AVIOT have launched a new series of earbuds created in collaboration with the beloved EVANGELION anime series. The TE-V1R-EVA true wireless earbuds features over 160 newly recorded voice lines by nine characters, packaging with a brand-new illustration of Rei Ayanami and Asuka Shikinami Langley, and sound tuning by Yoko Takahashi.
The design combines a white-and-silver color scheme with the Spears of Longinus and Cassius on the earbuds, while the charging case bears an EVANGELION Unit-01–inspired logo. The packaging also includes a newly drawn illustration of Rei Ayanami and Asuka Shikinami Langley wearing the earbuds.
The sound tuning was supervised by Yoko Takahashi, the artist behind the iconic theme songs “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis” (NEON GENESIS EVANGELION) and “Soul’s Refrain” (EVANGELION: DEATH & REBIRTH). These premium earphones commemorate the 30th anniversary of the EVANGELION series in elegant style.
Interview with Yoko Takahashi
1. What was your first impression when you heard about the project?
Takahashi: In the world of earbuds and headphones, people try all kinds of devices to find the sound that suits them. Being asked to create a sound tuned specifically to my ears in this deep and complex world was an honor, and I thought it was a really fun and exciting project.
2. Could you tell us about the concept behind this tuning and what you focused on?
Takahashi: When I mix a song, I always aim for the sound I feel is best. For these earbuds, the sound was further adjusted so listeners could enjoy it in a way that matches my personal taste.
For example, in “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the song begins with the vocals, so we focused on making the opening voice reach the listener’s heart clearly, giving it a transparent, clear quality. Since the main characters, Shinji, Rei, and Asuka, are all 14, we aimed to make the vocals sound bright and youthful, closer to their age.
With “Soul’s Refrain,” we also focused on keeping the vocals youthful and bright. The song is very majestic, with extreme dynamics, so the sound was designed to feel spacious, with depth and stereo separation, while making the low end sound richer and deeper.
To bring out the charm of these songs, the engineers at AVIOT and I went through a process of trial and error. We arrived at a tuning that emphasizes the powerful low end to convey majesty, while keeping the vocals clear and bright to maintain a youthful feel.
3. The tuning balances a rich low end with vocals that remain clear and open.
Takahashi: In particular, at the beginning of “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” I think listeners will really feel the clarity of the vocals and the subtle sense of distance.
4. How do you feel about EVANGELION being loved by so many people across generations and countries?
Takahashi: Personally, I’ve watched both the TV series and the movies many times. Especially the TV series, which I’ve seen dozens of times. Every time I watch it, I get drawn back into its depth, and it has become a very important work for me.
No matter how many times you watch it, you can relate it to your own experiences at that moment. Even after 30 years, it’s still a work that can “synchronize” with viewers in the present.
5. Over the past 30 years, your songs have been heard by many people in all kinds of situations.
Takahashi: I think the TV series’ theme songs, in particular, have synced up with important moments in many people’s lives. Being able to sing those songs, and now having the chance to perform them around the world, is incredibly meaningful.
I feel deeply grateful to have been part of a work with such lasting impact.
6. Do you have a message for fans regarding these earbuds?
Takahashi: Of course, you can enjoy the music from the EVANGELION series, but I also think these earbuds let you experience the “breadth of the music” that has developed over the 30 years since 1995, all in a sound that’s easy to listen to today.
For more information and to place your pre-order, visit https://aviot.jp/product/te-v1r-eva. Shipping will begin from late October 2026 onwards.
