The Klipsch M40s are the first active noise-canceling headphones from the brand, designed to drown out distracting background sounds like jet engines and subway rattle. They feature dynamic dual 40mm woofers and 15mm tweeter drivers in order to provide solid sound. They are powered by a single AAA battery, and each is supposed to last for about 45 hours. One cool thing is that they don’t need batteries to provide sound. Some noise-canceling headphones, like the Dr. Dre Beats Studio, have no sound when the battery runs out. These continue running, and only the noise-canceling is deactivated.

The ear pads use a low repulsion foam (like in Tempur-Pedic pillows), making them good to keep on for long periods of time. One of the cables comes with a remote control and a built-in microphone. For those of you buying on specs, frequency response is rated from 20Hz to 20kHz, sensitivity is 97.5dB@1mW, at an impedance of 32Ω.

The new Klipsch M40 active noise-canceling headphones sell for $349.99(USD) at various online retailer and on the Klipsch website.

[via Fareastgizmos]

Matsumura and company call their invention the Universal Earphones. Their secret is surprisingly simple and inexpensive – a proximity sensor piggybacked on one of the earbuds. As you can see in the picture above, the sensor faces towards the left ear and away from the right ear. If it detects that it’s about 30mm away from the ear, it means that it’s on the right ear. This input causes the earphones to switch the channels accordingly.

But that’s not all. By running a weak electrical current through the ear buds, the Universal Earphones can also detect if it’s being used by one person or shared by two people. If the current is interrupted it means that the earbuds are on separate heads. The earphones will then pump out a mono mix of the audio being played so the listeners can hear both channels at once. Genius! I suggest you put on your own earphones – correctly, of course – when you watch the video below.

That was awesome, save for the creepy synthesized narrator.

[via Engadget]

The Porta Pro’s have an in-line three-button remote, microphone so that you can use your iPhone, iPod or iPod, and comfortable pads so that your ears aren’t crushed. They are collapsible and come with a carrying case for maximum portability. Specs include a generous frequency range of 15-25,000Hz, and a sensitivity of 101 dB SPL at 1mW.

They sell for $49.99(USD) over at Koss, which isn’t too bad for someone looking for distinctive headphones with retro appeal.

[via Uncrate]

The RS 220 use the audio tech from Sennheiser’s popular HD 600 series, which by themselves retail for $519.95, and pair them with an uncompressed digital signal sent over a 2.4GHz connection, using DSSS technology. This is supposed to maintain audio fidelity up to 300 feet away (line of sight), even in environments with lots of wireless devices. Range is decreased to about 100 feet if you’re dealing with wall and other obstacles, though.

Headphone specs include a frequency response from 16 to 22,000 Hz, a maximum SPL of 106db, and a S/N ratio of 90 db and less than 0.1% THD. Battery life for the ‘phones is rated at appx. 6 to 8 hours on a charge. Analog, coaxial, and optical inputs are built into the transmitter, which also doubles as a recharging dock.

The RS 220 headphones retail for $599.95 (USD). Anyone wanting some higher-end wireless headphones should definitely add these to their evaluation list.

[via Uncrate]

The Signature PRO headphones are handcrafted in Germany, with soft-touch leather that’s supposed to be pleasant to keep on your head for hours. They’ve got 40mm titanium-plated sound transducers with a frequency range of 8Hz to 42kHz, an impedance of 32 Ohm, sound pressure levels of 98dB and they come with two connectors.

If you think that $1,299(USD) is a lot to spend on a pair of headphones, check out price on the ultra-fancy Ultrasone Edition 10, which will set you back a cool $2,749.

[via Ubergizmo]

When you buy a pair of the company’s Sculpted Eers in-ear headphones, you’re essentially buying an unfinished product. But it does come with the tools and materials you need to make your own ear buds. What’s more, the whole process takes just 4 minutes. Obviously there’s the risk of you screwing it up. Perhaps you end up making a mold of your armpit or butt instead. Here’s a demo of the process:

See? It’s so easy even the CEO of the company who makes it and thus is heavily invested in the success of the product can do it! And that’s while being interviewed! Seriously though, it doesn’t seem hard at all. The most critical part is ensuring that the headband fits snugly before you let the silicone out. Still didn’t get that? Here’s a more detailed video that seems to have been made for Sonomax employees. You can order a pair of Sculpted Eers on the official online store or on Buy.com. It’s available in two models – The $200 (USD) PCS-100 has a single driver while the $300 PCS-200 has two drivers for better sound.

[via Gear Patrol]

These substantial headphones look like they’ll be comfortable for extended mixing sessions. Each cup features a 50mm driver, soft, isolating ear cups, and a collapsible design for easy stowing. Frequency response is rated at 10Hz – 22KHz, with a sensitivity of 100dB +/- 3dB. The included 3-meter cable is detachable and has a 1/8″ right-angle connector – though they come with a 1/4″ adapter so that it fits into all your gadgets and gear.

They’ll be available soon with an MSRP of $149 (USD).

[via GeekAlerts]

These premium DJ headphones have a cable with a 6.3mm adapter – perfect for DJ gear and guitars on one end – and a standard headphone 3.5mm plug on the other. Depending on which you need, you plug the other into the headphones. That’s a pretty smart idea and it keeps you from losing those pesky adapters.

Urbanears has yet to announce pricing or a release date for the Turncable headphones, but if their past releases are any indication, they should be reasonably priced.

[via NOTCOT]

The Zik headphones include a capacitive touch panel (holy crap!) that’s controlled by intuitive gestures. Swiping up will increase the volume, down will decrease it. Swiping forward and backward will navigate through your tunes. These headphones also feature active noise control, dialing down external noise, which is really nice to have when you are out and about in a busy city.

It’s NFC-compatible, and the headset will sync with smartphones via Bluetooth. A bone conduction sensor detects jaw movement, so the set is able to optimize sounds for clearer calls. A motion detector determines if the headset is being raised and in use, as opposed to being worn around your neck. The headphones will even deactivate Bluetooth and turn your music playback off within a second when you put them around your neck.

This all sounds pretty amazing, and while the chunky design won’t please everyone, the tech sounds quite advanced. I haven’t seen any mention on how they sound, because that is for me the number one reason why I’d buy some headphones. The audio specs sound pretty solid, though, with a frequency range of 10Hz to 20kHz and 110dB sensitivity.

Pricing and a release date for the Zik headphones hasn’t yet been announced.

[via designboom]

The Capital headphones were created for AIAIAI and are an urban-style pair, meaning that they’re to be used everyday, on the go. They’re made from nylon-reinforced fiberglass and rubber, and are foldable, and durable. They also have a three-button control and microphone in the cord, allowing you to adjust music or answer calls on your smartphone.

They look pretty cool, but in my book, coolness is secondary to how they should sound and build quality. But even so, I’m sure that these headphones will sell well, simply on their looks. A lot of people look for unusual headphones, that stand out from the crowd and don’t make you look like an alien DJ.

[via Dezeen]

No princesses were harmed to make these 6″ buns, because they’re made from synthetic hair.  I can’t guarantee the safety of synthetic princesses though. They could be clones working for the Empire. By default, the buns are made of auburn hair, but you can also ask for blonde or red hair. The buns will also come with instructions for both temporary and permanent attachment.

Use the Force to guide your browser to Etsy, where seller JacquieLongLegs is selling the buns for $24(USD) per pair. Headphones and Jesus dress not included.

[via Geekologie]

These headphones were designed by Sang Hoon Lee, and they have a sleek aluminum finish, much like that found on the latest iMac and MacBook. The volume controls are hidden inside of the glowing Apple logo. I bet Apple fanboys and fangirls will go nuts over them if they’re ever produced.

Ultimately, they’ll need to insulate sound as well, so I wonder what Lee will think of to solve that issue. Regardless of their acoustic qualities, they’re certainly more stylish than many other headphones I’ve seen.

[via Yanko Design]

The suction cups on the earbuds are inspired by the ones you’d find on an octopus’ tentacles. The flexible silicone flap on the front of each bud will become an impromptu suction cup when flipped forward.

They were designed to keep the wires of your earphones from always being tangled up, but really don’t do anything to address the cable itself – but sticking the earbuds in place should help keep things from getting too messy.

For now, these are just a concept, but would you really want to stick your earbuds to the screen of your mobile device? It might be a good way of never losing them again, but I don’t know how dirty they would make the screen of your device.

[via Yanko Design]

Designed by Jeremy Saxton and Jacob Hall, the ODDIO1 allows you to dock your iPod Shuffle directly into one side of the headphones. This eliminates the need for a cord flying about, and is ideal for exercise and outdoor activities.

Once the Shuffle clicks into place, you can still access the dock connector on the bottom so you don’t have to take it out of the headphones to charge or sync. I only hope they counterbalanced the headphones, otherwise the docked side might slump because of the added weight of the iPod.

The ODDIO1 is another Kickstarter project, and has thusfar reached just under $7,000 of its $45,000 goal. You’ll need to pledge $35(USD) or more to get a pair of these headphones.

[via core77]

Like most headbands, SleepPhones are made of lightweight and washable material and grip around your noggin’ firmly enough so that they won’t fall off without causing discomfort, even if you lie on your side. You can also use them as sleep masks. Or as a headband. Here’s an unboxing and short review of SleepPhones by BWOne:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You can order a pair of SleepPhones from Amazon or ThinkGeek for $40 (USD). Or you can make your own if you’ve got the requisite skills. I think if you’re up to Level 7 in sewing you can easily transmute a Common Fleece Headband and Inferior Stock Earphones into a SleepPhone. And if your headband is slotted, add a Gem of Sleep in there and you could sell that baby for about 300 gold.

[via Lifehacker]

These ‘phones were the result of a collaboration between EOps, Michael Young and the Paris-based design store Colette. These somewhat large headphones includes 50mm titanium-coated HD driver drivers with a neodymium iron-boron magnet that will generate a pleasing sound. They’re also coated in titanium to prevent unwanted vibrations. The headphones include a microphone and are ready for your iPod or iPhone, since they come with the required three buttons.

The EOps Noisezero O+ Eco headphones are currently available from Colette for €140 (~$189 USD w/VAT).

[via MOCO Loco]

Moshi Audio’s Moonrock Black earbuds come with Neodymium driver, designed to render crisp highs and balanced mids and bass. The design is in-ear, with hybrid-injection ear tips that are supposed to block out external sounds. Frequency response is rated at 20 Hz-20kHz / -10dB@1kHz. They are also equipped with an iPhone-compatible microphone with a single button for answering calls and navigating tracks (but no volume controls).

The Moonrock Black earbuds come in a handy little pouch, which comes with integrated cable management.

The Moonrock Black earbuds cost $39.95 (USD) over at Moshi Audio’s store.

The Copenhagen headphones come in a variety of different colors and are produced by Stockholm-based design shop Urbanista. There is also an integrated microphone along the cord, and two joints allow them to easily fold up for transport. You’ll have to judge if they are worth the added weight and volume, as they are quite a bit larger than earbuds. If you’d rather stick with earbuds, Urbanista also makes some squared off ones of those too, called London.

Each pair of Copenhagens is made from steel components, and offers frequency response from 20-20,000Hz, and a better than average sensitivity rating of 118 dB±3 dB SPL @ 1 KHz.

The Copenhagen headphones come in a variety of different colors and sell for $99(USD) at Urbanista’s online store.

[via designboom]

The RH1056md and RH1056m over-ear versions give you features like: 40mm drivers, precision wound copper voice coils, neodymium magnets, and visco-elastic memory foam that will form itself to your ears. That last part sound make them ultra comfortable. The IEM856md and IEM856m in-ear monitors have 10.7mm drivers for the lows and 6.3mm balanced armature drivers for the high and mid frequencies.

With specs like those these should be your premium choice of headphones and yes they do have a premium price. They start at $229.99(USD) over at Scosche.

[via Ubergizmo]

I don’t leave them in my ears on purpose when I’m sleeping, but I usually nod off after only a couple of songs. I’ve woken up the next morning with sore ears (and a bit of frustration, because yes, I know it’s not good to keep pumping my ears with sound all throughout the night), because the regular earphones are obviously not meant to be laid on – but these bedphones are. Using moldable memory wire earhooks, and soft foam cushions, they’re designed for comfort even if you’re lying on them.

While it’s still not recommended to leave them on all night, the Bedphones will make listening to music and your audio more comfortable while you’re lying down in bed or reclining on your Lazy Boy. These unique headphones were designed by Eric Dubs, who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a passion for music, and a great love for sleep.

Bedphones are available from Dubs’ site for $29.95 (USD) a pair.