Drop Teams Up with Audio Virtuoso Axel Grell to Revolutionize Headphones
In a groundbreaking collaboration that redefines the auditory landscape, Drop, a titan in community-driven e-commerce, has partnered with the esteemed audio maestro, Axel Grell. Together, they unveil the Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones, a design marvel set to recalibrate our expectations of sound.
Engineering Sound with Precision: The Birth of Drop + Grell OAE1
Harnessing over three decades of expertise, Axel Grell brings his storied history of crafting some of the most revered headphones in the industry to this new venture. The OAE1 model stands out with its innovative driver-forward, open-around-ear design. This approach isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a functional strategy to envelop the listener in a sound experience that mirrors a live performance.
The distinctive architecture of the OAE1 focuses on the strategic placement of its drivers—positioned not just beside but slightly in front of the listener’s ears. This unique setup utilizes the natural anatomy of the ear to channel sounds directly into the ear canal, mimicking the acoustics of a room filled with music. By minimizing acoustic reflections and effectively controlling sound pressure, the headphones achieve an impeccable stereo imaging, unveil intricate sound details, and offer an immersive listening experience that reveals every layer of the music.
Axel Grell on the Science of Sound
“The human ear is as unique as a fingerprint, and traditional headphones that press against the eardrum can be hit or miss,” explains Axel Grell. “Our design leverages the ear’s own geometry, allowing the brain to naturally balance the sound. This, combined with the open-around-ear design, means each note is delivered with clarity and depth, as pure as the artist intended.”
Cutting-Edge Features of the OAE1
The Drop + Grell OAE1 is not just about innovative design but also boasts impressive technical specifications:
- Frequency Response: From 12–32,000 Hz at -3db, extending up to 6–44,000 Hz at -10db
- Dynamic Transducer Principle for robust sound reproduction
- Circumaural Ear Coupling for maximum comfort and sound isolation
- Front Oriented Loudness with Diffuse Field Equalization for a balanced soundstage
- Individual Hearing Curve Adaptation through soundfield pinna interaction
- Nominal Impedance: 38 ohms
- Sound Pressure Level: 106 dB at 1kHz 1VRMS
- Maximum Input Power: 500mW for sustained quality audio output
- Low THD: 0.05% at 1kHz 100dB ensures audio purity
- Lightweight Design: Weighs just 365g without the cable, designed for extended use without fatigue
Availability and Pricing
In the words of Lukas Mondoux from Drop, “Bringing Axel’s visionary audio design to life with the OAE1 has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Given Axel’s stellar reputation and our community’s enthusiasm for high-quality audio products, we are excited to see how these headphones will be received.”
The Drop + Grell OAE1 Signature Headphones are a collector’s dream, with only 1,000 units available for pre-order at a special price of $349, down from the MSRP of $399.
