Focal Listen Professional

“Overall, the Focal Listen Professional headphone is a great option both for mixers looking for a closed-back reference headphone, as well as those looking for a high performing headphone to take on the go. In fact, it is one of the best options out there, especially at this price point! If you’re looking for a portable headphone with an even and natural sound, I highly recommend checking out the Focal Listen Professional.” – Steph Durwin, Major HiFi

“The Focal Listen Professionals, are exactly what they say on the tin; ideal for both listening and pro duties. As a result, we’d put them firmly in the all-rounder category. Overall, the fit is snug, but not too tight that long periods in the mixing saddle are unbearable. In fact far from it, the longest period of time we had them on continuously was for around three hours – with little discomfort or need for a ‘breather’. While many engineers and audio specialists may prefer open-backed designs for their lack of fatigue, the closed Listen Pros perform admirably in this regard.” – Simon Arblaster, MusicRadar

“Whether you are looking for headphones for personal listening enjoyment or for professional use – either on the go or in the studio, you really need to give a pair a listen for yourself – if you do, there’s a very good chance you’ll want to give a pair of Listens to yourself!” – Phil O’Keefe, Harmony Central

“With the Listen Professional Focal, you’re assured of value for money. The strengths start with a quality design that goes beyond good workmanship and, as expected, impressive sound levels. These headphones are well suited as an analytical listening instrument that can reveal tonal details in all areas of the frequency spectrum. Those who classify the Listen Professional as pure studio headphones will, however, fail to appreciate its suitability for mobile use. Thanks to a relatively short straight cable with microphone and remote control, low impedance, closed design and folding mechanism, the Listen Professional is an almost perfect companion on the go. If you want to invest your money in good sound and practical headphones, the Focal Listen Professional is an almost perfect choice of headphone.” – Carsten Kaiser, Headphone Check

Listen To Your Music, Not to Your Headphones

Listen Professional circum-aural closed back headphones are the essential work tool for music production. Their tonal balance and precision in terms of audio spectrum make them perfect to evaluate the sound work quality. In addition, their comfort and accessories will make them very attractive for people travelling on business trips. The sound quality and the dynamics of these headphones are very surprising considering that this quality is usually found on more expensive items. The attention to detail of these headphones can be also shown thanks to the various patents and technologies which belong to Focal. Hence, a brand new driver membrane was developed. The main goal was to propose a solution which would keep all the dynamics from the original track while reproducing accurately  every single detail on the whole audio spectrum. Even if Listen Professional headphones are closed, they produce a very lively sound, giving the feeling of semi-open headphones while still providing the isolation of closed headphones.

Acoustic – Focal’s Core Expertise

The speaker driver has been given a 100% Mylar suspension, whereas the central dome is composed of a Mylar-titanium alloy to provide more rigidity and extended frequency response in the upper end of the spectrum. Thus, the moving part is extremely light, enabling the transducer to exceed 40kHz on a flat baffle. The reproduction of the bass and sub-bass registers also received a great deal of attention. The team of engineers managed to combine two factors which are hardly compatible: a tuning frequency which is as low as possible and extremely low distortion (0.3% at 1kHz – 100dB).

Isolation – Ear Cushions: The ideal Acoustics

The size of the ear cushions (height, width and depth) gives them a volume which makes it possible to achieve a great tonal balance. Microfiber provides a more linear bass response providing a better acoustic output, whereas the acoustic tissue, which is closer to the speaker driver, offers great absorption and linearity in the 3-9kHz register. The bass and lower mid-range sections benefit from remarkable tonal balance and excellent articulation: where compression and frequency response generally suffer on closed-back headphones.

Comfort – For A Frequent And Intensive Use

Listen Professional is also equipped with a headband boasting a unique design to ensure comfort and durability. Its curve remains consistent, regardless of the shape or size of the user’s head. Combined with the layer of silicone underneath the headband, this ensures that the weight is spread out evenly over the head, preventing the user from feeling any pressure in certain areas, which can be very uncomfortable during long working sessions. The horizontal and vertical rotation of the ear cups operate thanks to one single part: a joint integrated into each one. The ear cups also feature a black structured covering, making them resistant to impacts and scratching.

Provided Accessories

Rigid carrying case. Thermoformed shell in the shape of the headphones. Can store one cable and an iLok key (not provided), all within its compact dimensions. Two OFC copper 24AWG cables with a very low resistance.

A 5m spiral for domestic use

A 1.2m cable fitted with a 3.5mm stereo jack connector

3.5mm and 6.35mm jack adapter