Introduction
Nothing expands its audio lineup with the Headphone 1 Pro, a $399 flagship over-ear headset that incorporates active noise cancellation, customizable sound profiles, and physical controls. Alongside standard flagship features, the unit introduces a triple-driver design, Auracast support, and a physical Flat EQ switch.
Sound Profile and Studio Features
The Headphone 1 Pro feature a dedicated hardware switch to disable internal EQ processing and spatial audio configurations within the companion app. Developed in partnership with London's Metropolis Studios, this Flat EQ mode aims to provide studio professionals with an uncolored sound profile for monitoring mixes.
Out of the box, the default Balanced EQ profile emphasizes mids and highs, giving vocals and cymbals extra presence. Engaging the Flat EQ mode brings the mid and high frequencies into alignment with the bass response. Listeners seeking a less aggressive high-end can alternatively adjust the advanced parametric EQ settings within the app.
The toggle switch is positioned on the inner corner of the left ear cup to prevent accidental activation during daily use.
While a flat frequency response serves a clear purpose in professional mixing environments, audio research generally indicates that general consumers prefer a target curve featuring elevated bass and natural midranges. Consequently, the flat profile may sound unusual for casual music consumption.
Hardware and Driver Architecture
Unlike competing flagship models from brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple that utilize a single transducer per side, the Headphone 1 Pro employ a triple-driver system. This configuration divides frequencies across a 40mm dynamic driver for low-end reproduction, a dedicated midrange driver, and a solid-state xMEMS driver handling upper frequencies for faster transient response.
High-resolution audio is supported via LDAC wireless transmission up to 24-bit/96kHz, alongside wired lossless USB-C playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. The headphones also function as an Auracast transmitter or receiver through the companion mobile application.
Noise Cancellation and Battery Life
Active noise cancellation effectively subdues low-frequency environmental rumble like air conditioning and traffic noise, positioning itself just behind top-tier competitors while providing robust isolation during music playback.
Design and Ergonomics
The Headphone 1 Pro ship with a folding hard case, though its design encloses only the ear cups while leaving the headband exposed to act as a carrying handle.
The physical design retains Nothing's signature industrial aesthetic and incorporates tactile physical inputs, including a dedicated volume roller. While the protective shell utilizes a durable hard exterior rather than soft fabric, the partial coverage leaves the headband vulnerable.
The hardware carries an IP52 dust and water resistance rating. Battery performance reaches up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, extending to 68 hours when ANC is disabled.
The Headphone 1 Pro represent a compelling offering for users seeking distinct styling, robust noise isolation, and advanced acoustic hardware. Although the Flat EQ toggle functions primarily as a niche tool for studio engineers, the overall audio performance and feature set validate the flagship positioning.
