Beats Solo Pro Bluetooth headphones: beautiful sound evolutions

Presentation

Freshly launched at € 300, the Beats Solo Pro is the advanced version of Solo3 Wireless. These headphones are positioned alongside the Studio 3 Wireless at the very top of the Beats range of headphones. The American manufacturer has therefore placed all its know-how there. More efficient active noise reduction, better sound rendering, 22-hour autonomy, Apple H1 chip, etc. This model wants to establish itself as a benchmark for on-ear Bluetooth headphones.

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Audio

The Solo Pro delivers particularly solid sound performance. This model masters its subject much better than its predecessors, and once again demonstrates that it is possible to offer a relatively colorful sound rendering without compromising on quality and details.

The Solo Pro opts for a wiser and truly more controlled approach than its predecessor, the Solo3 Wireless. The signature in W is still required, but it is the seat and the depth that are highlighted rather than the warm or round side of the bass. One feels particularly well the sensation of impact and pressure coming from this area of the spectrum. The presence of an EQ would not have been too much to soften the bass if necessary. The generosity of Solo Pro for this region is well under control since the rendering remains relatively well detailed and readable. There are still some limits in the behavior of the membranes when they are truly tested in this area (especially with very close attacks on large percussions, or with synth sweeps descending very low, for example).

The sound reproduction of the rest of the spectrum is distinguished by a very beautiful linearity, which reminds us, moreover, of that of another on-ear headset, the Jabra Evolve 75. Trained ears will perceive two subtle overweight in the midrange (between 1 and 2 kHz) and in the treble (much less than what the measure suggests) bringing a zest of "slamming" and additional shine. Respect for timbre is there and the voices are perfectly intelligible. Without being surgical, the precision remains very correct for the mediums at the highest frequencies. The sound rendering is sharp, defined and punchy, without ever being aggressive. We also appreciate the beautiful extension in the treble. They are large and airy. The stereophonic scene is relatively wide and deep, we replace the elements without difficulty. We do not reach the level of naturalness and detail delivered by over-ear headphones like the WH-1000XM3, that said.

Beats signs its first integration of active noise reduction in on-ear headphones with the Solo Pro. Apart from a very average attenuation of noise in the lowest frequencies (which are immediately slightly amplified by wearing a headset), it is particularly effective. The surrounding noises are very clearly reduced, which makes it possible to comfortably listen to any content even in very noisy environments (public transport, street under construction or with very dense traffic), even at low volume of listening. The active noise reduction function is also very effective on voices with an attenuation of almost 20 dB on the low-mid / mid-range part (which corresponds to the fundamentals and the effect of proximity of the voices), and even higher in the mediums (zone of presence, intelligibility). This is certainly one of the best active noise reductions that we have come across on on-ear headphones to date.

The function of listening to the surrounding noises is much less impressive, but not uninteresting. It is especially practical when it comes to quickly listening to a conversation or an announcement without having to take off the headset, but less so to perceive precisely what is happening around us. Indeed, the clean and frank cut in the treble and the slight lack of power rendering this mode does not give a particularly natural listening. We always feel a part of the headphone insulation and it is therefore difficult to locate the sounds and sometimes to identify them clearly.

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Conclusion

With the Solo Pro, Beats once again demonstrates its ability to renew its formula in terms of sound rendering, without forgetting its heritage. These headphones therefore offer a great listening experience (especially for bass lovers) with the added bonus of devilishly effective noise reduction for headphones of this type. On the other hand, we expected more from the side of comfort, still just as average, and from the experience of use. If you are not specifically looking for over-ear headphones or you do not worship the manufacturer's products, you will find much more interesting (and sometimes less expensive) circum models like the Elite 85h, the QC35 II or the WH -1000XM3.

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