Core77

Incase is one of our favorite bag & case companies, and now they're getting into the audio game. This September, the Incase Soundesign line of headphones will hit store shelves, offering four levels of product from earbuds for gym-goers to DJ-worthy over-ear headphones. (Product shots and specs after the jump.)

Chris Robinette, Incase's Vice-President of Product, gave us the scoop:

Core77: What made Incase decide to get into the headphones game?

Chris: We saw that more and more people are using headphones with their personal technology, and thought that there were clear needs in the headphone market that weren't being addressed well by others. Incase is in the business of creating better experiences with similar technologies, so we applied our same fundamental principles of simplicity, innovation and enhanced mobility to headphone design.

Basically, we envision how people live, zero in to extract the essence of the problem, and work to provide product experiences that simplify and enhance their lives. In this case, bulky headphone designs that fit poorly, often coupled with limited audio response. Our solution was to produce a truly unique line of headphones that stand apart from the rest of the market, focusing on clean aesthetics, natural sound and excellent fit.

How long has this project been in the works?

We started the development process about a year ago and have been aggressively working towards our Fall 2011 launch.

At what phase is the project in now?

We are in the final testing phase and are planning production for a September launch.

What is going to set these headphones apart from competing products?

We took headphone design a step further with a process we dubbed Soundesign. Just as the name suggests, Incase Soundesign is a synthesis of precision sound engineering and minimal design. We feel that our process produces headphones that sound and fit as great as they look. For one, the audio drivers are custom tuned to deliver natural sound that accurately reproduces the source audio, no matter what you're listening to. They are engineered to deliver a smooth and even response across the entire audio spectrum and won't artificially flavor your music by boosting or dropping specific audio frequencies.

The natural acoustics of our headphones are mirrored by their minimalist physical design. We use hidden joints to eliminate awkward bulges and maintain smooth contours. We also use a variety of materials and finishes including canvas, soft-touch matte and high gloss coatings to create a subtle understated appearance that stands apart from other headphones.

In addition, our design process placed a heavy emphasis on fit. The hidden joints in the Sonic, Reflex, and Pivot models all feature a wide range of adjustment for the perfect personal fit. We custom designed the Sonic and Capsule models to match the natural shape of the ear for better sound isolation, dramatically reducing unwanted external noise. The Sonic over-ear model has an asymmetric shape based on the external ear and uses memory foam to reduce pressure points. The Capsule in-ear model has an oval cross section that matches the shape of the ear canal.

Lastly, we know that people use headphones for more than just listening to music. Personal technology is about communications, self-expression and creativity as well as entertainment. Therefore, we felt it essential to integrate a microphone and remote control for Apple devices into all of our headphones so no matter which models you prefer, you can stay connected.

Can you describe the team that worked on this project?

We assembled a team comprised of internal Incase design experts and external audio and technical professionals with prior headphone development experience, to create a dynamic balance of experienced knowledge and fresh insight and approach.

Check out the line-up:

Sonic Over Ear Headphones
Full sized, closed back over-ear headphones containing titanium high-performance 40mm drivers with full 20 Hz - 20 KHz frequency response.

Features:

- Earcups match natural ear shape for enhanced sound isolation
- Titanium high-performance 40mm audio driver
- Memory foam earcups for superior comfort
- Fully articulating earcups for comfortable fit
- 2 cables with microphone, volume and remote control for iPhone, iPad, iPod
- Signature Incase soft-touch finish
- Includes storage bag and 1/4 inch audio adapter

Reflex On Ear Headphones
Closed back on-ear headphones containing 40mm drivers with full 20 Hz - 20 KHz frequency response.

Features:

- Premium coated canvas headband with steel frame
- Fully articulating earcups for customized fit
- Microphone, volume and remote controls on cable for
iPhone, iPad, iPod
- High performance 40mm audio driver
- Earcups with signature Incase soft-touch finish

Pivot On Ear Headphones
Lightweight on-ear headphones containing 40 mm drivers with full 20 Hz - 20 KHz frequency response.

Features:

- Rotating earcups fold flat for easy portability
- Designed for lightweight comfort
- Fully articulating earcups for customized fit
- Microphone, volume and remote controls on cable for
iPhone, iPad, iPod
- High performance 40mm audio driver
- Signature Incase soft-touch finish

Capsule In Ear Headphones
Noise isolating in-ear headphones containing 8.5mm drivers with full 20 Hz - 20 KHz frequency response.

Features:

- Oval profile matches natural ear shape for better fit and sound isolation
- Seamless unibody construction with durable matte finish
- Microphone, volume and remote controls on cable for iPhone, iPad, iPod
- Includes 3 pairs of silicone eartips in different sizes for optimal fit
- Includes storage case

Click here for more details.