The Focal Clear MG sits at the heart of Focal's high-end open-back headphone range, positioned above the Clear Original and below the Utopia in the company's hierarchy of reference listening headphones. Built entirely in Focal's facilities in Saint-Etienne, France, the Clear MG introduces a redesigned driver incorporating an 'M'-shaped Magnesium dome, which replaces the aluminium-magnesium composite used in the original Clear.
Magnesium Dome Driver
The defining feature of the Clear MG is its 40mm 'M'-shaped Magnesium dome. Magnesium is chosen for its exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio and high internal damping, properties that reduce unwanted resonances across the driver's operating range. The 'M' shape of the dome is the same geometry used in Focal's flagship Utopia, and brings improved control over diaphragm breakup modes, delivering wider bandwidth extension and lower distortion compared to its predecessor.
Open-Back Design
The Clear MG uses a fully open-back acoustic architecture, with a distinctive hexagonal grille over the driver housing. This approach eliminates the pressure build-up that can colour the sound in closed designs, resulting in a more spacious, natural presentation. The headphone is intended for critical home listening rather than isolation or portable use.
Construction and Comfort
The Bronze finish combines a chestnut brown colourway with mixed metal accents, achieved through the use of leather headband padding, perforated leather and microfibre ear cushions, and anodised aluminium yokes and adjustment rails. The ear pads are memory foam filled and designed to distribute clamping force evenly around the ear. The headphone's 450g weight is managed through the wide headband and plush padding.
Cables and Accessories
The Clear MG ships with a comprehensive cable set: a 1.2m mini-jack cable for use with portable devices and headphone amplifiers with 3.5mm outputs, a 3m 4-pin XLR balanced cable for use with balanced headphone amplifiers, and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm stereo jack adapter. A rigid carry case is also included for storage and transport.