Focal Clear MG Pro Review: A Professional's Dream

Focal has once again raised the bar for audio excellence with the Clear MG Pro headphones. Designed for discerning professionals and audiophiles, these open-back headphones promise exceptional sound quality, comfort, and versatility.

But what exactly are the features that make the Focal Clear MG Pro stand out?

1. Technical Specifications

The Focal Clear MG Pro boasts impressive technical specifications that contribute to its exceptional audio performance. For one, It features a pair of 40mm full-range speaker drivers with 'M'-shaped magnesium domes meticulously crafted in France. Additionally, these drivers are designed to deliver precise and dynamic sound reproduction across a wide frequency range.

With a sensitivity of 104dB SPL/1mW @ 1kHz and an impedance of 55 Ohms, the Clear MG Pro can be easily driven by a variety of audio sources, including dedicated headphone amplifiers and digital audio players. 

Designed with adaptability in mind, the headphones come with two high-quality detachable cables: a 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm jack and a 2.5m cable with a 1/4" jack, offering flexibility for different setups. With a dual 3.5mm out termination, the Clear MG Pro offers the highest flexibility to pairings with other cables, giving free flexibility to music lovers.

2. Sound Quality

Clear MG Pro is almost too good to be true, yet there it is. By combining many of the best aspects of each Focal classic that has passed, it's on a clear route to success. Sound On Sound rates this Focal highly.

Clear OG is the clear reference here. But Clear MG Pro even surpasses Head-Fi's GOAT by granting better cohesion between those famous mids and the flanking bass and treble ranges, being holistically more complete as a flagship claim.

That's partly empowered by the use of magnesium to build Focal's famous M-shaped inverted dome.

Treble detail stays inherently warm and natural.The Focal Clear MG Pro's portrayal of air and soundstage is aided by a M-shaped honeycomb grille protecting the correspondingly built driver that's exceptionally open. This frame allows even more delivery of high-frequency detail and extension.Hence, these headphones provide a solid foundation for the music without sounding sharp or sibilant when the high treble comes in, such as female high vocals, or naturally high pitched instruments like the trumpet. 

The mid-range is both clear and articulate, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through with natural warmth.

Compared to other open-back headphones in Singapore, the Clear MG Pro offers a wider soundstage and a more accurate representation of the music, making it ideal for professional applications.

3. Build Quality and Comfort

The Focal Clear MG Pro's exceptional build quality is immediately apparent. The solid aluminium yoke, for instance, provides a robust yet lightweight frame. At the same time, the leather and microfibre earcups offer a premium tactile experience combined with impressive durability.

The headband is also padded with real leather and microfibre, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit even during extended listening sessions.

4. Notable Features

The Focal Clear MG Pro isn't just about incredible sound; it's packed with smart features too. Detachable cables? Check! Easy replacement, upgrades, and a future-proof design. Plus, it comes with a handy carrying case for easy storage and portability.

And here's a cool twist: while designed as open-back headphones, the Clear MG Pro offers a degree of noise isolation thanks to its closed-back earcup design. Consequently, these headphones are also suitable for use in quieter environments where some isolation from external noise is desired. 

Although not equipped with a dedicated microphone, the Clear MG Pro can be used for communication purposes with the addition of a separate microphone attachment.

5. Digital Audio Player Compatibility

To truly unlock the full potential of the Focal Clear MG Pro headphones, it’s essential to pair them with a high-quality digital audio player (DAP). After all, a dedicated DAP provides a clean and powerful audio signal, free from the interference and distractions that can often plague smartphones and laptops. 

When choosing a DAP for the Clear MG Pro, consider factors such as audio resolution support, output power, and overall sound signature. Some of the compatible DAPs that offer excellent performance and value include:

• iBasso DX180: This versatile entry level DAP offers a great pairing to the Focal Clear MG Pro, allowing it to showcase its balanced sound signature, making it a great all-rounder for various headphone types. Also, its intuitive touch screen and comprehensive feature set make it a joy to use.
  
  
• Cayin N3 Ultra: This special DAP with a tube mode offers a unique combination of features and performance. With Cayin’s signature warm timbre representation, it complements well with the brightness of the Clear MG Pro, bringing it to a natural, nuanced tone. 

• Hiby R6 Pro II: The Hiby R6 Pro II offers speed, resolution and a mids, playing to the Clear MG Pro’s strengths and amplifying it.
  
  

• iBasso DX340: A flagship DAP, boosting solid bass, impressive resolution, and treble extension without the sharpness. With the DX340, Clear MG Pro’s will have its stage open up, allowing for a grander sound stage, yet retaining its core balanced sound profile with added resolution. A fantastic set up if a premium setup is your consideration.
  
  

6. Pros and Cons

To determine whether the Focal Clear MG Pro is the ideal choice for you, remember to review its pros and cons:

• Exceptional Sound Quality: The Focal Clear MG Pro delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature with a wide soundstage, making it ideal for critical listening and professional applications.
• Premium Build Quality: The use of high-quality materials like leather, aluminium, and magnesium ensures durability and a luxurious feel.
• Comfortable Fit: The well-padded earcups and headband provide excellent comfort for extended listening sessions.
• Price: The Clear MG Pro is a premium headphone with a price tag that punches far above its weight, and could fight pound for pound over some flagship headphones charging a far higher premium. 
• Resolution: The Clear MG Pro  is ultimately not a flagship, and while balanced, it is lacking in resolution for music lovers chasing pitch perfection and clarity.
• Open Backed: The Clear MG Pro is an open-backed headphone, and therefore must be used at home. Otherwise, in a noisy environment, sound will seep into the headphone, as you can hear your surroundings. This impacts audio experience significantly.
  
  

Focal Clear MG Pro: The Audiophile's Choice

The Focal Clear MG Pro undoubtedly lives up to its "professional" moniker. Besides, its exceptional sound quality, marked by a balanced and detailed sound signature, wide soundstage, and accurate imaging, makes it a top choice for musicians, music lovers, and serious audiophiles. 

While the price may be a barrier for some, the Clear MG Pro's performance and versatility justify the investment for those who prefer the leading brands in audio reproduction. Whether you're mixing tracks in the studio, mastering audio for a film, or simply enjoying your favourite music with exceptional clarity, the Clear MG Pro delivers a truly immersive and rewarding listening experience.

If you want to experience the Focal Clear MG Pro for yourself, visit Zeppelin & Co. and let our expert team guide you through a personalised listening session. You can also browse through our collection of Focal headphones online and learn more about the exceptional quality and performance of these wired headphones.