ULTRASONE - News

Ultrasone IQ and Tio: Superbly crafted high-end in-ear headphones

Wielenbach, 16th October 2012 - Excellent sound, exquisite materials, sophisticated design: Ultrasone celebrates its premiere in the in-ear segment with the IQ and Tio models. Inspired by the idea of achieving unrivalled sound in miniature headphones, the Bavarian headphone specialist has made an impressive debut with this duo. The attention to musical detail and spaciousness is achieved by skilfully selecting and adjusting the drivers to the in-ear headphones. The result is an audiophile's absolute delight, guaranteeing brilliant playback, impressively detailed depth gradation and perfect panoramic projection.

One-of-a-kind acoustic design for superlative mobile sound reproduction

Although IQ and Tio share the same goal of enabling the enjoyment of excellent music playback on the go, Ultrasone has used a different technical basis for each of the two models: the Tio is based on a hand-selected balanced armature driver which, as a broadband sound transducer ensures particularly enjoyable highs. A precise and present bass range as well as transparent mids showcase the best of your favourite music. In so doing, the Tio is geared primarily towards ambitious listeners looking for a long-lasting hi-fidelity headset to enjoy music on the go and during sporting activities.

The basis for the IQ is an elaborate 2-way hybrid driver concept that calls on separate speakers for low-mid and high range frequencies. This combination of a balanced armature driver and a dynamic 8 mm sound transducer makes the highs even sharper. This results in a highly detailed frequency map from 17 Hz to 21 kHz. The IQ demonstrates its strengths as a musical travel companion. Excellent hybrid driver system adjustment guarantees hi-fidelity listening on the go. Detachable cables afford the user the option of using the IQ as a headset as well; the cables to choose from are included in delivery.

"Our Design and Development department worked on driver concepts for in-ear models for over three years", explains Andreas Veitinger, Engineering Ultrasone AG. "All the while it was our high musical standards and the joy we get from excellent music playback on the go that continued to inspire us to question and rethink concepts and prototypes until our discerning test listeners and we were absolutely sold on it."

Ultrasone Android app for optimum headset use

A high-quality, 1.2 meter long audio cable with 4-pin 3.5 mm stereo jack connects the Ultrasone Tio and IQ to MP3 players, tablets, notebooks and smartphones. To make using mobile phones as easy and convenient as possible, Ultrasone has integrated a one-button remote as well as a high-quality, voice-optimised microphone into the cable to receive calls while listening to music.

And to further improve the ease of use of the IQ and Tio with Android smartphones and tablets, Ultrasone offers a free Android app on the Google Play Marketplace. It offers customised headset configuration and allows you to control common Android audio players such as Google Music, andless, Winamp, Android Player and many others. In addition to call management and audio player control, the Ultrasone app also allows you to digitally control the volume.

Excellent wearer-comfort thanks to Comply foam ear pads

Wearer-comfort is crucial when it comes to the quality of mobile headphones. Especially on long trips, it is important for an in-ear headset to feel comfortable for hours. Ideally you shouldn't even be able to tell it's there. Ultrasone was looking for the right ear pads to live up to this high standard - and they found an excellent partner in Comply Foam. A unique mix of materials makes the Comply foam tips especially comfortable to wear while fitting securely into the ear - even during intense activity such as when participating in sport. At the same time, the breathable ear pad remains comfortably in place even after hours of use. The density of the material is also guaranteed to reduce external noises. This means that you can focus on your favourite music without interruption when flying or travelling by train.

"We are proud to present Tio and IQ, the first two in-ear headphones from Ultrasone", says Michael Zirkel, COO of Ultrasone AG. "Excellent sound, first-class materials and long-lasting manufacturing - demanding music enthusiasts have found the right mobile headphones in our debut duo. These two models in different segments cover the most sought-after categories right from the outset."

The Ultrasone Tio comes in a compact, high-quality case for safe transportation and storage. The included audio adapters for airplanes and OMTP also fit in the case with the headphones. Following use, the Ultrasone IQ is kept safe in its elaborately designed genuine leather case. The magnetic closure keeps the headphones, the two detachable cables and the audio adapters safe.

The Ultrasone Tio and IQ headphones are made in the Ultrasone factory in Wielenbach, Bavaria - Germany.