Kali Audio is bringing its studio monitoring experience to a pair of headphones designed to work beyond professional audio environments.
The HP-1 is a closed back, over ear model that supports both wired and wireless listening. It is aimed primarily at accurate monitoring and high fidelity playback, but features such as Bluetooth, active noise cancelling, a built in microphone, a lightweight design, and more than 40 hours of battery life make it suitable for gaming, travel, and everyday use as well.
The headphones are priced at $199.
| Feature | Kali Audio HP-1 |
|---|---|
| Design | Closed back, over ear |
| Driver size | 40mm |
| Frequency response | 18Hz to 22kHz |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm and Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes |
| Battery life | More than 40 hours |
| Weight | Around 150g |
| DSP latency | 17ms |
| Sound modes | Studio, Consumer, Bass Heavy |
| Price | $199 |
Studio Mode focuses on neutral sound
The HP-1 uses 40mm drivers and has a stated frequency response of 18Hz to 22kHz.
Its main Studio Mode is designed around neutral and accurate playback rather than boosted bass or treble.
That approach is intended to preserve separation between dialogue, music, environmental effects, and other elements in a mix.
For games, that can make individual sounds easier to distinguish without relying on exaggerated tuning.
Kali also says the profile is designed to remain comfortable for longer listening sessions without becoming overly fatiguing.
Three sound profiles are built in
The HP-1 includes three selectable sound modes.
Studio Mode is the neutral option and is intended for mixing and detailed listening.
Consumer Mode provides a more conventional balanced presentation for general music, movies, and games.
Bass Heavy Mode raises the low end for listeners who prefer more impact from explosions, electronic music, or action games.
You can switch between the three profiles directly using the power button, so there is no need to open separate EQ software each time.
This also gives creators a quick way to hear how a mix might sound across different types of consumer tuning.
Wired and wireless connections make it more flexible
At a desk, the HP-1 can be connected through a standard 3.5mm cable.
For wireless use, Bluetooth supports AAC and SBC codecs, allowing connections to phones, tablets, and laptops.
Playback controls and a built in microphone are also included for music, video, and calls.
Active noise cancelling provides another option for use in louder rooms or while travelling.
Kali does not recommend using ANC while mixing, however, because the feature is intended more as a convenience than part of a critical listening workflow.
The stated DSP latency is 17ms, so the HP-1 is not positioned as a true zero latency gaming headset.
Battery life exceeds 40 hours
Kali rates the HP-1 for more than 40 hours of battery life.
That should be enough for several gaming, work, or listening sessions between charges.
The headphones weigh around 150g and use an around ear design that fully encloses the ears rather than resting directly on them.
The earpads are also replaceable, which could extend the useful life of the headphones if the pads wear out over time.
A foldable design and included carrying case make the HP-1 easier to transport.
Creators may get the most value
The HP-1 is particularly relevant if the same PC is used for gaming and creative work.
Studio Mode can serve as the neutral reference for audio editing or mixing, while Consumer and Bass Heavy modes provide quick alternatives for checking how content sounds with different tuning.
That makes one pair of headphones potentially useful for gaming, music production, video editing, streaming, and general listening.
The design also avoids many typical gaming headset features.
There is no emphasis on RGB lighting, virtual surround branding, or a gaming focused visual style.
Instead, Kali is relying on studio oriented sound, three tuning profiles, ANC, Bluetooth, long battery life, and low weight.
At $199, the HP-1 sits firmly in premium headphone territory, but its wider feature set may appeal if you want one pair of headphones for both creative work and everyday entertainment.
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