Drop, the community-driven audio brand now under CORSAIR’s umbrella, has unveiled a new collaboration with renowned audio engineer Axel Grell. The Drop + Grell OAE1 Headphones bring high-end audio engineering to a broader audience with a more competitive price point of $249, marking a $100 reduction from their previous signature edition.
The new OAE1 model maintains the innovative design philosophy of its predecessor while incorporating community-driven improvements. Most notably, the headphones feature a lighter clamping force for enhanced comfort during extended listening sessions and a simplified single-sided 6.3mm cable design with an intuitive insert indicator. The updated model also sports a sleek all-black colorway with dark gray accents.
At the heart of the OAE1’s design is Grell’s distinctive approach to audio engineering, developed over his three-decade career, including his tenure as Sennheiser’s head acoustic engineer. The headphones employ a unique driver-forward, open-around-ear structure that leverages the natural anatomy of the human ear to create a more realistic soundstage.
“With the Drop + Grell OAE1 headphones, we’ve maintained our commitment to precision engineering and high-fidelity sound while offering a more accessible price point,” said Grell, whose previous work includes legendary headphones like the Sennheiser HD800 and HE-1. “It’s all about making premium audio experiences accessible to more listeners without compromising on quality.”
Drop + Grell OAE1 Specifications
• Frequency Response: 12–32,000 Hz (-3db) 6–44,000 Hz (-10db)
• Transducer principal: Dynamic
• Ear coupling: Circumaural
• Sound characteristic: Front-oriented loudness diffuse field equalization
• Adaption to the individual hearing curve: Soundfield pinna interaction
• Nominal impedance: 38 ohms
• Sound pressure level at 1kHz 1VRMS: 106 dB
• Maximum long-term input power: 500mW
• THD at 1kHz 100dB: 0.05%
• Weight (without cable): 375g
The technical specifications remain impressive, with the OAE1 featuring a wide frequency response of 12-32,000 Hz (-3dB), a nominal impedance of 38 ohms, and remarkably low distortion at just 0.05% THD. The headphones weigh in at 375g without the cable and come with a silver-coated OFC cable measuring 1.8 meters.
For audio enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality at a more approachable price point, the Drop + Grell OAE1 represents an intriguing option that doesn’t compromise on engineering or sound quality. The combination of Grell’s acoustic expertise and Drop’s community-driven approach appears to have yielded another promising entry in the high-end headphone market.
About CORSAIR & Drop
CORSAIR is a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. From award-winning PC components and peripherals to premium streaming equipment and smart ambient lighting, CORSAIR delivers a full ecosystem of products that work together to enable everyone, from casual gamers to committed professionals, to perform at their very best. CORSAIR acquired Drop in 2023, a passionate group of creators who tap into the feedback and insights from its enthusiast community – millions strong – to design and curate Drop’s selection of enthusiast products. Drop is continuously broadening its workspace product focus into new categories to ensure it brings its community the technology they need to thrive.
