Audeze have a reputation from shattering ceilings and the beginning of August brings two exciting new products that are going to have a huge impact in two very different fields. The past 18 months have been very busy in S. California for one of the leading manufacturers of audiophile and gaming headphones and they’ve taken advantage of some patented technological breakthroughs to create a groundbreaking headphone for neuroscience and the high-end audio headphone category. The Audeze CRBN electrostatic headphones are finally here and you might want to run to CanJam SoCal in September to take a listen.
Electrostatic headphones are becoming a more popular niche within the high-end headphone category; STAX and Dan Clark Audio are two of the category leaders and they’re going to have a lot more competition soon. The Audeze CRBN electrostatic headphones are compatible with the STAX headphone amplifiers and that is going to broaden their appeal.
When I met privately with Audeze in a NYC hotel earlier this summer, I expected to try something unique like a brand new planar magnetic design, but I was not prepared for the two headphones utilizing their carbon nanotube technology which are designed for very different applications. The aforementioned CRBN headphones for MRI procedures are a huge breakthrough and I would not be surprised to see them used in hospitals across N. America in the near future.
Audeze’s first headphone integrating advanced electrostatic transducers and new patented carbon nanotube technology are on the more expensive side but once you hear them — you might not object.
The Journey
The concept and technology behind CRBN was originally developed to support neuroscience research, specifically to combat doctor and patient challenges when it comes to MRI machines. In working with Prof. Mark S. Cohen, UCLA School of Medicine, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and with SMRT Image, a leader in two-way audio-video communication technology for the medical, the objective was to apply noise cancellation, improve patient comfort, and enable better diagnostics within MRI applications.
Conventional headphone driver technologies such as moving coil, planar, and electrostatic cannot be easily used in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) applications due to the ferrous metals required in the headphone design.
Audeze engineers developed an innovative patent-pending driver solution using an ultra-thin film with carbon nanotubes suspended inside the film. The result is a unique driver that has uniform conductivity and is fully MRI compatible, improving patient comfort and communication between doctor and patient.
From Neuroscience to Audiophiles
From this technological advance, Audeze created one of the best sounding transducers. The Audeze CRBN headphones designed using our patent-pending carbon nanotube diaphragm offers extreme neutrality, very light weight, and has an amazingly accurate bass. The proprietary ultra-thin carbon nanotube diaphragm delivers an exceptional level of detail and immersion – it’s as though there’s nothing between you and your music.
The Audeze CRBN comes with newly designed leather earpads, carbon fiber suspension headband, and acetate rings, plus a specially designed premium electrostatic cable and travel case. The headphones are compatible with all STAX-type 580 volt amplifiers.
“CRBN headphones are a chance for us to make not only the best sounding headphones in the world, but headphones that have a purpose and measurable social impact” says Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram.
Key Features:
- 120 mm x 90 mm Audeze CRBN Electrostatic drivers
- Patented Carbon Nanotube diaphragms
- Lightweight
- Custom designed leather ear pads
- Premium electrostatic 5 pin DIN audio cable
Specifications
| Driver Type | Push-pull electrostatic |
| Headphone type | Open-back circumaural |
| Electrostatic capacitance | 100pF (including cable) |
| Functional bias voltage | Pro bias (580 V) |
| Termination | Standard 5-pin Pro bias connector |
| Driver size | 120 mm x 90 mm |
| Frequency response | 15Hz – 40 kHz |
| Diaphragm material | Custom made CRBN carbon nano-tube film |
| Earpad material | Leather |
| Weight | 300 grams |
Price & Availability
CRBN (MSRP $4,500) is now available for special order on the Audeze website or through select dealers and our international distributors.
ABOUT AUDEZE
Founded in 2008, Audeze is an award-winning premium technology company engineering the world’s most advanced audio solutions. Focused on science, innovation, and craftsmanship, Audeze’s precision audio extends from proprietary planar magnetic drivers and custom engineered transducers, to pristine sound reproduction and highly unique audio-centric applications. From discerning audiophiles to Grammy-winning recording engineers, top esports athletes to specialized medical facilities, Audeze has become one of the most respected audio companies in the world.
