Headphones
Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro
The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro is the first Manufaktur "factory custom" headphone allowing the listener to select 4 different stages of low-end response shaping with 'semi-open' or closed-back operation at the flick of a lever. The cosmetics of Custom One Pro are also customizable with different outer cup metal faceplate designs and/or colored earpads & cushions 
available separately [TBA- early 2013]. Cabling selection is equally personalized with after-market choices to include a mic'd Apple iPhone/ smartphone cord or varied headphone cord lengths. The Custom One Pro sound is highly impressive and bests other closed-back cans at over twice the price. Made in Germany.
Click on the graphic below to view the frequency response comparisons of all 4 bass port positions. The FR graphs under "Specs" and in the comparison tool are taken in the "Linear Bass" position 2.
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Product Features:
- 4-position bass port allows more/less low-end response as desired by listener
- Slider port allows headphones to convert from semi-open to closed-back design
- Low-end FR [Frequency Response] settings range from clean analytical sound to booming bass tones
- Accessory styling kits available from Beyerdynamic (Spring 2013; sold separately)
- 100% engineered & manufactured in Germany
What's In The Box:
- (1) Detachable headphone cable - 5ft length
- 1/4" Stereo plug adapter
- Custom One Pro owner's manual
Applications:
The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro is the world's first European 'audiophile-level' headphone offering four bass response settings plus a huge array of cosmetic options and varying cord choices for after-market personalization. Detented sliders at the bottom of each earcup provide four positions ranging from 'Light Bass' to 'Linear Bass' on setting 2 to 'Vibrant Bass' on position 3 and finally serious basshead-rocking 'Heavy Bass' on position 4. The first thing we noted is the Custom One Pro FR bass reflex tone-shaping actually works well and effectively alters the tonal character of the headphones from an analytical and fairly 'dry' signature sound to a booming, very richly extended low-end presentation delivering up to a massive 20dB of bass boost. The response curve flattens at approximately 300Hz on all settings leaving the midranges and upper highs mostly untouched by the low-end shaping. The Custom One Pro "semi" closed-back earcups provide a good degree of environmental ambient noise blocking (but not completely total) and solid audio leakage protection, so those around you won't hear your jamming music emanating out of your cans. Although ostensibly designed for effortless volume from smartphones, iPads and tablets, the low 16 Ohm impedance combined with tough 96dB sensitivity specs make this headphone sound audibly more impactful and cleanly dynamic under the drive of a good headphone amp. The acoustic performance of the Custom One Pro simply shocked our HeadRoom team. Frankly, we were maybe expecting a cheesy, washed-out signature with either bloated one-note bass textures or the 'wooshy' presentation often heard with other bass-port cans. We could not have been more wrong. Although its not perfect -- there's a slightly uneven tone in spots -- the pointillistic, well-defined musical resolution and overall clarity of detail combined with the sonic personalization and outstanding build quality makes the Custom 1 Pro one of our favorites ever from Beyerdynamic-Germany -- and the affordable price is just as equally remarkable. A rare unanimous HeadRoom team recommendation for any music lover seeking a great closed-back headphone under $200!
The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro headphone comes in a matte-black finish with the red/white Custom One logo neatly emblazoned across the detachable metal faceplates on the outer earcups. Four screws on each faceplate allow either reversing the faceplate to an aluminum metal look sans logos or easy switching with your own custom-designed faceplate when/if you choose. We have been highly impressed by the caliber of workmanship and superior materials found on this extremely well-priced headphone. A beefy but light black-anodized aluminum headband assembly with tough-built earcup yokes promises extra long-life durability. Earpad cushions are a soft, plush leather-type material. Moreover, nearly every single part on the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro is easily owner-replaceable, guaranteeing this headphone will stand the test of time and daily use. The Custom One Pro has a detachable headphone cord; a mic'd cord for Apple iPhone/iPad /iPod Touch is available from Beyerdynamic [sold separately by Beyerdynamic; available early 2013]. The included headphone audio cord is 5ft long and terminates to a straight gold-plated 'mini' 1/8" [3.5mm] stereo jack. A screw-on 1/4" stereo plug adapter comes provided on the cord. Free 2-year premium 'repair or replace' manufacturer's warranty with your HeadRoom "authorized Beyerdynamic dealer" purchase receipt. Fabricated, engineered & assembled completely in Germany.
NOTE: Beyerdynamic-USA states after-market accessories / cord(s) availability for the Custom One Pro headphones will be offered beginning early 2013 in North America.
Specifications:
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 Years
- Headphone Type: Full Size
- Weight: 290 grams (w/o cable)
- Isolation: Variable (up to -18dB)
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 16 Ohms
- Detachable Cable: Yes
- Cord Length: 5ft
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Acoustic Seal: Closed
Additional Resources:
- Product Reviews
- Reviewed.com
Average Rating
Posted by x on 2013-05-11
Recommend Product: No
9 out of 11 people found this review unhelpful. Did you?
Posted by Big Daddy Fox from Cleveland, OH on 2013-04-12
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Easy to Drive, Lifetime Use w/ Replaceable Parts, 2 Amazing Headphones for 1 Great Price
Cons: Rather Bulky, Slight Sound Leakage, A Little Warm Sounding, Other 2 Settings Aren't the Best
I would recommend these to three kinds of people. Number one, for those looking for the best portable audio source without spending $300 or more. Number two, for those new to "high end audio land" and not sure what their musical preferencs are yet (whether it be flat and balanced, heavy bass, or anywhere in between.) A great place to start without having to buy 3 or 4 different pairs. Or three, those who enjoy a variety of genres (like me) where setting 2 or 3 can be changed by a flick of a switch just depending on your mood that day. A rare feature few get to experience until now, but a true delight and quite fun.
Granted these are not without their faults. They are rather warm, and could be a bit more detailed in the mid range. The highs are extended enough but certainly aren't reference quality by any means. While they are extremely portable being easily driven directly through your iPod with no need for a headphone amp, they are rather bulky on your head and do slightly leak audio out. Although not as bad as open backed headphones, perhaps this is the joke when referred to as "semi-closed."
I should mention that there are better headphones out there, if you have the money go for it, especially if you know your preference style. From $350 (like the Sennheiser Momentum's or the AKG K550's) to $2000 (like the Fostex TH 900's) there are some truly amazing closed back headphones out there, BUT for only $200 (many Amazon sellers sell them for LESS, I got mine for only 165!) you can't "beats" this 2 for 1 steal. Again no headphone amp required either which is not only an extra expense (anywhere from $50 to $200) but an annyoying attachment that makes portablility not so portable. Fully replaceable parts (cable, ear cups, headband, side plates, etc) make these a lifetime investment. There may be better headphones out there, but with this kind of customization you will never have as much fun with your music collection in a single pair of headphones. Why pay $160 for a pair of Audio Technica M50's and another $400 for a Beats Pro (that's $560!) when you can get a single pair of these for LESS than $200? A no brainer.
Highly Recommended
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Posted by Luke from Los Angeles, CA on 2013-03-08
Recommend Product: No
Pros: Comfortable, light, custom parts
Cons: mids and highs mashed together
The build quality even, is not that great, sure its made from metal but it still manages to fill cheap. You cant even swivel the headsets left or right, so not sure how useful these would even be for a DJ.
I will admit, if you've never tried good headphones, and only had these on, you might not notice the difference, I didn't at first. I hadn't used my Pro700MK2's for a few days, just had the custom ones delivered so I was listening to some Thom Yorke, and they sounded good, but when i compared them to the Pro700's it was readily apparent that the Bass is pushed at the expense of the mids and high's which are totally jumbled together, making the sound dull and flat.
The Custom One Pro's have this bass 4 level selector and it does make a difference, but the sound is distorted at level 4. Level 2 or 4 works best.
If these cans where say $100, then they would be ok, but at $150, basically the same price as the M50's I find them unacceptably bad.
These are very comfortable headphones and perfectly fine for the occasional listen, but that's about it. Wish I had something more positive to say about them. But they were fairly abysmal in comparison to the two Audio-Technica headphones I own.
Lastly the Custom Ones' volume is very low, probably due to the low OHMS in trying to meet the iphone market.
I'm very surprised these are in the top ten at headphone.com and I think they should be taken out, its almost scandalous. My Audio Engineer thoroughly agreed as well.
11 out of 16 people found this review unhelpful. Did you?
