Focal Bathys MG Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Focal Bathys MG is a closed-back wireless noise cancelling headphone from Focal (Saint-Etienne, France), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Built around 40mm magnesium drivers with Focal's signature 'M'-shaped domes, crafted in Focal's French workshops, the Bathys MG delivers the natural, detailed, high-fidelity sound character associated with Focal headphones in a Bluetooth 5.2 platform with aptX Adaptive, active noise cancellation, 30 hours of battery life, and USB-DAC mode supporting hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. Premium materials including genuine leather, aluminium, and magnesium, combined with memory foam earpads, give the Bathys MG the refined aesthetic and long-session comfort of Focal's wired reference headphones in a fully wireless, travel-ready design.

40mm Magnesium Drivers and High-Fidelity Sound

The Bathys MG takes its name from its exclusive magnesium speaker drivers, manufactured in Focal's Saint-Etienne workshops using the same 'M'-shaped dome geometry found in Focal's Clear MG and Utopia wired headphones. Magnesium is chosen for its combination of stiffness and low mass, producing a driver that moves precisely and stops cleanly, resulting in impactful bass, detailed midrange, and crystal-clear treble without the coloration introduced by conventional plastic or aluminium diaphragms. Frequency response extends from 10Hz to 22kHz with total harmonic distortion below 0.2% at 1kHz, giving the Bathys MG a technical foundation well above most wireless headphones at its price point.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes

The Bathys MG integrates active noise cancellation using an 8-microphone array that isolates unwanted ambient sound while preserving the integrity of the audio signal. Three noise control modes are available through the Focal and Naim app: Silent for maximum isolation, Soft for reduced ambient noise with some environmental awareness, and Transparent for full pass-through of surrounding sound when needed. The same microphone array handles voice calls and provides the acoustic input for the active noise cancelling system, allowing the Bathys MG to adapt to travel, office, or home listening environments without compromising call quality.

Battery Life and Wireless Performance

The Bathys MG provides up to 30 hours of playback in Bluetooth noise cancelling mode, 35 hours via the 3.5mm jack with noise cancelling active, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode. Fast charging adds 5 hours of listening time in 15 minutes from the USB-C port. Bluetooth 5.2 Multipoint allows simultaneous connection to two devices, enabling seamless switching between a laptop and smartphone without manual re-pairing. Supported audio codecs include SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive, with aptX Adaptive delivering lossless-grade wireless audio at up to 24-bit resolution with adaptive bitrate for stable playback in challenging RF environments. Google Fast Pair is supported for rapid pairing on Android devices. Bluetooth range exceeds 15 metres.

USB-DAC Mode and Wired Listening

A dedicated USB-DAC mode activates when the Bathys MG is connected to a computer, smartphone, or source device via USB-C, bypassing Bluetooth entirely and enabling high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz through the headphone's internal DAC and amplifier. This makes the Bathys MG equally suitable as a desktop closed-back headphone for studio monitoring or audiophile listening, not solely as a travel wireless headphone. A 3.5mm jack input is also provided for passive wired connection to standard headphone outputs when neither Bluetooth nor USB-C is preferred.

Design and Comfort

The Focal Bathys MG draws its design language from Focal's Clear MG open-back headphone, sharing the same warm Chestnut finish with a backlit Focal logo and using aluminium and magnesium in the yoke structure for a combination of rigidity and low weight. The headband is padded with genuine leather, and the over-ear earpads use ergonomic memory foam for even pressure distribution across extended listening sessions. At 350g, the Bathys MG is balanced for wearability during long listening sessions or travel without the fatigue associated with heavier wireless headphones. The Focal and Naim companion app for iOS and Android provides precision EQ adjustment, noise cancellation mode switching, and personalised headphone control.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Focal Bathys MG?

The Focal Bathys MG is a closed-back wireless noise cancelling headphone from Focal, featuring 40mm magnesium 'M'-shaped dome drivers made in France, Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, an 8-microphone active noise cancellation system, 30 hours of battery life in Bluetooth mode, and USB-DAC mode supporting hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It is the flagship wireless headphone in Focal's lineup, combining the acoustic character of Focal's wired reference headphones with a premium wireless and noise cancelling platform. The Focal Bathys MG is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What is the difference between the Focal Bathys and the Focal Bathys MG?

The Bathys MG replaces the original Focal Bathys with an upgraded driver design using exclusive magnesium 'M'-shaped dome diaphragms, the same driver geometry used in Focal's Clear MG and Utopia wired headphones. The magnesium driver delivers greater diaphragm stiffness and lower mass compared to the original Bathys driver, resulting in improved transient accuracy, lower distortion, and a more natural high-frequency response. The Bathys MG also introduces aptX Adaptive codec support for lossless-grade wireless audio, an updated 8-microphone array for improved noise cancellation, a Chestnut finish inspired by the Clear MG, and an updated Focal and Naim app with more precise EQ and noise cancellation control.

Does the Focal Bathys MG support active noise cancellation?

Yes. The Focal Bathys MG includes an 8-microphone active noise cancellation system with three selectable modes: Silent for maximum noise isolation, Soft for reduced ambient noise with some environmental awareness maintained, and Transparent for full audio pass-through of surrounding sounds. Mode selection is available through the Focal and Naim app or via the on-ear touch controls.

What audio codecs does the Focal Bathys MG support?

The Focal Bathys MG supports SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive via Bluetooth 5.2. aptX Adaptive is the most advanced codec supported, delivering adaptive bitrate wireless audio at up to 24-bit resolution with automatic bitrate adjustment to maintain stable playback in environments with Bluetooth congestion. AAC is recommended for Apple device users; aptX Adaptive for Android devices with compatible SoCs from Qualcomm.

Can I use the Focal Bathys MG as a USB DAC for high-resolution audio?

Yes. The Focal Bathys MG includes a USB-DAC mode activated by connecting the headphone to a computer or smartphone via USB-C. In USB-DAC mode, the headphone's internal DAC processes audio up to 24-bit/192kHz directly from the source device, bypassing Bluetooth entirely. This allows the Bathys MG to function as a high-resolution wired headphone for desktop listening, studio use, or any scenario where maximum audio quality takes priority over wireless convenience.

How does the Focal Bathys MG compare to the Sony WH-1000XM6?

The Focal Bathys MG and Sony WH-1000XM6 are both premium wireless noise cancelling headphones, but they target different priorities. The Bathys MG uses magnesium drivers made in Focal's French workshops, delivering audiophile-grade sound reproduction with a frequency response of 10Hz to 22kHz and THD below 0.2% at 1kHz. It adds USB-DAC mode for 24-bit/192kHz wired hi-res playback, premium materials including genuine leather and magnesium in the yoke, and the aptX Adaptive codec for lossless-grade wireless audio. The Sony WH-1000XM6 prioritises noise cancellation effectiveness and feature breadth including LDAC codec, multipoint connection, and Sony's proprietary noise cancellation processing. The Bathys MG is the stronger choice for listeners who prioritise acoustic performance and build quality; the WH-1000XM6 leads on noise cancellation depth and Sony ecosystem integration.

How long does the battery last on the Focal Bathys MG?

The Focal Bathys MG delivers up to 30 hours of playback in Bluetooth mode with active noise cancellation enabled, 35 hours when connected via the 3.5mm jack, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode. Fast charging via USB-C provides 5 hours of listening time from a 15-minute charge. Battery life figures are based on standard Focal test conditions and may vary with volume level, codec selection, and noise cancellation mode.

Where can I buy the Focal Bathys MG in Toronto, Canada?

The Focal Bathys MG is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Focal dealer in Toronto, Canada. As an authorized Focal dealer, Vinyl Sound offers in-store demonstrations of the Bathys MG alongside the full range of Focal headphones including the Bathys, Clear MG, and Utopia at our Richmond Hill, Ontario showroom. Shop online at vinylsound.ca with free shipping across Canada, or visit the showroom for a personal listening session. Explore the complete headphone collection at Vinyl Sound Toronto to compare the Bathys MG alongside other hi-fi headphones in our range.