Nothing has introduced the Headphone (1) Pro, its latest over-ear headphones, during an event in New York City on Monday. Priced at $399, the device builds upon the company’s original headphone release but introduces significant internal upgrades designed to bridge the gap between consumer listening and professional studio environments.
The most notable enhancement is the audio architecture. Rather than relying on a standard single 40mm dynamic driver, each earcup now houses three separate drivers dedicated to specific frequency ranges. This configuration includes a 40mm bass driver for low frequencies, a precision dynamic driver for midrange elements such as vocals and instruments, and a treble driver utilizing xMEMS silicon diaphragm technology for high-frequency clarity.
According to Nothing, this multi-driver setup aims to reduce the muddiness and distortion often associated with single-driver headphones. The company notes that the midrange driver specifically enhances the detail of sibilant sounds, while the xMEMS treble driver ensures sharp transients, such as cymbal hits, remain distinct. The headphones were tuned in collaboration with Metropolis Studios to support professional audio workflows.
Visually, the Headphone (1) Pro retains the aesthetic of its predecessor but incorporates 9H Panda glass panels on the sides, allowing users to view the internal driver components. The frame is constructed primarily from aluminum with titanium accents. Philipp Von Lintel, associate principal industrial designer at Nothing, addressed concerns regarding the glass durability, stating it underwent tests involving drops from over one meter—18 times in total—and is resistant to shattering and scratching. He added that even if cracked, an internal plastic film maintains chamber functionality, and repair technicians can heat the glass for removal.
Comfort adjustments include a slightly wider headband and thicker padding, making the device two grams lighter than the original Headphone (1). However, battery performance has been reduced; the new model offers 68 hours of playback with active noise canceling disabled, compared to 80 hours on the previous generation. The headphones carry an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance, though Nothing advises against exposure to heavy rain.
If that glass actually survives a drop without shattering, Nothing just invented unbreakable transparent aluminum. I need to test this myself.
I trust the Metropolis Studios tuning, but is it really worth two hundred dollars more than the original model?
Sixty-eight hours is still decent, but dropping from eighty feels like a step back. Did they sacrifice battery just for glass?
Finally, a consumer brand taking xMEMS seriously. That treble clarity should be a game changer for mixing on the go.