First Listen: Focal Bathys Headphones With Mimi Adaptive Response System

I will be doing a full review on the hi-fi+ YouTube channel of the new $699 (£699) Focal Bathys headphones very soon, because today a new version was released with the Mimi hearing adaptation system. Essentially, Mimi tests your left and right ear frequency sensitivity and then prepares a (partially) compensating response curve for the Bathys. Since age-related hearing loss can begin in your 30s, this is a feature that addresses a large swath of audiophiles. In addition, hearing damage is quite common and can lead to frequency response issues at earlier ages. Mimi customizes the FocalBathys for you, based on actual hearing tests, not on guesses.

First, a brief aside, which is that all this tweaking would be irrelevant if the basic Bathys were a mediocre headphone. But that is not the case. At all. The Bathys has a bevy of strengths which I believe make it the headphone of choice for many listeners. It starts with solid, well-defined bass and continues to clear, smooth mid-range. There is an audible low treble dip (more on that in a moment), but this dip may be an enhancement to some modern hot recordings. I haven’t heard a headphone below $699 that can do these things as well. Not only that, but the Bathys offers both Bluetooth and wired connections (and the wired connection can be digital in to an onboard DAC, not reliant on your phone’s DAC/amp).  I cover this in detail when I do the full review.

Now, today’s question should be “does Mimi work?” I’ll be honest, these compensatory schemes usually leave me cold, but in early listening, Mimi seemed to work quite well. Mimi is subtle, which I think helps (Mimi doesn’t try to create a fully flat response, but rather splits the difference between your hearing rolloff and level response). What is nice is that Mimi recovers some of the treble that the Bathys leaves on the table when set to flat (you can also address this with the Bathys EQ, so you can choose between that and the Mimi auto-adjustment). With Mimi on, some vocal recordings I know well had the details and air I’m accustomed to on my main in-room rig or with top-end headphones (I use the HiFiMan Susvara as a reference).

Focal has a great, high-value headphone in the Bathys, and now they’ve added a desirable feature that noticeably sweetens the deal.

September 15, 2023 – Since their unveiling in October 2022, the Bathys headphones from Focal have continued to grow in popularity among customers and the international press alike. Never a brand to rest on its laurels, this leading light in the French sound sector is now enhancing its first Bluetooth® noise cancelling headphones, with the launch of its new Dune finish as well as introducing an extra feature allowing users to adapt Bathys sound to their hearing.

BATHYS DUNE: STEP INTO THE LIGHT

Focal has designed a luminous finish to join the Bathys collection, in contrast with the existing Black Silver finish and catering to its customers’ differing tastes. Applied to the headphones in their entirety, the carrying case and the cables, the Dune finish is inspired by quarry minerals, Greek landscapes and desert sands – in short, delicate spaces flooded with light. It combines a beige color with silver details (grilles, rings, etc.) for an elegant, mellow and harmonious finish. The neutral beige shade is easy to pair with any color of outfit. Replicating the approach taken in the Black Silver version, Bathys Dune combines refined materials (magnesium on the yokes, genuine leather on the headband, etc.), delivers impressive comfort and features an optional backlit flame in the center of the earcups.

NEW: HEADPHONES SOUND THAT ADAPTS TO THE USER’S HEARING

In its quest to offer its customers the very best, the Focal teams have incorporated a new feature into the headphones: the Mimi hearing test. Available via the Focal & Naim app, this allows users to configure the sound delivered by Bathys according to their hearing, thereby allowing them to enjoy the Focal sound regardless of their test results. In other words: Bathys adapts to everyone’s hearing. Those with the Black Silver version now also have access to this test, by simply updating the Focal & Naim app.

PURE HIGH-FIDELITY SOUND & FEATURES

Behind the Dune and Black Silver finishes lie the same performance and features: outstanding sound for a pair of wireless headphones. Benefiting from Focal’s expertise in sound and high-end headphone production, Bathys delivers pure Hi-Fi sound, via a Bluetooth® 5.1 multi-point or wired connection thanks to the integrated USB-DAC mode and its resolution reaching 24bits/192kHz. Made in France, the speaker drivers comprise an aluminum/magnesium dome for deep bass, mellow treble and crystal-clear vocals. This Hi-Fi sound is enhanced by perfect soundproofing: the noise-cancelling technology includes an optimized ‘Silent’ mode for journeys in noisy environments (planes, trains, etc.) and a ‘Soft’ mode to help users concentrate at home. There is no shortage of other features, either: voice assistants, adjustable EQ, connectivity (Bluetooth®, Jack, USB), 30-hour battery life (5 extra hours available in 15 minutes thanks to its fast-charging function), and much more.

Focal Bathys in Dune now available at $699.

For more information visit: https://www.focal.com/en/bathys.