Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 60 years, is expanding its R-Series line of professional open-back headphones with the introduction of the ATH-R30x Open-Back Reference Headphones. First previewed in January at the NAMM show, they join the ATH-R50x and flagship ATH-R70xa, both of which launched to rave reviews earlier this year. Open-back R-Series headphones provide a natural, spacious sound akin to that produced by a speaker monitor system, ideal for mixing, mastering, and creating in a studio or other private space. ATH-R30x headphones offer the natural R-Series open-back listening experience at an affordable price. Ideally suited for those working in a home studio, or anyone interested in exploring open-back sound, these headphones provide extremely accurate audio reproduction with a spacious soundstage that replicates live performance.

Fully open-back sound relies solely on the performance of the 40 mm drivers, with each diaphragm movement directly translating into sound—ATH-R30x headphones are engineered to eliminate internal resonances and provide extremely quick transient response to deliver an authentic open-air experience with minimal distortion. The spacious soundstage and audio clarity are the result of Audio-Technica transducer design with very little additional tuning or damping. High-efficiency magnets and pure alloy magnetic circuit design reduce distortion and ensure accurate and extended high-frequency response. Acoustically transparent, honeycomb-mesh housings provide a natural and spacious open-back sound.

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today launched a new addition to its illustrious VIRTUOSO headset line: the VIRTUOSO PRO open back streaming/gaming headset. Boasting state-of-the-art graphene driver technology and a striking open back design, VIRTUOSO PRO delivers true-to-life audio that rivals studio-grade headphones. Whether you're streaming, gaming, creating, or all three at once, you can hear what matters most with VIRTUOSO PRO.

VIRTUOSO PRO is tailor-made for streamers and gamers alike. Its airy open back ear cups create a natural, spacious sound stage, giving your games and media new dimension and realism. You're also tuned-in to your environment - you can speak and interact while wearing the headset just as you would normally. With VIRTUOSO PRO, streaming and content creation is more natural than ever.

Axel Grell was a guest speaker at the New York edition of CanJam 2023, and delivered a talk that expounded on the geometrical design of a headphone in relation to a listener's spatial perception of audio. Attendees of the expo were surprised to find that the ex-Sennheiser engineer had a new gizmo to show off on the show floor. The prototype headphone's origins are clearly linked to his research into the shape and directivity of sound fields, with the result being an unusual front-mounted driver orientation.

The super angled driver design will emphasize soundstage, which is an aspect vaunted by gamers in the search of the ideal headphone for competitive multiplayer sessions. Grell told attendees that the open-back prototype is 'version 1' and that it was constructed via a 3D printing process, he also added that the drivers are made from a biocellulose membrane. The chosen collaboration partner seems to be Drop (formerly Massdrop) and that a launch price of around $300 is being discussed.