Kali Audio has announced the HP-1, its first over-ear DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC, promising users ‘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 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18Hz-22kHz. 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 carrying case for travel.
There are three voicing options avilable: Studio offers transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully; Bass-Heavy replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans, and Consumer replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside smartphones and computers.
Users can switch between the three voicings with the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change colour to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know what they are currently hearing.
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 studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on-thego.
In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be an all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling and physical playback controls on the headphones invites users to make general use of them in everyday life.
The Kali Audio HP-1 is available globally now at an SRP of US$199/£199/€199.