A headphone company I think that goes under a lot of folks radar is V-MODA. They make well crafted durable headphones that come in over ear and on ear. While I have covered their M-100s and XS and love them to death I have been always clamoring for a wireless mode with a ton of headphone companies going that route.
V-MODA has just officially announced its Crossfade Wireless headphones. They are a redefined version of the M-100s with 50mm drivers and are supposed to provide some of the best wireless audio known to man. They can be used wirelessly up to 33 feet away and are even tuned to work with the bluetooth in the smartwatches we rock today. If you want to go wired at times there is still that lovely rugged audio cable they bundle with their headphones so don’t worry.
The Crossfade Wireless by V-MODA are $299 and available on their website now and if you want to learn more you can check the interview with founder Val Kolton below and also read the press release.
Press Release:
V-MODA’s most advanced model to date boasts virtually identical sound quality in both analog and wireless playback
Milano – September 8th, 2015– V-MODA, the award-winning maker of the world’s finest high-fidelity audio devices, unveils Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear headphones which offer the best of both worlds with wired and wireless modes for hybrid listening.
V-MODA’s acoustics development team sought to improve its renowned signature sound for virtually identical analog and wireless playback. The Crossfade Wireless went through years of precise engineering to design and tune wireless electronics while keeping the iconic V-MODA materials and shapes.
The patent-pending dual-diaphragm 50mm driver is a refined version of the award-winning Crossfade M-100 that was crowdsourced by hundreds of headphone audiophiles and won 17 editors’ choice awards. Its speaker consistency is unrivaled and has been “hand-tuned” to complement the human hearing limit variance (+/- 2dB).
Special skills were used to ensure the air flow mechanics and acoustic tuning materials were perfectly balanced. Additionally, it does not use a powered EQ, staying true to the pure audio experience, and avoiding unacceptable latency issues for videos, gaming and DJs. The final result is a refined and improved Crossfade M-100 sound in both wired and wireless modes.
“As an avid analog purist, for years I said I would not make a wireless headphone; instead, we decided to make our best over-ear wired headphone yet featuring the best wireless mode,” says Val Kolton, CEO of V-MODA. “After years of R&D, we can proudly say that Crossfade Wireless is versatile enough to be the everyday audio weapon of choice for music professionals, audiophiles, gamers and savvy consumers, alike.”
Unrivaled Sound, Wireless Freedom
Uncompromised quality means staying true to the Crossfade’s award-winning signature sound whether rocking out plugged-in or cord-free. Simply pair your Crossfade Wireless to your Bluetooth device and enjoy your headphones up to 33 feet (10 meters).
The all-new Crossfade Wireless can also be paired with two sources at the same time. From work to workout, effortlessly pair it to two devices such as your laptop or smartphone.
The antenna is specially tuned to work with smartwatches’ built-in Bluetooth music players. V-MODA’s CEO rigorously tested and tuned the antenna for smartwatch Bluetooth performance by running more than 1000 kilometers using nearly every Apple and Android watch on the market.
A codec that would make Da Vinci proud
The audio codec determines how audio is sent to wireless headphones, and it is crucial for both delivering the best hi-fi audio and compatibility with a range of mobile devices and music files. The CSR BlueCore chipset utilized is the perfect balance of unequalized hi-fi sound and power consumption.
To wire or not to wire?
The Crossfade Wireless gives you access to the best of both worlds: wireless for a liberating listening experience, and cabled when you run out of juice or want to simply enjoy pure analog mode with your own headphone amplifier or DAC. Either way, you will experience the Crossfade’s unrivaled sound.
Unlike other wireless headphones, plugging a cable plug into the Crossfade Wireless jack instantly switches off all electronics to reach zero latency – essential for gamers, VR, musicians and DJs.
The built-in hidden microphone was specially tuned and optimized for phone calls and voice recognition. V-MODA also generously includes the rugged Kevlar-reinforced 1-Button SpeakEasy cable for wired use.
Ultimate Versatility
The Crossfade Wireless is compatible with the expansive V-MODA accessory ecosystem that extends functionality to be the ultimate versatile headphones. The accessory collection includes the recently unveiled 3D printed shields, laser-engraved aluminum shields, BoomPro mic for gamers/broadcasters, XL cushions, CoilPro cable, 1/3-button cables, VAMP DAC/AMP and Faders VIP tuned earplugs.
Long Life Battery
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous music, entertainment and calls, unlimited hours in wired mode thanks to its analog tuning that uses no electronics or artificial processing. Recharge it effortlessly with the included elegant V-Micro USB cable.
Availability & Pricing
The new V-MODA Crossfade Wireless will be available in four colors optimized for personalization: Gunmetal Black, White Silver, Rouge and Phantom Chrome.
Crossfade Wireless are available now for $299 MSRP (USD), in Phantom Chrome and White Silver colors. Gunmetal Black and Rouge will follow soon. Exclusively at V-MODA.com for $300, the price also includes an extra pair of custom 3D printed fiber or laser-engraved aluminum shields. Users can also upgrade to other 3D printed materials including steel, raw metals, plated gold, silver, gold and platinum. For further information about Crossfade Wireless pricing and retail store availability in the US and internationally, visit V-MODA.com/Crossfade-Wireless.
Crossfade Wireless product specifications
Type: Over-Ear Bluetooth
Frequency Response: 5 – 30,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 107 dB @ 1kHz 1mW
Microphone Sensitivity: -42 dB @ 1kHz
Impedance: 30 ohm
Weight: 292g (with standard aluminum shields)
Battery: 12 hours typical usage
Cable:1-Button Reinforced SpeakEasy Microphone 3.5mm cable
What’s included with Crossfade Wireless?
Crossfade Wireless
Exoskeleton carry case
Carabiner clip
Reinforced SpeakEasy™ Microphone & Mic cable
Reinforced V-Micro USB Cable
V-MODA Sticker
Six-Star Service
50% Immortal Life Replacement Program
1-Year Premier Warranty
