Clear MG

Released March 2021

The Clear MG are Focal's open-back hi-fi headphones with magnesium 'M'-shaped dome drivers, the successor to the Clear, suited to home listening with a headphone amplifier.

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Battery: –
With case: –
Best codec: Wired
Weight: 450 g

Over-ear

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the Clear Mg are exceptional, with highly detailed, dynamic and entertaining sound, precise imaging, and excellent comfort and build. The open back leaks sound and blocks little outside noise; TechRadar found the presentation forward, the soundstage not the widest and the headband a little creaky, and What Hi-Fi? found the standard cable short.

From whathifi.com, techradar.com and soundguys.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Driver size: 40 mm
Back: Open
Impedance: 55 ohms
Bluetooth codecs: None (wired)
Drivers: 40 mm magnesium 'M'-shaped dome; 5 Hz – 23 kHz (±3 dB) on focal.com, 5 Hz – 28 kHz on the product sheet; sensitivity 104 dB SPL (1 mW, 1 kHz); THD 0.25% (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL)

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): No battery (wired)

Design

Weight: 450 g
Headphone cable: Yes
Fit and ear tips: Circumaural, open-back
Works with: 1.2 m 3.5 mm cable, 3 m 4-pin XLR cable, 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter
Colours: Chestnut
In the box: Headphones, 1.2 m 3.5 mm cable, 3 m 4-pin XLR cable, 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter, carrying case (250 x 240 x 120 mm)

Pros and cons

Pros

40 mm magnesium 'M'-shaped dome drivers
55-ohm impedance and 104 dB/mW sensitivity are easy to drive
Both a 3.5 mm cable and a balanced 4-pin XLR cable in the box

Cons

Heavy at 450 g
Open back leaks sound and lets outside noise in

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Noise cancelling	Battery	With case	Best codec	Weight	Released
AudezeLCD-5	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	420 g	Sept 2021
beyerdynamicDT 700 PRO X	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	350 g	Oct 2021
beyerdynamicDT 900 PRO X	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	345 g	Oct 2021

Sources

Photo: dam.focal-naim.com

Clear MG — Brown finish, three-quarter with supplied cable: Focal; exact published product gallery.
Clear MG — Brown finish, profile without cable: Focal; exact published product gallery.
Clear MG — Brown headphones in supplied carrying case, open: Focal; exact published product gallery.
Clear MG — Supplied carrying case, closed: Focal; exact published product gallery.
Clear MG — Brown finish, grille and cushion detail: Focal; exact published product gallery and isolated product-detail feature photo

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