I just ordered a pair today. Hopefully they’re closer to the original listen pro’s with the black pads. They were so much better than the newest red pad version. Thanks for the content you create Colt. It’s always well appreciated by myself and I’m sure plenty of others. Thanks
I also had the privilege of getting early access for a few days before the launch, and I can't agree more with what you said. I'm not an audio engineer, but I’m a video editor and sometimes do audio mixing. I was blown away by the sound it produces. I tested a bunch of headphones, including the R70X, which I used most of the time, but the Lensys is now my new main headphone. The low end, especially, is what made me switch to Focal. It has a great kick that’s just what I need, especially compared to consumer or hi-fi headphones that sometimes go too hard on bass.
Back in 1995 I attended the Stereophile audio show in San Francisco. Back then they were trying to introduce home theater, with noisy azz projector systems and iffy multi channel receivers. The highlight of the show for me was a rom with JMLabs speakers called the Utopia. I decidfed to go back at gthe end of the day for a more intimate session. Apparently 2 very well known people in the industry (a magazine reviewer and product CEO) thought the same. The CEO pulled out some plastic shot glasses and poured some phenomenal single malt scotch as we listened into the evening. That was the night I said I'd "make it" when I could buy some of the best Focals. I did. Everything Focal does is top tier, although they do, like many manufacturers, have a house sound. Personally I love it! I love my Focals, and they'll remain at the top of my demo list.
As a blind person who loves audio production, I love your channel huge fan of your videos. Please take breaks as needed. How are the trio 11 B holding up since you have purchased them? I’m thinking about getting a pair.
I too am a Focal fan....... except for their "listen professional" series. I couldn't not stand them. Ordered them from Sweetwater tried them for about an hour, packaged them back up and sent them back immediately. I was highly disappointed. Because I love my Focal monitors. Maybe I have to jump up to the price zone to find something I like. Great video brother.
@@DavidOrlov-s9m good to know that someone else had the same experience that I had because I was beginning the second guess myself after I sent him back LOL
@@ohstudiousa My Sweetwater rep thinks that i need to run it through a headphone preamp :( Idk.. To me the sound is to box around a boast 300-600hz of about 4-6 db :(
What do you think for a live engineer? I love the red one in the studio but I need very good isolation in a Live Environment to listen in solo. What do you think?
Just tried the Focals MG Pro's a few weeks back and compared them to the MM-500's. I like the Focals, got the Trios as well in my studio but think the MM-500's are far more detailed in the highs tho. Did you tried those?
Ended up buying the Clear MG’s after this video leading to your video on those. Your comment of them possibly being tightest bass in any environment sold me. Do you think these are a better mixing solution than using a $1500 pair of speakers in an ok room?
Give Hifimann's a gander for mixing... Ananda Nano's for the best example for cheap... I'm finding for headphones, the companies not focusing on the studio seem to be better for the studio than the studio focused ones. They reveal much more and are less forgiving... a studio headphone should not be forgiving. SJY Horizon headphones are extremely good... the closed back especially for being unforgiving... audiophiles often say to get those if you want to purge your play list of bad mixes.
I just got these and having used the Focal Clear MG pros, Aeon 2 Noires and LCDX, ill give some things i noticed. For a closed back, they are quite open, but it seems to be because the almost seem semi open (maybe its the grille near the focal logo). They do not reject outside sound anywhere near the level of the Aeon 2 noire. The build quality while looking great to the eye, is wobbly and doesnt feel like 700. Id honestly save and get the aeon 2 noire uf you want a good closed back. They sound good but not on the level of any of the headphones i mentioned. They feel like 400 dollar/euro headphones. They also clamp much more than the Aeon 2 noire and Is an issue for me. The cables arent great, that long and bad for routing. The coiled cable has too much coil and not enough cable meaning that its always going to have to be streched and in pulling motion if your interface/dac is even at arms length. Ive only just got them and havent got tonput them through their paces really yet. Yes I know, the other headphones i mentioned are all much more expensive, but the Aeon 2 Noire is definitely worth the extra 300 if you have a good enough amp to power it. If you want a headphone for travelling and to use with lots of devices , i still wouldnt recommend these. People around you will still easily hear what you are listening to so its easy to disturb with them. The clear mg pro is leagues better of course its double the price, the lcx is too heavy, but sounds great , very narrow soundstage though, the aeon 2 noire has a great soundstage, and is very comfortable, but needs power.
How well do they produce a 3D / holographic imagine? Does it create a good circle around your head or is it oval shape? Not looking for something for mixing but more for gaming.
Hello Colt as you got an ATMOS rig now, what about a video about Binaural rendering on heaphones either closed or open ? Which ones will be the best ? Do you get the 3D feeling on either the Lensys or Clear MG ?
Great question! The three dimensionality/depth is still better on the clear MG pro. That said as they are open back, you cannot use them for tracking. Which is where these becomes so impressive you give up a little bit of that depth from the clear MG pro, for a headphone that can do literally everything. I would not hesitate to use these as my only headphones if I could only have one pair, or could not afford the clear MG pro
You will throw your slates away after listening to these. Seriously. I got the slates and loved them. Went to a high end dealer and tried out some other stuff out of curiosity. They had the old clear mg 2022 model which are actually flatter then the red as a floor model but since there was a new red one out they sold me the floor model for 850$ I went home to compare with my slates and they made slates just sound so disappointing and cheap. I only had them for three months or so but sold them and never looked back.
@yluko That's great news to hear. Although what works, why change. For example, I still make my final mix decisions on my Yamaha NS10s. They are cheap as he'll speakers, but they get the work done. Colt knows it's all in the MIDs.
Colt, What is your position on Audeze? I saw those new Capi preamps on instagram. Are they better than you signature ones? I do have #34 & #35 of your signature Capi preamps. I am curious on your take on them.
I bought the Focal Celestee when they went 50% off, thinking I would likely hate them and sell them anyway. Boy was I wrong. The bass slam is so addictive, even EQ it to get more, and now my only worry is finding replacement earpads so I can keep them forever.
The band snapped on mines a few days ago & my heart snapped right with them.. Now I'm scared of trying these new one's especially if they end up not sounding like the Focal Celestee..
@@chungang7037 I haven't tried reaching out to Focal , but maybe I should.. I've had mines for about 3 years , so if I had any warranty on them it's probably expired smh.
@@chungang7037 I've gotten the Focal lensys and it's a big difference , which I kind of figured being that their price points are different.. Good thing I bandaged up my Focal Celestee , so whenever I want to really rock out I can just throw them on..
I tried the new Sony MDR-M1 as a direct upgrade to the 7506 and they are much improved in every way if you wanted to stay with Sony. The M1 costs more than the 7506, but they are no where near the cost of the Lensys. The M1 I would trust for mixing because they are accurate and neutral sounding. I would only use the 7506 for tracking because of their bright top end and lack of bass extension.
@@cwrenntanner Some people complained the M1 has more bite in the treble and more bass than other studio headphones, did you feel the same? I am quite interested in these...
Been Focalized for the last 15 years. Sound wise, second to none, but customer service naaah, they need to improve on that big time. If not for the sound I get from them, I would have moved on to a different brand...
How can you have so many Focal products and they don’t have the decency to let you keep that pair. Just don’t send it back and ask them to come and pick it up 💙💙💙
I get where you are coming from. However, keep in mind that the devices we are "listening" to evaluate the frequency response of any speaker or headphone is not our ears. However, that doesn't mean that these couldn't sound better or worse on the overall spectrum to you than they do to Colt. We all have different sized and shaped heads and ear canals, and we have our lives to screw up or alter that with loud music or whatever. The point is, we all hear differently. Having said that, would I take for granted that a headphone who's specs claim to have better low end influence my decision to buy one headphone over the other? Nope, not even close. I listen with my ears as we all do, not my eyes or my wallet.
@@pvalenti Human ears can not perceive anything outside 20hz-20khz. When I see specs like headphones recreating 5hz or speakers recreating 40khz, I can't take them seriously.
I just ordered a pair today. Hopefully they’re closer to the original listen pro’s with the black pads. They were so much better than the newest red pad version. Thanks for the content you create Colt. It’s always well appreciated by myself and I’m sure plenty of others. Thanks
Their car stereo stuff is quite good as well. I have a couple of studio monitors and a sub - excellent speakers!
I also had the privilege of getting early access for a few days before the launch, and I can't agree more with what you said. I'm not an audio engineer, but I’m a video editor and sometimes do audio mixing. I was blown away by the sound it produces. I tested a bunch of headphones, including the R70X, which I used most of the time, but the Lensys is now my new main headphone.
The low end, especially, is what made me switch to Focal. It has a great kick that’s just what I need, especially compared to consumer or hi-fi headphones that sometimes go too hard on bass.
Back in 1995 I attended the Stereophile audio show in San Francisco. Back then they were trying to introduce home theater, with noisy azz projector systems and iffy multi channel receivers. The highlight of the show for me was a rom with JMLabs speakers called the Utopia. I decidfed to go back at gthe end of the day for a more intimate session. Apparently 2 very well known people in the industry (a magazine reviewer and product CEO) thought the same. The CEO pulled out some plastic shot glasses and poured some phenomenal single malt scotch as we listened into the evening. That was the night I said I'd "make it" when I could buy some of the best Focals. I did. Everything Focal does is top tier, although they do, like many manufacturers, have a house sound. Personally I love it! I love my Focals, and they'll remain at the top of my demo list.
As a blind person who loves audio production, I love your channel huge fan of your videos. Please take breaks as needed. How are the trio 11 B holding up since you have purchased them? I’m thinking about getting a pair.
I too am a Focal fan....... except for their "listen professional" series. I couldn't not stand them. Ordered them from Sweetwater tried them for about an hour, packaged them back up and sent them back immediately. I was highly disappointed. Because I love my Focal monitors. Maybe I have to jump up to the price zone to find something I like. Great video brother.
Same here!
Same :(
@@DavidOrlov-s9m good to know that someone else had the same experience that I had because I was beginning the second guess myself after I sent him back LOL
@@ohstudiousa My Sweetwater rep thinks that i need to run it through a headphone preamp :(
Idk.. To me the sound is to box around a boast 300-600hz of about 4-6 db :(
@@DavidOrlov-s9m I tried them on a couple different sources and it was the same effect for me. Not sure about that.
What do you think for a live engineer? I love the red one in the studio but I need very good isolation in a Live Environment to listen in solo. What do you think?
Just tried the Focals MG Pro's a few weeks back and compared them to the MM-500's. I like the Focals, got the Trios as well in my studio but think the MM-500's are far more detailed in the highs tho. Did you tried those?
I’ve actually never had the opportunity to try any headphones from them, but I look forward to spending some time with them someday!
Have you tried the Aune SR7000?
Seems like a close competitor to the Lensys!
Ended up buying the Clear MG’s after this video leading to your video on those. Your comment of them possibly being tightest bass in any environment sold me. Do you think these are a better mixing solution than using a $1500 pair of speakers in an ok room?
Give Hifimann's a gander for mixing... Ananda Nano's for the best example for cheap... I'm finding for headphones, the companies not focusing on the studio seem to be better for the studio than the studio focused ones.
They reveal much more and are less forgiving... a studio headphone should not be forgiving.
SJY Horizon headphones are extremely good... the closed back especially for being unforgiving... audiophiles often say to get those if you want to purge your play list of bad mixes.
I just got these and having used the Focal Clear MG pros, Aeon 2 Noires and LCDX, ill give some things i noticed.
For a closed back, they are quite open, but it seems to be because the almost seem semi open (maybe its the grille near the focal logo).
They do not reject outside sound anywhere near the level of the Aeon 2 noire.
The build quality while looking great to the eye, is wobbly and doesnt feel like 700. Id honestly save and get the aeon 2 noire uf you want a good closed back.
They sound good but not on the level of any of the headphones i mentioned.
They feel like 400 dollar/euro headphones.
They also clamp much more than the Aeon 2 noire and Is an issue for me.
The cables arent great, that long and bad for routing. The coiled cable has too much coil and not enough cable meaning that its always going to have to be streched and in pulling motion if your interface/dac is even at arms length.
Ive only just got them and havent got tonput them through their paces really yet.
Yes I know, the other headphones i mentioned are all much more expensive, but the Aeon 2 Noire is definitely worth the extra 300 if you have a good enough amp to power it. If you want a headphone for travelling and to use with lots of devices , i still wouldnt recommend these. People around you will still easily hear what you are listening to so its easy to disturb with them.
The clear mg pro is leagues better of course its double the price, the lcx is too heavy, but sounds great , very narrow soundstage though, the aeon 2 noire has a great soundstage, and is very comfortable, but needs power.
Fyi the link to your website at the top of TH-cam description takes me to the wrong place.. looks like your site might be down?
Colt what closed backs do you find vocalists preferring most when tracking? Or what do you recommend
How well do they produce a 3D / holographic imagine? Does it create a good circle around your head or is it oval shape? Not looking for something for mixing but more for gaming.
Hello Colt as you got an ATMOS rig now, what about a video about Binaural rendering on heaphones either closed or open ? Which ones will be the best ? Do you get the 3D feeling on either the Lensys or Clear MG ?
Great question! The three dimensionality/depth is still better on the clear MG pro. That said as they are open back, you cannot use them for tracking. Which is where these becomes so impressive you give up a little bit of that depth from the clear MG pro, for a headphone that can do literally everything. I would not hesitate to use these as my only headphones if I could only have one pair, or could not afford the clear MG pro
They seem like great cans. Although the Slates are a no brainer for me. I can't see switching anytime soon.
You will throw your slates away after listening to these. Seriously. I got the slates and loved them. Went to a high end dealer and tried out some other stuff out of curiosity. They had the old clear mg 2022 model which are actually flatter then the red as a floor model but since there was a new red one out they sold me the floor model for 850$ I went home to compare with my slates and they made slates just sound so disappointing and cheap. I only had them for three months or so but sold them and never looked back.
@yluko That's great news to hear. Although what works, why change. For example, I still make my final mix decisions on my Yamaha NS10s. They are cheap as he'll speakers, but they get the work done. Colt knows it's all in the MIDs.
So far I have try, Celeeste and Clear MG and they were not for me. But hopefully this ones will.
Colt,
What is your position on Audeze? I saw those new Capi preamps on instagram. Are they better than you signature ones? I do have #34 & #35 of your signature Capi preamps. I am curious on your take on them.
I bought the Focal Celestee when they went 50% off, thinking I would likely hate them and sell them anyway. Boy was I wrong. The bass slam is so addictive, even EQ it to get more, and now my only worry is finding replacement earpads so I can keep them forever.
The band snapped on mines a few days ago & my heart snapped right with them.. Now I'm scared of trying these new one's especially if they end up not sounding like the Focal Celestee..
@@ALiGzz can focal fix them at all?
@@chungang7037 I haven't tried reaching out to Focal , but maybe I should.. I've had mines for about 3 years , so if I had any warranty on them it's probably expired smh.
@@chungang7037 I've gotten the Focal lensys and it's a big difference , which I kind of figured being that their price points are different.. Good thing I bandaged up my Focal Celestee , so whenever I want to really rock out I can just throw them on..
Would love to see a video comparing the likes of Hedd, Audeze and Focal's top range open back headphones!
I would love to do that video!
Dang that 3 foot cable… for tracking that’s almost a dealbreaker. Almost.
A longer, coiled cable is also included.
I just love my sony's too much to ever leave them. Classic MDR 7506
I tried the new Sony MDR-M1 as a direct upgrade to the 7506 and they are much improved in every way if you wanted to stay with Sony. The M1 costs more than the 7506, but they are no where near the cost of the Lensys. The M1 I would trust for mixing because they are accurate and neutral sounding. I would only use the 7506 for tracking because of their bright top end and lack of bass extension.
@@cwrenntanner Some people complained the M1 has more bite in the treble and more bass than other studio headphones, did you feel the same? I am quite interested in these...
Correction: the yokes are magnesium and there's also some aluminum on it
So I have the Stellia. Keep that or get the Lensys?
stellia is top why you even consider those...
@@soulfulfool Some complained they are very bright
i dont know how anyone can use clear mg pro for studio reference use without eq'ing them
If you like these you should try the Aeon Noire or E3. It'll be a mind blowing jump in terms of neutrality.
When's the DMS review arriving for these Lensys?
@@CalvinMOfficialbeen wondering this as well
I was supremely disappointed by the Noire's flat sense of dynamics. Have you gotten to demo these Lensys?
I had the Noires and Ive just ordered these. Have you actually tried both?
@@reallyoldcob Yup. My Noire's are as enjoyable as listening to dust settle.
This headphone gives me trypophobia hahahah
Great review!
But… don’t forget to wear a cap to lose every bass note
Man, your channel has cost me a lot of money ... 🤣🤣
Been Focalized for the last 15 years. Sound wise, second to none, but customer service naaah, they need to improve on that big time. If not for the sound I get from them, I would have moved on to a different brand...
😎
How can you have so many Focal products and they don’t have the decency to let you keep that pair. Just don’t send it back and ask them to come and pick it up 💙💙💙
7:50 They reproduce 5 Hz?? LMAO come tf on.... $700 price tag though, not bad.
I get where you are coming from. However, keep in mind that the devices we are "listening" to evaluate the frequency response of any speaker or headphone is not our ears.
However, that doesn't mean that these couldn't sound better or worse on the overall spectrum to you than they do to Colt.
We all have different sized and shaped heads and ear canals, and we have our lives to screw up or alter that with loud music or whatever. The point is, we all hear differently.
Having said that, would I take for granted that a headphone who's specs claim to have better low end influence my decision to buy one headphone over the other? Nope, not even close. I listen with my ears as we all do, not my eyes or my wallet.
@@pvalenti Human ears can not perceive anything outside 20hz-20khz. When I see specs like headphones recreating 5hz or speakers recreating 40khz, I can't take them seriously.