Skip to content
Available early January.
Limited to 99 pieces worldwide!
Umbral
An open window to the full dimension of sound: Umbral is more than just UM’s first headphone – it is a statement of a philosophy: sound should be free, natural, structured, and deeply human. It was created for listeners, creators, and connoisseurs seeking a soundstage that breathes, a timbre that feels alive, and a wearing experience that disappears.
A new dimension of sound, craftsmanship, and emotion
Umbral is UM’s first step into the world of full-size headphones – a project that combines original acoustic architecture, next-generation driver technology, and handcrafted craftsmanship. Umbral was designed to reproduce music openly, naturally, and in rich detail, creating a listening space where sound breathes, expands, and comes alive.
Fully open acoustic architecture
A space where sound can truly unfold Natural, relaxed sound reproduction Unrestricted airflow and minimized internal reflections allow the drivers to operate freely. The tones unfold without tension, transients feel effortless, and the overall timbre becomes more lifelike.
Expansive 3D Soundstage
Expansive 3D Soundstage Each Umbral ear cup is crafted from hand-selected walnut wood. Beyond its visual elegance – its organic grain, warm tone, and unique individuality – walnut wood dampens unwanted resonances and imparts a gentle warmth to the sound, enriching the atmosphere and spatial depth. The open design gives the sound more room to unfold. It ensures better separation and more precise layering. The listener perceives a true sense of space – wide, deep, and convincingly three-dimensional.
Breathable, pressure-equalizing comfort
By balancing pressure on both sides of the ear cup, Umbral avoids the heat buildup typical of closed designs. The result is long-lasting comfort that feels airy and unobtrusive, ideal for extended listening.
Hybrid dual-driver system
96 mm planar magnetic driver + UM MEMS microactuator – precision meets speed, size meets detail fidelity
The heart of Umbral is an innovative dual-driver topology that combines a 96 mm planar magnetic driver with the low-voltage MEMS microelectromechanical driver developed by UM. The two units complement each other: one provides size and authority, the other speed and ultra-fine detail.
UM MEMS microelectromechanical driver
The MEMS driver is manufactured using semiconductor processes and features an ultra-thin architecture with exceptionally fast response times, extremely low distortion, and excellent linearity in the upper frequency range. Its extension reaches up to 80 kHz, preserving the shimmer of cymbals, the breath of strings, and the microtextures that give recordings their emotional nuances.
96 mm planar magnetic driver – a foundation for power and refinement
High-flux magnetic circuit + carbon fiber frame
The magnet array increases flux density and efficiency, enabling precise control of the membrane – even during demanding low-frequency passages.
Gold nanofilm membrane with extremely low resonance (<70 Hz)
This custom membrane integrates a nanometer-scale film with a gold foil voice coil to achieve exceptional flexibility and control.
The result:
A. Deep, powerful bass reproduction
B. Full-bodied, natural vocal reproduction
C. Precise imaging and clearly defined separation
Large radiating surface
The large surface improves spatial diffusion and enhances the headphone's magnificent, immersive soundstage. Together, these two drivers work as a unified system – fast yet powerful, analytical yet emotional.
Natural materials & ergonomic design
Craftsmanship that convinces, comfort that lasts
Acoustic housing made of walnut wood Each Umbral ear cup is carved from hand-selected walnut wood. Beyond its visual elegance – its organic grain, warm tone, and unique individuality – walnut wood dampens unwanted resonances and imparts a gentle warmth to the sound, enriching atmosphere and spatial depth.
Two-material ear pad system
To adapt Umbral to different environments and listening moods, two sets of ear pads are included:
Sheepskin ear pads: Soft, luxurious, and insulating – ideal for focused, immersive listening experiences.
Ice-silk slow-rebound ear pads: Breathable, cool to the touch, and designed for long, fatigue-free listening. Hidden seams ensure durability and aesthetics.
Users can freely swap ear pads to customize comfort and sound character.
Strict quality control and precise manufacturing
Every component inspected, every detail refined Umbral adheres to a complete chain of precise quality controls, from raw material inspection to final acoustic testing. Each headphone undergoes comprehensive reliability tests: rapid simulation of temperature shock changes aging cycles at constant temperature and humidity verification of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection mechanical durability tests through plugging and unplugging.
Craftsmanship at a microscopic level
CNC machining ensures structural accuracy; robot-assisted brushing and polishing provide a uniform finish; logos are applied using an oil-filling process to maintain clarity over time. Torque-controlled screws ensure secure and stable assembly.
Material inspection
Metal parts are examined with Leica microscopes. Leather is checked for color uniformity using color measurement devices. Wooden housings are inspected for moisture and grain consistency. Magnets are calibrated with gauss meters to ensure balanced magnetic force.
Diaphragms are tested with imported resonance analyzers for precise frequency characteristics. Every element – visible and invisible – is selected and inspected to meet UM’s highest standards.
Technical Data
- Frequency response: 6 Hz – 80 kHz
- Drivers: 96 mm planar magnetic + UM MEMS microelectromechanical actuator
- Impedance: 65 Ω
- Sensitivity: 84 dB/mW
- Weight: 520 g
- Connection: Dual 3.5 mm plug system
- Cable: 2 m, available with 6.3 mm / 4.4 mm / 4-pin XLR connectors
