Audio T Verdict
The Focal Clear MG is very much a headphone for sitting down and properly listening. It is entirely passive, completely open-backed and built around Focal's 40mm pure-magnesium M-dome drivers. There is no Bluetooth, battery or active noise cancellation between your source and the drivers.
That simplicity is deliberate. The open earcups allow the drivers to operate without the enclosed air volume of a conventional closed-back headphone, while the honeycomb outer grilles and similarly shaped inner grilles are designed to keep obstruction around the drivers to a minimum.
The result is a headphone intended to create a spacious and natural presentation rather than isolate you from the room. The downside is equally important: people nearby will hear your music and you will hear what is happening around you. Clear MG makes far more sense in a quiet home environment than on a train, aeroplane or busy office floor.
The 55-ohm impedance means Clear MG is not an especially extreme electrical load, but a headphone at this level deserves a capable source. It can certainly work from suitably equipped Hi-Fi components, but a good dedicated headphone amplifier or DAC/headphone amplifier gives you a much better opportunity to hear what the magnesium drivers can do.
Focal also provides unusually useful cabling. There is a shorter 1.2m 3.5mm cable for conventional headphone outputs, a 3m 4-pin XLR cable for compatible balanced headphone amplifiers, and a 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adaptor for traditional full-size headphone sockets.
At 450g Clear MG is substantial rather than lightweight, but Focal uses a solid aluminium yoke together with a genuine leather and microfibre headband and microfibre earpads to distribute that weight comfortably.
If your priority is serious home listening and you have a quiet room in which an open-back design makes sense, Clear MG sits in a particularly attractive position between Focal's more accessible open-back models and the flagship Utopia.
Focal Clear MG Open-Back Headphones
Clear MG is a passive open-back over-ear headphone designed for high-quality home listening.
Key features include:
- Open-back over-ear design
- Passive wired operation
- 40mm pure-magnesium M-dome drivers
- Focal French-made Hi-Fi headphone engineering
- M-shaped inner driver grilles
- Open honeycomb outer grilles
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB frequency response
- 55-ohm impedance
- 0.25% THD at 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- 104dB SPL published maximum level
- Solid aluminium yoke
- Genuine leather and microfibre headband
- Microfibre earpads
- 450g weight
- 1.2m 3.5mm cable supplied
- 3m 4-pin XLR cable supplied
- 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adaptor supplied
- Protective carrying case included
Open-Back Headphone Design
Clear MG uses acoustically open earcups rather than sealing the back of each driver inside an enclosed chamber.
This allows sound from the rear of the driver to pass through the earcup grille rather than being trapped inside the headphone.
Why Choose Open-Back Headphones?
An open design is particularly attractive for private home listening because it can provide:
- A spacious presentation
- Natural interaction between the driver and surrounding air
- A strong sense of stereo width
- Precise image placement
- Less of the enclosed sensation associated with some closed headphones
Open-Back Means Very Little Isolation
Clear MG is not designed to block out the outside world.
You will hear environmental sound through the open earcups, and people nearby will also be able to hear your music.
These headphones are therefore best suited to a quiet room rather than commuting, travel or shared spaces where sound leakage could disturb others.
Open-Back or Closed-Back?
Clear MG Open-Back
- Designed primarily for home listening
- Very little isolation from the room
- Music is audible to people nearby
- Open and spacious presentation
- No active noise cancellation
Closed-Back Headphones
- Greater passive isolation
- Less sound leakage
- More suitable around other people
- Better suited to portable use
- Available with or without active noise cancellation
Read Audio T's guide to open and closed-back headphones.
40mm Pure-Magnesium M-Dome Drivers
Each earcup contains a 40mm full-range electrodynamic driver using a diaphragm made from magnesium.
Focal forms the diaphragm into its characteristic M-shaped profile rather than using a conventional rounded dome.
Why Magnesium?
Magnesium combines two characteristics that are particularly useful for a headphone diaphragm:
- Low mass
- High mechanical damping
The driver needs to react rapidly to small changes in the incoming signal while remaining controlled as it moves.
Focal uses the magnesium diaphragm to balance those requirements across the audible frequency range.
M-Shaped Driver Profile
The M geometry forms part of Focal's approach to increasing diaphragm rigidity while keeping moving mass under control.
The shape is used across several of Focal's specialist headphone designs.
M-Shaped Inner Grilles
The grille positioned directly inside each earcup follows the M profile of the driver behind it.
This helps reduce unnecessary obstruction immediately in front of the diaphragm, particularly at higher frequencies.
Honeycomb Outer Grilles
The large honeycomb grilles on the outer earcups are not simply decorative.
They form a fundamental part of the open-back design by allowing the rear of the driver to communicate freely with the surrounding air.
5Hz to 23kHz Frequency Response
Focal specifies a frequency response of:
5Hz – 23kHz ±3dB.
The ±3dB qualification is useful because it places a defined tolerance around the quoted operating range.
55-Ohm Impedance
Clear MG has a nominal impedance of:
55 ohms.
This is moderate by traditional home-headphone standards and allows Clear MG to work with a fairly broad range of quality headphone outputs.
A Better Headphone Amplifier Is Still Worthwhile
A manageable impedance does not mean the quality of the headphone output stops mattering.
Clear MG is revealing enough to show differences between source components, DACs and headphone amplifiers. A dedicated headphone system is worth considering if you want to hear the headphones at their best.
Choosing a Headphone Amplifier
When matching Clear MG to a headphone amplifier, consider more than headline output power.
Useful factors include:
- Output quality
- Noise performance
- Output impedance
- Available gain
- Volume-control quality
- DAC quality where one is built in
- Balanced connection where required
Use With a Hi-Fi Amplifier
Clear MG can also be used with integrated amplifiers and other Hi-Fi components that provide a suitable headphone output.
The supplied 6.35mm adaptor makes connection straightforward where the component uses the traditional full-size headphone socket.
3.5mm Cable Included
Focal supplies a conventional analogue cable approximately:
1.2 metres long.
It terminates in a 3.5mm plug for use with suitable headphone outputs.
6.35mm Adaptor Included
A 3.5mm female to 6.35mm male adaptor is supplied.
This allows the shorter cable to connect to full-size headphone outputs commonly found on:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Headphone amplifiers
- DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Network players
- Professional audio interfaces
3m 4-Pin XLR Cable Included
Focal also supplies a much longer:
3 metre 4-pin XLR headphone cable.
This is intended for headphone amplifiers equipped with a compatible 4-pin XLR balanced headphone output.
The XLR Cable Requires a Compatible Headphone Output
The supplied 4-pin XLR connector is a balanced headphone connection.
Do not assume that any ordinary XLR socket on an amplifier, preamplifier or DAC is suitable. The equipment must provide a dedicated compatible 4-pin XLR headphone output.
Balanced or Single-Ended?
The two supplied cables give Clear MG useful flexibility.
3.5mm Cable
- 1.2m length
- Conventional single-ended connection
- Works with 3.5mm headphone sockets
- Supplied adaptor allows 6.35mm use
4-Pin XLR Cable
- 3m length
- Balanced headphone connection
- For compatible headphone amplifiers
- Useful for a dedicated home listening position
Balanced Is Not Automatically Better
A balanced connection can be useful where the headphone amplifier has been designed around it, but connector type alone does not determine sound quality.
A well-designed single-ended headphone output can still be an excellent partner for Clear MG.
No Bluetooth, Battery or Electronics
Clear MG is entirely passive.
It does not contain:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- A rechargeable battery
- An internal DAC
- Built-in amplification
- Active noise cancellation
- A microphone
The headphone therefore relies completely on the connected source and headphone amplifier.
No Charging Required
Because there is no battery, Clear MG never needs charging.
There is also no wireless codec or firmware layer between the connected analogue headphone output and the drivers.
450g Weight
Clear MG weighs approximately:
450g.
That makes it a substantial home headphone, although construction and headband design play an equally important role in how that weight feels once worn.
Solid Aluminium Yoke
Focal uses a solid aluminium yoke to connect the earcups to the headband.
The structure is shaped to follow the head while providing the rigidity required to support the earcups securely.
Genuine Leather and Microfibre Headband
The headband combines genuine leather with microfibre.
Focal uses a constant-curvature design intended to distribute the headphone's weight evenly across the head rather than concentrating it into a small contact area.
Microfibre Earpads
The large circumaural earpads use microfibre and surround the ear rather than resting directly on it.
The pads form an important part of both comfort and acoustic positioning.
Try Them for Comfort
Headphone fit is particularly personal.
Head size, ear shape, glasses and preferred clamping pressure can all affect comfort, so trying Clear MG before buying is worthwhile if possible.
Designed for Home Listening
Clear MG is most at home in a quiet dedicated listening environment.
It works particularly well with:
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Network players with high-quality headphone outputs
- Integrated amplifiers with suitable headphone stages
- Desktop Hi-Fi systems
Not Intended for Commuting
The lack of isolation means Clear MG generally makes little sense on public transport.
Increasing the volume to overcome environmental noise would also expose your hearing to unnecessarily high playback levels.
Do Not Compensate for Outside Noise With Excessive Volume
Because Clear MG is open-backed, external sound remains audible.
Use the headphones in an appropriately quiet environment rather than turning the volume up excessively to mask surrounding noise.
104dB SPL Published Maximum Level
Focal publishes a maximum level of:
104dB SPL.
That does not mean the headphones should routinely be used anywhere near their maximum capability.
Protect Your Hearing
Prolonged exposure to high listening levels can cause permanent hearing damage.
Use a comfortable volume and reduce the level if you experience ringing, discomfort or listening fatigue.
0.25% Harmonic Distortion
Focal specifies total harmonic distortion of:
0.25% at 1kHz / 100dB SPL.
Carrying Case Included
Clear MG is supplied with a fitted protective carrying case.
The case measures approximately:
- Width: 240mm
- Height: 250mm
- Depth: 120mm
Although the headphones are primarily intended for home listening, the case provides useful protection for storage or transportation.
Chestnut and Mixed-Metals Finish
Clear MG uses Focal's distinctive Chestnut and Mixed-Metals finish.
The warm metallic and brown tones are combined with the aluminium structure, leather, microfibre and open honeycomb grilles.
Clear MG or Hadenys?
Hadenys
- Open-back home headphone
- 40mm aluminium/magnesium drivers
- Lightweight magnesium yoke
- More accessible Focal open-back model
- Well suited to high-quality home listening
Clear MG
- Open-back home headphone
- 40mm pure-magnesium drivers
- Solid aluminium yoke
- Balanced 4-pin XLR cable supplied
- Positioned higher in Focal's Hi-Fi headphone range
Clear MG or Utopia?
Clear MG
- 40mm pure-magnesium M-dome drivers
- 55-ohm impedance
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB
- 450g
- Open-back
Utopia
- 40mm pure-Beryllium M-dome drivers
- 80-ohm impedance
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB
- 490g
- Reference open-back model
Browse the Focal headphone range at Audio T.
Clear MG or Bathys MG?
Clear MG
- Passive wired design
- Open-back
- No battery
- No Bluetooth
- No noise cancellation
- Designed primarily for quiet home listening
Bathys MG
- Active wireless design
- Closed-back
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Active noise cancellation
- USB-DAC mode
- Designed for home and travel
Compare the Focal Bathys MG at Audio T.
Running-In
Focal states that Clear MG settles naturally during the first several hours of use.
There is no need to delay enjoying the headphones. Normal listening will allow the mechanical components of the drivers to settle with use.
Who Are the Focal Clear MG For?
Well Suited To
- Dedicated home headphone systems
- Quiet listening rooms
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- DAC and headphone amplifiers
- High-quality integrated amplifiers
- Balanced headphone amplifiers
- Vinyl systems
- Streaming systems
- CD systems
- Listeners who prefer open-back headphones
- Long private listening sessions
Check Before Buying
- Open-back design provides little isolation
- Music will be audible to people nearby
- Not ideal for public transport or busy offices
- 450g weight
- 55-ohm impedance
- A good headphone source is worthwhile
- 4-pin XLR cable requires a compatible headphone output
- No Bluetooth or battery operation
Key Features
- Focal Clear MG
- Open-back headphones
- Passive wired design
- Over-ear fit
- 40mm drivers
- Pure-magnesium diaphragm
- M-shaped dome
- M-shaped inner grilles
- Honeycomb outer grilles
- 5Hz–23kHz ±3dB
- 55-ohm impedance
- 0.25% THD at 1kHz / 100dB SPL
- 104dB SPL published maximum level
- Solid aluminium yoke
- Genuine leather headband
- Microfibre headband covering
- Microfibre earpads
- 450g weight
- 1.2m 3.5mm cable
- 3m 4-pin XLR cable
- 3.5mm-to-6.35mm adaptor
- Balanced headphone connection option
- Carrying case included
- Chestnut and Mixed-Metals finish
- No Bluetooth
- No battery
- No active noise cancellation
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Focal Clear MG open-back?
Yes.
Do open-back headphones block outside noise?
Very little. Clear MG is intended primarily for listening in a quiet environment.
Can people nearby hear what I am listening to?
Yes. Sound leakage is a normal characteristic of an open-back headphone.
Are Clear MG suitable for commuting?
Generally no. Their open construction provides little isolation and allows music to escape into the surrounding environment.
Are Clear MG wireless?
No. They are passive wired headphones.
Do they have Bluetooth?
No.
Do they need charging?
No. There is no battery.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No.
What size are the drivers?
40mm.
What are the drivers made from?
Magnesium.
What is an M-dome driver?
Focal forms the diaphragm into an M-shaped profile to increase structural rigidity while controlling moving mass.
What is the frequency response?
5Hz to 23kHz ±3dB.
What is the impedance?
55 ohms.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily, but Clear MG is revealing enough to benefit from a high-quality headphone output or dedicated headphone amplifier.
Can I use Clear MG with a normal Hi-Fi amplifier?
Yes, provided the amplifier has a suitable headphone output.
Is a 6.35mm adaptor included?
Yes. Focal supplies a 3.5mm female to 6.35mm male adaptor.
What cables are included?
A 1.2m 3.5mm headphone cable and a 3m 4-pin XLR headphone cable.
What is the XLR cable for?
It allows Clear MG to connect to a compatible balanced headphone amplifier with a dedicated 4-pin XLR headphone output.
Can I plug the XLR cable into any XLR socket?
No. Use it only with a compatible dedicated 4-pin XLR headphone output.
Is balanced connection always better?
No. Performance depends on the design of the headphone amplifier rather than connector type alone.
How much do Clear MG weigh?
Approximately 450g.
What is the yoke made from?
Solid aluminium.
What is the headband made from?
Focal uses genuine leather and microfibre.
What material is used for the earpads?
Microfibre.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes.
How large is the carrying case?
Approximately 240 x 250 x 120mm W x H x D.
What is the maximum published SPL?
104dB SPL.
What harmonic distortion does Focal specify?
0.25% at 1kHz / 100dB SPL.
Do Clear MG need running in?
Focal states that the drivers settle naturally during the first several hours of use.
What is the difference between Clear MG and Bathys MG?
Clear MG is a passive open-back home headphone. Bathys MG is a battery-powered closed-back wireless headphone with Bluetooth, USB-DAC operation and active noise cancellation.
What sits above Clear MG in Focal's headphone range?
Focal positions Utopia as its reference open-back Hi-Fi headphone.
Related Focal Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Focal headphone demonstrations
- Open-back and closed-back comparisons
- Headphone comfort and fit advice
- Headphone-amplifier matching
- DAC and source matching
- Balanced and single-ended connection advice
- Streaming-system matching
- Vinyl-system matching
- Part-exchange options
- Setup and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Focal Clear MG demonstration or discuss headphone amplifiers, DACs, balanced connections and source matching.