The short version
- Nothing introduces its first premium headphone tier with a $399 price point, significantly higher than its previous sub-$200 offerings.
- A unique hardware switch allows users to disable equalization and spatial audio processing for a flat frequency response intended for studio work.
- The device utilizes a triple-driver configuration including dynamic, midrange, and xMEMS components to handle distinct frequency ranges separately.
Nothing has expanded its audio portfolio beyond budget-friendly options with the release of the Headphone 1 Pro, marking the company’s entry into the flagship over-ear market. Priced at $399, these headphones represent a significant step up from the brand’s earlier releases, such as the $199 Headphone A and the sub-$100 Ear 3A earbuds. This new tier aims to capture consumers seeking higher fidelity and advanced features while maintaining the design language that has defined Nothing’s recent hardware successes.
The most distinctive feature of the Headphone 1 Pro is a physical switch located on the inner corner of the left ear cup that disables all equalization and spatial audio processing. This Flat EQ mode is designed to provide an uncolored sound signature, allowing users to hear audio exactly as it was mixed without the headphone’s inherent tonal bias. Nothing developed this feature in partnership with Metropolis Studios in London, a facility known for producing major hits, including Amy Winehouse’s work with Mark Ronson. The goal is to offer studio professionals and audiophiles a tool that mimics the neutrality of professional monitoring equipment.
In standard mode, the headphones utilize a Balanced EQ setting that emphasizes mid and high frequencies, resulting in vocals that sound present and cymbals that have a pronounced sizzle. Activating the Flat EQ switch flattens this response, bringing the bass more in line with the upper registers and removing some of the perceived airiness from the music. While this neutrality is valuable for critical listening or mixing tasks, it may not appeal to casual listeners who generally prefer a more engaging sound profile.
Audio research conducted by Dr. Sean Olive and colleagues at Harman suggests that most consumers prefer a specific frequency curve known as the Harman Curve, which features elevated bass, neutral mids, and slightly boosted highs before rolling off above 5kHz. A completely flat response can sound unnatural or dull to the average ear because it lacks the tonal enhancements that make music feel lively. Even in professional environments, many studio monitors are tuned to align with this preferred curve rather than offering a strictly flat response, raising questions about how often the Flat EQ switch will be used outside of specific technical applications.
Under the hood, the Headphone 1 Pro employs a triple-driver design that sets it apart from competitors like the Sony XM6, AirPods Max 2, and Bose Ultra Headphones Gen 2, which typically rely on a single driver per side. Nothing’s approach includes a 40mm dynamic driver for bass, a separate midrange driver, and an xMEMS solid-state driver for upper frequencies. This separation allows each component to focus on its specific range, potentially delivering faster attack times and cleaner reproduction of high-frequency details compared to single-driver systems.
Connectivity options are robust, supporting LDAC for wireless high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. Users can also connect via USB-C for wired lossless playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. The headphones support Auracast, allowing them to function as both transmitters and receivers for broadcasting audio to multiple devices simultaneously. This feature aligns Nothing with other premium competitors who have recently integrated Auracast support, enhancing the device’s versatility in shared listening environments.
Active noise cancellation performance is strong, effectively blocking low-frequency rumble from sources like air conditioning units or airplane engines. While it handles street traffic well, it does not quite match the isolation levels of the top-tier models from Sony, Bose, and Apple. However, when combined with music playback, the ANC provides sufficient isolation for most daily use cases. It represents a substantial improvement over Nothing’s previous audio products, demonstrating the company’s growing competence in acoustic engineering.
The physical design retains the tactile controls found on Nothing’s earlier headphones, including a volume roller that reviewers have praised for its precision and lack of accidental triggers. The placement of the Flat EQ switch is deliberate, positioned far from other controls to prevent unintended activation. This attention to hardware ergonomics suggests that Nothing is prioritizing user experience alongside technical specifications as it competes in the crowded premium headphone market.
For general listening, users may find more satisfaction using the advanced parametric equalizer within the Nothing X app rather than relying on the Flat EQ switch. The app allows for fine-tuning the sound profile to personal preference, offering a middle ground between the default Balanced EQ and the sterile neutrality of the flat mode. This flexibility ensures that the headphones can serve both casual listeners who want engaging audio and professionals who require accurate monitoring.
The launch of the Headphone 1 Pro signals Nothing’s ambition to compete directly with established audio giants. By combining innovative features like the hardware Flat EQ switch and triple-driver architecture with solid noise cancellation and high-resolution audio support, the company is positioning itself as a serious contender in the premium segment. Whether consumers will embrace the studio-focused features remains to be seen, but the device offers a compelling alternative for those seeking transparency and control over their listening experience.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Verge↗Nothing’s new flagship Headphone 1 Pro put you in the studio
