LOAK-PROTOTYPE 00 (Monitor Sound Tuning Model)
Front : Titanium(CNC)
Body : Titanium(3D Printing)
Rear : Wood,Brass.
This is a custom-built LOAK2 model featuring monitor-style sound tuning. It was originally created as a test unit, but the sound turned out to be exceptional, so I’d like to introduce it.
The housing is based on the LOAK-PROTOTYPE, and two versions were produced: one with a brass backplate, and another open-back type using African Blackwood.
LOAK2-TX01 and TX02 are known for their rich, bold, and powerful sound signatures, but they don’t particularly excel in resolution or clarity. To explore a more modern sound, I created this test model by applying tension to the diaphragm, resulting in a sharper, high-resolution sound with clear and well-defined notes.
By tuning the driver this way, it becomes capable of delivering delicate, fast-reacting sound. However, this also tends to produce sharpness in the high frequencies. To address this issue, I implemented a two-layer filter system: one directly in front of the driver to suppress the harshness, and another inside the front nozzle of the housing to reduce resonance.
As a result, the treble remains very mild and easy to listen to, without making the overall sound too soft. It retains delicacy and precision. Additionally, this dual-filter design reduces internal reverberation and coloration, contributing to a highly neutral and honest tonal balance.
Normally, increasing the density of filters in the front nozzle leads to a smoother and more listener-friendly sound at the expense of losing treble extension and micro-detail. However, in this test model, because the driver tuning emphasizes sharpness and intensity, the filters bring it back into balance, achieving a pleasant, well-rounded sound. The closest current model would be the TX03, but this tuning feels even smoother and more transparent.
While this kind of honest and straightforward sound may not be ideal for those who enjoy boldness, reverberation, or rich ambiance, it’s an excellent match for analytical or monitor-style listening.
The closed type with a brass back is slightly stronger in sound than the open type with an African blackwood back. On the other hand, the open type seems to provide a more natural and uncoloured sound.
I am currently developing ideas for a new earphone model, and this test helped me explore what kind of sound signature I should pursue before moving into driver and housing design. While the sound is the complete opposite of the dynamic, expressive tuning found in TX01 and TX02, I personally find it extremely listenable—natural, uncolored, and impressively well-balanced.
What stood out most is that the treble remains smooth and easy to listen to without harshness or fatigue—yet it doesn’t come at the expense of clarity or extension. It feels like the testing was well worth the effort.