Today, out-of-the-Blue (both figuratively and literally), Blue Microphones announces the release of their newest headphone, the Lola.
The new Lola builds on Blue's success with their Mo-Fi headphone, while responding to specific suggestions for improvement. As such, the Lola is neither a successor nor a total re-imagining of the Mo-Fi. Rather, it is an extension, distillation and refinement of concepts first introduced in the Mo-Fi when it was launched last year (2014). The main differences in the Lola are as follows:
Now, just to be clear, I have not yet heard the production version of the Lola as of this posting. Evaluation units of production Lolas are so rare, that the very first units are just now being rushed out. I'm in the queue for a unit, and I look forward to posting some in-depth impressions soon. However, since the Lola and Mo-Fi share the same driver, I don't expect the Lola to sound any worse than a Mo-Fi in passive mode, so I don't imagine we'll be in for any big surprises there. If anyone out there has heard the production version though, and has some impressions to share, by all means please post them!
Overall, I think Blue is on the right track with their trickle-down and refinement strategy. And I love the way they are squarely taking aim at the consumer market with the Lola. As John Maier (Blue Microphones's CEO) said, "popular mass-marketed headphones don’t live up to their hype, robbing listeners of the emotional impact that can come from listening to their favorite music. For those who won’t settle for the overhyped, we’ve created Lola." As a Head-Fier, I certainly agree with him on that point, and I hope the Lola does well against the competition.
BTW, I would expect that the Lola will be available wherever the Mo-Fi is sold, so I'm guessing that Amazon, Best Buy, etc. will have them soon. However, in calling around, I'd learned that Guitar Center expects to have units in stock very soon. So if you're hoping to get some ear time with them, I'd call your local GC to see if they have them in stock.
Blue Microphones's Lola in Charcoal Black (matte):
Blue Microphones's Lola in Pearl White (matte):
Blue Microphones's Lola worn:
Blue Microphones's page about the Lola: http://blue-headphones.com/lola.php
The new Lola builds on Blue's success with their Mo-Fi headphone, while responding to specific suggestions for improvement. As such, the Lola is neither a successor nor a total re-imagining of the Mo-Fi. Rather, it is an extension, distillation and refinement of concepts first introduced in the Mo-Fi when it was launched last year (2014). The main differences in the Lola are as follows:
- Passive Output: The Lola does not include a built-in amp like the Mo-Fi does. For me, this makes perfect sense as the Mo-Fi's passive mode offered me the best overall balance in terms of frequency response. By removing the amp, I no longer have to deal with having to charge the headphone. I also don't have to bear the weight of an amp or its associated components (like batteries).
- Re-Engineered Gimbals: While the superstructure remains the same, Blue has re-engineered the gimbals for an easier and more comfortable fit. And while this is a subtle modification, it does lead to a more significant change in the form of...
- Streamlined Design: Along with the new and improved gimbal design, and the resulting improvement in comfort, there now less of a need for the tension adjustment mechanism that was built into the top of the headband. As such, it has been removed from the Lola. This reduces complexity, points of failure, and most importantly - weight.
- Improved Accessories: If you've seen Jude's original announcement video for the Blue Mo-Fi, you'll know that one criticism he had with it was the lack of physical (tactile) markings on its MFI cable's remote module. Thankfully, that has also been addressed on the Lola's new MFI cable, as the center button is now prominently marked. By the way, the Lola's MFI cable is now 1.5 meters long compared to the Mo-Fi's 1-meter long cable.
- Reduced & Redistributed Weight: Due to the removal of the tension adjustment mechanism - as well as the removal of the built-in amp - the new Lola is now noticeably lighter than the Mo-Fi. Whereas the Mo-Fi weighed in at 466 grams, the new Lola is now 397 grams. In addition, since the tension adjustment mechanism has been removed from the top of the headband, the overall weight has been redistributed away from the top of the head... resulting in a reduced hot spot and a headphone that feels lighter than it is.
- Two Colors/Finishes: The Lola will be available in two matte finishes, Charcoal Black and Pearl White. I would imagine that the Charcoal Black would be most preferred... but then again, I also didn't think white iPhones would be as popular as they are. Too tough to call at this point.
- Lower Priced: As one would expect, the new Lola will be priced lower than its big brother, at $249.99 versus the Mo-Fi's $349.99.
Now, just to be clear, I have not yet heard the production version of the Lola as of this posting. Evaluation units of production Lolas are so rare, that the very first units are just now being rushed out. I'm in the queue for a unit, and I look forward to posting some in-depth impressions soon. However, since the Lola and Mo-Fi share the same driver, I don't expect the Lola to sound any worse than a Mo-Fi in passive mode, so I don't imagine we'll be in for any big surprises there. If anyone out there has heard the production version though, and has some impressions to share, by all means please post them!
Overall, I think Blue is on the right track with their trickle-down and refinement strategy. And I love the way they are squarely taking aim at the consumer market with the Lola. As John Maier (Blue Microphones's CEO) said, "popular mass-marketed headphones don’t live up to their hype, robbing listeners of the emotional impact that can come from listening to their favorite music. For those who won’t settle for the overhyped, we’ve created Lola." As a Head-Fier, I certainly agree with him on that point, and I hope the Lola does well against the competition.
BTW, I would expect that the Lola will be available wherever the Mo-Fi is sold, so I'm guessing that Amazon, Best Buy, etc. will have them soon. However, in calling around, I'd learned that Guitar Center expects to have units in stock very soon. So if you're hoping to get some ear time with them, I'd call your local GC to see if they have them in stock.
Blue Microphones's Lola in Charcoal Black (matte):
Blue Microphones's Lola in Pearl White (matte):
Blue Microphones's Lola worn:
Blue Microphones's page about the Lola: http://blue-headphones.com/lola.php