Audio T Verdict
The Focal Clear MG Professional is closely related to the domestic Clear MG, but its purpose and supplied accessories are very deliberately aimed at studio work.
At its heart is Focal's 40mm magnesium M-dome driver, combined with a fully open-back earcup and matching open inner grille. The design is intended to make detail, dynamics, tonal balance and spatial information easy to assess during recording, editing, mixing and production.
The 55-ohm impedance and 104dB SPL/1mW sensitivity also make Clear MG Professional relatively straightforward to drive by high-quality studio interfaces, headphone amplifiers and monitoring controllers. As with any headphone at this level, though, the quality of the headphone output still matters.
The Professional version makes particular sense in a working environment because Focal supplies two very different cables: a short 1.2m straight 3.5mm cable for close-range use and a much longer 5m coiled cable terminating in a 6.35mm TRS plug for studio consoles, interfaces and headphone amplifiers.
A spare pair of earpads is also included. For a headphone likely to see far heavier use than a typical home model, that is a genuinely useful addition rather than just another accessory in the box.
Being open-backed, however, the Clear MG Professional is not an isolation headphone. It lets surrounding sound in and programme material out. That makes it particularly well suited to mixing, editing and critical monitoring in a quiet control room, but much less appropriate for live tracking beside an open microphone.
For a professional user who wants to move between monitor loudspeakers and headphones while retaining a spacious, revealing presentation, Clear MG Professional is a serious monitoring tool that also happens to make an excellent pair of headphones for simply enjoying music.
Focal Clear MG Professional Open-Back Studio Headphones
Clear MG Professional is an open-back circumaural headphone developed for sound engineers, producers, musicians and other users who require accurate monitoring from a high-quality wired headphone system.
Key features include:
- Professional open-back headphone design
- Over-ear fit
- Passive wired operation
- 40mm magnesium M-dome drivers
- Open M-shaped inner grilles
- Honeycomb outer earcup grilles
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB frequency response
- 55-ohm impedance
- 104dB SPL / 1mW at 1kHz sensitivity
- 0.25% harmonic distortion at 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- Solid aluminium yoke
- Constant-curvature headband design
- Structured black yoke finish
- 450g weight
- 1.2m straight 3.5mm TRS cable
- 5m coiled 6.35mm TRS cable
- Spare pair of earpads
- Protective carrying case
- Manufactured in France
Designed for Professional Monitoring
Focal positions Clear MG Professional as a monitoring tool for sound engineers and producers.
Typical applications include:
- Mixing
- Editing
- Mastering checks
- Recording evaluation
- Production work
- Critical listening
- Comparing headphones with studio monitors
Open-Back Monitoring
The rear of each earcup is acoustically open.
Rather than trapping the rear output of the driver inside a sealed enclosure, the honeycomb structure allows air and sound to pass through the earcup.
This contributes to the spacious and immersive presentation Focal intends for professional monitoring.
Open-Back Headphones Do Not Provide Isolation
Clear MG Professional allows surrounding noise to reach the listener and also allows music to escape through the earcups.
They are therefore best used in a quiet control room, editing suite or private listening space.
Not Ideal for Live Microphone Tracking
The sound leakage inherent in an open-back headphone can be picked up by nearby microphones.
Use Closed-Back Headphones Around Open Microphones
If a performer is recording vocals or instruments close to a sensitive microphone, a closed-back monitoring headphone is normally the safer choice because it reduces headphone spill into the recording.
Clear MG Professional is better suited to control-room monitoring and critical evaluation than isolation during live tracking.
40mm Magnesium M-Dome Drivers
Each earcup contains a 40mm full-range electrodynamic driver with a magnesium diaphragm.
Focal forms the diaphragm into its characteristic M profile.
Why Magnesium?
Magnesium combines low mass with a high damping factor.
Those properties help the diaphragm respond rapidly to changes in the signal while controlling unwanted mechanical behaviour.
For monitoring work, this is particularly useful when assessing:
- Transient attack
- Low-frequency articulation
- Micro-detail
- Dynamics
- Tonal balance
M-Shaped Driver Profile
The diaphragm's M geometry increases rigidity without simply adding unnecessary mass to the moving assembly.
Focal uses the same fundamental principle across several of its specialist headphone ranges.
Open M-Shaped Inner Grille
The inner grille positioned close to the driver follows the M profile of the diaphragm.
Focal uses this arrangement to minimise obstruction and optimise high-frequency reproduction.
28kHz Driver Break-Up Frequency
Focal states that the magnesium driver has its break-up point at approximately 28kHz.
This sits beyond the headphone's quoted ±3dB audio bandwidth and contributes to the controlled behaviour of the driver through its normal operating range.
5Hz to 23kHz Frequency Response
Focal specifies:
5Hz – 23kHz ±3dB.
The ±3dB qualification gives useful context to the quoted response rather than simply listing extreme frequency limits without a tolerance.
55-Ohm Impedance
Clear MG Professional has a nominal impedance of:
55 ohms.
This makes the headphones compatible with a broad range of quality professional and Hi-Fi headphone outputs.
104dB SPL / 1mW Sensitivity
Focal specifies sensitivity of:
104dB SPL / 1mW at 1kHz.
This relatively healthy sensitivity means Clear MG Professional does not require an unusually high-powered headphone amplifier simply to reach useful monitoring levels.
Output Quality Still Matters
Being relatively easy to drive does not mean every headphone output will sound the same.
A low-noise studio interface, monitoring controller or dedicated headphone amplifier with a well-designed output will provide a better foundation for a revealing headphone such as Clear MG Professional.
0.25% Harmonic Distortion
Focal specifies total harmonic distortion of:
0.25% at 1kHz / 100dB SPL.
Use With Studio Audio Interfaces
The 55-ohm impedance and supplied cabling make Clear MG Professional suitable for many studio interfaces with dedicated headphone outputs.
When choosing an interface, monitoring controller or headphone amplifier, consider:
- Available headphone output level
- Noise floor
- Output impedance
- Distortion performance
- Gain range
- Volume-control accuracy
1.2m Straight 3.5mm Cable
Focal supplies a straight cable approximately:
1.2 metres long.
It terminates in a standard 3.5mm TRS plug.
This shorter cable is convenient for:
- Desktop interfaces
- Portable recorders
- Laptops with suitable headphone outputs
- DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Listening close to the source
5m Coiled Studio Cable
The second supplied cable is a substantially longer:
5 metre coiled cable.
It terminates in a full-size 6.35mm TRS headphone plug.
The coiled construction allows greater working distance while helping keep excess cable more manageable around a desk or studio console.
6.35mm TRS Connection
The 6.35mm connector is commonly used on:
- Studio audio interfaces
- Mixing consoles
- Monitoring controllers
- Headphone distribution amplifiers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- Professional audio equipment
Both Supplied Cables Are Single-Ended
Focal describes the supplied Professional cables as asymmetric, or single-ended, connections.
No Balanced 4-Pin XLR Cable Is Supplied
Clear MG Professional comes with 3.5mm and 6.35mm TRS cables.
If you specifically want to use a balanced headphone output, check cable compatibility before purchasing a replacement or aftermarket cable.
Professional Versus Standard Clear MG Cabling
Clear MG Professional
- 1.2m straight 3.5mm TRS cable
- 5m coiled 6.35mm TRS cable
- Studio-focused cable lengths
- Spare earpads included
Clear MG
- 1.2m 3.5mm cable
- 3m 4-pin XLR cable
- 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adaptor
- Home Hi-Fi-focused accessory package
Spare Earpads Included
Focal supplies a replacement pair of earpads with Clear MG Professional.
This is especially useful in a professional environment where headphones may be worn for many hours every week.
Earpads are not simply cosmetic. Their condition can affect:
- Comfort
- Driver position relative to the ear
- Acoustic loading
- Long-term consistency
Replace Worn Earpads as a Pair
If the original pads become heavily compressed, damaged or worn, replace both sides together so the left and right headphones retain matching physical conditions.
450g Weight
Clear MG Professional weighs approximately:
450g.
That makes it a substantial full-size headphone rather than a lightweight portable design.
Constant-Curvature Headband
Focal designs the headband with a consistent curvature to help distribute the headphone's weight across the head.
This matters particularly for professional users who may wear the headphones for long editing or mixing sessions.
Solid Aluminium Yoke
The earcups are supported by a solid aluminium yoke.
Rather than using a conventional vertical pivot directly at the cup, the necessary movement is incorporated into the headband structure.
Structured Black Finish
The yoke uses a structured black coating designed to provide a robust studio-oriented finish.
The Professional model is visually distinguished from the warmer metallic treatment used by the standard Clear MG.
Honeycomb Outer Grilles
The outer earcups use Focal's open honeycomb grille.
The structure allows the rear of the magnesium driver to communicate freely with the surrounding air while maintaining physical protection around the earcup.
Monitoring on Headphones and Speakers
Focal specifically positions Clear MG Professional as a tool that can help users move between studio monitors and headphones during production.
Headphones can be particularly useful for checking:
- Small editing errors
- Clicks and unwanted noise
- Reverb tails
- Panning detail
- Low-level distortion
- Vocal breaths
- Timing edits
- Stereo balance
Headphones Should Complement Studio Monitors
For professional mixing work, headphones and loudspeakers provide different perspectives.
Clear MG Professional can be an excellent analytical tool, but checking important decisions on suitable monitoring loudspeakers and in the room remains worthwhile.
Passive Wired Operation
Clear MG Professional contains no active electronics.
There is:
- No Bluetooth
- No battery
- No internal DAC
- No built-in headphone amplifier
- No active noise cancellation
- No microphone
- No app
The connected audio interface, DAC or headphone amplifier therefore determines the electrical signal sent to the drivers.
No Charging Required
Because Clear MG Professional is fully passive, it never needs charging or firmware updates.
Connect it to a suitable analogue headphone output and it is ready to use.
Carrying Case Included
Focal supplies a fitted protective case for storage and transportation.
Focal lists the case dimensions as approximately:
- Width: 240mm
- Height: 120mm
- Depth: 250mm
Useful for Mobile Production Setups
The supplied case makes it easier to protect Clear MG Professional when moving between:
- Studios
- Editing suites
- Location sessions
- Home production rooms
- Education facilities
Running-In
Focal states that the drivers naturally settle during their first several hours of operation.
Normal programme material will achieve this over time.
Protect Your Hearing
There is no need to wear the headphones while running them in.
Do not expose your hearing to unnecessarily high playback levels in an attempt to accelerate the process.
Clear MG Professional or Clear MG?
The two models share closely related core acoustic engineering, but the intended user and supplied accessories differ.
Clear MG Professional
- Professional studio positioning
- Open-back
- 40mm magnesium M-dome drivers
- 55-ohm impedance
- 1.2m 3.5mm cable
- 5m coiled 6.35mm cable
- Spare earpads included
- Red and black professional styling
Clear MG
- Home Hi-Fi positioning
- Open-back
- 40mm magnesium M-dome drivers
- 55-ohm impedance
- 1.2m 3.5mm cable
- 3m 4-pin XLR cable
- 6.35mm adaptor included
- Chestnut and Mixed-Metals styling
Compare the Focal Clear MG at Audio T.
Open-Back or Closed-Back for Studio Work?
Open-Back
- Ideal for critical listening
- Useful for editing and mixing
- Spacious presentation
- Very little isolation
- Significant sound leakage
Closed-Back
- Better isolation
- Reduced sound leakage
- Better suited around microphones
- Useful for tracking
- More practical in noisy environments
Who Are Clear MG Professional For?
Well Suited To
- Sound engineers
- Music producers
- Mix engineers
- Editors
- Recording studios
- Home studios
- Critical listening
- Studio audio interfaces
- Monitoring controllers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- Professional users needing replaceable earpads
- Home listeners who prefer the Pro accessory package
Check Before Buying
- Open-back design provides little isolation
- Sound leaks into the room
- Not ideal beside open microphones
- 450g weight
- 55-ohm impedance
- No Bluetooth or wireless functionality
- No balanced XLR cable supplied
- 5m studio cable terminates in 6.35mm TRS
Key Features
- Focal Clear MG Professional
- Professional studio headphones
- Open-back design
- Passive wired operation
- Over-ear fit
- 40mm drivers
- Magnesium diaphragm
- M-shaped dome
- Open M-shaped inner grille
- Honeycomb outer grille
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB
- 55-ohm impedance
- 104dB SPL / 1mW sensitivity
- 0.25% THD at 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- 28kHz driver break-up frequency
- Solid aluminium yoke
- Constant-curvature headband
- Structured black yoke finish
- 450g weight
- 1.2m straight cable
- 3.5mm TRS connection
- 5m coiled cable
- 6.35mm TRS connection
- Spare earpads supplied
- Carrying case included
- No Bluetooth
- No battery
- No ANC
- No microphone
- Manufactured in France
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Focal Clear MG Professional?
Open-back passive headphones designed primarily for sound engineers, producers and critical studio monitoring.
Are Clear MG Professional open-back?
Yes.
Do they isolate outside noise?
Very little. Their open construction is intended for use in a suitably quiet environment.
Will people nearby hear my music?
Yes. Sound leakage is normal for an open-back headphone.
Are they suitable for recording vocals?
They are excellent for control-room monitoring, but their sound leakage makes a closed-back headphone more appropriate for a performer working close to an open microphone.
Can I use them for mixing?
Yes. Mixing, editing and critical monitoring are among their principal intended applications.
What size are the drivers?
40mm.
What are the drivers made from?
Magnesium.
What is the frequency response?
5Hz to 23kHz ±3dB.
What is the impedance?
55 ohms.
What is the sensitivity?
104dB SPL / 1mW at 1kHz.
What harmonic distortion does Focal specify?
0.25% at 1kHz / 100dB SPL.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily, but Clear MG Professional is revealing enough to benefit from a high-quality studio interface, monitoring controller or dedicated headphone amplifier.
Can I use them with a studio audio interface?
Yes, provided the interface has a suitable quality headphone output.
What cables are included?
A 1.2m straight 3.5mm TRS cable and a 5m coiled 6.35mm TRS cable.
Is the long cable coiled?
Yes.
How long is the studio cable?
Approximately 5 metres when extended.
Does the long cable use a 6.35mm plug?
Yes.
Does the short cable use a 3.5mm plug?
Yes.
Is a balanced XLR cable included?
No. Focal supplies single-ended 3.5mm and 6.35mm TRS cables with Clear MG Professional.
Are spare earpads included?
Yes. A replacement pair is supplied.
Why are spare earpads useful?
Professional headphones may be worn for many hours, and replacing worn pads helps maintain comfort and consistent positioning of the drivers relative to the ears.
How much do they weigh?
Approximately 450g.
What is the yoke made from?
Solid aluminium.
Do they have Bluetooth?
No.
Do they require charging?
No. They are fully passive.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No.
Is a carrying case supplied?
Yes.
Are Clear MG Professional made in France?
Yes. Focal identifies the model as manufactured in France.
What is the main difference between Clear MG and Clear MG Professional?
The two models share closely related acoustic specifications, but Clear MG Professional is aimed at studio use and comes with a 5m coiled 6.35mm cable, 1.2m 3.5mm cable and replacement earpads. Clear MG uses a more home-focused accessory package including a balanced 4-pin XLR cable.
Related Focal Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Focal headphone demonstrations
- Professional and Hi-Fi headphone comparisons
- Open-back and closed-back advice
- Studio interface matching
- Headphone amplifier matching
- DAC and source advice
- Headphone fit and comfort guidance
- Cable and connection advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Focal Clear MG Professional demonstration or discuss studio interfaces, headphone amplification, open-back monitoring and system matching.