Platinum Audio and Sound Equipment Design · 2023
109 Pro Headphone
by Meze Audio
- A' Design Award 2023 Platinum Winner in Audio and Sound Equipment Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Meze Audio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,620,224
- Verification code 43933ACF21 · Verify this award
About 109 Pro Headphone
109 Pro is an open-back headphone made for music listening. The design is the first dynamic open-back model from Meze Audio. A 50 mm dynamic driver is housed in a chassis that combines walnut wood, zinc, steel, vegan leather and velour, and each unit is assembled by hand. The self-adjusting headband spreads the weight evenly across different head shapes and sizes. Velour cushions surround the ears and stay soft and breathable during long listening sessions. The headphone can be taken apart and serviced, which extends its useful life.
Within the distinguished tradition of industrial design that honors material integrity and functional beauty, the 109 Pro Headphone by Meze Audio emerges as a compelling meditation on the synthesis of natural and engineered elements, the walnut ear cup housings participate in a lineage extending from Danish modern furniture through contemporary artisanal audio equipment, celebrating the inherent character of wood grain as both structural component and aesthetic signature, each piece presents unique figural patterns that transform functional enclosure into individual art object, speaking to traditions of craftsmanship where material selection constitutes a primary design decision, the radial grille pattern adorning the driver covers suggests both acoustic engineering precision and decorative arts heritage, evoking the geometric vocabularies of Art Deco metalwork and the measured beauty of scientific instruments, this convergent spoke arrangement creates visual rhythm while presumably serving acoustic transparency, demonstrating how functional requirements may be elevated to ornamental expression, the rose-gold metallic accents distributed throughout the design introduce warmth and luxury association without ostentation, their placement at structural junctions including yokes and central medallions emphasizes engineering points while creating rhythmic visual continuity across the form, the dual-headband system represents sophisticated structural thinking, separating the mechanical function of pressure distribution from the comfort function of head contact, this articulated approach allows each component optimal material specification while creating distinctive visual identity, the velour ear cushions in deep charcoal present surfaces optimized for acoustic seal and extended comfort, their textile character providing tactile and visual softness against the precision of metal and the organic warmth of wood, one might observe how this assembly invites consideration of the relationship between listening as physiological function and listening as aesthetic experience, how might the material character of equipment shape our disposition toward the sounds it conveys
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The first dynamic open-back headphone from Meze Audio, 109 Pro goes beyond the faithful reproduction of sound to deliver pure emotion. An artistic take on functionality, the chassis combines premium materials in a comfortable, lightweight, yet highly durable design.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 100 mm Width x 90 mm Depth x 210 mm Height
- Tags
- headphones, audio, woodwork, industrial design, modern design, avant-garde
- Production Technology
- In a world of fast paced technology, the 109 Pro bets on proven fundamentals. With a 50mm dynamic driver and a structure that combines walnut wood, zinc, steel, vegan leather and velour, the headphone is assembled by hand with ultimate precision and attention to detail. Crafted with utmost care for sustainability, the 109 Pro can be taken apart and serviced endlessly if ever needed, which can extend the life of the product beyond limit.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge was to deliver the same level of workmanship found in our top of the line products, to create an aesthetically pleasing structure and a sound to match all listening preferences and setups, and still be able to keep the cost of the product low.
- Project Duration
- The project started in 2019 and was finalized in May 2022. After a series of teasing events, the product is set to be officially launched in September 2022.
- Operation Flow
- The 109 Pro is all about comfort. Once placed on your head, the headphones have to become unnoticeable, leaving you with nothing but the music. The self-adjusting headband spreads the weight out to deliver even pressure for any head shape and size. Velour cushions comfortably surround the ears, providing the optimal seal to create an emotionally engaging sound. As velour is far softer and more breathable than leather, it also prevents sweat and overheating during lengthy listening sessions.
- Research
- The 109 PRO was created with one purpose - to create joy, to allow the listener to get lost in sound without any distractions. In order to meet the acoustic goals set for the 109 Pro, we focused our R&D efforts on materials research, looking to build a structure that would maximize the sonic abilities of the headphone. Over a time span of 3 years, various prototypes were tweaked and tuned, until arriving to an ideal form that would be as beautiful looking as it is comfortable.
- Inspiration
- Meze Audio was born out of pure passion for extraordinary sound, timeless aesthetics and good craftsmanship. To this day, the philosophy remains unchanged. Through an integral approach, without cutting short on quality, build or performance, Meze Audio aims to blur the barriers between headphone design and artistry, and create inspiring, meaningful experiences. The 109 Pro is the expression of all of these values.
- Image Credits
- Meze Audio