KAM HP1 Reference
Headphones
KAM HP1 is designed to meet the various challenges artists and
engineers face in the process of recording and producing music.
The high level of detail, extended dynamic range, and comfort of
HP1 make listening to your favorite music a pleasure and allow
you to notice details you may have never noticed before .
Sound Quality
A
frequency response that extends beyond the entire human hearing
range is the starting point for HP1. Detailed, balanced, and
wholesome sound, combined with an extraordinary wide soundstage
enable the users to hear each instrument or part separately,
while the integration of the original performance is preserved.
Some headphones lend themselves to a particular type of music
because they accent certain frequency ranges. The neutrality of
HP1 makes it suitable for any genre from acoustic and classical,
to pop and rock, or even electronic. Professional engineers work
on many styles of music so their headphone should be capable of
such diversity as well.
While the primary target of HP1 is audio engineers and
musicians, the audiophiles who like to listen to music as it was
recorded and heard by those who created it, are in for a treat.
Closed Back Design,
High Sound Insulation and Output
Closed back design is almost a necessity for high quality
multi-track recording. When a vocalist listens to previously
recorded tracks, they should not leak into the vocal microphone.
Or when a drummer listens to click track and other instruments,
sound of his drums should not over power what he is trying to
listen and synchronize to. Also an engineer trying to mix a live
concert, should be able to “solo” the track he is trying to
adjust without much leakage from the room sound. In many of
these situations having the ability to increase the sound volume
of headphones for a short period of time is also a necessity.
HP1 is designed with all of these factors in mind. It provides
superb sound insulation with an efficient and powerful
transducer that can produce sufficient loudness even if the
headphone amp or mixer output is not loud enough for the
environment. Large circular ear pads covered with soft plastic
completely encircle the ears for maximum comfort and insulation.
So in most situations, compared to headphones with other designs
a lower level of playback is necessary to overcome ambient
sound.
Internal Sound Ports
A
drawback with many closed back headphones is lack of good bass
reproduction. Three types of tuned internal sound ports in HP1
(inside the ear cups) allow sound waves to travel between the
two sides of the transducer, thus allowing it to vibrate freely,
much like open back headphones, and to produce correctly
proportioned bass response.
The
uneven surface shape inside the ear cups scatters reflections
and helps to minimize standing waves.
The Transducer
The large 48mm transducer features a ribbed diaphragm. The ribs
provide more rigidity for the thin diaphragm so that the entire
surface can move together, minimizing distortion. A sound port
in the center of the transducer magnet prevents air from being
trapped in the dome over the voice coil. This allows free
movement of the voice coil, contributing to the warm and natural
sound of HP1.
Low nominal resistance of the transducer is integral to its high
efficiency. At any given output level, HP1 is considerably
louder than most headphones. Thus even small portable devices
can provide sufficient sound volume.
Comfort
Professional headphones need to be comfortable to accommodate
long hours of use. HP1 only weighs 220 grams (13.75 ounces) and
this small weight is evenly distributed to top and sides of the
head. The ear pads are covered with very soft plastic that is
pleasant to the touch and they are large enough that the ears
fit completely inside. So the weight of the headphones rests on
the head and not the ears. The height of the top band is self
adjusting so each time you put HP1 headphones on, they
immediately feel comfortable.
Durable Construction
Use of impact resistant material and modular construction ensure
longevity of HP1. Although made to last under demanding use,
cable, ear pads, transducers, or even the frame can be replaced
if something out of the ordinary happens to them. The
detachable cable with mini XLR connector helps to easily store
the headphones when not in use.
Specifications
Frequency Response: 10 Hz -35 kHz
Max. Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 110 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.2%
Nominal impedance: 32 Ω
Type: Closed Back, with internal sound ports
Ear Coupling: Around-the-ear
Transducer: 48mm dynamic, with center sound port
Cable Type: Single, detachable with Mini XLR connection
Cable Length: 10 feet
Plugs: 1/8 inch (3.5mm), and ¼ Inch (6.3mm) screw-on type
stereo plug, gold plated
Weight: 220 Grams, 13.75 ounces (without cable)
Features
Reference class headphones designed for monitoring recordings,
mixing, mastering, and critical listening
Detailed sound reproduction throughout the entire audible
frequency range with superb stereo imaging
Large and powerful transducer for extended dynamic range and
head-room during loud passages
Closed back design with internal ports for superb insulation
from external sound sources
Soft around-the-ear circular pads for comfort during extended
use
Detachable cable with mini XLR connector for easy storage and
replacement
Screw-on adapter plug for reliable connection
Caution:
Listening at loud sound levels for extended periods using any
device can damage hearing.
MSRP: $135
Parts & Service:
Ear pads: $5 / each
Internal wiring & soldering: $10
XLR Cable and adapter: $20
Transducer and housing: $35 / each
Frame: $45