Nothing Headphone 1 Pro: New Flagship with Triple Drivers
Nothing launches the Headphone 1 Pro, a $399 flagship over-ear headphone featuring a triple-driver design, ANC, and a studio Flat EQ hardware switch.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Nothing launched the Headphone 1 Pro, its new flagship over-ear headphones priced at $399.
- It features active noise cancellation (ANC), a triple-driver design, and Auracast support.
- Includes a physical Flat EQ switch on the ear cup aimed at studio professionals.
- Developed in partnership with London's Metropolis Studios for uncolored audio monitoring.
Following the release of the solid Headphone A at $199 and the earbuds Ear 3A under $100, Nothing has expanded its audio lineup with the introduction of the Nothing Headphone 1 Pro. Priced at $399, the company's new flagship over-ears offer unexpected features alongside standard flagship expectations like active noise cancellation (ANC), multiple sound profiles, and straightforward controls.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Among the unexpected additions are a triple-driver setup, Auracast support, and a unique hardware addition: a Flat EQ switch that disables digital sound processing. This concept originated from a partnership with Metropolis Studios, a renowned recording and mastering facility in London where producer Mark Ronson crafted Amy Winehouse's Back in Black.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Nothing's default Balanced EQ setting highlights the mids and highs, giving vocals a forward presence and cymbals extra sizzle. Flipping the Flat EQ switch brings those frequencies in line with the bass, reducing the high-end edge while slightly diminishing the music's airiness. The switch is positioned discreetly on the inside corner of the left ear cup, far from other controls to prevent accidental activation.
Adding a physical hardware switch for uncolored flat audio demonstrates Nothing's ambition to cater directly to mixing engineers rather than relying solely on software EQs. However, extensive research by Dr. Sean Olive at Harman indicates that most everyday listeners prefer the Harman Curve, which features boosted bass and neutral mids, meaning true flat response might sound unnatural to average consumers.
Another primary differentiator between the Headphone 1 Pro and mainstream competitors like the Sony XM6, AirPods Max 2, and Bose Ultra Headphones Gen 2 is the acoustic architecture. While those rivals employ a single driver per side, Nothing utilizes a triple-driver configuration.
"This design allows for each driver to focus on specific range, so things like the attack of higher frequencies is faster and cleaner."
John Higgins
The system integrates a 40mm dynamic driver for bass, a dedicated midrange driver, and a solid-state xMEMS driver handling upper frequencies, allowing each component to handle specific audio ranges cleanly and rapidly. Furthermore, the Headphone 1 Pro supports LDAC, wired and wireless high-res audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, and wired lossless playback over USB-C up to 24-bit/192kHz, alongside functioning as an Auracast transceiver via the Nothing X app.
Source: The Verge
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment