Normal 3D prints these headphones for the perfect fit

By Ryan Waniata July 20, 2014

normal headphones use 3d printing fit better favorite jeans printer manual image — Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are few things in life more pleasurable than a perfect fit. But when it comes to in-ear headphones, such a luxury can be extremely elusive. The twists and turns of each of our ears are as unique as a fingerprint, and no matter how many tip sizes or designs we try, it’s nearly impossible to get it just right. To tackle the problem, Normal harnesses the burgeoning new technology of 3D printing along with the smartphone in your pocket to create tailor-made headphones you can design from anywhere.

Until Normal came along, the path to custom headphones was both extremely expensive and time consuming. The process – usually costing over $1,000 – requires going to an auditory professional for custom molds, which then have to be sent away for manufacturing and construction, normally taking weeks. But, luckily for us, we live in the future. Normal CEO Nikki Kauffman knew there had to be a better way, and thanks to her background in 3D printing, she set out to create it.

Her solution involves a simplified process for mapping the human ear that combines a highly developed smartphone app, a state-of-the-art design facility in New York, and what the company calls “nerdalicious software and 3D printing to create each one-of-a-kind pair.” Using the app, users take ear selfies, which the company then uses to sculpt each unique sonic solution in as little as 48 hours. And the best part? The price is only $200 per pair.

Each pair of Normals employ a brilliant combination of standardized premium earpieces affixed with custom-printed upper fins, which are designed to slide into those extraordinary coils of cartilage on the sides of your head like a glove. To ensure great performance to go with their great fit, each custom shell packs premium components, including a 14mm dynamic driver, a CNC anodized aluminum housing and outer cabinet, and a “bass tube” for a rich lower register.

Normals haven’t made their way onto the market yet, so we can’t tell you just how good they sound. But if you’re looking for an earphone that fits better than your bespoke suit, Normals just might be the headphones you’ve been waiting for. Orders are slated to start shipping August 9th, and you can pre-order your Normals in a variety of colors at the company’s website today.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…

Culture

Reacher season 3: Everything we know so far

Get up to date on Reacher season 3!

Alan Ritchson in Reacher.

The era of Jack Ryan may be over, but Reacher is carrying on as one of the best shows on Amazon Prime Video. This action thriller is based upon Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels, which previously featured Tom Cruise in the leading role of two different movies. But for Prime Video, Alan Ritchson has stepped into the role of Jack Reacher, a former member of the United States Army Military Police Corps who drifts from town to town and takes justice into his own hands when the local law enforcement isn't enough.

Prime Video didn't waste any time before renewing Reacher for a third season last year. And while new episodes are still several months away, we're sharing everything we know about Reacher season 3.
Which Reacher novel will season 3 be based on?

Culture

The 11 best superhero movies of all time

Here's a short list to start your superhero movie binge

Tom Hardy and Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Need a break from real life? Here's a list of the best superhero films to binge. Choosing the best superhero films of all time is no easy task. Ask any fan of superheroes, whether it's the comics or films, and you're guaranteed to get a different list every time. Share your list with others, and the responses will include either nods of agreement, raised eyebrows, or blunt responses that you're dead wrong.
In compiling the list of best superhero films of all time, I tried to keep viewers of all ages and devotion to superhero cinema in mind. My original plan was to include Deadpool on the list until I realized there's an entire generation of movie fans still not allowed to watch the film because of its R-rating. The LEGO Batman Movie also appeared in my initial top choices, but the film felt out of place compared to the other films. (I still recommend LEGO Batman to everyone because it's darn hilarious.) Full disclosure: This list might change as we add and subtract films as they premiere and earn their spot on the list.
After much internal debate, I finally drilled down 11 superhero movie choices for both Marvel and D.C. with personal reasons for each selection. While thousands of fans likely won't agree with this list, few will argue that all these films are fantastic and worth multiple viewings. That said, here's my list of the best superhero movies of all time and where to watch them. Many are available on Disney Plus and Amazon Prime for your viewing for your convenience. Spoilers ahead.

11. Black Panther (2018)

Culture

How long should you let new cigars rest in a humidor?

Cigar humidor

Looking at those beautiful, oily cigars you've just unboxed or unwrapped, the calling to light up is real. I get it. I always want to smoke my cigars right away, too. But you shouldn't. Mail day is always exciting after you've ordered a slew of new cigars. When they arrive, the real fun begins. You'll probably need to organize your humidor to make the new sticks fit or arrange them for optimal humidification. As you're handling them, it's difficult to resist the temptation to crack open the cellophane or boxes and smoke one right away. While you can do that in most cases, I would recommend against it. Depending on where those cigars came from, where you live, and how they traveled, they might need a little time to rest in a humidor. They'll need to replenish some humidity and moisture or dry out a little.
How long should you let your new cigars rest?

When you put cigars in a humidor, especially one that's filled, they'll soak up and release humidity over time until they reach the average RH (relative humidity) that you have set inside your humidor. If you have a device like a that does this automatically, it will produce moisture and humidity to keep the levels optimal. You can also achieve the same thing with in smaller humidors, which release and soak up the humidity to match the levels on the label. Boveda packs come in a range of RH levels, from the low to mid-60s to the mid-70s.