CanJam-RMAF 2010 Report, Part 4 of 4

Posted by: Chris Martens at 4:04 pm, October 20th, 2010

Actually, Westone representatives did give us some off-the-record advance information about a compelling new universal-fit in-ear headphone they have in the works, but at this stage we are sworn to secrecy. Watch for further updates around the time of CES 2011.

One very slick event held at the Westone display pavilion was a concert where both band and audience members were listening exclusively through Westone in-ear ‘phones (the band used an electronic drum kit with all guitars plugged into a mixing board so that both band and audience members could enjoy a “monitor mix”). What was pretty striking was to see the band members playing away with great vigor, though of course no acoustic sounds of their playing could be heard in the room—a great example of how in-ear ‘phones let listeners enjoy music at satisfying volume levels without disturbing others nearby.

 Westone also had an audiologist on hand to take ear-mold impressions for customers looking to buy Westone custom-fit ‘earphones and other products. As but one example, Playback publisher Jim Hannon (Nextscreen VP and Group Publisher for Consumer Electronics) got a set of impressions taken in anticipation of obtaining a pair of Westone’s custom-made earplugs for swimmers (which actually are a good example of one of the firm’s coolest non-audio-oriented products).