Designed to offer the ultimate hifi experience during travels, the Focal Bathys headphones showcase Focal’s high-fidelity sound and an advanced ANC processing and audio system, based on a Qualcomm platform. The design offers two noise-cancelling modes: a "Silent" mode optimized for journeys with high background noise (planes, trains, etc.) and a "Soft" mode, fine-tuned to help with focus at home, in the office, etc. It also features a "Transparency" mode that allows users to hear sounds around them when needed.
Easily accessible control buttons and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants are provided for effortless use. The headphones also have an adjustable EQ to customize the sound, configurable voice assistant features, and other settings, all available in the dedicated app developed by Focal. For the sound design, Focal worked with a sound designer to create all the sounds when pairing, connecting, switching ANC modes, etc. All the sounds we hear inside the headphones are unique to Focal, as the company didn’t want to use the chipset very basic tones.
In terms of sound Focal combined AAC, Apt-X and Apt-X Adaptive codecs for Bluetooth transmission, while providing a choice of wired connectivity modes using a jack or USB. The Bathys headphones also feature a Clear Voice Capture microphone technology for clear telephone conversations. In terms of battery life, the Bathys headphones offer over 30 hours of use, with its fast-charging function giving 5 extra listening hours in just 15 minutes. Finally, two cables - 4ft (1.2m) 3.5mm jack and 4ft (1.2m) USB-C - are supplied with the headphones for optimal wired listening to suit all uses. The integrated USB-DAC mode offers support for up to 24-bit/192kHz high resolution audio.
Manufactured in Saint-Étienne at the Focal workshops, the 40mm drivers inside the Bathys headphones benefit from the expertise of a brand that constantly innovates to improve its products. With an aluminum/magnesium dome, the Bathys' drivers deliver an extremely precise sound with extended range as required by high resolution audio sources.
The Bathys design is inherited from Focal’s open- and closed-back headphones. The ergonomic headphones combine refined materials, such as magnesium on the yokes, real leather on the headband and aluminum for a robust construction, resulting in outstanding comfort for any head shape. The earcup grilles reflect Focal’s distinctive headphones design code, with its pronounced curves, and Focal’s flame symbol at the center of each earcup, incorporating a white backlight system to be activated if desired, for an understated, chic visual effect. Another standout feature of the headphones Bathys is the elegant and timeless Black Silver colorway.
Designed to be lighter, more compact and with superior staying power, the Bathys headphones are sold for US $799, including a luxury carrying case that makes the set ideal as a travel companion. As Focal explains, Bathys comes from the word ‘bathyscaphe’, the first submarine exploration vehicle. "The embodiment of calm, depth and absolute silence, this vessel is the inspiration behind the name of these ANC headphones," the announcement states.
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