If you haven’t heard about EVEN adaptive sound technology headphones, you’re about to from the CEO Danny Aaronson. EVEN headphones offer revolutionary sound by customizing the sound to the user’s EarPrint. Much like a prescription pair of glasses, EVEN headphones are like a prescription headset to deliver the best sounding audio to the listener. Are you EVEN ready?
What is the first thing users will notice wearing EVEN headphones?
Users will immediately realize they’ve never heard sound like this before. What sets EVEN headphones apart is they’re built with EarPrint technology that adapts sound to the unique way people hear, in each ear. Users will notice the difference between what they hear with the EarPrint technology compared to what they’re used to hearing – the sound is clearer, much more balanced and less muffled. While larger legacy brands market non-audio-related upgrades, such as connectivity and noise cancellation, EVEN is turning the industry on its head by focusing on the listener and giving them a sound experience that is customized to their own hearing.
What do you believe is the first thing people notice about higher quality audio in general?
In general, no matter how high quality a pair of headphones is, the best audio experience is personalized. The first thing people notice about personalized audio is that it gives them a listening experience they may never have had before, or may not have heard in a long time. For example, when people hear their favorite song or play their favorite game with the EarPrint technology for the first time, they immediately understand its value. With EVEN headphones, it’s possible for gamers to re-discover sound effects and hear gameplay nuances they’ve been missing all along.
Are there other companies that you feel produce similar quality audio or share your philosophy/passion for true quality audio?
There were no other companies that shared our passion for high-quality audio when we launched our first pair of EVEN headphones in 2016. We were the first company to bring adaptive sound to the personal audio market by focusing on the unique way people hear, in each ear. We know we are at the forefront of developing software and personal audio products that dynamically adapt sound, and in fact, there aren’t many companies yet addressing the need for a customized audio experience at all. But we’re pleased to see an increased focus on personalized audio experiences in general and, given the impact we’ve had on listeners, we believe this will become a standard for every audio product in the future.
Is EarPrint technology applicable to other audio experiences (concert halls or theater systems)?
Yes, EarPrint technology is applicable to every instance where we experience hearing sound through personal audio devices, whether that’s listening to a game played through a console, music through Spotify or movies through theater systems or Netflix. Individual hearing is as unique as a fingerprint, yet personal audio has, until now, been one sound fits all. At EVEN, we are reinventing the personal audio industry by setting a standard in which catered and personalized sound should be the prerequisite for any personal audio product.
Can a person’s EarPrint change over time?
Yes, a person’s EarPrint can change over time. Our hearing is imperfect, unbalanced, and changes through the years from noise exposure, age and genetics. That’s why the EVEN EarPrint process can and should be easily repeated – so the headphones can “adapt” as your hearing changes. The EVEN companion app also allows you to store multiple EarPrints because the way you hear changes based on your circumstances as well. For example, the way you hear on your train commute or on a plane will be different than in your living room. You can have one EarPrint while you are sitting quietly at home and one when you are commuting in a noisy bus or subway.
If it’s not a trade secret, how are EVEN headphones able to adapt to EarPrint better than say someone who is well practiced at adjusting equalization levels?
Our secret is that EVEN headphones are created by a veteran group of well-practiced sound designers, acoustic engineers, mastering technicians and audiologists. I myself am a classically trained musician and composer, and after working as a commercial sound designer for over 20 years, hearing and listening have been a fundamental part of my life. At EVEN, we create “Glasses for your ears™.”
Think about it, when you are fitted for prescription eyeglasses, you are presented with a system of visual cues to react to that measure your eyesight. The EVEN EarPrint works in a similar way, but for sound, with two distinct processes: diagnostic and compensation.
From a diagnostic perspective, “Sarah” (EVEN’s audio guide) talks you through a 90-second, self-administered, threshold of hearing test (the standard Audiometry test) to create a personal audio profile, or in EVEN parlance, an EarPrint, which is a snapshot of your hearing profile based on your perception of 8 different frequencies in each ear. You can see a visual representation of your unique EarPrint in EVEN’s companion mobile app. The app also allows you to store multiple EarPrints because the way you hear changes based on your circumstances (for example, the way you hear on your commute vs. at home). You can also store other people’s EarPrints and hear the differences between your hearing profiles.
The second aspect of our unique technology is the compensation, which are patented algorithms that compensate for specific frequencies in each ear, in real time, based on the user’s EarPrint.
Is there a possibility, or any plans, to create a gaming headset?
EVEN headphones are made for every instance in which we hear sound through a personal audio device, and while we have no plans to create a headset specifically for gaming just yet, EVEN is already ideal. The personalized sound creates more immersive gameplay, and makes players feel like they’re really in the game.
What tricks do you notice other companies use to seem like they have high quality audio?
Other companies trick consumers with splashy marketing campaigns, but cheap products. Rather than invest in creating a superb listening experience, they spend money creating hype around their brand to acquire customers. Contrary to what many consumers believe, large headphone and earbud brands are all the same, and a legacy brand name does not mean a better listening experience. It means a terrible sound experience that can have a detrimental effect in the long term. Our mission at EVEN is to challenge the basic precepts of the audio industry – we think it’s time our ears get the attention and love they deserve.
How do you distinguish/classify what actually sounds good versus what is made to seem like it sounds good?
At EVEN we classify personalized sound as the unparalleled, highest standard listening experience. We customize sound for the way you hear, in each ear – that’s what makes sound as good as it can get. No matter how stylish, expensive or high quality any pair of headphones is, if it isn’t personalizing sound to the way you hear, you aren’t getting the listening experience you deserve.
What do you think about open ear and bone conducting headphones? Are they actual innovations, or potential innovations, or simply gimmicks?
I think open ear and bone conducting headphones are not mass market solutions. They’re super niche products. I wouldn’t say they’re gimmicks, but in my estimation they will remain on the fringes.
What songs/sounds do you use to test audio quality/what should a person first listen to when trying EVEN headphones?
Play and listen to your favorite game after taking the EarPrint test. You’ll immediately hear the difference, understand the value of EVEN technology, and appreciate personalized sound.
Is vinyl the best source to get the best audio quality of a song?
The best source to get the best audio quality of a song is subject to opinion, but the absolute best way to hear a song is when it’s customized to the way you hear. There’s nothing like the magic of personalized sound to help you get more from the games and music you love.
To get more details on EVEN headphones, and see all their different products, head over to www.weareeven.com
