Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus review

The customisable design injects an element of fun into these over-ear cans, but are they as fun to listen to? Tested at £187

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Solid lookers and performers, albeit not the most thrilling

Pros

  • +

    Solid, balanced sound

  • +

    Big, open soundstage

  • +

    Detailed treble

  • +

    Robust build

  • +

    Customisable design

Cons

  • -

    Need more excitement and dynamic flair

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Although the Custom One Pro Plus headphones, the latest over-ears from Beyerdynamic, have many admirable traits, the name alone sets rather high expectations.

The ‘pro’ and ‘plus’ terms in the name may be self-explanatory, but the meaning of ‘custom’ is less clear, until you look at the box’s contents.

Build

Not only do the Pro Pluses come in black or white, but the box also contains several pairs of artistic covers, which can be fixed to the ear cups’ exterior, if you have a screwdriver to hand.

There are 16 patterns included – from graffiti to green leopard and florid skulls – and more can be purchased from the website. You can also buy customised cables, replaceable ear pads and headband covers and a gaming headset.

The decorative covers are slightly at odds with the Pro Pluses’ industrial, matter-of-fact look and built-like-a-tank physique. We can’t help but think it’s like dressing Vin Diesel in a skirt, but we do like the whole customisable concept.

MORE: Best headphones 2015

Sound

Sound can also be adjusted thanks to the ‘sound slider’ – a switch on both ear cups that offers four bass modes.

We find that ‘Linear’ gives the most tonally balanced listen, but those inclined to a little more bass presence won’t go far wrong with ‘Vibrant Bass’. Either side of these (‘Light Bass’ and ‘Heavy Bass’) you get an uncomfortable sound that’s either thin and scratchy or unclear and boomy.

Unless you’re all for hearing Massive Attack’s Angel in its earth-shattering bass glory, we’d stay away.

The bass itself is agile and controlled, lending a hefty backing to the sound that’s both crisp and clear. So while the midrange is solid and insightful too, it has a good amount of sparkle and the treble is able to shine.

Tonally, they’re spot-on. Calculated instrument separation and precise detail fill their big, open soundstage, while straight-edged rhythmic assurance grants a good sense of drive to big bass lines and up-tempo melodies.

The Beyerdynamics have a lot going for them, but we find they’re a few notches of excitement short of a great time. Play Fleetwood Mac’s Skies The Limit and the Pro Pluses struggle to lift the carefree melody to entertaining heights.

It’s a criticism we had with the Custom One Pros, and evidently hasn’t been addressed.

MORE: Beyerdynamic Custon One Pro review

Verdict

While we’d like a little more of their design’s fun reflected in their sound, these are solid entries that are easy to consider.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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