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When you compare the focal clear mg wired openback vs clear mg professional circum aural, you are looking at two high-end options from Focal. Both models share an open-back design and an over-ear fit, targeting precise audio reproduction. The main difference lies in their specific construction and target use. One model emphasizes a wider soundstage for audiophiles, while the other focuses on professional mixing with included accessories. This guide breaks down the spec differences to help you decide.
Back Design
Open-Back
Open-Back
Connection
Wired
not listed
Use
Audiophiles
Professional use
Color
Copper
Black
Weight
7.07 pounds
not listed
Accessories
not listed
2 cables, rigid carrying case
Choose the first if
- You want a copper-colored headphone designed specifically for audiophiles.
- You prefer a solid aluminum yoke that molds to your face shape.
- You value a perforated microfibre earpad design for an extended soundstage.
Choose the second if
- You need a professional mixing headphone with a black finish.
- You want a rigid carrying case and two cables included in the box.
- You prioritize remarkable tonal balance and bass articulation for studio work.
Verdict
Choose the Focal Clear MG Open-Back if you are an audiophile seeking a copper-finished headphone with a specific ergonomic yoke design. Select the Clear Mg Professional if you require a black studio monitor that includes a carrying case and multiple cables. Both models deliver open-back precision, but their accessories and target audiences differ.
Specs and Build Differences
Connection Type
Edge: Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones
The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones use a wired connection, which ensures zero latency and no need for batteries. This is ideal for critical listening where signal integrity matters. The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones also rely on wired connectivity but specify a 6.5 mm connector type. This professional-grade input suits mixing consoles and audio interfaces directly. Both models avoid wireless compression, giving you a clean signal path. However, the explicit mention of the 6.5 mm jack on the Professional model highlights its studio readiness. You get a direct plug-in experience with either, but the Professional variant emphasizes its compatibility with pro gear out of the box.
Weight and Size
Edge: Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones
Size and weight differ noticeably between these two models. The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones weigh 7.07 pounds and measure 12.1 inches wide by 12.5 inches long. This is quite substantial for headphones. The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones are lighter and more compact, measuring 10.3 inches wide by 11.5 inches long. The Professional model also has a smaller height of 4.15 inches compared to the other’s 9.4 inches. You will likely find the Professional version easier to carry and wear for long sessions due to its reduced footprint. The Open-Back Wired version feels bulkier, which may affect portability and comfort for some users.
Earpad Design
Edge: Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones
Comfort and soundstage are influenced by earpad materials. The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones feature perforated microfibre earpads. This design is intended to extend the soundstage, allowing air to pass through more freely. The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones do not list specific earpad materials in the provided data. They emphasize an ergonomic fit and comfortable design generally. While you cannot compare the exact material of the Professional model, the Open-Back Wired version offers a specific acoustic benefit through its perforated construction. This detail suggests a tailored approach to spatial audio performance that the Professional model does not explicitly describe in its features.
Included Accessories
Edge: Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones
What comes in the box varies significantly. The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones include two cables to suit various uses, such as mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and laptops. They also come with a rigid carrying case. This makes the Professional model ready for immediate studio or field use. The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones do not list included accessories in the data. You may need to purchase cables or a case separately. If you value having everything you need for professional or travel use right away, the Professional model provides more complete packaging. The Open-Back Wired version assumes you have your own accessories.
Color Options
Edge: Tie
Visual appearance is the only clear differentiator here. The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones are available in Copper. The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones are offered in Black. This choice depends entirely on your personal aesthetic preference. There is no performance difference linked to the color itself. You should pick the shade that matches your desk setup or personal style. Since both are open-back designs, the visual cue is minor. The Copper finish offers a distinct look, while Black provides a neutral, professional appearance. Your choice will be based on how you want the headphones to look rather than how they perform.
Which Focal Clear MG model suits you
Studio engineers needing reliable cabling
Our pick: Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones
The Clear Mg Professional includes two cables for mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and laptops. It features a rigid carrying case for transport. The 6.5 mm connector offers versatility. This model targets professional use with remarkable tonal balance and precise soundstage, making it suitable for critical monitoring tasks in studio environments.
Listeners wanting extended soundstage
Our pick: Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones
This model uses perforated microfibre earpads to create an extended soundstage. The honeycomb grille provides an even more open sound. The M-shaped grille follows the speaker driver curve for better high-frequency reproduction. These design choices prioritize spatial awareness and detailed audio retrieval for home listening sessions.
Users prioritizing comfort and fit
Our pick: Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones
The headband is covered with leather and microfibre for comfort. A solid aluminum yoke molds to your face shape. The perforated earpads enhance breathability. These physical attributes support long listening sessions. The ergonomic design focuses on reducing pressure while maintaining a secure over-ear fit for extended periods.
Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones
Best for: Audiophiles seeking open-back high-fidelity audio
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Use
- Audiophiles
- Dimensions
- 12.5 × 12.1 × 9.4 inches
- Weight
- 7.07 pounds
The Focal Clear MG Wired Openback headphones feature an open-back design and over-ear fit. They use perforated microfibre earpads and a honeycomb grille to extend the soundstage. The solid aluminum yoke molds to your face shape. Weighing 7.07 pounds, this copper-colored unit is built for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity reproduction through its 'M'-shaped grille.
- Open-back design for an extended soundstage
- Solid aluminum yoke that molds to your face
- Perforated microfibre earpads for better airflow
- Honeycomb grille for even more open sound
- Heavier build at 7.07 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
- Wired connection limits mobility
- Open-back design offers less noise isolation
- You prioritize open soundstage and high-fidelity audio
- You want a comfortable over-ear fit with leather and microfibre
- You use headphones in a quiet environment
- You need wireless connectivity for mobility
- You prefer a lightweight design for long sessions
- You require noise isolation for noisy environments
Verdict: Focal Clear MG Wired Open-Back headphones deliver an extended soundstage and high-fidelity audio for audiophiles. They are ideal for users who value open-back design and comfortable over-ear fit in quiet settings.
Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones
Best for: professional mixing and accurate monitoring
- Connectivity
- 6.5 mm
- Form Factor
- Circum-aural
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Fit
- Over-Ear
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 11.5 × 10.3 × 4.15 inches
The Focal Clear Mg Professional Circum-aural headphones are open-back, over-ear models designed for professional audio work. They measure 10.3 inches wide and 11.5 inches long. The build uses magnesium drivers for tonal balance and dynamics. You get a 6.5 mm connector and a rigid carrying case. This setup suits users who need precise soundstage and comfort for long mixing sessions.
- Open-back design for wide spatialisation
- Magnesium drivers for tonal balance
- Includes rigid carrying case
- 6.5 mm connector for interfaces
- Larger footprint at 11.5 inches long
- Requires external amplification due to open design
- You need accurate monitoring for mixing
- You prefer open-back soundstage
- You want a protective carrying case
- You need closed-back isolation
- You require Bluetooth connectivity
- You need a compact travel size
Verdict: Focal Clear Mg Professional Open-Back headphones deliver precise soundstage and tonal balance for professional use. You should buy them if you prioritize audio accuracy and have a dedicated listening environment.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones | Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wired | 6.5 mm |
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Circum-aural |
| Back Design | Open-Back | Open-Back |
| Connection | Wired | – |
| Fit | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Use | Audiophiles | – |
| Color | Copper | Black |
| Dimensions | 12.5 × 12.1 × 9.4 inches | 11.5 × 10.3 × 4.15 inches |
| Weight | 7.07 pounds | – |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Model | FCLEARMG | 3544053727165BL001 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Focal Clear MG and the Clear Mg Professional?
The primary distinction is the intended use case and included accessories. The Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones are designed for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity audio in quiet settings. In contrast, the Clear Mg Professional model targets professional mixing and accurate monitoring, often including specialized cables and a rigid carrying case for studio transport.
Do both models feature an open-back design?
Yes, both headphones utilize an open-back architecture. This design choice allows for a more natural soundstage and improved airiness, which is beneficial for critical listening. Both models also share an over-ear fit, ensuring a comfortable seal around the ears for extended listening sessions without the isolation of closed-back designs.
Which model is better for professional studio work?
The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones are better suited for professional studio work. They are specifically best for professional mixing and accurate monitoring. This model typically includes two cables for mixing consoles and audio interfaces, along with a rigid carrying case, making it more practical for mobile or studio-based engineers.
How do the colors of these headphones differ?
The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones are available in a Copper color. The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones come in Black. This aesthetic difference allows you to choose based on personal preference or how the headphones match your existing audio equipment setup, though the internal audio technology remains focused on high fidelity.
Are these headphones wireless or Bluetooth enabled?
No, these headphones are not wireless. The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones use a wired connection, which ensures zero latency and no need for batteries. The Clear Mg Professional model also relies on a wired setup. This guarantees signal integrity and consistent performance without the need for charging or pairing.
What is the weight difference between the two models?
The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones weigh 7.07 pounds. The Focal Clear Mg Open-Back Headphones do not list a specific weight in the provided data. Both models are considered Medium size. The listed weight for the first model indicates a substantial build, which may contribute to their durability and premium feel.
Which model is ideal for home audiophile listening?
The Focal Clear MG Open-Back Wired Headphones are ideal for home audiophile listening. They deliver an extended soundstage and high-fidelity audio, making them suitable for users who value open-back design in quiet settings. The Copper finish and specific model designation highlight their focus on pure audio reproduction rather than studio utility.