Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question? support@drownaudio.com
Q: What are the best settings for my PC?
A: Here are our recommendations for getting started with Drown. Of course, we encourage you to add/change settings to customize the experience to your personal taste in audio.
PCs:
Be sure your PC is clearly set to ‘Stereo’
Turn off audio enhancements, i.e. Dolby Atmos, Surround sound (or any audio setting outwith Stereo)
You can also reset PC audio to factory settings and add features as needed
PS4:
Adjust volume specifically for headphones (factory settings are typically at 50% volume)
Xbox:
Set to 'Windows Sonic for Headphones'
Set to ‘Stereo uncompressed'
Switch:
Be sure to choose the ‘Stereo’ setting
Q: I have a PS4. Why am I having trouble with the inline controls?
A: These controls work great for mobile devices, PCs and Macs. It is much more difficult to have button controls working for gaming consoles, something we discovered late in the manufacturing process.
After so many unforeseen delays due to COVID-19, our focus was to get the product out to customers as quickly as possible, so we didn't delay the release for development of these buttons.
We are currently working on a set of controls: a volume slider and a mute microphone switch. This will come as a cable option, so it will be part of the cable which disconnects, meaning you will not require a new set of earphones. Our engineers are making this a priority, as we believe it will greatly improve the gaming experience!
If you have any input for functions beyond what we have described, please let me know. We always welcome input from users - it will help us design better products and be a better company!
Note: The middle button on the in-line controls will play/pause audio on your mobile device, if you hold it down, it will mute all microphones in case you want to have a private conversation outside of gaming.
Q: Why didn’t my Drown tactile earphones come with a splitter for dividing the audio and mic signal?
A: In an effort to be as ‘green’ as possible, we didn’t include a splitter. Since there has been so much interest in this solution, we are giving this top priority to include it as an option in the near future.
Q: Do you recommend the use of an equaliser?
A: Some folks like to use an equaliser to adjust frequency response. Here is a nifty customer-recommended option for your PC
Evaluate your earphones with an online audio check
Demonstrating the Drown difference: Check out these videos wearing Drown vs. typical gaming headset
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Drown’s MSRP is £129.00 GBP. Those residing in the UK or the EU are subject to VAT, applied at checkout. There is no VAT on orders outwith these countries. Using a different currency from the one displayed? Check out the little drop-down in the corner to change it.
Q: How much does shipping cost?
A: Shipping is free in the US and UK, it is £15 in the rest of the world for the single set. More shipping info here
Q: When will Drown be shipping to early backers?
A: Shipping has officially begun! All backers and pre-sales will be shipped by the end of June. Live shipping will begin in early July.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: We want you to love your new Drown tactile earphones. If you have any problems, please let us know: support@drownaudio.com
See our full warranty and return policy here
Q: Can I try a pair for free?
A: Our Partner Program offers special Drown incentives and opportunities. Interested? Contact us: partner@drownaudio.com
Q: What makes Drown different from other earphones?
A: Drown patented technology delivers audio differently from any other earphones. Like many high-end headphones, we start with a high-quality graphene driver. But, it’s how we deliver audio that makes us truly different. Drown tactile earphones work differently in three different ways:
- Drown engineers designed a unique audio wave to guide and sculpt sound waves from our driver directly into your ear canal. This tactile system triggers outstanding spatial and physical awareness. With Drown, there is no loss of audio to the outside world.
- Stimulate the nerves in your Pinna, or outer ear. Drown earphones let you feel sounds below the normal 20Hz range of hearing. This nerve stimulation also helps to process additional information, telling us whether sound is coming from left or right, front or behind, above or below us.
- The third audio pathway is bone and cartilage conduction. Drown earphones direct vibrations to mimic the way we feel and perceive sound in the real world.
The combination of these three audio paths creates an experience unlike any other earphones. Compete with precision. Get in the game with total immersion. Feel a connection. With Drown, you aren’t just listening to a recording – you are a part of the action!
Q: What makes Drown’s sound superior?
A: Drown is different from anything else on the market. Our tactile earphones use waveguide, nerve stimulation, and bone and cartilage conduction to hit all 3 audio pathways in your brain.
Q: Can Drown be used with a phone?
A: Drown can be used with any device that uses a 3.5 mm jack.
Q: I have an iPhone. Can I still use Drown?
A: Yes. You can connect Drown to your iPhone through a lightning jack like this one
Q: Is there a wireless version?
A: Drown is wired for the ultimate real-time gaming experience. Join our mailing list for updates on future plans for our product!
Q: Does Drown really block out all outside sound?
A: The snug fit helps feed sound directly into your ear, while passively blocking out environmental noise. The better the fit, the more environmental noise will be blocked. (See below for more info about fit)
Q: Does it come in different sizes? How do you determine?
A: Yes. Fit is very important to us. All ears are not created equal and proper fit is key to optimizing Drown. Each box contains a range of seal sizes (2,4,6,8) and a fit guide. This allows you to find the one that rests snugly yet comfortably into your ear. Watch Joe demonstrate here.
Q: Does Drown fit everyone’s ear?
A: Our research shows that Drown will be a good fit for virtually any ear with one of our 4 sizing options. If you don’t find the right fit, please let us know: support@drownaudio.com Moving forward, we are also planning custom options for special needs.
Q: Are they comfortable?
A: Drown’s patented noise isolation seals rest comfortably in your ear. With the proper fit, they are really comfy, even for all-night gaming sessions!
Q: What if my ears are two different sizes?
A: We recommend that you try to wear the same size in both ears. However, your comfort is paramount!
Q: Does Drown work for VR? I find VR headsets lacking in sound quality.
A: You won’t be disappointed! Drown tactile earphones trick your brain into thinking you are actually there, making them perfect for VR.
Q: Are there any negative health effects?
A: In the UK, employers must provide hearing protection at 85 decibels. Any earphones or headphones playing louder than 85 decibels can be unsafe. Please use responsibly.
Q: What is the microphone quality?
A: The microphone that comes as standard is a unidirectional noise-canceling mic, designed specifically for the gaming market. It has excellent pickup and clarity.
Q: Is the boom mic detachable?
A: Yes. The boom mic is attached with a 2.5 mm jack. This means you can detach to wear Drown whilst you are out and about!
Q: What is the Impedance?
A: Drown’s impedance is 32 Ohms.
Q: All 3D in-ears offer surround sound that’s done virtually through software. What do your headphones do differently from others in this regard?
A: Glad you asked! This is correct, all in-ears have the ability to deliver surround sound through audio in the way you describe. Drown earphones supplement the acoustic in-air audio (found in all earphones) with acoustics in solids. More specifically, we transmit the vibrational characteristics from the audio waves to the nerves in your ear. Your 3D gaming experience feels like the real deal.
We also provide increased isolation and more realistic bass due to the vibration, which makes the audio feel more genuine. Most earphones and headphones attempt to isolate driver vibration. Drown tactile earphones actually promote driver vibration, to harness more of the bass response and deliver it to the nerves in your ear and your temporal bone.
Q: Will they have a mono setting? It’s hard to find good headphones for gaming when you’re deaf in one ear.
A: Mono setting is not achieved through the hardware itself and would have to be done via the console. Meanwhile, check out this video clip!
Q: What kind of driver units are in these?
Drown tactile earphones use high-quality graphene drivers.
Q: Is the cable detachable?
A: The cable comes apart at the left/right join so that application-specific cable can be added.
Q: What is the mic quality?
A: The Drown microphone is a unidirectional noise-canceling mic, designed specifically for the gaming market. Our mic has excellent pickup and clarity. It is included with your Drown pre-order.
Q: How does Drown compare to Nura?
A: There are many differences. Drown uses a waveguide to condense the audio in a way that increases quality. We also stimulate the nerves on the outside of the ear through material contact to enhance spatial awareness. Nuraphone is a very good product - but we think Drown is better!
Q: In all 3D in-ear monitors, a surround sound effect is created virtually through software. Either by guessing the direction of incoming sound data and exaggerating it or by simply receiving a signal that’s already been made aurally 3D. What do your headphones do differently from others in this regard?
A: Again, the main difference is that Drown provides tactile vibration and situational awareness. Drown earphones translate the audio signals into vibration, as well as acoustic signals.
Q: How does Drown compare to 7.1 surround sound?
A: 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound headphones are not designed for how the human ear or brain perceives space, depth, or direction in real-life situations. Drown stimulates every audio receptor in our heads the same way nature does, but with better bass. 😎 We’ve had overwhelmingly positive responses from people who own and love high quality 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound headphones with multiple speakers.
Q: Do you have a Discord channel?
A: Yes! You can access Drown on Discord via this invite.