Continuing the brand's research in headphone design, drivers and materials which is propelling successfully its high-end models, Focal has now focused on its existing improvements to present a new portable mixing tool designed for audio engineers and music producers.
The French manufacturer's innovations in high-end headphones began in 2016 with the launch of their open-back Utopia model. Since then a wide range of revered sibling models have been released to cater for different applications from portable Hi-Fi listening to audio mastering. The new Clear MG Professional open-back headphones are a new addition to the brand's professional audio headphone range, and supersede the original Focal Clear Pro model released at NAMM 2018.
The new MG variant follows the same circumaural open back design, offering improved transparency and detail during recording and mixing sessions. While the original Clear Pro model featured a 40mm full-range speaker driver with an aluminum and magnesium composite diaphragm, the Clear MG Pro driver features an upgraded pure-magnesium dome. Focal's newly chosen material assembly represents 4 years of R&D and delivers optimized driver lightness, improved rigidity and excellent damping capabilities.
Combined with the frameless 1" diameter and 1/4" high-consistency copper voice coil, the audio experience is made all the more precise, offering impressive detail across the full frequency spectrum whilst still maintaining tonal balance. The drivers have 55 Ohms impedance with an impressive sensitivity of 104dB SPL (1mW @1kHz).
The Clear MG Pro headphones also take advantage of Focal's 'honeycomb' style external grille for its outer earcups. The unique pattern extends high frequencies and follows the 'M' shape of the cone as closely as possible to reduce any unwanted effects during movement. The 24kHz break-up ensures higher frequencies are extremely linear while transients are still continually respected. The response is also supported by the 3/4" (20mm) memory foam earpads, covered with a perforated microfibre fabric, helping on the bass articulation. The excellent sealing, particularly beneath the ears, prevents any acoustic leakage, while the resilient memory foam on the earpads complete the comfortable feel.
Designed for lengthy sessions, the Clear MG Professional headphones have an headband designed with a constant curve which distributes weight evenly across the full diameter of the head. Material choices include microfibre and leather. The vertical rotation mechanics featured in most headphone models have also been moved within the headband assembly for ever greater comfort, while the solid aluminum yoke is covered in structured black paint for a sleek, scratch resistant finish.
The Clear MG Pro's accessories have also received attention, benefiting from recent developments in the consumer line. The new headphones include a new woven color carry case specifically designed to match the headphone's aesthetic and two low resistivity OFC 234 AWG copper cables in two different lengths to satisfy a variety of different professional uses. The rigid carrying case includes a space for storing an iLock key and two spare earpads are supplied.
The Focal Clear MG Professional headphones are now available from authorized dealers and retail for $1,490 USD.
www.focal.com
