For years, globe-trotting musicians including U2, Foo Fighters and Sir Paul McCartney have trusted UK-based 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 superior audio and innovative product design to the U.S. market with the launch of its Meters headphones, the audiophile quality 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 every earcup!
Since its European launch in 2016, Meters’ combination of cutting-edge sound reproduction technology with super-comfortable, chic eye-catching designs has gained a fanatical following among music lovers and music makers, including Stevie Wonder, members of Biffy Clyro, Zak Starkey, System of a Down’s Shavo Odadjian and Ray Parker Jr, among many others.
“Following our success in Europe, Meters is ready to bring its truly unique headphones to the U.S. market,” said 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 U.S. 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 HD audio. Both models also feature plush ear cups and headbands for all-day comfort.
Meters headphones really stand out from the crowd thanks to the working VU Meters on every earcup, which replicate the input level meters found on professional bass amplifiers. 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,” said Gooday.
For gamers who want to “level up”, Meters Level Up USB headphones (available nationwide for $129.99) are the perfect addition to their high-definition adventures. Featuring custom-designed 50mm drivers that offer crisp detail across the entire audible spectrum, along with Meters proprietary virtual 7.1 surround sound software, Level Up headphones offer the most immersive gaming experience available. 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 nationwide for $349.99) offer music aficionados rich, 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 true HD audio through Qualcomm’s aptX HD codec, which enables 24-bit transmission to deliver the highest possible fidelity and detail with minimal distortion at high volumes. 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.
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