Nothing has launched the Headphone (1) Pro, a $399 pair of wireless over-ear headphones with glass-backed earcups, titanium support arms and a physical switch for changing how music is presented. The new model keeps the squared silhouette of the original Headphone (1), with a wider headband and thicker padding.
The carrying case becomes part of how the headphones are worn and carried. A hard shell covers the earcups while leaving the headband exposed as a handle, and attachment loops accommodate a shoulder strap, keychains or charms. Inside, a soft TPU lining protects the headphones.
A roller adjusts volume and playback, while a paddle handles track changes. On the left earcup, the new Flat EQ switch selects a profile tuned with London’s Metropolis Studios, which Nothing describes as a neutral setting for reviewing tracks and comparing mixes. Activating it disables custom EQ, spatial audio and Transparency mode. Returning the switch restores the listener’s usual sound settings.
Three drivers in each earcup divide the audio workload: a 40mm dynamic driver covers lower frequencies, a precision dynamic driver addresses vocal and instrumental detail, and an xMEMS tweeter handles the high frequencies. The Nothing X app lets listeners adjust the main drivers and precision driver separately, giving them control over individual parts of the sound. Nothing also offers simpler presets for people who prefer to adjust bass or vocals without building a custom profile.
Metropolis Studios contributed a spatial audio setting modeled on its Studio B control room. Other modes simulate a club, concert hall or live venue, with head tracking available through the app. These settings are intended to change the perceived listening space; the Flat EQ switch provides a quick route back to the studio’s less processed tuning.
Auracast support allows the headphones to broadcast audio to other compatible headphones, earbuds or speakers nearby. The source phone can connect through ordinary Bluetooth, although receiving devices must support Auracast. Wired listening remains available through both a 3.5mm connection and USB-C, with the latter supporting lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz when the source allows it.
Nothing claims up to 30 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled, or 68 hours with it switched off. Those figures come from the company’s tests using AAC audio at 50 percent volume and default settings; listening through LDAC reduces the stated figures to 28 and 53 hours respectively.
BTS singer V fronts the launch as Nothing’s new global brand ambassador, appearing in a campaign photographed by Dorothea Sing Zhang. The Headphone (1) Pro is available in black and white from September 29 through Nothing, Amazon and Best Buy in the US.
