MONSTER AND VIACOM INTRODUCE “MONSTER DNA™” HEADPHONES AND A NEW ALLIANCE TO SUPPORT MUSIC CULTURE

Monster’s next-generation audio line that supports music, the importance of sound,
and the social causes the entertainment community cares most about will be
unveiled globally across CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo, MTV,
SPIKE, Tr3s, VH1 and VH1 Classic

New York, N.Y., September 4, 2012 – Monster, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance headphones and electronic accessories, and Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands, today announced a global alliance for the launch of a new audio brand Monster DNAâ„¢. With Monster’s latest advancement in sound engineering, Monster DNA headphones bring music listeners a new sound that is as powerful and striking as the bold design of the headphone itself.  More than a headphone, Monster DNA will look to serve today’s music listener and music artists with a focus on music sharing, music community, and social awareness reaching the music entertainment community globally through an exclusive integrated campaign across Viacom music and entertainment brands worldwide includingCMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo, MTV, SPIKE, Tr3s, VH1 and VH1 Classic.

Rooted in the technology behind music, Monster has been dedicated to improving the music listening experience, from its development of high-performance audio cable for audiophiles, to professional recording and instrument cables for musicians. Recently, the company changed the way people think about what a headphone can sound like when it engineered the sound of the popular Beats by Dr. Dreâ„¢ headphones.

     

Said Noel Lee,The Head Monster:  “We’re excited about what we have accomplished with next generation sound with Monster DNA.  It’s the evolution of what a headphone can look and sound like. Sonically, they completely kick ass yet still have refined sound qualities that all music lovers can appreciate.”

Viacom will provide a global platform for the Monster DNA headphones through its diverse entertainment brands, which continue to innovate, create culture and connect with young audiences at the intersection of music and entertainment. “Just like Viacom’s brands, Monster DNA headphones are designed to reflect the creativity and confidence of young people,” said Jeff Lucas, Head of Sales, Music and Entertainment for Viacom. “Through this partnership, we’re plugging Monster in to the deep connection we have with our young audiences, and giving our fans a new way to experience sound and express originality.”

Monster DNA is Next Generation Everything

Designed with both the music and fashion consumer in mind, Monster took a very aggressive approach to evolve its audio signature, the technologies that make it possible, the “not-square-or-round” triangle speaker housing, and its fashion forward two-tone color design.  Extensive design considerations included advanced ear cushion design and lightness for overall better ear comfort than similar on-ear headphones.  “We tried to think of everything we could do to make Monster DNA better than anything out there for today’s extensive music listener.  We even included a nifty ‘buddy’ jack to share what you’re listening to, something we thought people might want to do but haven’t thought about,” added Lee.

Music Isn’t the Only Thing That Matters

Music is a very powerful platform, building on the message that music matters, Monster and Viacom want to ensure that Monster DNA helps advance important pro-social causes that resonate with young music fans. The unprecedented alliance will benefit from the global marketing power of Viacom’s brands and connect to many of its pro-social campaigns, including the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, SPIKE’s Hire a Vet and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

Monster DNA to Debut at 2012 MTV Video Music Awards

The Monster DNA campaign will officially launch at the “2012 MTV Video Music Awards,” airing live from Los Angeles on Thursday, September 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The new headphones will be integrated into several elements, and VMA performing and presenting music artists and celebrities will have the first-hand look and sound experience when they receive special chrome versions, a nod to MTV’s moon man.  Monster DNA will also be integrated into the 2012 MTV EMA, airing globally from Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday, November 11^th.

Monster DNA in Stores Soon

Monster DNA will be available in the U.S in September and in Europe in October at the following retailers: Apple® stores worldwide, Best Buy and its Global Subsidiaries (Future Shop) and HMV Europe. They will be offered in seven different versions, including On-Ear models in Black, White, Cobalt Blue and Perfect Teal for a suggested retail price of $229.95, as well as Black and White In-Ear versions (MSRP:$119.95).

ABOUT MONSTER

Monster was founded over 30 years ago by Head Monster Noel Lee, who was recently honored with the prestigious Plus X Award^®: Lifetime Achievement Award, as a company dedicated to creating products that enhance the sound quality of music. The company engineered the sound of the acclaimed Beats by Dr. Dreâ„¢ headphones, and has become the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance, sonically superior headphones, all of which feature the company’s Pure Monster Sound^®. Monster is also the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced connectivity solutions for high-performance home entertainment, audio, home cinema, computer and gaming as well as a leading innovator in the field of mobile accessories and professional audio. The company also provides high-performance AC power line conditioning and protection products for audio/video systems, as well as energy-saving power products. Monster continues to lead in innovation with over 300 U.S. and international patents and dozens pending, offering more than 4,000 products in over 134 countries worldwide.

Explore the world of Monster at www.monsterproducts.com. To become a fan of Monster products, please follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/monsterproducts) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/monsterproducts).

ABOUT VIACOM

Viacom is home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories. With media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom’s leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE, Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA. Paramount Pictures, celebrating its 100th year in 2012 and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world’s most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom’s blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at  www.twitter.com/Viacom.

Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.

 

SOL REPUBLIC AND DEADMAU5 LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING HEADPHONES CONVERGING TECHNOLOGY, MUSIC AND ART

The high-definition headphones deliver dramatically enhanced audio
and a design by renowned digital artist Joshua Davis

San Francisco, CA, August 16, 2012 – SOL REPUBLIC, committed to changing the world one listener at a time with high-quality headphones, today announced the deadmau5 Tracks HD headphones, produced in close cooperation with the multiple award-winning electronic music artist, and digital artist Joshua Davis.
Kevin Lee, SOL REPUBLIC CEO, said: “We didn’t want to make yet another artist headphone for namesake.  However, some music artists are truly creative beyond music and have an interesting artistic view.  Joel Zimmerman is one of them. What he created in the end with Joshua Davis is very cool interpretation of the world of Deadmau5, part controlled part not, which in itself says something.

We’re excited that Joel liked our Tracks headphone, the sound of it, look of it, and wanted to use it as a creative canvas.  Like most art, it wasn’t designed for everyone. But for the deadmau5 fan and certainly for Joel Zimmerman, it’s a strong expression of sound and personal style, which is why we love it.”

Unique Design

Part illustration, part computer “controlled randomization” Joel Zimmerman aka deadmau5 and Joshua Davis, a frequent collaborator of deadmau5, worked together to create a digital interpretation of the world around deadmau5 that Joshua best describes as a “beautiful accident”. 

Signature Sound
Not only can the Tracks HDs handle all the dynamics and powerful bass of deadmau5 music, the design is a fun, energetic visual view point of Joel’s music and his iconic “mau5head”.

Like all SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD headphones the deadmau5 model features v10 Sound Engines, for deeper bass, higher clarity and crisp vocals. Also, the Sound Engines, the virtually indestructible FlexTech™ headband and the detachable cable with three-button remote and mic are completely interchangeable with all other SOL REPUBLIC Tracks products.

The SOL REPUBLIC deadmau5 collaboration Tracks HD headphones are available now at major retailers worldwide including The Apple Store, FYE and Guitar Center and online at SOLREPUBLIC.com for $149.99 MSRP.

About SOL REPUBLIC

SOL REPUBLIC is global consumer electronics company dedicated to enhancing people’s lives through better-sounding headphones. Comprised of music fanatics, SOL REPUBLIC develops its products from the ground up to make headphones that look, sound and feel unlike anything else in the market. SOL REPUBLIC has offices in California, Oregon and New York City and is developing an army of music fans in its worldwide social media communities.

Monster Inspiration Noise Canceling Over the Ear Headphones:

Monster, a world leader in fashionable personal audio gear, is releasing the Inspiration™, Monster’s first over-ear, advanced noise-canceling headphone. Noel Lee, the CEO of Monster has designed the Inspiration headphones. He is sound and engineering innovator behind Beats™ by Dr. Dre,™. Monster Inspiration headphones feature unique and interchangeable headbands. Now available at Apple® stores around the world and coming to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and other locations. The Inspirations come with three different cable options: audio mini-to-mini, Universal ControlTalk™ and ControlTalk for Apple devices.

Monster Limited Edition iSport Earphones:

This week Monster is also announcing a limited-edition red, white & blue iSportâ„¢ USA in-ear headphone. Activity friendly innovations include an improved version of “OMNITIP” that ensures that the sweatproof and washable model delivers superior audio performance while not falling out of the ear during strenuous workouts. Monster’s iSport USA joins the blue iSport model (SRP: $149.95), in the company’s line and will carry an SRP of $179.95. Read AudioReview’s review of the iSport headphones.

Monster ClarityHD Micro:

In addition to these two new headphones, Monster is also releasing a new wireless speaker, the ClarityHD Micro. A Bluetooth wireless speaker/speakerphone that should, since it is made by Monster, offer a significant amount of bass. This maybe the solution for those who want a Jambox but also crave bass. Fully operational by Voice Command and Control function lets users make and answer calls, play music, perform Bluetooth pairing and many other functions. Users can change their ClarityHDâ„¢ Micro’s voice anytime they want by selecting from multiple voices available on the Monster website. Also included is a 3.5 mm headphone port for devices that don’t use Bluetooth. The Lithium Ion batteries provide up to 5 hours on a single charge.

Attention runners, wind surfers, downhillers or any athlete who has been searching for a comfy and good sounding earphone that stays put! Your search is over.

Summary:

The iSports Immersion earphones well surpass the requirements for sport earphones. But the $180 price tag might be a bit of a bitter pill for some folks to swallow. But even with some audiophile quibbles, taking the package as a whole, a crash proof fit and very sturdy build, being water proof, warm clean bass and detailed mid-range and gentle highs, the iSport Immersion earphones don’t let down. Now you just have to find a water proof portable bomb shelter for your iPhone!

Page 2 – The Sound

Dr. Dre Studio Beats Headphones – What You Need To Know

Pros:

• Deep Bass
• Super Stylish
• Noise Cancellation works very well
• Comfortable
• Easy for travel

Cons:

• Sloppy soundstage
• Hidden highs
• Iffy build quality
• No batteries no sound

Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Headphones might be as ubiquitous at this point as iPods. One sees their red cables dangling from draped dark hoodies to the clean cut suit commuting to the office. With over 250 four and five star reviews on Amazon and 4/5 rating at the Apple Store with 142 consumer reviews it is hard to imagine there being a more widely liked headphone.

The Studio Beats by Dr. Dre are battery operated noise cancellation headphones. Monster uses a power isolation technology with active amplifiers in the headphone to cut all outside noise and give you only the goods. The Studio’s do a great job of cancelling airplane and other low frequency rumbling noises and are some of the best isolating earphones for commuter travel on public transportation.

Plug them into your iPhone (the most likely culprit of the muddy mids some folks report hearing) and you get instant access to your phone controls and track selection with the Monster iSoniTalkâ„¢. The Studio’s also keep your ear health in mind with integration of iTune’s Sound Check feature so your music plays at a constant level. Getting your hearing shot out by an errant MP3 is not only a bummer but a pretty sad fate for your ears. “How’d you loose your hearing?” – “A drive by MP3.” You see my point?

How do the Studio’s Sound
Many folks love the sound of the Studio Beats. Some others have pointed out that the mid-range can smear and the highs are a bit dim. A fair portion of this could be the source being used. iTunes and iPad/iPhone/iPods do have a muddy mid-range. That is one thing that Pure Music and Amara clean up. But no one can say these suckers don’t have bass. Big booming bass that keeps your head bobbing all night long.

Some users have had issues with the build quality of this particular set of cans but most report a good repair turn around from Monster. But remember – these are kidding toys or for the fat fingered. High end headphones should be treated with respect. Complaining that they broke when you took a digger on your snow board is very fair.

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Beats by Dr. Dre Solo Headphones – What You Need To Know

You can’t say Beats without saying style. Dr. Dre and Monster cable have done something only Bose has been able to do, cross the great barrier divide between decent audio reproduction and life style.

The Solo HD headphones use a proprietary driver technology that delivers detail and powerful bass with a smooth top end that is easy to listen to for hours on end. Purchasing the Red Special Edition version of the Solo HD headphones and some of the profits will be donated to Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

The Solo HD’s don’t fully engulf your an average adults sized ears. The cans rest on your ears. And while many reviewers say this is comfortable it can get a bit much after a couple of hours.

The headphones are light and fold up – so they are easily portable. ControlTalk allows you to easily control your audio play back on an iPod and allows for hand-free calling with your iPhone. The awesome thing about the Beats by Dr. Dre is that most of the cables are detachable. So while the headphones come with Monster cable made 1/8th-inch to 1/8th-inch headphone cables you can switch out to another company, say the Supra audio cables. This can help tame the bass and increase the sparkle and mid range clarity. Though the cable that does come with the Solo HD’s uses a right angle adapter which sits very flush with your audio device.

The Solo HD’s are easily driven by any MP3 or phone, including the iPod, iPhone and iPad.

Construction quality has been an issue with a lot of users. It appears the ear pieces can fall off but it really just depends on how rough you are with them. I’ve have personally broken every pair of headphones I’ve ever owned except for a pair of iMetal iM-590 which use a cloth around the cable and are very well built.

How Do The Solo HD Headphones Sound

Bass is certainly the focus of these headphones but with the Solo HD’s it is less so than with the Studio or Pro version of the Beats. From my own experience with Beats headphones the bass is thick, deep and slow. Those looking for accurate sound reproduction would do well to seek bliss else where. The high end tends to be rolled off which is easier to listen to for a longer period of time but also looses some of the sparkle and chime.

One either loves or hates the sound from these headphones. If you listen to hip hop or pop these will certainly be more fun than equally priced headphones that are more analytical and articulately more accurate.

Do you use the Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD headphones?

Let others know how they have worked for you.

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