Nothing Headphone 1 Pro: Bring the Studio to You
▼ Summary
– Nothing has launched the Headphone 1 Pro, a $399 flagship over-ear model featuring active noise cancellation and a triple-driver design.
– The headphones include a unique physical Flat EQ switch that disables audio processing to provide an uncolored sound for studio professionals.
– This feature was developed in partnership with Metropolis Studios in London to assist producers like Mark Ronson during mixing sessions.
– While the default Balanced EQ emphasizes mids and highs, the Flat EQ setting creates a neutral response that may sound unnatural to general listeners.
– Experts note that most consumers prefer the Harman Curve profile, suggesting the flat option is primarily useful for specific professional tasks rather than casual listening.
Nothing Headphone 1 Pro review: A bold entry into the high-end audio market with unique studio-grade features.
The reviewer, a senior AV expert with two decades of experience at outlets like Digital Trends and Reviewed, notes that Nothing has been aggressively expanding its audio lineup this year. Following the release of the $199 Headphone A and the sub-$100 Ear 3A earbuds, the company has introduced the Headphone 1 Pro. Priced at $399, this flagship over-ear model aims to capture the premium segment. While it includes standard expectations such as active noise cancellation (ANC), customizable sound profiles, and intuitive controls, it distinguishes itself with a triple-driver design, Auracast support, and a distinctive Flat EQ switch.
Most modern headphones prioritize adding equalization customization. For instance, Apple recently introduced a three-band equalizer for AirPods via iOS 27. In contrast, the Headphone 1 Pro offers a physical toggle to disable all digital processing, including EQ and spatial audio, through the Nothing X app. This feature was developed in partnership with Metropolis Studios in London, where producers like Mark Ronson have worked on major albums. The goal is to provide engineers and audio professionals with an uncolored listening experience that mirrors what they hear in a mixing room.
With the default Balanced EQ engaged, the headphones deliver forward mids and highs, making vocals present and cymbals sizzly. Flipping the switch to Flat EQ levels these frequencies against the bass, removing the peakiness but also reducing some airiness. For general consumers, the reviewer found that using the advanced parametric EQ in the companion app offered a more pleasing sound than the flat response. The physical switch is discreetly located in an inner corner of the left ear cup, preventing accidental activation during use.
The tactile buttons on Nothing’s devices remain a highlight, offering reliable input without the false triggers common with capacitive controls. However, the concept of a flat frequency response is controversial for average listeners. Research by Dr. Sean Olive and colleagues at Harman indicates that most people prefer the Harman Curve, which features elevated bass, neutral mids, and slightly boosted highs before rolling off above 5kHz. Consequently, while the flat mode serves studio work, it may sound unnatural to casual users. Furthermore, even in professional settings, many studio monitors are already tuned to the Harman Curve, potentially rendering true flat-response headphones unnecessary.
Technically, the Headphone 1 Pro diverges from competitors like the Sony XM6, AirPods Max 2, and Bose Ultra Headphones Gen 2 by utilizing a triple-driver architecture. Instead of a single driver per side, it employs a 40mm dynamic driver for bass, a dedicated midrange driver, and a xMEMS solid-state driver for treble. This separation allows each component to handle specific frequencies, resulting in faster and cleaner attack times for high-frequency sounds. The headphones support LDAC for wireless high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz and offer wired lossless playback via USB-C up to 24-bit/192kHz. Additionally, they function as both Auracast transmitters and receivers, a feature increasingly expected in flagship models.
Active noise cancellation performance is notably strong, effectively blocking low-frequency rumble from air conditioners or airplanes and handling street traffic well. Although it does not quite match the top-tier isolation of the Sony XM6, Bose Ultra Headphones Gen 2, or Apple AirPods Max 2, the ANC provides sufficient isolation when music is playing. It represents a significant leap forward for Nothing’s noise-cancellation technology.
Design-wise, the Headphone 1 Pro maintains the brand’s signature aesthetic and control layout, particularly the satisfying volume roller. The included hard-shell carrying case, however, draws mixed reactions. Similar to the AirPods Max case, it encloses only the ear cups, leaving the headband exposed to serve as a handle. While this protects the drivers, it leaves the headband vulnerable. The headphones carry an IP52 rating and offer up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, extending to 68 hours with the feature disabled.
While the reviewer has not spent enough time to assign a final score, the Headphone 1 Pro stands out as Nothing’s strongest headphone to date. The Flat EQ switch may be a novelty for everyday users, but it provides genuine utility for studio professionals. For the broader audience, the combination of competitive ANC, detailed sound quality, and distinctive styling makes the Headphone 1 Pro a compelling option in the crowded flagship market.
(Source: The Verge)
