Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC: Bose Tech Powers New Headphones

Skullcandy is launching its latest wireless headphones, the Crusher 1080 ANC, integrating multiple advanced audio technologies from Bose. This partnership marks the first time Bose's proprietary sound and noise-cancellation features will appear in headphones not manufactured by Bose itself. The new $279.99 headphones aim to deliver a premium audio experience, leveraging innovations previously exclusive to Bose products.

Among the key Bose technologies featured is QuietControl ANC, an adaptive noise cancellation system that allows users to precisely control the level of ambient sound reduction. Unlike many existing ANC systems that offer limited preset options, QuietControl ANC provides granular adjustment and automatically adapts to the surrounding noise environment. This adaptive capability promises a more personalized and effective listening experience, whether in a quiet office or a bustling city street.

Another significant integration is Bose's TrueSpatial audio with head tracking. This technology is designed to create an immersive soundstage, making music appear as if it's emanating from speakers placed in front of the listener. By adding a sense of dimension to stereo tracks, TrueSpatial audio aims to enhance the perceived realism and depth of audio content, offering a more engaging playback experience.

Enhanced Audio Processing and Call Clarity

The Crusher 1080 ANC also incorporates Bose's WaveForm audio engine. This proprietary processing technology works to balance acoustic properties and dynamic range, ensuring that both music and spoken word remain clear and detailed, even at high volumes or amidst significant background noise. This focus on audio clarity is complemented by Bose's SpeechClarity voice pickup technology, engineered to improve the intelligibility of voices during phone calls, a feature that elevates the headphones' utility beyond just music playback.

Beyond the Bose integrations, Skullcandy has made internal hardware improvements to the Crusher 1080 ANC. The company reports using a stiffer material for the headphone drivers, which is said to promote more efficient pistonic movement of the diaphragm. This enhancement is intended to reduce harmonic distortion and improve overall sound fidelity. Additionally, an enclosed acoustic cavity design is implemented to boost the performance of the active noise cancellation and to further refine the detail and separation of sound elements.

Skullcandy highlights an impressive battery life for the Crusher 1080 ANC. Users can expect up to 60 hours of playback with the active noise cancellation turned off, and approximately 50 hours when ANC is engaged. This extended battery performance positions the headphones as a strong contender for long listening sessions, travel, and daily use without the need for frequent recharging.