Absorption and Dampening

To reduce volume while maintaining voice quality, blocking the source alone is not enough. In an enclosed space, sound waves reverberate, creating an echo without much external noise reduction. 

To create an effective soundproofing mechanism, the sound must be absorbed first, then dampened afterwards. As sound is absorbed, its acoustic energy is converted to heat - which then needs to be expelled for comfort. 

Multi-Layer Concept

To meet these requirements, we developed a multi-layer concept. Each individual layer is engineered for a specific function — sound absorption, sound dampening, or structural support — all assembled on a semi-rigid frame.

This approach allows us to tune each layer independently, optimizing the mask for the frequencies that matter most: the mid-to-high range where the human voice is strongest and most disturbing to others.


Comfort Starts with Shape

The shape of a soundproof mask matters as much as the materials inside it. From day one, we designed our masks to have enough space and cover the jaw. This keeps the mask stable while giving the mouth room to move naturally: better seal, better comfort.

Why? Because we design for gamers. For a quick phone call, a small mouth-only mask might be fine. But for 1–2 hour gaming sessions, you need a mask that stays put, seals well, and lets you speak freely without discomfort.

This design principle has remained at the core of every Metadox mask.

1st Generation — Proof of Concept

The PHASMA

The PHASMA was our first gaming mask, launched on Kickstarter and Indiegogo in 2021. Developed during the Covid era, a time when people were more accustomed to wearing masks, it was designed to prove that a voice-dampening mask for gamers could work.

And it did work! Developed in 2021 during Covid, the jaw-free design differed from the tight-fitting PPE masks people had become accustomed to wearing. Finally, gamers could play and speak freely without disturbing the people around them. 

We are so thankful for all of our early supporters, but PHASMA also revealed some of the challenges ahead.

Nose-Free Design

Customer feedback was clear: the nose needed work. In our first design, breathing felt restricted, sizing didn’t accommodate different shapes, and the seal would break over the bridge. 

Our solution was radical but simple: free the nose. We redesigned the mask with an open-nose approach that allowed for unrestricted breathing, compatibility with glasses, improved visibility, and a more consistent seal. 

There was a tradeoff, however. With the nose outside, it doesn’t provide the same resonance on speech, making voices slightly more nasal.

Microphone Quality

The enclosed space of a soundproof mask is a unique acoustic environment that alters frequencies, increases resonance, and muddies speech. To ensure performance, we collaborated with a renowned acoustics engineer to develop a physically tuned microphone specifically for use within the mask.  

The microphone structure was adapted to resonate at the precise frequencies for speech, compensating for the acoustic characteristics within the mask.

Mass Manufacturing

Initially, we 3D-printed and hand-assembled components for the PHASMA prototypes and small production runs. Though this enabled us to rapidly innovate and create new iterations, the quality and consistency were limited. 

For the next generation, we graduated to professional manufacturing and assembly to reliably deliver at higher standards.

2nd Generation — Ready for the World

The OMBRA

The OMBRA combined all these improvements into our second-generation mask: nose-free design, a physically tuned microphone, injection-molded construction, and refined sealing. It became our most popular product, loved by gamers and featured at the Tokyo Game Show in 2023 where it gained massive attention on social media.

But we were not done. As more gamers used the OMBRA in the real world, new areas for improvement became clear.

Voice Clarity — Digital Sound Processing

While the microphone itself was a massive improvement, we realized voice clarity could benefit from additional processing. To address this, we developed an integrated Digital Sound Processing (DSP) system with a noise suppression algorithm. 

The DSP improves sound quality by suppressing unwanted noise while preserving the natural characteristics of the wearer’s speaking voice. 

We continue to shape new firmware updates based directly on customer feedback. When gamers tell us what they need, we listen and deliver.

Even More Comfort

Comfort is the result of dozens of small considerations working together. For our latest release, we completely reworked the components that secures the mask over the jaw with comfort in mind. 

Seal evolution: We upgraded from foam and PU leather to food-grade silicone. It provides a softer, more consistent seal that adapts to face contours while improving durability. 

Dual strap system: A head strap and neck strap work together to distribute weight and keep the mask stable and comfortable for extended sessions. Slightly more complex to put on, but far more secure for extended gaming sessions.

Lightweight construction: Smooth edges, reduced weight, and an inner silicone layer that sits gently against the skin all improve comfort over time.

Cooling

Heat buildup from acoustic energy has been a challenge since our very first prototype.  

We have tested multiple solutions over the years, including cooling fans. While they provide some cooling, they are fragile, heavy, and loud – defeating the purpose of a soundproof mask in the first place. 

Our solution: a specially fitted cooling gel pad similar to a freezer pack. It is quiet, effective, and reusable.  

USB Plug & Play

Our latest masks include a USB interface which solves a few problems at once. Earlier generations relied on a 3.5mm audio connection, which was incompatible with some devices, was sometimes not recognized, and could create confusion over if the microphone or audio was connected. 

By integrating a USB interface, our masks now feature zero-latency audio transmission, multi-device compatibility (PC, phone, PS4/PS5), and a simple plug-and-play setup with no driver installation required.

3rd Generation — Everything We Learned Into One Mask

The VEKTA

After five years of development, three generations of masks, and reviewing countless pieces of feedback from gamers, we arrived at the VEKTA, our third generation mask. The VEKTA addresses every challenge we faced with PHASMA and OMBRA:

  • Voice dampening up to 30dB at mid-to-high frequencies, using the proven multi-layer concept with silicone sandwich design and integrated foam.
  • Microphone audio clarity with integrated DSP and custom noise suppression, continuously improved through firmware updates.
  • Comfort with nose-free design, food-grade silicone seals, dual strap system, cooling gel pad, and lightweight construction.
  • USB plug-and-play with multi-device support, no drivers, one cord. 
Order the VEKTA

Explore the team who conquered the challenges

Get to know the engineers and gamers behind Metadox

About Us

News

View all
1 3
View all

Questions?

Do you have questions? Check the FAQ, Documentation, Videos, etc. in our Support Center or get in touch. We will be happy to answer you.

Go to the SUPPORT CenterContact Us