Sonarworks continues to expand its speaker and headphone calibration software SoundID both for studio and personal use. SoundID correction software already supports hundreds of headphones models, allowing consumers to maximize their listening experience with personalized sound on their favorite headphones, using a new simplified approach that combines software and machine learning to deliver personalized audio, regardless of device.
In partnership with Drop, the Latvian audio technology company is now integrating its SoundID personalized audio technology into the Drop + THX Panda wireless headphones, which also become the first model to feature a new Advanced Parametric EQ feature, allowing listeners to create their own custom preset.
“SoundID represents a paradigm shift in audio quality, moving away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, to personalizing sound for individuals. SoundID unlocks the full potential of your Panda Headphones so you can rediscover your favorite songs with unprecedented audio clarity. Your individual sound profile is as unique as your fingerprint — but even more advanced, thanks to smart algorithms and machine learning that evolve with you over time. The free profile can be set up in minutes with a simple app test to identify your SoundID, based on your unique hearing ability and listening preferences, and is automatically saved directly on your Panda headphones,” the company details.
With SoundID’s Advanced Parametric EQ built-in, the company is adding ways for users to create their own custom preset or reset the frequency response curve to its flat state. Using intuitive adjustments tailored for even the most demanding headphone enthusiast, the feature allows an unmatched level of personalization and detail.
“We're excited to team up with Sonarworks to expand the features of Panda,” says Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder at Drop, Will Bright. “With the inclusion of a parametric equalizer, listeners can tune their SoundID profile and create separate EQ profiles. Once loaded via the SoundID app, these profiles are managed by the DSP cores in Panda, so the EQ is applied no matter what source you use.”
The Drop + THX Panda wireless headphones were created in direct response to the Drop community’s desire for a planar magnetic headphone design that would not compromise the quality listening experience in wireless mode. Inheriting a dual-sided magnetic structure on a braced planar-ribbon diaphragm as used in the highly acclaimed Oppo Digital PM-3 headphones, combined with a discrete THX-AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) implementation designed by Drop in collaboration with THX, the headphones are able to be matched with variety of sound sources, and where among the first to use an updated Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 chipset, with support for Sony LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codecs. Not forgetting the fact that the headphones offer dual mics for effective communication, have great battery life, and support Quick Charge via USB-C.
With this feature set, full-system sound, and one of the lowest levels of distortion in a wireless headphone design, the Drop Panda headphones are also getting respect even by more demanding pro-level users. And now with SoundID technology, users can personalize it to their liking or according to a required reference.
The new SoundID enabled Drop + THX Panda wireless headphones are available for $399 at drop.com. Current users just need to connect the headphones to a computer, download and install the Drop updater to get SoundID. Future firmware updates will happen over the air via the SoundID mobile app.
www.drop.com
www.sonarworks.com
