Founded by Mark Gooday in 1997, UK-based Ashdown Engineering quickly conquered a leading position in the Bass amplification segment, with cleverly targeted products and a strong design, immediately identifiable on stages around the world by its glowing VU Meter. For years, globe-trotting musicians including U2, Foo Fighters and Paul McCartney have trusted Ashdown Engineering to build world-class bass amplifiers for their performances and studio use.
Now Ashdown is embarking on its own world tour, bringing its innovative product design expansion to the US market with the launch of its Meters headphones, that let consumers turn up the volume while they turn the heads of everyone who sees them — thanks to the one-of-a-kind working VU (volume unit) meter on each earcup!
Since its European launch in 2016, the headphones combination of powerful sound, super-comfortable soft earpads, and eye-catching designs was noticed, even if remaining mostly a product appreciated by fans of Ashdown, musicians who discovered them at music trade shows like Musikmesse or NAMM, and a few consumers who ordered through online retailers. With the introduction of updated headphone models, the word started to spread through a clever campaign in mainstream lifestyle media.
"Following our success in Europe, Meters is ready to bring its truly unique headphones to the US market," says Ashdown Engineering Chairman Mark Gooday. "Now music lovers and gamers across the United States can experience the aural benefits of professional sound engineering and fashion forward design wherever they go — and look good doing it!"
Both Meters' over-ear headphone models are now available at major US retailers including Amazon, Sweetwater and B&H Photo, with the Level Up gaming headphones offering virtual 7.1 surround sound with zero latency and the OV-1-B Connect headphones delivering wireless Bluetooth convenience with noise cancellation and 24-bit digital audio support. Both models also feature plush ear cups and headbands for all-day comfort.
Each VU meter features an RGB backlight, letting listeners adjust the color and brightness of their VU meter to match any ambiance or mood. These real, active volume unit meters measure the headphones’ input, replicating the meters found on professional-grade bass amplifiers used in live musical performances.
"Whether you’re into immersive gaming worlds where accurate sound location and timing can make all the difference, or you want to drown out the outside world and gain deeper appreciation for sonic nuances in your favorite songs, Meters headphones deliver," says Gooday.
The new Meters Level Up USB headphones (available for $129.99) feature custom-designed 50mm drivers that offer crisp detail across the entire audible spectrum, along with Meters proprietary virtual 7.1 surround sound software, offering a unique immersive gaming experience. A detachable electret condenser microphone provides crystal clear in-game communication, while the 7-foot braided USB cable ensures zero latency performance for the extremely realistic and responsive audio.
Control buttons on Level Up’s in-line remote control include VU sensitivity adjustment, VU color/brightness adjustment, volume control and a microphone on/off switch. Level Up headphones are available in silver, red and carbon. Connection to PC, laptop and PlayStation consoles is simple with the included USB cable, while a standard 3.5mm cable is required for use with Xbox consoles. The 7.1 virtual surround feature requires a simple driver download via the Meters website.
The OV-1-B Connect foldable Bluetooth headphones (available for $349.99) warm sound with powerful noise canceling and are compatible with any Bluetooth-equipped personal audio device. Unlike many other Bluetooth headphones, the OV-1-B Connect supports Qualcomm’s aptX HD codec, which enables 24-bit transmission. Each pair can be customized with a 5-band parametric equalizer through the Meters Connect app for Android and iOS devices, which also offers color and brightness control for the VU meter. On-ear buttons make it easy to answer calls, skip tracks and adjust volume.
The OV-1-B Connect headphones can also be auto-updated over Bluetooth, so they are always kept up to date with the latest improvements and features. Available in black, white and tan, the model’s 40mm drivers and on-ear microphone can power through 16 hours of playback on a single charge. Each pair also includes a standard headphone jack and includes a carrying case, cleaning cloth, USB charging cable and 4-foot 3.5mm stereo cable with an in-line mic for hardwired connection.
Meters Headphones are available in the United States exclusively through KMC Music.
www.ashdownmusic.com
www.kmcmusic.com
www.metersmusic.us
