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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Review 2022

Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless noise-cancelling headphones ($349.95) are a marked departure from past entries with a completely different look and a revamped app experience. They easily compete with the top-rated Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399.99) and Bose QuietComfort 45 ($329) in terms of audio quality, offering a bass-forward-but-balanced sound signature with excellent clarity. They don’t quite offer the same class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) as either of those models, but they’re in the same ballpark at least. And although we like the app’s features, we’d prefer more granular control than its streamlined EQ allows. These minor drawbacks aside, the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a worthy alternative to our favorites from Bose and Sony.


Streamlined Design, Long Battery Life

The Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are exceptionally comfortable even for long listening sessions. The earcups swivel to fit your head and ensure a tight, secure fit.

You can choose between black or white models, but both feature the same gray fabric lining on top of the headband. Notably, they look distinct from Momentum 3 Wireless headphones, which use a metallic headband adjustor. The earcups are more oval-shaped on the new model, too. Faux leather covers the memory foam earpads, while recessed cloth grilles clearly mark the left and right sides.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless case accessories

Internally, 42mm dynamic drivers deliver a frequency range of 6Hz to 22kHz. The headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.2, plus support the AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive, and SBC codecs. This is the kind of wide-ranging codec support we expect in this price range, but don’t always see. That said, Sony’s headphones have a slight edge here because they also support the LDAC codec, which offers a higher maximum bitrate.

The right earcup’s side panel sports a button that handles power and pairing, as well as summons your device’s voice assistant. It sits alongside five tiny status LEDs. There’s a USB-C port at the base of the earcup for the USB-C-to-USB-A charging cable that arrives in the box.

The right ear’s outer panel functions as a capacitive touch control pad and works quite well. That said, like all touch panels this large, it’s easy to accidentally trigger it when you handle the headphones. Regardless, a single tap in the center controls playback, while forward and backward swipes handle track navigation and phone calls (forward to answer, backward to end). Swipes up and down to control the volume. You can also tap twice to toggle between ANC On and Transparency modes. If you perform these successive taps quickly enough, this gesture doesn’t affect playback, but we occasionally paused the music unintentionally. You can also use a two-finger swipe gesture to toggle between the modes—pinch and expand for Transparency or pinch and draw inward for ANC. Optionally, you can turn off the touchpad controls entirely within the app.

Sennheiser estimates that the headphones can last roughly 60 hours on battery at mid-level volumes with ANC on. Turning the ANC off should get you even more battery life, though listening at top volume levels will lower the runtime. Regardless, 60 hours is an impressive figure. Sennheiser says the battery takes roughly two hours to fully charge from empty and that five minutes of charging gets you roughly four hours of playtime, but these numbers depend on your charging source and headphone usage.

The thoughtfully designed zip-up travel case’s exterior matches the headband’s material (in our case, a gray fabric with a slight sheen). A loop for hanging the case from a hook extends from the outer side panel. The headphones swivel flat to fit inside, and each accessory (the USB cable, an airline jack adapter, and a 3.5mm audio cable) comes with an elastic band so you can keep everything tidy. Additionally, the case features a small mesh pocket for storage.


Sennheiser App Experience

The Sennheiser Smart Control app (available for Android and iOS) offers plenty of features beyond the standard over-the-air firmware updates and basic settings (such as on-head detection, smart pause, and auto-power off).

The main menu has a Connection section (for switching between the maximum two paired devices), an EQ section with adjustable presets (the three-band EQ is a little basic, but at least works in conjunction with Bass Boost and Podcast toggles), a Sound Check section (that creates an EQ preset based on a few parameters you specify after listening to music you’re familiar with), and a Sound Zones section (which helps create ANC and EQ presets for up to 20 locations that automatically turn on when you enter those places).

Sennheiser Smart Control app

Farther down in the app, the ANC section offers an Adaptive ANC toggle, as well as a slider that lets you blend the ANC and Transparency modes—the left-most position is for full ANC and the right-most position is for full transparency. You can also enable Wind Noise Reduction (Auto, Off, or Max) and set the auto-pause feature to turn on whenever Transparent mode is active. Lastly, a fader in the Sidetone section lets you control how much of your voice you hear on calls.

In the settings menu, you can also choose to hide the various sections of the menu to streamline the app’s home screen. Notably absent is a section for customizing the on-ear gestures, but that feature is more typical of earphones with limited real estate for touch controls.

It’s a little annoying that Sennheiser requires you to create an account to access some of these features, but at least it doesn’t block access to the app altogether. An increasing number of audio companies apparently now want your email. Our main complaint with the app, however, is that the three-band EQ feels unnecessarily simplified—plenty of competing apps offer far more bands and actually bother to label the bands with frequencies. The app was slightly inconsistent in connecting with the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones, too—more than once in testing (and after we installed all available firmware updates), the app didn’t recognize the headphones despite them being paired to our iPhone at the time .


Highly Effective ANC

The headphones deliver high-quality noise cancellation. Unsurprisingly, we had the most success with the maximum ANC level and Adaptive ANC on. With Adaptive ANC off, the ANC lets through a faint hiss (though one that’s really only noticeable in quieter environments).

In testing with the above settings, the headphones dial back powerful, low-frequency rumble (like you hear on an airplane) significantly and don’t produce any sort of masking hiss. They also effectively cut back noise from a recording of a busy restaurant with clanging dishes and boisterous conversation. We weren’t able to test the Wind Noise Reduction feature (which combats unwanted noise as a result of wind hitting the ANC mics), but we suggest leaving it in the default Auto mode.

It’s difficult to say whether the ANC has an obvious effect on the audio performance because there’s no way to turn it off completely; you can only toggle between ANC and Transparency modes or opt for some blend of the two. We didn’t notice any significant audio performance difference when we switched between the two modes in testing.

Compared with the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Sennheiser headphones let through a little bit more of the lows and low-mids in environments with intense, deep frequencies. In a noisy cafe-like setting, the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones allowed a thin band of higher frequencies to slip through that the WH-1000XM5 didn’t—but both are very effective against lows, mids, and, to a reasonable extent, the high-mids. Neither competes with the Bose QuietComfort 45’s level of noise cancellation in these scenarios, however.

Transparency mode effectively provides a clear way for you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. And, as mentioned, you can set the pair to auto-pause your music whenever this mode is active. The app doesn’t provide anything beyond a basic transparency function, though—some apps offer a conversation mode that emphasizes the human voice.


Fantastic Audio and Strong Mics

We tested the audio performance primarily without any EQ or Bass Mode enhancements. On tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” the headphones produce a powerful low-frequency response. The bass doesn’t distort at maximum volume levels, and at more moderate levels, the audio still sounds robust.

Bill Callahan’s “Drover,” a track with far less deep bass in the mix, gives us a better sense of the sound signature. The drums on this track sound bass-boosted and heavy, but don’t quite veer into unnaturally thunderous territory. Interestingly, the Bass Boost mode doesn’t really add too much thunder, either, though it does beef up the lows somewhat. Callahan’s baritone vocals sound rich and crisp, while the acoustic strums and higher-register percussive hits maintain a bright, detailed presence. If you want a more clinically accurate sound, you can dial back the lows slightly in the app’s EQ, but as is, this is a balanced, if somewhat sculpted, sound signature.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless connections

On Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “No Church in the Wild,” the kick drum loop receives an ideal high-mid presence that allows its attack to retain its punchiness, while the sub-bass synth hits that punctuate the beat come across with an ideal depth. The sub-bass doesn’t sound overly emphasized, but no one will accuse the headphones of skimping on subwoofer-like thump. We can tell that the pair enhances the lows somewhat, but they don’t add sub-bass where it doesn’t exist (unlike plenty of modern headphones). The vocals on this track sound clear, with perhaps a bit of additional sibilance.

Orchestral tracks, like the opening scene from John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary, sound fantastic. The lower-register instrumentation has a rich, full presence, but the spotlight belongs to the higher-register brass, strings, and vocals. This is a crisp, detailed sound signature with excellent anchoring in the lows—subtle on classical and jazz tracks, but capable of delivering the rumble you want from electronic music and some modern mixes.

The four-MEMS-mic array performs very well. We had no problem understanding every word from a test recording on an iPhone. The beam-forming mics (two are in each earcup) deliver an EQ-ed signal that zeroes in on the voice and successfully tamps down surrounding noise.


Sennheiser Strikes Back

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones deliver excellent audio performance and support a strong array of Bluetooth codecs. The ANC here is quite good too—not the best, but fit to hang with the top models. We also like the new design and the option to tweak the audio in the app (although the EQ section could benefit from more bands). The headphones are a bit more affordable than the top-notch Sony WH-1000XM5, and comparable in price with the Bose QuietComfort 45. The Bose model edges out the Momentum 4 in terms of ANC, but we can at least argue that Sennheiser’s pair sounds the best of the bunch.

If all of these models are outside your budget, you should consider Sennheiser’s $199.95 HD 450BT headphones, which offer impressive ANC and audio, just obviously not on the same level as these other pairs. If you have room in your budget and are more focused on audio than noise cancellation, we’re also fans of the luxurious Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 ($399.99). At the very least, however, the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones deserve a spot in this high-end audio conversation.

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Categories
Technology

Google Pixel Buds Pro Review: Truly Excellent Earbuds

If Apple’s AirPods Pro are the benchmark for measuring the quality of any new pair of wireless earbuds, then Google has them beat with its new Pixel Buds Pro. Not only do they sound better than Apple’s flagship earbuds, but they also cost $50 less, have better battery life , and come in cuter colors.

These earbuds work fine with iPhone devices, but their full suite of features shines through when you pair them with an Android device. For starters, they pair quickly. You can also easily connect them to multiple devices and swap between them, so if you have the buds in your ears while watching a movie on your laptop and a call comes through, you can just answer your phone without having to fiddle with anything. More importantly, these buds never fell out during my plodding runs, they feature wireless charging, and did I mention the cute egg-like case? What more could you need for podcasts and Beyoncé?

Form-Fitting Buds

The best part about the Pixel Buds Pro is how comfortably they fit in your ears. The medium-sized buds have a form-fitting peanut shape that sticks right in my medium-sized ear canals with ease, but never loses grip. I’ve tried to headbang these buggers out of my ears. I’ve taken them on 7-mile runs in the woods. I’ve showered with them in after said runs. They stay in there perfectly despite the lack of ear fins—they use the same standard silicone ear tips you’ll find on most earbuds, but the overall ergonomics just make them hug my ear holes.

The exterior of each bud comes in a few colors. My favorite is the tangerine orange (or what Google calls Coral), but my review unit was a discreet gray, which looks handsome but isn’t as fun. Frankly, part of the reason to get these instead of AirPods is the aesthetic difference between Apple’s monolithic white and Google’s playful pastels.

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Photography: Google

Using them is just as easy as using AirPods. The outside of each bud is touch-sensitive, with intuitive controls. Tap once to play or pause, twice to skip songs, and long-press to turn the active noise cancellation on or off, depending on whether you want to hear the world. I also like that swiping left or right adjusts the volume—oftentimes earbuds with touch sensors forgo volume controls for playback controls.

These buds are also plugged into Google Assistant, so you can shout “Hey Google” and demand it set timers or play a certain song. It’s useful for the few times I didn’t want to touch my phone, but it’s still a novelty in public, where you might not want to look like you’re yelling at yourself. To each their own, I guess.

Like the controls, the case the buds come in is smartly designed. It’s harder to put an earbud into the wrong slot, and I like how flat it lays on my wireless charging pad between listening sessions. It’s also just nice to hold. Like a little tick tock.

into the music

A single 11-mm dynamic driver inside each Pixel Buds Pro delivers a surprisingly robust soundstage, made possible in large part by Google’s excellent digital signal processing and noise canceling.

Music comes through with presence and personality, especially in the bass, which tends to have more punch and separation than what I’ve heard from prior Pixel Buds. While listening to my testing playlist, the midrange is the only place where the buds lose some definition. That’s to be expected when a single driver has to handle perfect bass response and shimmery highs (and does so well)—you tend to lose something, somewhere. Still, I’m glad Google’s engineers focused on the areas most people care about.

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Technology

This week’s 3 best hi-fi news announcements

The most interesting hi-fi (and head-fi) news stories for Week 32, 2022.

German headphone manufacturer sennheiser has announced the fourth version of its Momentum Wireless over-ear Bluetooth headphones. Thanks to a “2×2 beamforming mic array” and better wind noise reduction, the Momentum 4 Wireless promise improved active noise cancellation over the previous version. And taking a leaf from the Bowers & Wilkins headphone book, Sennheiser has angled the (4.2cm) driver inside each earcup towards the ear. However, unlike the B&W PX7 S2, the right Sennheiser earcup offers touch-sensitive control of transparency mode and phone calls (and presumably play/pause). The partnering SmartControl smartphone app offers EQ and a sound personalization feature that will probably put the devil in the details. Perhaps most significant of all, the Momentum 4 Wireless offers a whopping 60-hour playback time from a single charge – double that of the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the aforementioned Bowers – with a ten-minute quick charge netting 6 hours of playback time. These new noise cancellers support aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs and go on sale later this month for US$350/€350 (which is a bit cheaper than the version 3 model and the current Sony flagship).

light has announced the T3: a high-end streaming DAC that marries a dual mono circuit – built around a pair of ESS ES9028Pro chips – to a Leedh lossless volume control and puts it inside a sleek and stylish (my words) aluminum chassis which, according to Lumin, is less prone to fingermarks. Your choice of silver or black. D/A conversion supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD512 with single-ended and balanced outputs on offer. USB and BNC digital outputs also show up to handle optional connections to an external DAC. On the Ethernet-fueled streaming front, the T3 will play back local files and Qobuz streams from within Lumin’s UPnP/OpenHome-enabled smartphone app (iOS and Android) but it also supports Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect (with MQA) and Apple AirPlay. The T3 begins shipping in September and will sell for €4990.

High-end Japanese manufacturer luxman is kicking off its centenary celebrations three years early with the announcement of a new integrated amplifier. The L-507Z is the first member of a new “Generation Z Series” and features the V1.0 LIFES feedback engine that presumably aims to minimize distortion. Also on board is a new 88-step electronically-controlled volume attenuator – called the LECUA1000 – that promises greater transparency over a broader range of volume levels. A custom-wound EL-type transformer and its associated power supply help deliver 110wpc into 8 Ohms, 210wpc into 4 Ohms, all with suitably snappy current delivery and a damping factor of 300. These ingredients sum to a total unit weight of over 25kg and an asking price of £8000/€9490. The L507Z begins shipping later this month.

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Technology

Experimental Earbuds Can Detect Ear Infections With a Chirp

A picture of the galaxy buds pro worn in ear

photo: Gizmodo

Do you remember how your parents tried to convince you to eat your vegetables as a kid by promising they were good for your health? That’s the same tactic a lot of wearable makers are using today, by adding health-tracking features to devices like smartwatches. Now, researchers have developed a way for earbuds to track your ear health, too.

Every time Apple holds an event, it spends a few minutes touting the health benefits of wearing an Apple Watch, which has heart rate tracking features that can potentially identify heart problems before they become a serious complication. Yot’s also rumored that the long overdue update to Apple’s AirPods Pro wireless earbuds will potentially include body temperature measuringallowing the devices to detect a fever: an early symptom of countless other conditions.

It turns out the inherent capabilities of earbuds—namely blasting sound into your ears—also allows them to potentially detect conditions that can afflict the inner ear and the ear canal, as researchers from the University of Buffalo have found with an experimental device they’ve called EarHealth.

A diagram of the EarHealth system

What’s most interesting about EarHealth is that it relies on earbuds that more or less feature off-the-shelf hardware, although with an upgraded microphone inside designed to pick up sounds in the ear, not around the wearer. Based on shared images of the prototype, the EarHealth doesn’t even appear to rely on wireless earbuds, although an official release on the research on the University of Buffalo website does specifically mention the use of Bluetooth earbuds—which is good, because none of us want to go back to wires.

whereas the Apple Watch uses optical detection tricks to monitor heart health, the EarHealth uses sound instead. The earbuds emit a quick chirp which reverberates through the ear canal, producing unique sounds and echoes which are captured by the microphone. The captured sounds are then processed by a custom app on a connected smartphone that relies on a deep learning algorithm to generate a profile of the user’s inner ear geometry.

The first chirp is done while the user is healthy to generate a baseline profile of their inner ear, while later chirps, which can be regularly scheduled, generate profiles that are compared against the original to spot differences. estos can be used to diagnose one of three different conditions: earwax blockage, ruptured ear drums, and otitis media, which is a common infection or inflammation of the middle ear caused by colds or sore throats.

In tests done with 92 users that included 27 healthy subjects, 22 with ruptured eardrums, 25 with a confirmed case of otitis media, and 18 with earwax causing a blockage, the EarHealth had a diagnosis accuracy of 82.6%, but that can potentially be improved as the researchers refine both the hardware and the sample base of users. The benefit to using AI-powered algorithms is that they will continue to improve and become more accurate at making diagnoses over time as more sample data is made available.

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Technology

V-MODA’s Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones Sound Superb And Look So Cool

Chic Italian headphone brand V-MODA has released its latest pair of Bluetooth headphones in the form of the new Crossfade 3 Wireless. These headphones are V-MODA’s flagship model in the Crossfade series and look superb.

Crossfade 3 Wireless headphones have the classic V-MODA signature sound but also feature new audio refinements that the company says can deliver the most immersive club experience ever. The Crossfade 3 can go almost anywhere thanks to a battery life of up to 30 hours from a single charge. There’s also support for Qualcomm’s aptX HD audio codec and the AAC codec favored by Apple for iOS devices.

While the wireless sound of these headphones is impeccable, it’s also possible to listen to the Crossfade 3 using a cable connection for even higher-resolution audio. Using the supplied audio cable, the Crossfade 3 can cover a frequency range from 5Hz to 40,000Hz. In addition, the headphones have been officially certified as suitable for hi-res Audio by the Japan Audio Society. To my knowledge, the Crossfade 3 have one of the widest frequency ranges I’ve ever seen quoted for a pair of wired headphones and probably far wider than most of us humans can hear.

Regarding their looks, the V-MODA Crossfade 3 headphones are available in three new finishes. They feature a subtle tweak of the classic V-MODA design with enhancements that give the Crossfade 3 a slightly more contemporary look.

The Crossfade 3 Wireless deliver the classic V-MODA sound signature that’s favored by many DJs and fans of club music. The latest tuning provides a bit more punch and impact. The upper mid-range sounds more evident than on the previous generation of Crossfadses; there’s a smoother definition in the treble frequencies. Altogether, it’s a pleasing sound that can suit a wide range of musical genres. For my ears, the Crossfade 3 now have a more detailed soundstage than the V-MODA S-80 headphones I reviewed last month.

The impactful sound of the Crossfade 3 is due to V-MODA’s use of dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers and some carefully tuned materials, plus a construction method that gives the Crossfade 3 a more immersive sound. As a result, there is plenty of club energy on offer here, plus the excitement of deep and well-defined bass.

With up to 30 hours of battery life from a single charge, the Crossfade 3 Wireless have enough stamina for a couple of weeks of commuting. They offer double the listening time available using the previous generation Crossfade model. With USB-C charging connectivity, these headphones can also be topped up using the latest generation of USB phone chargers.

Perhaps the most striking feel about the Crossfade 3 Wireless is their incredibly lightweight and compact size. These headphones feel much lighter than their 315g, largely thanks to a generously padded and flexible headband plus the plump ear cushions that completely cover the wearer’s ears. The Crossfade 3 feels so comfortable to wear, even for long listening sessions.

Users can fold down the Crossfade 3 thanks to V-MODA’s patented CliqFold hinge. They can be safely stored away in the supplied hard-shell carrying case that protects the headphones no matter where the user goes. As you’d expect with wireless headphones, the Crossfade 3 also includes built-in microphones for making phone calls, taking part in video conferences or for issuing commands to voice assistants. The sound quality picked up by the microphones is good and there’s also some effective noise canceling when making calls.

To customize the headphones there’s the V-MODA smartphone app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app can be used to personalize the wireless sound of the headphones by adjusting the overall EQ response.

As well as sounding great, the Crossfade 3 Wireless also look superb, thanks to the tweaking of the original V-MODA design and the choice of three new colorways. The Crossfade 3 are available in Matte Black, Gunmetal Black or Bronze Black finishes. Customizable ear-cup shields can be added to promote a brand or stamp the headphones with their owner’s personality by using unique artwork available through V-MODA’s color printing and laser engraving service.

Verdict: The V-MODA Crossfade 3 headphones sound stunning with their brilliantly balanced tone featuring plenty of energy and punch. They also look amazing and can be customized even further with the removable ear-cup shields. I love how the headphones fold down into such a small size and can be safely tucked away in the supplied zippered hard case. The sound over Bluetooth is exemplary, but using the provided audio cable, the Crossfade 3 can sound even better thanks to the 50mm drivers and a super-wide frequency response of 5Hz to 40,000Hz over wires. Whether you’re out clubbing, commuting, or listening to a high-end audio system at home, the V-MODA Crossfade 3 are a superb pair of earphones and are well priced for the sound quality on offer.

Pricing & Availability: The V-MODA Crossfade 3 Wireless headphones are available now and cost $299.99.

more info: V-MODA.com and Adorama

Tech Specs:

  • Drivers: 50mm dual diaphragm.
  • Frequency response: 5 – 40,000Hz / Hi-Res Audio.
  • Speaker sensitivity: 107dB @ 1kHz 1mW.
  • Microphone sensitivity: -42 ±3dB @ 1kHz.
  • Impedance 32Ω.
  • Bluetooth version: 5.2
  • Audio codecs: Qualcomm aptX HD, AAC, SBC.
  • Noise canceling: Passive.
  • Style: Over the ear/Circumaural.
  • Weight: 315g/11oz.
  • Battery life: 30 hours.
  • Charging: USB-C.

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Categories
Technology

V-MODA’s Crossfade 3 Wireless Headphones Sound Superb And Look So Cool

Chic Italian headphone brand V-MODA has released its latest pair of Bluetooth headphones in the form of the new Crossfade 3 Wireless. These headphones are V-MODA’s flagship model in the Crossfade series and look superb.

Crossfade 3 Wireless headphones have the classic V-MODA signature sound but also feature new audio refinements that the company says can deliver the most immersive club experience ever. The Crossfade 3 can go almost anywhere thanks to a battery life of up to 30 hours from a single charge. There’s also support for Qualcomm’s aptX HD audio codec and the AAC codec favored by Apple for iOS devices.

While the wireless sound of these headphones is impeccable, it’s also possible to listen to the Crossfade 3 using a cable connection for even higher-resolution audio. Using the supplied audio cable, the Crossfade 3 can cover a frequency range from 5Hz to 40,000Hz. In addition, the headphones have been officially certified as suitable for hi-res Audio by the Japan Audio Society. To my knowledge, the Crossfade 3 have one of the widest frequency ranges I’ve ever seen quoted for a pair of wired headphones and probably far wider than most of us humans can hear.

Regarding their looks, the V-MODA Crossfade 3 headphones are available in three new finishes. They feature a subtle tweak of the classic V-MODA design with enhancements that give the Crossfade 3 a slightly more contemporary look.

The Crossfade 3 Wireless deliver the classic V-MODA sound signature that’s favored by many DJs and fans of club music. The latest tuning provides a bit more punch and impact. The upper mid-range sounds more evident than on the previous generation of Crossfadses; there’s a smoother definition in the treble frequencies. Altogether, it’s a pleasing sound that can suit a wide range of musical genres. For my ears, the Crossfade 3 now have a more detailed soundstage than the V-MODA S-80 headphones I reviewed last month.

The impactful sound of the Crossfade 3 is due to V-MODA’s use of dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers and some carefully tuned materials, plus a construction method that gives the Crossfade 3 a more immersive sound. As a result, there is plenty of club energy on offer here, plus the excitement of deep and well-defined bass.

With up to 30 hours of battery life from a single charge, the Crossfade 3 Wireless have enough stamina for a couple of weeks of commuting. They offer double the listening time available using the previous generation Crossfade model. With USB-C charging connectivity, these headphones can also be topped up using the latest generation of USB phone chargers.

Perhaps the most striking feel about the Crossfade 3 Wireless is their incredibly lightweight and compact size. These headphones feel much lighter than their 315g, largely thanks to a generously padded and flexible headband plus the plump ear cushions that completely cover the wearer’s ears. The Crossfade 3 feels so comfortable to wear, even for long listening sessions.

Users can fold down the Crossfade 3 thanks to V-MODA’s patented CliqFold hinge. They can be safely stored away in the supplied hard-shell carrying case that protects the headphones no matter where the user goes. As you’d expect with wireless headphones, the Crossfade 3 also includes built-in microphones for making phone calls, taking part in video conferences or for issuing commands to voice assistants. The sound quality picked up by the microphones is good and there’s also some effective noise canceling when making calls.

To customize the headphones there’s the V-MODA smartphone app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app can be used to personalize the wireless sound of the headphones by adjusting the overall EQ response.

As well as sounding great, the Crossfade 3 Wireless also look superb, thanks to the tweaking of the original V-MODA design and the choice of three new colorways. The Crossfade 3 are available in Matte Black, Gunmetal Black or Bronze Black finishes. Customizable ear-cup shields can be added to promote a brand or stamp the headphones with their owner’s personality by using unique artwork available through V-MODA’s color printing and laser engraving service.

Verdict: The V-MODA Crossfade 3 headphones sound stunning with their brilliantly balanced tone featuring plenty of energy and punch. They also look amazing and can be customized even further with the removable ear-cup shields. I love how the headphones fold down into such a small size and can be safely tucked away in the supplied zippered hard case. The sound over Bluetooth is exemplary, but using the provided audio cable, the Crossfade 3 can sound even better thanks to the 50mm drivers and a super-wide frequency response of 5Hz to 40,000Hz over wires. Whether you’re out clubbing, commuting, or listening to a high-end audio system at home, the V-MODA Crossfade 3 are a superb pair of earphones and are well priced for the sound quality on offer.

Pricing & Availability: The V-MODA Crossfade 3 Wireless headphones are available now and cost $299.99.

more info: V-MODA.com and Adorama

Tech Specs:

  • Drivers: 50mm dual diaphragm.
  • Frequency response: 5 – 40,000Hz / Hi-Res Audio.
  • Speaker sensitivity: 107dB @ 1kHz 1mW.
  • Microphone sensitivity: -42 ±3dB @ 1kHz.
  • Impedance 32Ω.
  • Bluetooth version: 5.2
  • Audio codecs: Qualcomm aptX HD, AAC, SBC.
  • Noise canceling: Passive.
  • Style: Over the ear/Circumaural.
  • Weight: 315g/11oz.
  • Battery life: 30 hours.
  • Charging: USB-C.

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