the go.

With the Nearify app you can get things done live in front of you and use ChatGPT to summarise again on the go or at home or in the office and me a useful gadget which I would use with the ability to connected to two devices which are always with me and that I work from..

The Nearify App

 

Features

  • Dual-Mode Recording: The MemPod Pro 2S works as a headset for calls, a music device, and a versatile recording device. It offers two modes: Phone Call and Normal recording. Start recording by easily controlling the Nearify application or long-press the mute button for 1 second. Designed for iPhone and Android users, it allows you to enable the recording function discreetly without notifying the other party. Perfect for clear audio during meetings, interviews, lectures, and note-taking.
  • Nearify — Your Smart Audio Recording Assistant: Nearify leverages the power of ChatGPT to bring you a next-level recording experience. Record, transcribe, and summarize effortlessly. Whether you’re on the go or offline, the app transcribes in English and Chinese, offering AI transcription and summarization for up to 480 minutes/month for free. With support for 97 languages, you can easily search, share, and manage your audio content. Recording and sharing are always free. Compatible with iPhone and Android.
  • Reliable Connection with Dongle: In addition to Bluetooth 5.3, our open-ear Bluetooth headphones now feature a Dongle for stable, low-latency audio on PC and Mac. The USB connection eliminates wireless interference, ensuring seamless meetings, gaming, and recording. It’s plug-and-play for quick setup and provides continuous power for extended use. With broad compatibility and reliable performance, it’s the perfect choice for dependable connectivity.
  • Crystal-Clear Calls with Advanced HiFi4 DSP： Experience superior noise cancellation with HiFi4 DSP and dual MEMS microphones. Whether you’re in a noisy office, bustling street, or crowded restaurant, our open ear headphones ensure crystal-clear voice pickup. ENC technology effectively filters background noise, so the person on the other end of the call hears you with exceptional clarity, as if you were speaking face-to-face.
  • Ultimate Comfort & Long Battery Life: With an open-ear design, our headphones provide comfort and safety while keeping you aware of your surroundings. Weighing just 31g and crafted from skin-friendly silicone, they offer a lightweight fit ideal for extended wear. Enjoy up to 15 hours of music playback or 12 hours of talk time on a single charge, combining all-day comfort with long-lasting battery life, so you stay connected without compromise.
  • Dual Connectivity: The MemPod Pro 2S open ear headphone can simultaneously connect to two devices. The multipoint connectivity allows for a seamless switching between two devices, like a phone and laptop, without the need to disconnect and reconnect. This boosts productivity by enabling multitasking, such as taking calls on one device while staying connected to another for media, and enhances convenience by eliminating the need for manual pairing.

BUY

Other headset reviews 

Video Review

Kali Audio Announces HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones

Kali Audio has announced the HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today.

The HP-1 has 3 voicings:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.

Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.

 

A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.

In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.

The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.

The Kali Audio HP-1 is  available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

Tech Review – HiFiMan Svanar Wireless Jr earbuds

The HiFiMan Svanar Wireless Jr earbuds are lets say their entry level of the series to their product portfolio with an unusual shape and case to boot these are quite a different take on earbuds but worth it in the end.W

With the case having a different shape to most again their design elements stand out like their earbuds on looks alone and I like this, I am known for my liking to quirky looking cases and earbuds but this is great it takes you away from an industry norm and the stand out and grab attention.

Does this take away from the brands key element though? Not at all and with no companion app either these are certainly ones to look at if you are an audiophile on a budget as now they are on sale.

The earbuds themselves are on the larger side and really built well and look great, everyone’s ears are different and even I struggle to get them on but with the comply foam tips that changed and I got a snug secure fit giving nme decent passive noise isolation out of the box.

The sound here is magnificent giving there is no app at all here and just three settings on the earbuds to control the ANC transparency and High Fidelity, these are noticeable too and not to be ignored and also ensure on your smartphone you active LDAC as you will miss out. Movies music and gaming is excellent here too and you will  not be disappointed no matter the source used with these in your ears.

There is no lag latency either or tinny sound when maxed out the volume is loud the audio is crisp and clean picking up symbols and a slight hint of other background sounds no matter the genre.

HIFIMAN Topology Diaphragm The “Topology Diaphragm” refers to a diaphragm that features a special Nano particle coating applied to its surface. The result is a more natural and detailed sound than what is typically achieved with True Wireless earphones.

Call quality is also fine here with no issues and you also have a decent battery life on board which is up to 32hrs which will vary per user and their settings. The controls work well although missing volume control and have all the other features as expected such as call control, skip/reverse tracks and voice assistant.

Overall if you want high fidelity audio on a next level and the pricepoint these should be on your radar with the level of technology given here.

 

HiFIMan Svanar Wireless Jr

  • Warmth and Luxury-DSP Algorithm Optimization, Independent Amplifier and Topology Diaphragm HD Bluetooth→DSP Algorithm Optimization→ Amplifier Module→Topology Diaphragm
  • Independent Class AB Balanced Headphone Amplifier Module Output Spec: 10mW@32Q,THD+N: 0.019% Maximum Output: 50mW@32Q,THD+N: 1%
  • HIFIMAN Topology Diaphragm The “Topology Diaphragm” refers to a diaphragm that features a special Nano particle coating applied to its surface. The result is a more natural and detailed sound than what is typically achieved with True Wireless earphones. The idea behind the new Topology Diaphragm was inspired by Dr.Fang Bian’s Ph.D. thesis that states, “Different Nano materials have differing structures and each of those materials have its own properties.”Therefore, by carefully controlling the diaphragm surface structure we can yield different results that are superior in acoustic performance to a degree previously unobtainable.
  • Support LDAC HD Bluetooth Format; Lossless Sound Quality Transmission
  • ANC Deep Noise Cancellation: Immerse yourself in your own world of sound. The microphone accurately identifies noise, generating a reverse signal that reduces noise up to -35dB.
  • 8hrs Uninterrupted listening; 32hrs Including the battery life of the charging case. Earbuds may be charged up to three times before needing to recharge the battery case.
  • Charging case designed to accommodate most silicone tips, including larger sizes. Most true wireless earphones cannot be charged when using larger-size silicone tips. The Svanar Wireless increases the internal space of the charging case, so there is no need to replace the silicone tips repeatedly when charging the earbuds. Inbox comes with 8 pairs of silicone tips.
  • BUY 

Video Review

SHURE introduces the compact MVX2U digital audio interface with powerful onboard DSP

Today, Shure launched the MVX2U Digital Audio Interface, a single-channel, XLR to USB solution designed to eliminate barriers to achieving professional level audio. Compact and discrete, the MVX2U’s integrated software provides access to the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop app for any XLR microphone with little to no setup and delivers up to +60dB of clean gain, perfect for the Shure SM7B, as well as phantom power for condenser microphones.

Ideal for streamers, podcasters, and content creators, the MVX2U is making extraordinary audio achievable for everyone, with robust Digital Signal Processing (DSP) at one of the most competitive prices on the market.

ShurePlus MOTIV for All

Boasting powerful, onboard DSP, the MVX2U interface delivers the customization and simplicity of the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop app to all condenser and dynamic XLR microphones, regardless of the manufacturer. With the MVX2U, users can transform their existing XLR mic into a USB powerhouse equipped with the tools required to take the guesswork out of achieving extraordinary audio.

The MVX2U ships in Auto Level Mode, which sets gain perfectly in real time, acting as a virtual audio engineer to adjust levels on the fly and provide audiences with a more consistent listening experience. This means creators can focus fully on their content, and not on their mic technique, resulting in less time editing, and more time creating. Auto Level Mode settings, presets, and additional parameters, including “vocal tone,” can be controlled through the MOTIV Desktop App.

Users seeking a more hands-on approach to their sound can also take advantage of additional features available in Manual Mode of the MOTIV Desktop app, including EQ, limiter, and compressor presets. Recurring firmware updates will also be available for the MVX2U, meaning the interface will continue to adapt to users’ needs.

Designed for Versatility 

The MVX2U has a compact form factor compatible with any XLR microphone and can be plugged directly into the XLR output of the mic or at the end of an XLR cable (in-line), giving users flexibility in how they implement the interface into their setup.

Without enough gain, your microphone cannot perform at its best. For this reason, MVX2U provides +60 dB of clean gain, enough to power gain-hungry microphones, such as the SM7B. The MVX2U also ships with Phantom Power enabled for those using a condenser microphone.

“The MVX2U is the most convenient and powerful solution for users looking to convert their XLR microphones to USB at this price,” shared Sean Sullivan, Associate Director of Global Product Management. “The integrated software is designed to be approachable to anyone – experienced professionals and those just starting their audio journey.”

The MVX2U Digital Audio Interface XLR to USB adapter is perfect for streamers, podcasters, content creators, musicians, and all those looking for a compact option to achieve a simple, professional, and fully customizable audio setup. Whether you are using the iconic SM7B or any other XLR microphone, the MVX2U Digital Audio Interface can provide enough gain, phantom power, and DSP control for your needs.

In the box, users will find the MVX2U Digital Audio Interface, a 1m USB-C to USB-C cable, and a printed quick-start guide to help begin using the MVX2U.

Pricing and Availability 

The new Shure MVX2U is now available on Shure.com and at select retailers for RRP £135.