Blue decided to follow-up on the positive things achieved with its original Mo-Fi headphones and has now introduced Lola, dropping the built-in amplifier while maintaining the main positive things from its radical form-fit design. Lola shares the same custom 50mm drivers in a new lighter, slimmer design that actually allows enjoyment in comfort.
When Blue Microphones (apparently they already dropped the “Microphones” word from their logo) introduced its Mo-Fi Active Headphones in 2014 it aimed to create an entire new category in the competitive product segment, trying to appeal both to home studio users - the main market addressed by its extended microphone portfolio - DJ’s and music enthusiasts looking for a truly immersive listening experience and tight sealing solution.
Mo-Fi also used high-quality 50-mm dynamic drivers that, when combined with a lot of power, could reproduce audio with the greatest accuracy and dynamic response. But probably the most striking aspect was its design, full of unique concepts, like a multi-jointed design to earcups “shaped like ears”, an adjustable tension knob and a multi-jointed headband solution, among many other other “ergonomic” details.
Unfortunately for Blue, the Mo-Fi resulted in a truly heavyweight product that didn’t appeal that well to any of its targeted users. It was to bulky and uncomfortable for studio or DJ use - which need lightweight solutions for long sessions - and its audio quality did not exactly appealed to high-end music enthusiasts with its “boomy” response, especially when in active mode. Still there were many positive things about the Mo-Fi design which would be worth recovering.
Apparently, that’s what Blue Microphones understood and decided to do with the new Lola headphones. Lola keeps the radical design features of the Mo-Fi headphones, removing the extra weight that destroyed the nice over-ear sealed effect, even with all the personalized fit options available. In fact, Lola extends Blue’s radical design introducing a new lighter, slim-fit headband, while the also slimmer earcups finally allow enjoying the custom 50mm drivers response and acoustic embrace.
According to Blue, Lola should feel like an headphone that “delivers the accuracy of reference monitors while also providing that emotional inspiration that is so critical for songwriting and producing.” Like John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones, states, “Until now, making music on headphones meant living with flat, unemotional sound. Lola does what no headphone has done before — deliver mixes that translate, with a listening experience that feels dimensional and alive. Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or listening recreationally, Lola reveals new detail in your music without sounding clinical or cold.”
That will have to be determined in real use, but we can only applaud the fact that Blue was able to rethink its original effort and come out with a new lighter, slimmer and more balanced design, which, at at $250 MSRP ($100 less than the Mo-Fi) will certainly appeal to more potential users. Users trying the Lola without any knowledge of the previous iteration will be able to admire and enjoy the mechanical adjustment options, including the new four-point multi-jointed linkage headband design and pivoting arms that allow the headphones to stay perfectly parallel at all times and provide a superior seal around the ears.
Lola comes with a soft travel case, a high-quality 3-meter audio cable, 1.5-meter audio cable with built-in mic and Apple iPhone/iPad controls, and a 3.5 mm to ¼ inch adapter. Available in charcoal black and pearl white.
www.blue-headphones.com
