An Audeze Evolution – The Mobius Head-Tracking Planar
Its a direction for headphones that many have talked about, but few actually took a proper leap into. Utilizing head tracking for better, more convincing room emulation has been toyed with in more than one combination historically and was a focus for much of the ancillary efforts by DSP and headphone manufacturers at CES this year who are justifiably looking to move toward more three dimensional audio. Most of those executions lacked a price point and end-to-end 3D audio solution like Audeze’s newest proposal does however. In theory the Mobius ($199, intro) should cram the portability of wireless listening along with head tracking (and room DSP) into a single solution that should sound more “real” to the mainstream listener than ever before.
The spec list outlined in the PR release digs deep – especially in the Bluetooth department – and even offers support for the LDAC codex (an aptX-HD competitor). The Sony-developed LDAC boasts transfer rates spec’d up to “990 kbit/s at 24bit/96khz” according to Wikipedia‘s take on the subject. Further down that same list we also find anatomy calibration, which in this case is a variable that allows for optimal presentation of the 3D sonic illusion by adjusting for varying sizes of heads and ears. Along with simulated sound localization and room emulators, the new Mobius promises a binaural experience taken to the next level. The all-in-one system even allows for up to 7.1 surround sound signals, USB-C/A and good ‘ol 3.5mm analog.
So where is all this cutting edge tech heading? Audeze has their aim set squarely on a slightly bigger market for this new planar – the gaming community. Sound localization gives FPS (first person shooter) and competitive gamers an edge while playing. The more precisely they can tell where a sound is coming from, the quicker they can react in the appropriate direction. But that won’t be the only application for all this acoustic wonderment, surround sound movie watching, VR and arguably a wave of binaural content creation to accompany self-shot video is soon on the way.
The intro pricing of the Mobius really bucks the equation for the quality-established brand. A planar driver + wireless headphone + head tracking tech = $199, Audeze is clearly looking to break into the lucrative market with a sledgehammer of value. Based on the press release it looks like retail pricing will jump to a more realistic $399 after some point in time, but early bird investors on Indiegogo will have their go at it out of the gate.
Shipping is expected for June of this year, more details and full press release after the jump.
More info: igg.me/at/audeze-mobius and Audeze.com
“Audeze Introduces Mobius: First Immersive Cinematic 3D Audio Headphone Designed Specifically for Gaming
Mobius Harnesses Award Winning Planar Magnetic Technology Combined with Leading-Edge Head-Tracking, Room Emulation, And Sound Localization Technologies to Unlock the Full Potential of Gaming Audio
SANTA ANA, CA – March 14, 2018 — Audeze, the world’s leading manufacturer of planar magnetic headphones, today announced Mobius, the first premium high-end, fully immersive 3D cinematic audio and head tracking-enabled headphone designed specifically for gamers. Mobius is available to pre-order now on Indiegogo with early-bird, introductory pricing starting at $199 (retail value $399).
Audeze headphones have achieved worldwide acclaim among music industry professionals and audiophiles alike for their pure, spacious, and highly detailed sound and for innovation which has kept them on the cutting-edge of audio technology for a decade. With Mobius, Audeze is bringing their award-winning audiophile sound to the gaming world. Conceived under the steadfast belief that audio quality should never be compromised for the sake of utility, Mobius will be the first headphone to provide the unsurpassed level of detail, clarity, and positional accuracy afforded by planar magnetic drivers in a feature-rich package oriented specifically around the needs of both professional and casual gamers.
Mobius features full 3D emulation with support for surround sound modes along with a fully integrated 3D head-tracking system that interfaces seamlessly with today’s most popular video games. Coupled with state-of-the-art room emulation technology and anatomy calibration, Mobius is truly optimized for the way your brain processes sound, in a manner consistent with real-world listening. This means that you will be able to hear your gaming opponent sneaking up behind you as clearly as though they were in the room with you!
The headphones’ advanced technology and lightweight ergonomic design, delivers comfortable, long-term use and reduced listening fatigue. This comfort is enhanced by the inclusion of fully replaceable, contoured memory foam ear pads and an adjustable, durable, memory foam padded headband.
Mobius also comes with a flexible and detachable boom microphone with built-in noise attenuation, mute/unmute functionality, and independent microphone volume control in order to provide crystal-clear voice quality. This allows users to dictate team strategy without having to worry about the details getting lost in translation.
“Audeze has raised the bar for premium audio quality and innovation based on our award winning planar magnetic technology. It’s a standard that impresses the most ardent audiophiles,” said Sankar Thiagasamudram, founder and CEO of Audeze. “There is really no medium that can benefit more from our product than gaming, so we’re setting our sights on establishing the best headphones in the gaming industry today. We think Mobius is going to change the way people experience games and may just give them an edge in head-to-head play.”
An extremely powerful, fully customizable headphone, Mobius is on the cutting edge of audio technology, offering gamers top tier technologies:
- Planar magnetic audio quality
- 3D Audio (7.1, 5.1, 5.0, 2.1, 2.0) + Ambisonics Support
- Integrated low latency head tracking
- 3D sound localization
- Room emulation
- Anatomy calibration
- Bluetooth enabled (AAC, LDAC)
- USB-C, USB-A and 3.5mm analog
- 10+ Hours of battery life
Mobius is not just the world’s most innovative gaming headphone, it is a truly immersive, mixed media platform. With fully-integrated surround sound functionality, you can immerse yourself into your favorite movies to a degree that will rival even the experience of being inside a theater.
The optional Mobius Creator Package comes bundled with the latest 3D audio plugins from Waves, including the B360 Ambisonics Encoder and the NX Virtual Mix Room; both crucial tools for anyone working with Virtual and Augmented Reality applications.
Audeze expects to start shipping units beginning in June, 2018. For more information about the campaign and to order Mobius, visit igg.me/at/audeze-mobius or audeze.com.
About Audeze
Advancing Headphone Technology – Audeze LLC is a California-based premium audio manufacturer delivering the most accurate sound reproduction available today. Audeze products are engineered with the latest innovations in materials science and technology matched with precision craftsmanship. Audeze’s commitment to research and development is reflected in every facet of their critically acclaimed products.”
