headphone focus



Swan Song Audio has spent years studying the tonality of materials. This research has provided us with a patent on Tone Wood Headphones. Using this research we have created a headphone that appeals more to those who prefer the sonic presentation of speakers over headphones. They are designed to be used in a quiet environment and are not meant for travel.



headphone Design



Headphone design focuses on tonality, proven technology, and modularity.



tonality



Tonality is created by the size and materials utilized in the rear chamber.



Technology



50mm composite drivers are utilized due to their frequency response, durability, and ability to generate a back wave. Locking rugged 3.5mm connectors ensure a solid cable connection. Mogami Be Quiet cable reduces microphonics caused by the cable movement.



Modularity



There are four modules that comprise the headphones: the front housing, headband, rear chamber, and ear pads.



Front Housing



This module houses a 50mm composite driver and 3.5mm cable connectors. It provides the connection point to the ear pads, headband, and rear chamber. It is the same for all models. It is 3D printed from a PLA that is 75% stronger than standard PLA.



headband



The headbands are designed to align the 50mm drivers with the ear using minimal clamping force. Reducing the clamping reduces head strain allowing for a longer listening experience. They are available in three standard sizes, but can be printed to size. Connection to the front housing is via adjustment rods and adjustable angle plates. The printing material is the same PLA as the front module. The connecting rods and plates have the ability to add color.



Rear Chamber



The 50mm composite driver generates a back wave which is utilized by differing rear chambers to create differing listening experiences. Connection to the front housing is via 4 screws. Changing the rear chamber takes about 10 minutes and can be done by anyone with basic mechanical skills. Rear chambers are available for purchase, providing that a front housing has been purchased.



Ear Pads



The manner and space in which the sound waves expand affects the quality of the sounds. Our ear pads are based on horn technology and material science. Horn technology dictates the shape of the pad to allow the sound waves to move from a high to a low pressure area. Material science dictates that the material reflects rather than absorbs the sound waves. The pad works with the rear chamber to create the sound stage.



Wood choices



Tone woods are chosen for their ability to add emphasis to differing frequencies in the mid range. Tone woods also require differing volumes of air for them to be effective. There are three different headphone models with differing amounts and differing tone woods. This is done in order to appeal to the broadest market. Below is a listing of the woods that have broad appeal. Absent from the list is mahogany and cherry because they lack clarity in the cavity sizes used by the headphones.



Rosewood



Rosewood is a rich full sounding wood with an emphasis on the lower mid range. It works well with varying cavity sizes. All headphone models support Rosewood. Rosewood has to be balanced with a brighter material to balance the lower mid range emphasis.



Walnut



Walnut wood emphasizes the lower mid range but it is softer with less punch. It works well with larger cavity sizes such as Ethereal, not Transcend or Explorer. Walnut has to be balanced with a brighter punchier wood, such as maple, to balance the lower mid range emphasis.



Olive



Olive wood is a neutral wood that provides a nice base upon which to build. It makes a nice base to explore the tonality of other woods. Explorer provides the base for buyers to create their own sound. A small addition of Rosewood adds richness. In Explorer the absence of Rosewood and only the Maple back wall provides mid and upper mid range transient speed. Because of the brighter sounding PLA body, Olive wood does not work well with Transcend or Ethereal.



Maple



Maple adds emphasis to the upper mid range. It supports clarity and fast transient speeds. Maple is too bright to be used by itself. It works best when blended with woods that focus on the lower mid range. Because of the brighter sounding PLA body, maple by itself does not work with Transcend or Ethereal. In Ethereal, the maple inlay balances the lower mid range emphasis of walnut or rosewood. In Explorer, maple slows the tonality swings caused by differing woods.



Transcend


This is the smallest module. The name is derived from transcending the traditional headphone listening experience. Rosewood ports add tonality but not to the same levels as the other models. It is suitable for all forms of music. Color is available on the rear chamber.



Ethereal


Ethereal increases the complexity of chamber design and tonality. The name is derived from larger soundstage with soaring heights. The large rear chamber contains a printed tube port. Tonality is derived from the use of a walnut back wall with maple inlay. It is suitable for all forms of music. Color is available on the rear chamber.



Explorer


Explorer derives its name from the ability to explore the tonality of materials. The rear chamber is composed of user combinable wood rings in order to create tonality. Olive wood is a neutral base. Rosewood enhances the lower midrange. Maple enhances the upper midrange. The back wall is lasered maple. Various woods are available for purchase.



swan song audio



Designing and building low noise high performance audio products in America

info@swansongaudio.com