ZMF Auteur Classic — Black Limba

Linearity meets soul.

In film, an auteur is a visionary—a creator whose work carries an unmistakable signature. Auteur Classic brings that idea to sound: ZMF’s most neutral headphone, refined for musicality and clarity, built for your gear, your preferences, your journey.

As the first model we recommend to anyone entering the world of ZMF, Auteur Classic strikes a rare balance—linear yet engaging, versatile across genres and systems. Whether paired with precise solid-state or warm tubes, it remains natural, detailed, and unmistakably musical.

The Auteur (French for “author”) was ZMF’s first open-back headphone in 2017, inspired by Zach’s love of cinema. Nearly five years later it returned as Auteur Classic, now featuring the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and a revised diaphragm—without losing its distinctive character.

Zach recommends Auteur Classic to anyone who wants to experience the ZMF sound: rich mids, natural tone color, solid bass, and a neutral, clear presentation. Neutral here doesn’t mean sterile—quite the opposite. Auteur Classic is musical and adaptable, adding just enough flavor without obscuring detail.

It may be the easiest recommendation of all, because Auteur Classic truly is… a classic.

This edition introduces Black Limba as the new stock wood—known for warm golden hues and flowing black grain. Sonically it feels balanced and slightly relaxed, complementing Auteur’s open presentation with organic warmth and midrange richness.

With ZMF’s Atrium Damping System, Auteur Classic gains greater spatial depth, extended bass performance, and even more nuance—while preserving the smoothness and openness that made the original so beloved.

Auteur Classic in Black Limba is more than a headphone—it’s an entry point, a reference, and a destination all at once.

Stock wood: Black Limba

Technical Specifications

In the box

• Limba Auteur Classic
• ZMF stock braided cable
• ZMF stock Auteur pads
• ZMF owner’s card
• Clamshell case
• Lifetime driver warranty