nura headphones self-tune for more individual hearing experience

nura headphones self-tune for more individual hearing experience
all images courtesy of office for product design

humans all hear differently, but standard headphones deliver the same audio output regardless of someones individual hearing profile or sensitivity. melbourne based audio startup company nura headphones takes a more personal approach to music. designed by nicol boyd and tomas rosén of hong kong based studio office for product design, the audio equipment uses built-in microphones and measures the actual audio response from ears at different frequencies in a process similar to an advanced clinical hearing test. the music signal is then calibrated through a proprietary algorithm and tuned to your unique hearing signature. once the initial 30-second calibration sequence is completed, the headphones will automatically recognize who is listening every time. 

kickstarter campaign video

by further combining an innovative over-ear and in-ear design, ‘nura’ headphones can deliver immersive studio quality sound across the entire audible spectrum. mid and high frequency tones are emitted through a spring mounted earbud directly into an ear canal, whereas low tones resonate from a separate 40 mm bass driver. the result of this acoustic separation is crystal clear mid and high notes that aren’t muddled by the powerful bass. in addition, the double barrier isolation achieved from the earbuds and over-ear cushions block out virtually all ambient noise, as well as being completely silent around people.

nura headphones are executed in dark grey anodised aluminium with a signature coloured cable

the split electronic architecture and speaker drivers are housed in two sturdy yet lightweight aluminium headphone enclosures with compliant cushions that are designed for comfortable long-term use. the headphones are connected by a slender flexible headband with an integrated cable channel and padding. the configuration allows for full size and fit adjustability, and is executed in a dark anodised finish with a signature coloured cable. the headphones connect to apple’s device through a detachable ‘lightning’ or USB cable, and the initial calibration sequence and further custom settings are controlled through a smartphone app. 

nura connects to a smartphone through a lightning or USB cable

the project was carried out in close collaboration with nura, a melbourne based audio start-up, and the HAX hardware accelerator in san francisco and shenzhen. besides the design, office for product design also created the logo and visual identity. nura headphones are available for pre-ordering through kickstarter.

“these headphones by melbourne based audio startup company nura takes a more personal approach to music. The headphones were designed by nicol boyd and tomas rosén of office for product design, and they use built-in microphones to measure the actual audio response from ears at different frequencies in a process similar to an advanced clinical hearing test.”

an accompanying app guides users through the one-time calibration process

the headphones have a simple construction and silhouette

removable cable for lighting or USB

nura headphones are built from sturdy yet lightweight aluminium

optional colored cables

the spring mounted earbud automaticall adapt to your ear’s anatomy for a perfect fit

the headband is lined with a soft elastomer cushion

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.