The ZMF Atrium headphones are the flagship model from ZMF Headphones, representing an open-back version. These unique headphones feature an improved dynamic driver with a biocellulose membrane. With the ZMF Atrium, you get an open design equipped with a patented damping system that highlights the multi-layered soundstage, depth, tactile "feel" with realistically natural tonality. These solutions guarantee an extremely natural, well-balanced, and accurate sound.
Features:
- Materials: cherry wood, aluminum;
- Headband material: genuine leather;
- Perforated Be2 ear pads;
- Signature driver with biocellulose diaphragm;
- Cable with 6.3mm and XLR connectors.
Atrium Concept
The Atrium expands the spatial sound range first introduced in the Auteur model, thanks to the shared heritage of biocellulose drivers and ZMF's linear tuning. The name "atrium" refers to the central space in ancient Roman residential buildings with an opening in the roof, providing free air circulation. The special closed construction of the atrium ensures better air circulation inside the cup, leading to a wide soundstage reproduction and stunning holography.
Biocellulose Diaphragm
The ZMF Atrium utilizes a patented dynamic driver with a biocellulose diaphragm, enhanced compared to older manufacturers' analogs. This guarantees extremely dynamic sound with clear attack and impact that perfectly reproduces natural tonality, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the songs you listen to. The Atrium damping system allowed the full potential of the driver to be realized and its tuning to be more precise.
Unique Damping System
When creating the Atrium Damping System (ADS), the company aimed to dampen the sound waves sent by the driver towards the ear, towards the inner chamber of the housing. Waves reflecting inside can affect the reproduced sound and degrade its quality or reduce the potential of the driver, which applies to both closed and open headphones.
The Atrium damping system solves this problem by accurately selecting passing back waves and suppressing those that negatively affect the sound. The patented technology enhances the quality of sound reproduced by the driver, improving the reproduction of soundstage, depth, tonality, and texture. Implementing the ADS system in the ZMF Atrium model has allowed to maintain valuable neutral, balanced sound with a touch of musicality while reducing distortion levels for a cleaner sound.
Unique Wide Soundstage
The open-back model boasts a balanced and natural sound that is clear and spacious, with excellent spatial localization but slightly reduced bass. The bass in the ZMF Atrium is extremely deep, dynamic, and impressive in its scale. This pleasing sound not only works across different genres but can also keep the listener hooked for hours.
ZMF's Signature Craftsmanship with Beautiful Wooden Cups
ZMF headphones stand out with handmade designs made from specially selected wood species. The ZMF Atrium Closed uses cherry wood. Cherry wood can be finished with either natural with black grains or aged with coffee-golden grains (for an additional fee). Cherry wood, as a species, has inherent features such as knots, swirls, creases, branch marks, resin lines, and other deviations that vary depending on the cup but are usually visible on all headphones.
Wood and Musicality
The connection between wood and music has been traced back to the time of the appearance of instruments. Naturally, the resonance and tonality of headphones speak to this primary auditory connection. ZMF designs headphones to use the properties of wood to highlight both traditional craftsmanship and modern acoustics. ZMF headphones will stand the test of time thanks to their modern asymmetrical design and world-class acoustic characteristics, just like instruments and antiques that gain value from generation to generation as family heirlooms.
Sound Shaping
All ZMF headphones are cut on a CNC machine with strict requirements for consistency, hand-finished for detailing, and finished according to the project design. They are then measured using modern precision sound measurement systems to ensure sound accuracy through scientific research carried out on the Brüel & Kjær 5128 HATS device in an anechoic chamber. ZMF uses only premium-grade hardwoods kiln-dried that remain stable throughout their service life. Engineers tune all headphones to the same frequency response values for each model, regardless of wood type. You hear the full tonality of each wood species.
Cups are paired from the same boards to ensure close grain, texture, visual symmetry, and density. Typically, materials are taken from adjacent parts of one board, as the exotic species ZMF uses are rarely thick enough for matching.
All wood pieces utilized by ZMF are chosen by founder Zach for their density, tech-ness, and outward appeal. Whenever possible, blocks are hand-selected based on grain orientation or unique character features at local lumber yards. Exotic wood species are remote inspected. Upon arrival in the shop, all items undergo a secondary quality check where repair needs are identified, grains are matched, and defects are rectified.
Selected blanks are then sized and machined to strict tolerances on a CNC machine. ZMF utilizes advancements in CNC (computer numerical control) and 3D printing to efficiently support small-batch manufacturing of signature wooden cups and biodegradable low-toxin plastic gaskets. Both cups are machined on a CNC machine from a single block to ensure visual symmetry and consistent density. They are then hand-sanded by a master to eliminate any remaining defects, polish, and prepare the wood for finishing.
When finishing ZMF headphones, the least caustic options available are used. The primary material used during processing is Osmo wax for porous wood, consisting of natural seed oils and waxes. However, each set is individually matched based on the Wood's character. The goal is to ensure that the wood's character shines through in the finishing of each item. Wood possesses unique material qualities having lived its life before being reconstructed as ZMF headphones. Properly prepared and cared for, wooden cups will age with their user, ultimately telling their story alongside their own.
Innovative Ear Pads
One of the key elements in tuning the ZMF Atrium model was the choice of ear pads. After many hours spent testing materials, the company has prepared completely new ear pads. Be2 ear pads are characterized by an asymmetrical shape where the thicker part is located behind and under the ear, and have specially designed foam and exterior perforation. This allows the sound to be directed into the ear at an angle similar to how it is emitted from the converter by the CAMS magnetic system, so it is in no way blocked. Be2 ear pads also help achieve better chamber ventilation, resulting in the corresponding pressure.
Specially Crafted Ear Pads and Headband
The ZMF Atrium headphones have a beautiful profile and stylish rounded edges that perfectly complement the signature headband. The headband, designed by ZMF, ensures high wearing comfort. It is made of a durable aluminum alloy and finished with natural leather (along with a strap that holds the construction comfortably).
Package Includes:
- Headphones;
- 6.3mm cable;
- XLR cable;
- Seahorse case;
- Documentation.