Following Nothing, CMF recently launched its first pair of over-ear headphones, dubbed the Headphone Pro. The brand emphasises customisation and personalisation as the device’s main highlight, with swappable ear cushions in hues that range from traditional to eye-catching.
Of course, looks form only one part of the equation. Much like the company’s other products, the headphones are meant to serve as an affordable option without compromising on quality. How well it actually fits into this role really depends on whether you’re willing to spend some time meddling with the settings though.
What Am I Looking At?
Unlike its distant cousin, the CMF Headphone Pro features a design that leans more on the conventional end, although it does come with its own eccentricities and quirks. In terms of aesthetics, it’s meant to invoke a retro sort of vibe.
That said, with the shiny pale green plastic shell, the headphones look and feel more like a child’s toy than a serious piece of equipment. Though to be fair, CMF does lean more on the bright and playful side when it comes to visuals.
And if you’re not a fan of the Light Green colourway, the headphones are available in the more subdued Light Grey and Dark Grey. For some reason, the company has decided to forgo the vibrant Orange this time, for better or for worse. Or at least, it has done so for the headphones. You still have the option to get ear cushions in that colour. Yes, you can swap them out, but the brand does not include any extras in the box.
Just like Nothing, CMF opted for physical controls for the Headphone Pro. On the left earcup, you get the power button and the Energy Slider. The latter is used for either bass or treble adjustments. It’s set to bass tuning by default, which is how you know these headphones are meant for bassheads. A 3.5mm port is also situated on this side. Meanwhile, the right earcup sports a multifunctional roller and an action button, plus the USB-C port for charging.
As with any other audio accessory in this day and age, the Headphone Pro pairs with a companion app, where you will have access to more functions. In this case, it’s the Nothing X mobile app. Given the Headphone Pro’s status as a budget-friendly device, there are noticeably fewer options here. Even so, you will still need the app to make the most out of the headphones.
What’s Good About It?
For the most part, the headphones sit pretty comfortably on your head. They’re pretty light, and while they do have a bit of a grip, the clamping force is only really perceptible after a while. You may notice it sooner if you’re wearing glasses, though. Apart from that, my only gripe would be with the ear cushions, as they’re not particularly breathable, so they will leave your ears feeling a bit steamy.
Speaking of the ear cushions, the swappable quality is an obvious boon. They twist on and off pretty easily, so switching is a quick affair should any damaged or worn out cushions need replacing. It is worth noting that CMF is likely going for the styling angle here, as there are currently only two colour options for the ear cushions: Light Green and Orange. I don’t think it is possible to exaggerate how intensely vivid the latter is, especially when compared to the rest of the headphones.
In terms of functionality, there is a lot to like about the Headphone Pro. Physical controls are always a positive for me, and these feel just right. There aren’t too many buttons on either side, so you’re not constantly fumbling to find the right one. The controls themselves are pretty intuitive. And you can change some of the functions to your liking.
ANC is also pretty decent. It largely silences sounds in the lower frequencies, so you may still hear high pitched noises when the feature is on. For the most part, it’s good enough for day-to-day use.
Aside from that, the headphones also come with a few fancy features. Dual connectivity is among these perks, which is always a welcome addition. It is disabled by default, so you do need to head into the app to turn it on. Spatial Audio is another feature that made it into these headphones, with two different modes.
As for the sound quality, the headphones are capable of producing satisfying results, but they will make you work for it. You get a more stripped down EQ compared to Nothing’s more premium offerings, but it gets the job done.
Aside from fiddling with the EQ, the Energy Slider is there for some quick adjustments. For most people, it may feel redundant as they might simply find a single preferred setting and never touch it again. But for the whimsical types out there, it’s a really convenient way to mix things up every now and then.
What’s The Catch?
As I mentioned earlier, you will need to play around with the settings to get the sound you want. This is especially true if you’re not particularly fond of bass, as these headphones likely won’t sound great right out the box. From the get-go, the lows are incredibly strong. I’m talking about boomy, almost overwhelming bass even before you reach for the Energy Slider. Listening to Eat Your Young by Hozier on the default settings was interesting, to say the least, with how prominent the lows were.
Though I must admit that EDM tracks like Aero Chord’s Take Me Home, Aesthetic Perfection’s Arsenic On The Rocks, and Noisestorm’s Barracuda do benefit from the extra bass, so perhaps there is some merit to the company’s decisions. Either way, one could say the Headphone Pro is defined by its hard-hitting lows, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
On the flip side, the highs lean a bit on the harsher side, even after tweaking the settings. The penny whistle section in The Corrs’ Forgiven Not Forgotten borders on piercing, making it exhausting to listen to. In the same vein, Stevie Nicks’ vocals in Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams has a somewhat tinny quality to it.
Soundstage is, unsurprisingly, nothing to write home about. Songs like Playing God by Polyphia feel pretty shallow.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that the headphones need to be turned on when you’re using the 3.5mm connection. So, you can’t exactly conserve battery this way. And as I’ve said earlier, you can only use the USB-C port to charge the headphones.
Finally, your mileage will vary when it comes to battery life. With ANC enabled and the volume turned up, I found that it lasted just shy of two days before needing a charge. Keeping ANC off will definitely allow for longer playback, so the 100-hour claim may still hold up. That said, the most I’ve managed to squeeze out was about four days.
Should I Buy It?
For RM429 (and maybe an additional RM89 for extra ear cushions), you get a quirky, playful pair of headphones. The CMF Headphone Pro invites experimentation, be it in terms of appearance or audio. While not perfect, the device offers a pleasing listening experience. What’s more, you can tailor the sound to suit your preferences. The Energy Slider also adds another layer of versatility.
@lowyatnet Here’s a quick look at the CMF Headphone Pro and Watch 3 Pro in Light Green. The smartwatch is available for RM419, while the headphones retail for RM429. #CMFHeadphonePro #CMFWatch3Pro #NothingMalaysia #smartwearables
Given its designation as a budget-friendly option, the Headphone Pro is a pretty worthwhile purchase, especially for those looking for an audio adventure. That is, of course, if you don’t mind its bass-heavy leanings.
