Description
Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones
We are delighted to present Clear Mg : a new model of high-end open-back headphones. Combining new heights of innovation and performance with exceptional style and comfort, Clear Mg headphones offer class-leading quality.
Made in France, the new headphones boast upgraded performance thanks to new magnesium dome drivers. After more than three years of research and development, our engineers chose this new alloy which – combined with the dome’s ‘M’ shape – gives the headphones even greater lightness, rigidity and damping: the three success factors for any speaker/headphone driver.
The light and flexible surround also provides better dynamics and greater bass impact. The sound reproduction is even finer, with even greater precision and impact, creating a strikingly realistic sound.
The new grille has a honeycomb ‘M’-shaped design that more closely follows the curves of the driver. The more open design allows for a wider soundstage, while the reduced space between the driver and grille enables even more precise high-frequency reproduction.
Clear Mg headphones stand out first and foremost for their look. With their Chestnut and Mixed-Metal finish and their fine materials (leather, aluminium, microfibre), the headphones are extremely elegant. The new honeycomb grille on the earcups is a design highlight: not only does it increase the perceived value of the headphones; the more open structure contributes to the upgraded sonic performance. Finally, their perforated microfibre earpads offer enhanced opening and comfort.
Acoustics are also exceptional: the full-range drivers with ‘M’-shaped magnesium dome provide even more dynamic sound rendering, particularly in the low frequencies, and more detail across the full spectrum. Meanwhile, we have preserved the neutral sound signature that was so popular in the Clear.
KEY POINTS:
• High-fidelity open-back headphones for consumer use, made in France
• New cone material: Magnesium, for lightness and damping
• Remarkable sound performance: perfect dynamics, detail and balance
• Comfortable and ergonomic
• Low impedance (55 Ohms) to achieve very good performance with a portable player
| Type | Circum-aural open-back headphones |
| Impedance | 55 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104dB SPL / 1 mW @ 1 kHz |
| THD | 0.25 % @ 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL |
| Frequency response | 5Hz – 28kHz |
| Speaker driver | 15/8“ (40mm) ‘M’-shaped magnesium dome |
| Weight | 0.99lb (450g) |
| Cables supplied |
• 1 x 3.9ft (1.2m) mini-jack cable with 1/4″ (6.35mm) jack adapter |
| Carrying case provided | 97/8x91/2x43/4” (250x240x120mm) |
The Focal Clear MG is exactly the open-back you might be looking for if you’re looking to upgrade from the original Clear. There’s definitely a reason to analyze both sound signatures together, but for now, I can tell you that the Clear MG has some of the best depth in Focal’s library, with some exciting bass and warm textures. The treble might be a bit of a climb, but it still has the consistency of detail you’d expect.
The Focal Clear Mg are very good for neutral sound. They have a smooth and warm sound profile with a flat mid-range, well suited for accurately reproducing vocals and lead instruments. However, they lack a bit of low-bass, and their underemphasized treble range veils and darkens sibilants.
I’m a big fan of Focal’s headphones, and the Clear Mg is certainly no exception. Its name perfectly represents its sound: clear, clean, and open with a wide sound stage and neutral, precise tonal balance. It’s also supremely comfortable. No wonder recording engineers love it!
