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Breakthrough Electrostatic Technology

Featuring the most advanced electrostatic technology in decades, Audeze proudly introduces the CRBN electrostatic headphone (pronounced “carbon”), which features a new Patent-pending polymer film with suspended carbon nanotubes to eliminate problems commonly found in previous electrostatic designs. Originally developed for MRI medical applications, we've adapted those innovations for the audiophile version of CRBN, which top audio professionals have called the best sounding electrostatic headphone to-date.

Breakthrough Electrostatic Technology

With the biggest technological advance of electrostatics in decades, Audeze has patented a new polymer film with carbon nanotubes, and eliminates the problems of older designs with laminations and vacuum deposition. Originally developed for a product we designed for hospital MRI machines, our new CRBN (pronounced “Carbon”) electrostatic headphones are a superior solution. And yes, our new patented tech can be used in full-range speakers.

CRBN Electrostatic Headphones

215-EX-1121-00

Due to heavy demand, expect a 2-3 week shipping delay on most headphones (plus back order)
  • Patent-pending carbon nanotube film
  • Works with all 580 Volt Pro Bias amplifiers
  • Accurate low frequency performance
  • Excellent dynamic range
  • Lightweight and very comfortable

Designed with Purpose

Audeze originally developed this new technology working with Prof. Mark S. Cohen Ph.D., UCLA School of Medicine and his team, for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Typical ferrous metals could not be used, so we had to develop a new material, and that led us to patent a special thin film with suspended carbon nanotubes. This solves the problems associated with lamination and deposition on the film.

 


Read the Full Story

Carbon Nanotube Technology

The CRBN driver includes a revolutionary ultra-thin diaphragm with carbon nanotubes suspended inside the material – unlike other electrostatic diaphragms, there is no coating. Because the charge is distributed throughout the film, this results in a uniform driving force that reduces distortion and improves clarity, resolution and transparency.

More About CRBN Technology

"It actually felt like I was in the room that it was recorded in."
Margaret Glaspy - Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer

Supreme Comfort

CRBN offers supreme comfort with its lightweight construction. At 470 grams, the minimalist design features materials such as magnesium and carbon fiber, which shaves off every gram while maintaining strength. The earpads are extra plush and slightly oversized, for a great seal and pillow-soft, cranium-cradling comfort.

Margaret Glaspy wearing CRBN

"It actually felt like I was in the room that it was recorded in."
Margaret Glaspy - Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer

CRBN Grille closeup

Elegant Design

CRBN is the ultimate in luxurious design, from the smooth curves of its uniquely etched grill to the depth of its finely polished marbled graphite acetate rings. Featuring hand-stitched premium leather, every detail has been fine-tuned, all the way down to the feel of the machined aluminum 5-pin connector.

580 Volt Compatibility

CRBN is compatible with “Stax Pro Bias” 580 Volt amplifiers such those from Woo Audio, Linear Tube Audio, Mjolnir Audio, Headamp, Stax (of course) and others. The cable is terminated with the industry standard 5-pin barrel connector for maximum compatibility.

View our list of tested amplifiers

CRBN with tube amp

What Sound Engineers and Musicians Think of CRBN

"These are at the top of the heap now, in 51 years of professional audio... it's an amazing experience."
- Ron Saint Germain, Recording and Mixing Engineer

"This is the most emotional headphone I've ever heard."
- Nate Wood, Drummer, Multi-instrumentalist, Mastering Engineer

"They have great specificity... detailed, never for a second harsh... I could see spending hours with them on without being fatigued."
- Tony Berg, Producer, Musician, Studio Owner (Sound City, Los Angeles)

What's included with CRBN
Specifications

Style

Over-ear, open-back

Transducer type

Push-pull electrostatic

Functional bias voltage

580 VDC Stax Pro Bias

Electrostatic capacitance

100 pF (including cable)

Diaphragm type

Ultra-thin custom carbon nanotube

Transducer size

120mm x 90mm

Frequency response

20Hz - 40kHz

Maximum SPL

>120dB

THD

<0.1% @ 90dB

Attached cable

2.5m OCC monocrystal copper, 5-pin Pro Bias

Housing

Magnesium, stainless steel and polymer acetate

Earpad material

Premium leather

Headband

Carbon fiber and premium leather

Weight

470g

Includes : CRBN Headphone | Premium Aluminum Travel Case | Certificate of Authenticity
See also - User Guides

Designed with Purpose

Audeze originally developed this new technology working with Prof. Mark S. Cohen Ph.D., UCLA School of Medicine and his team, for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Typical ferrous metals could not be used, so we had to develop a new material, and that led us to patent a special thin film with suspended carbon nanotubes. This solves the problems associated with lamination and deposition on the film.

 


Read the Full Story

Carbon Nanotube Technology

The CRBN driver includes a revolutionary ultra-thin diaphragm with carbon nanotubes suspended inside the material – unlike other electrostatic diaphragms, there is no coating. Because the charge is distributed throughout the film, this results in a uniform driving force that reduces distortion and improves clarity, resolution and transparency.

More About CRBN Technology

Margaret Glaspy wearing CRBN

"It actually felt like I was in the room that it was recorded in."
Margaret Glaspy - Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer

"It actually felt like I was in the room that it was recorded in."
Margaret Glaspy - Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer

Supreme Comfort

CRBN offers supreme comfort with its lightweight construction. At 470 grams, the minimalist design features materials such as magnesium and carbon fiber, which shaves off every gram while maintaining strength. The earpads are extra plush and slightly oversized, for a great seal and pillow-soft, cranium-cradling comfort.

CRBN Grille closeup

Elegant Design

CRBN is the ultimate in luxurious design, from the smooth curves of its uniquely etched grill to the depth of its finely polished marbled graphite acetate rings. Featuring hand-stitched premium leather, every detail has been fine-tuned, all the way down to the feel of the machined aluminum 5-pin connector.

CRBN with tube amp

580 Volt Compatibility

CRBN is compatible with “Stax Pro Bias” 580 Volt amplifiers such those from Woo Audio, Linear Tube Audio, Mjolnir Audio, Headamp, Stax (of course) and others. The cable is terminated with the industry standard 5-pin barrel connector for maximum compatibility.

View our list of tested amplifiers

What Sound Engineers and Musicians Think of CRBN

"These are at the top of the heap now, in 51 years of professional audio... it's an amazing experience."
- Ron Saint Germain, Recording and Mixing Engineer

"This is the most emotional headphone I've ever heard."
- Nate Wood, Drummer, Multi-instrumentalist, Mastering Engineer

"They have great specificity... detailed, never for a second harsh... I could see spending hours with them on without being fatigued."
- Tony Berg, Producer, Musician, Studio Owner (Sound City, Los Angeles)

What's included with CRBN
Specifications

Style

Over-ear, open-back

Transducer type

Push-pull electrostatic

Functional bias voltage

580 VDC Stax Pro Bias

Electrostatic capacitance

100 pF (including cable)

Diaphragm type

Ultra-thin custom carbon nanotube

Transducer size

120mm x 90mm

Frequency response

20Hz - 40kHz

Maximum SPL

>120dB

THD

<0.1% @ 90dB

Attached cable

2.5m OCC monocrystal copper, 5-pin Pro Bias

Housing

Magnesium, stainless steel and polymer acetate

Earpad material

Premium leather

Headband

Carbon fiber and premium leather

Weight

470g

Includes : CRBN Headphone | Premium Aluminum Travel Case | Certificate of Authenticity
See also - User Guides