The audio community is far from perfect, but it has a long history of taking care of its own. Much of that support happens behind the scenes through donations, replacement equipment, introductions and favors that readers will never hear about. Some people are more generous than others, but when a respected small company gets knocked flat, the community usually responds.
Capra Audio now needs that help. According to a GoFundMe organized by family friend Morgan Andreychuk, Brian Hayden and his family were forced to take refuge on the second floor of their West Virginia home before being rescued at 2 a.m. The flooding reportedly submerged their vehicles, 3D printers, servers and much of the inventory used to operate Capra Audio.
The company has earned a strong reputation within the headphone community for its replacement comfort headbands and 3D-printed headphone designs. A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family rebuild both its home and livelihood.
The disaster comes only days after a major fire caused extensive damage to Artnovion, the Portuguese manufacturer of acoustic treatments for high-end audio, home theater and professional spaces. The July 15 fire destroyed one building in its Sobrosa warehouse complex after the roof collapsed, although no injuries were reported.
Different countries. Different disasters. The same reminder that behind every specialist audio brand are real people, families and livelihoods that can disappear in a matter of hours.
Who Is Capra Audio?
We’ve all been there: you unpack a new pair of headphones and love the way they sound, but they’re too uncomfortable to wear for more than 10 minutes. You return them, find a comfortable pair, and breathe a sigh of relief. Then disaster strikes a year later: the headband tears, disintegrates, or otherwise fails.
Capra Audio began as a one-man operation created to give headphone owners the freedom to repair failed headbands while improving comfort in the process. The company now offers an impressive range of replacement and upgraded headbands at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Who Cares About Headbands?
You may never have experienced a failed headphone headband, but companies like Capra Audio still matter. Headphone manufacturers are under no obligation to sell replacement headbands or continue offering them once a model has been discontinued.
Capra Audio’s aftermarket solutions are valuable not only from a comfort perspective, but also from an ownership one. Rather than throwing away an otherwise functional pair of headphones because a simple, inexpensive part has failed, owners can replace the headband and extend the life of their headphones considerably.
More Than Just Headbands
Capra Audio is run by one person: Brian Hayden. A genuine headphone enthusiast, his work extends well beyond designing improved replacement headbands. Brian also creates complete headphones from scratch and releases the designs for free.
Anyone with access to a 3D printer can download the files and build the headphones at home. Capra Audio currently offers five models through Printables.com, including the notable Satyr 4.
3D printed headphones, or DIY headphones in general, will not appeal to everyone, but they can be a lot of fun to build and modify. If you already own a 3D printer and have some spare cash for dynamic drivers and the necessary hardware, why not give one a shot?
How Can You Help?
Capra Audio is not a giant corporation with warehouses full of replacement inventory. It is Brian Hayden, his family, and a small business that has earned the trust of headphone enthusiasts by solving problems larger manufacturers often ignore.
The GoFundMe has already raised over $19,000 toward its $30,000 goal through 202 donations, but there is still considerable ground to cover. The money will help with relocation, essential equipment, lost inventory, and rebuilding both the family home and Capra Audio.
Donations matter, but sharing the fundraiser can also put it in front of someone who is able to help. The audio community takes care of its own. This is one of those moments when showing up actually matters.
Donate or share the Capra Audio GoFundMe.
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