Skullcandy Expands Crusher Line With Bose and THX Audio Partnerships

Skullcandy Expands Crusher Line with Bose and THX Partnerships

The Crusher 1080 ANC: Bose Integration

The flagship Crusher 1080 ANC is the first third-party headphone to feature a comprehensive suite of proprietary Bose audio technologies. The model is built around the “Sound by Bose” feature set, which includes the QuietControl 6-mic adaptive ANC system. This technology is designed to adapt in real-time as ambient noise levels fluctuate. Additionally, the 1080 ANC incorporates Bose’s TrueSpatial audio with head tracking, which functions whether the user is stationary or active, such as during a run. The integration also includes the WaveForm audio engine, which is intended to keep audio balanced, full, and smooth, and SpeechClarity technology to reduce background noise during calls.

According to Skullcandy, the “1080” branding is a reference to a high-difficulty skateboard trick involving three full rotations, underscoring the company’s ongoing focus on action sports culture. The headphones feature redesigned drivers with a stiffer diaphragm material, a technical change intended to enhance clarity and detail while minimizing distortion at higher volume levels. The Crusher 1080 ANC is priced at $279.99 and is available in four color options: black, candy, primer, and cement.

Battery performance for the 1080 ANC is rated at up to 60 hours with active noise cancellation disabled, or 50 hours with the feature engaged. For users in need of a quick boost, a 10-minute rapid charge provides up to four hours of playback. The device also supports multipoint pairing for switching between multiple devices.

The Crusher 720: THX Spatial Audio

The Crusher 720 serves as the simpler model in the new lineup, focusing on immersive entertainment. Its core differentiator is the pairing of Skullcandy’s adjustable Crusher bass with THX Spatial Audio. This combination is designed to provide pinpoint listening accuracy and real-time onboard processing for movies, sports, music, and gaming. The 720 model is tailored for users who want a cinematic experience, whether they are playing on a console, using a laptop, or listening wirelessly.

The Crusher 720 boasts a battery life of 65 hours and includes rapid charge capabilities. Users can customize their experience via the Skullcandy App, which provides access to personal sound profiles, an adjustable stay-aware mode, and various EQ modes. Like the 1080 ANC, the 720 utilizes Skullcandy’s patented adjustable Crusher bass, which allows users to dial in the intensity of the sensory experience from a subtle rumble to a full-body sensation.

Strategic Collaboration and Firmware

Both new models utilize Bragi’s audio firmware and apps platform to manage their features. By integrating these advanced audio technologies, Skullcandy aims to address the historical trade-off associated with its bass-heavy headphones. The company acknowledges that heavy bass boosting can sometimes result in a loss of overall audio quality; however, the new driver systems and digital signal processing, particularly in the 1080 ANC, are intended to mitigate this issue. The 1080 ANC also includes a 5-band equalizer accessible through the Skullcandy app, allowing users to move beyond default sound profiles.

Market positioning for the 1080 ANC highlights a competitive advantage regarding price. The model offers features foundational to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones at a lower price point. The 1080 ANC also retains a physical slider on the ear cup, refined for better tactile feedback, ensuring that the legacy of the Crusher series’ adjustable bass remains a central part of the user experience. The Crusher 720 similarly uses an adjustable bass wheel to ensure that the sensory experience remains customizable to individual preferences.

Sources: Audioxpress, theverge.com.