If it is CF, it's something like short fiber reinforced polyimide, not 'the real stuff'. The braid effect is definitely added later, and it's only an effect. Sennheiser are unlikely to be able to afford NC laying machines that approach the apparent precision of the braid direction.
Thermoplastic resin + short fiber CF 'raw' typically looks quite crappy actually, like a sort of dull regalvanised metal... So manufacturers usually apply an additional finish to it. Still, it's better than ABS (curse you, Audio-Technica).

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Audio Technicas come with Anti-Lock Brakes now!

I think that's just cheap looking CF decal... probably just plastic... IMHO I think they could have used better CF decal, like the ones used in scale models and such... I rather have pleather...