Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Focal Lensys Professional
Test & review: Focal
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Spec Sheet
- Wired
- Circumaural
- Closed design
- Dynamic
- Frequency range: 5 – 22,000 Hz
- Impedance: 26 Ohm
- Sensistivity: 100 dB SPL/1 mW @1 kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.3 % @ 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL
- Driver: 40 mm M-shaped aluminium-magnesium dome tweeter
- Memory foam ear pads
- Detachable, single-sided cable
- Weight: 306 g
- Includes 1.2 m smooth cable, 3 m coiled cable, adapter 3.5 mm mini jack to 6.3 mm jack and bag
Studio Log
| Available since | October 2024 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 602170 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Closed Back |
| Impedance | 26 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz – 22000 Hz |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Replaceable Cable | Yes |
| Colour | Black/Gray |
| Max. SPL | 100 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Jack, mini-jack |
| Weight | 306 g |
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Customer Review Summary
[SUBTITLE]Focal’s latest closed-back headphones offer detailed sound for mixing and mastering
Introduction to the Focal Lensys Professional
Released in October 2024, the Focal Lensys Professional aims to cater specifically to audio professionals needing a closed-back headphone solution for mixing and mastering. Priced at £549, these circumaural headphones feature a closed design with a 26 Ohm impedance and a wide frequency response from 5 Hz to 22 kHz. The package includes a detachable cable system, a protective carrying bag, and an adaptor for 6.3 mm connectivity.
Design and Build Quality
The Lensys Professional sports a black and grey finish with memory foam ear pads that provide a snug fit. Weighing 306 grams, the headphones avoid excessive bulk thanks largely to their plastic construction. This choice reduces clamping pressure, making them relatively comfortable during extended sessions. The sturdy, hard-shell bag supplied adds useful protection for transport and storage.
The headphones use a 40 mm M-shaped aluminium-magnesium driver dome which Focal has deployed to create a dynamic, precise sound signature. Included cables are a 1.2 m straight smooth cable and a 3 m coiled cable, both detachable and single-sided, although some users find the straight cable shorter than ideal for studio use.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Lensys Professional is designed for critical listening, offering a sound signature close to open-back headphones despite the closed-back design. This translates to minimal muddiness and a clear, balanced representation across lows, mids, and highs. Crucially for production work, the headphones expose subtle mix details, such as transient issues and track inconsistencies, allowing faster corrections.
- Frequency response: The impressive 5 Hz to 22,000 Hz range captures deep bass details and crisp highs.
- Sensitivity and distortion: With a sensitivity of 100 dB SPL at 1 kHz and very low total harmonic distortion (0.3% at 100 dB), the Lensys delivers clean and accurate audio at practical volume levels.
- Max SPL: Capped at 100 dB, the output is sufficient for most mixing needs without risking hearing fatigue.
Professionals relying on the Lensys for bass balance, especially in the absence of a subwoofer, report impressive clarity in the low end, which translates well between studio monitors and the headphones. This fidelity makes the Lensys a solid tool for mixing and mastering low-frequency content.
Comfort and Isolation
The circumaural memory foam pads and overall moderate clamping force offer good comfort for prolonged sessions, though some may find the fit a little firm initially. The closed-back build provides effective isolation, essential in environments lacking acoustic treatment or when mixing during quiet hours without disturbing others.
Considerations and User Feedback
- Build material: The plastic-heavy construction effectively keeps weight down but may cause durability concerns, especially regarding the nylon finish on ear pads, which can catch on skin or calluses during instrument play.
- Cable length: While the curly cable offers some stretch, the provided straight cable is relatively short for professional studio setups, leading to some calls for a longer straight cable option.
- Sound tuning: Some users note a slight need for EQ adjustments, particularly in the upper frequencies for critical mixing. However, this is common among professional headphones and manageable with measurement-based correction profiles.
- Price point: The Lensys Professional’s pricing reflects the “professional” label, though some consider it high given the plastic elements and similarities to other Focal models like the Azurys.
Conclusion
The Focal Lensys Professional offers a detailed, balanced sound signature well-suited for mixing and mastering in treated or untreated environments. Its closed-back design provides valuable isolation while maintaining a transparency close to open-back headphones. Comfort is generally good for long sessions, and build quality is a pragmatic balance between durability and weight.
While the price and cable lengths might be points of contention, the Lensys excels in translating mixes, identifying mix flaws quickly, and delivering bass with impressive precision. For those already invested in Focal monitors or preferring a consistent brand sound, these headphones integrate well into the professional workflow.
