Skullcandy has announced a new version of its Crusher wireless headphones today, the Crusher 1080 ANC, which incorporate several of Bose’s audio technologies including QuietControl active noise cancellation (ANC) and head-tracking spatial audio. The Crusher headphone line has long differentiated itself from competitors by using both full-range and dedicated bass drivers in each ear cup to boost deeper frequencies. Skullcandy acknowledges that this approach can sometimes result in a loss of audio quality when the bass is heavily boosted, but the new Crusher 1080 ANC aims to address that with Bose’s help.
The Crusher 1080 ANC feature redesigned drivers with a stiffer diaphragm material that promises enhanced clarity and detail with less distortion at higher volume levels. As with previous models in the Crusher line, the bass boosting is entirely adjustable using Skullcandy’s mobile app or the on-headphone controls, which now include a more prominent dial on the outside of the ear cups. The headphones are available starting today for $279.99 in four color options: black, candy, primer, and cement.
Bose Technology Integration
This is the first time Skullcandy has partnered so deeply with Bose, and the Crusher 1080 ANC becomes the first non-Bose headphones to feature Bose’s TrueSpatial audio technology with head tracking. TrueSpatial works whether you are stationary or out for a run, creating an immersive soundstage that moves with your head. Additionally, the headphones include Bose’s WaveForm audio engine, which is designed to keep audio full, balanced, and smooth even at varying volume levels.
For noise cancellation, the Crusher 1080 ANC employs Bose’s six-microphone QuietControl ANC technology that adapts in real-time as ambient sounds around you change. This is the same adaptive ANC found in Bose’s own flagship headphones, and it adjusts the level of cancellation to suit the environment — more cancellation in a loud office, less in a quiet library. The headphones also feature Bose’s SpeechClarity technology, which reduces background noise so your voice comes through clearly during phone calls. However, Skullcandy is not the first third-party brand to offer SpeechClarity; that distinction goes to other licensees.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life on the Crusher 1080 ANC is estimated to be up to 60 hours with ANC turned off, or up to 50 hours with it on. If the battery runs low, a 10-minute rapid charge provides up to four hours of playback — a handy feature for users on the go. The headphones support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect and switch between multiple devices seamlessly. Auto reconnect and wear detection are also included, automatically pausing music when you take the headphones off and resuming when you put them back on.
Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support, low latency audio for gaming and video, and Auracast broadcast audio. The design folds flat for easier storage, and the ear cups are cushioned with memory foam for comfort during long listening sessions. The on-ear controls include volume, playback, and call management, along with the new dedicated bass dial.
Background and Market Context
The Crusher line has been a staple of Skullcandy’s lineup since the original model debuted over a decade ago. Known for its visceral, rumbling bass that can be felt as much as heard, the series appealed to bass enthusiasts, particularly in the hip-hop and electronic music communities. However, earlier models were often criticized for muddying the mids and highs when the bass was cranked up. With the Crusher 1080 ANC, Skullcandy aims to combine its signature bass with Bose’s engineering to deliver a more refined sound.
Priced at $279.99, the Crusher 1080 ANC sits in the competitive mid-range to premium wireless headphone market, going head-to-head with models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. While the Crusher lacks the same level of audio resolution as those rivals in the mids and highs, its bass-boosting capability is unique. The inclusion of Bose’s ANC and spatial audio could sway buyers who prioritize noise cancellation and immersion over absolute neutrality.
Skullcandy has also been expanding its lineup with more premium offerings, such as the Crusher Evo and the recently released Crusher ANC 2. The Crusher 1080 ANC appears to be a refinement of that formula, leveraging Bose’s reputation for comfort and noise cancellation to attract a broader audience. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies: Bose gains exposure to Skullcandy’s younger, bass-loving demographic, while Skullcandy gains credibility in the high-end audio space.
Design and Comfort
The Crusher 1080 ANC maintains the over-ear design of its predecessors, with a lightweight construction and plush ear cushions covered in synthetic leather. The headband is adjustable and padded, and the headphones fold flat for easy packing in the included carrying case. The color options — black, candy (a bright pink), primer (muted gray), and cement — offer variety for different tastes. The prominent bass dial on the outside of the right ear cup is now easier to locate and adjust by touch, a welcome improvement over earlier models where it was recessed and hard to find.
Weighing in at approximately 300 grams, the Crusher 1080 ANC are comparable to other wireless ANC headphones in this price range. They are comfortable for extended wear, though the clamping force may feel slightly firm for some users. The headphones also include a detachable 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening when the battery is drained.
Conclusion (Omitted per instructions)
Source:The Verge News