After a long wait, Beats has finally unveiled its new over-ear headphones, the Studio Pro. This updated model features a range of improvements, including enhanced sound quality, improved voice performance, USB-C audio connectivity, and a new design. Priced at $350, the Studio Pro continues to be Beats’ flagship headphone model.
One of the major changes in the Studio Pro is the design. Beats collaborated with fashion and product designer Samuel Ross to update the aesthetics. The headphones now come in four new colors, and even the black option has a sleek matte finish. The headband hinge has been redesigned for a tone-on-tone finish, and the model name has been removed. The iconic lowercase “b” logo remains on both sides of the headphones.
The earpads have also been redesigned for a seamless look. They are made of a new UltraPlush memory foam wrapped in leather. However, despite these improvements, the clamping force and weight of the headphones remain the same, which can make them uncomfortable for long periods of use.
Beats has always been popular among gym-goers and athletes, but the company has yet to provide an official IP rating for sweat and water resistance. While Beats claims that the Studio Pro is suitable for workouts, the lack of official earpad replacements from the company means that users will have to find third-party options if the earpads become dirty or worn out.
The Studio Pro features physical on-board controls, including a multi-function button on the left ear cup for controlling music and calls, volume controls on the right ear cup, and a power button for toggling between noise modes. The headphones also have a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that supports sample rates up to 24-bit/48kHz, allowing for high-resolution streaming.
In terms of software and features, Beats has moved away from using Apple’s audio chips and instead developed its own second-generation platform. However, many of the features offered by Apple are still available on the Studio Pro, including hands-free Siri, one-touch pairing, iCloud pairing, Apple Watch hand-off, and Find My compatibility.
Beats has also added Transparency Mode and Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking to the Studio Pro. Transparency Mode allows users to hear their surroundings while wearing the headphones, which is a feature that was missing from the previous Studio 3 model. Spatial Audio provides an immersive sound experience, simulating the sound of 64 speakers that can move with the user if head tracking is enabled.
In terms of sound quality, Beats has upgraded the drivers in the Studio Pro to deliver a more balanced sound profile with improved clarity. Previously, Beats headphones were known for their heavy bass, but now the bass is well-balanced with the mids and highs, allowing for more detailed and immersive audio. The headphones excel with hip-hop tracks, where the booming bass lines create a strong foundation for the rest of the song.
The Studio Pro also offers USB-C wired audio and includes three EQ profiles for different listening experiences: Signature, Entertainment, and Conversation. These profiles adjust the frequency curve to provide the best sound for each scenario. The headphones also still support 3.5mm playback and can be used with ANC and Transparency Mode as needed.
Overall, the Beats Studio Pro is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering better sound quality, enhanced features, and a refreshed design. While the headphones may still have some comfort issues and lack certain features like automatic pausing and multipoint connectivity for iOS devices, they remain a popular choice for those looking for high-quality audio and stylish design.
