Nothing has officially unveiled the Headphone (1) Pro, a more advanced version of its first over-ear headphones that puts greater emphasis on audio customisation and studio-oriented features. While the original Headphone (1) was already equipped with a 40mm driver, adaptive ANC and Hi-Res audio support, the new Pro model upgrades several areas with a triple-driver setup, improved noise cancellation and additional audio tools.
The Headphone (1) Pro is positioned as a set of headphones that can be used for both everyday listening and more serious audio work. To that end, Nothing has introduced several features aimed at producers and creators while retaining conveniences such as Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio.
Lighter Construction
Design-wise, the Headphone (1) Pro retains Nothing’s transparent aesthetic, but uses a combination of aluminium and titanium. Parts of its triple-driver system can also be seen through the shatter- and scratch-resistant 9H Panda Glass on the earcups. The headphones also carry an IP52 rating and will be offered in Black and White.
At 327g, the Pro is actually slightly lighter than the non-Pro model, despite its more complex internal hardware. Nothing says the reduction comes from a redesigned internal structure, including titanium replacing steel in the headphone arms, along with softer ear cushions and a wider, more heavily padded headband.
Triple Drivers
The Headphone (1) Pro uses three drivers in each earcup, with a bass dynamic driver handling low frequencies, a precision dynamic driver covering vocals and instruments, and an xMEMS driver dedicated to higher frequencies. Nothing says this arrangement is intended to provide punchier bass, more textured vocals and crisper high-frequency reproduction.
This marks a significant change from the standard Headphone (1), which uses a single 40mm dynamic driver. The original model was also tuned in collaboration with KEF, while the Pro has been tuned with Metropolis Studios.
For those who want a more neutral presentation, the Pro introduces a dedicated Flat EQ switch that provides a neutral sound profile aimed at producers and creators. There is also a new Studio B Dynamic Spatial Audio mode designed to replicate the acoustic character of a mixing room.
Nothing has also added five Custom EQ profiles designed around different types of British music. More detailed adjustments are available through the Nothing X app, where users can drag tuning points across the frequency range and separately adjust the Main and Precision drivers through Advanced EQ.
Up To 46dB Of Adaptive ANC
The Headphone (1) Pro features Nothing’s most advanced adaptive ANC system yet, with up to 46dB of noise cancellation. It uses a 10-microphone system to analyse the surrounding environment in real time, with the company specifically highlighting improved performance in windy conditions and traffic.
The ear cushions have also been redesigned with an 8mm silicone baffle wall to improve the seal around the ears. By comparison, the standard Headphone (1) uses four microphones for its ANC and calls, and is rated for up to 42dB of noise cancellation.
Other Features
For playback, the Pro supports Hi-Res wireless and wired audio through USB-C, with support for up to 24-bit/192kHz audio. It also offers five Dynamic Spatial Audio modes with head tracking, while the original Headphone (1) supports Hi-Res Audio, LDAC and USB-C playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Meanwhile, battery life is rated at up to 68 hours with ANC switched off, alongside fast charging. This is lower than the original Headphone (1)’s claimed 80 hours without ANC and 35 hours with ANC enabled, although Nothing has not provided an ANC-on battery figure for the Pro in its announcement.
Malaysia Availability To Follow
In select markets, the Headphone (1) Pro will go on sale from 29 September for US$399 (~RM1,629). Nothing notes that the headphones will arrive in Malaysia at a later date, with local pricing and availability details announced separately.
(Source: Nothing Malaysia press release / global website)
