Kali Audio HP-1

Kali Audio HP-1 — closed-back over-ear headphones with 40mm drivers, three DSP-based tuning modes, Bluetooth, and active noise cancelling, built to cover mixing, QC checks, and everyday listening in one pair.

The HP-1's frequency response spans 18 Hz - 22 kHz, with wired latency of 17 ms, allowing real-time monitoring without noticeable lag when tracking an instrument or following a vocal take. Battery life runs over 40 hours, charging is via USB-C, and wireless mode supports AAC and SBC codecs. At around 150 g and with a foldable build and replaceable earpads, the HP-1 works as well on the road as it does in the studio.

One headphone instead of several pairs for comparison

A mix that sounds great on reference studio headphones often falls apart on a client's typical consumer headphones — bass disappears or takes over, vocals lose clarity. The HP-1 addresses this with three switchable DSP modes: Studio gives a neutral, flat response for critical work, Consumer emulates the brighter, more "smartphone-style" tuning of popular consumer headphones, and Bass Heavy reproduces the character of hip-hop and EDM-oriented headphones. Switching happens with a double-tap of the power button right on the headphones, with no extra hardware or DAW settings to change.

Continuity between the studio and the rest of the day

An engineer working remotely or on the road rarely has time for separate headphones for mixing and for calls or travel listening. The HP-1 pairs a 3.5mm jack for low-latency wired work with Bluetooth for everyday use, and a built-in mic handles calls without taking the headphones off. Active noise cancelling quiets HVAC hum, traffic, or a laptop fan without coloring the audio signal enough to interfere with critical listening.

KEY FEATURES

• 40mm dynamic drivers, 18 Hz - 22 kHz frequency response
• Three DSP tuning modes: Studio, Consumer, Bass Heavy
• Wired (3.5mm) and wireless (Bluetooth AAC/SBC) operation
• Active noise cancelling (ANC)
• Up to 40 hours battery life, USB-C charging
• Built-in microphone and playback controls
• Foldable build with replaceable earpads, ~150 g weight

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: closed-back, over-ear
• Drivers: 40mm dynamic
• Frequency response: 18 Hz - 22 kHz
• Wired latency: 17 ms
• Connectivity: 3.5mm mini-jack (wired), Bluetooth AAC/SBC (wireless)
• Battery: up to 40 hours, USB-C charging
• Noise cancelling: active (ANC)
• Weight: ~150 g
• Included: USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter, hard case