V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Noise Isolating Headphones Review

By Steven Iglesias-Hearst

Manufacturer: V-MODA
Product Name: Crossfade M-100 Headphones
Model Number: m-11-u-mblackm
UPC: 877653005238
Price As Tested: $299.99 (Amazon)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by V-MODA.

The V-MODA CrossFade M-100’s on the test bench here at Benchmark Reviews today are not your average set of stereo headphones. This is evident first and foremost when you take a look at the price tag. Amazon are selling them for $300 or you can buy them direct from the V-MODA website for $310. The benefit of buying these direct from V-MODA is the customization options available. With three color styles to choose from and a variety of other color choices for the metal ‘shields’ on each side of the headphones, you can customize your M-100 headphones just how you like. You can also have a custom graphic or logo of your choice engraved on the metal shields too.

To get the most out of the CrossFade M-100 Headphones you will be wise to also invest in a headphone amplifier. The sound output from today’s smartphones might be enough to crap out your average best buy $10 headphones, but it just isn’t enough to get a truly satisfactory experience on a higher quality set of headphones let alone the CrossFade M100’s. A lot of attention has quite rightly been given to sound quality and performance with equal attention also given to build quality and style. Don’t get me wrong, the experience is not disappointing by any means, I just need to point out that the dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers inside the CrossFade M-100 Headphones are so much more capable than you may think.

Detailed below are the main features and specifications taken directly from the CrossFade M-100 product page of the V-MODA website.

Features

• 50mm Dual-Diaphragm Driver (Patent-Pending): Inner and outer rings separate the bass from bleeding into the mids and highs

• Master Crafted Materials: More expensive driver and components than peer headphones at this price range

• Modern Audiophile Tuning: Crowd sourced alongside the producer and audiophile community to fine tune the sound and ergonomics

• Analog Noise Isolation: Naturally cut out the distractions of jet engines, crying babies and crowd noise

• No Batteries or Artificial Processing: Powerful, pure sound without the two extra digital-to-analog conversions of battery powered headphones that pollute the purity of your music

• Minimal sound leakage: Immersive sound for you without bothering others view details

• Consistent Driver Quality: The spectacular Crossfade sound is quality tested at 6 frequencies to maintain stricter consistency than the competition, often by an order of magnitude

• Kevlar Reinforced Cable/Plug Bend: Cables and 45-degree plug can bend over 1 million times (100x industry standard)

• Concrete Drop: Survives 70+ drops on concrete from 6 feet (10x industry standard)

• Headband Bend: Steelflex can bend 10+ times flat

• Environmental: High and low temperatures, humidity, salt spray and UV exposure

• Supple BLISS Memory Foam Cushions: Naturally forms to your ears to provide ergonomic comfort and noise isolation for extended listening sessions

• CliqFold Hinge: Swiss-like hinge mechanism precisely folds the headphones into the impossibly small exoskeleton case (patent pending)

• Carabiner: Safely clip your headphones on the outside of your bag for quick access

• Dual Inputs & V-CORK: Mix two sources at the same time or daisy chain headphones with your friends; the included V-CORK seals & protects the unused input

• SpeakEasy Mic Cable: Specially tuned for voice recognition and calls in the noisiest environments, the button control universally works with all 3.5mm smartphones and tablets including Apple, Android, Windows, Kindle and Blackberry

• SharePlay Audio Cable: Share your music on a ride or DJ tandem without adapters

Specifications

• What’s included: Crossfade M-100, Exoskeleton carry case, carabiner, Kevlar reinforced SpeakEasy Microphone control cable, Kevlar reinforced SharePlay audio cable, 1/4″ pro adapter, V-CORK (x2), instant six-star support code, V-MODA Sticker

• Type: Over-Ear Circumaural

• Frequency Response: 5 – 30 kHz

• Sensitivity: 103 dB @ 1kHz 1mW

• Microphone Sensitivity: -42dB @ 1kHz

• Impedance: 32Ω

• Weight: 280g

In this section we will take a look at the looks and style of the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones.

I don’t normally focus too much attention on packaging in my reviews, but when a manufacturer goes to this much effort it is hard not to make a point of it. The price involved with the CrossFade M-100’s might suggest why V-MODA would put this much attention to detail into the box. The faux leather handle and button strap at the back give the box a premium feel and the red fabric band preventing the box from opening was a nice touch too. The box walls are very thick and strong and the overall package has a good weight to it.

The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 headphones come with a protective carry case which V-MODA call their “Portable Exoskeleton Case“. The case is pretty tough while remaining lightweight and also has a carabiner fitted for attaching to your bag or belt etc.

The inside of the carry case is lined with a nice soft orange microfibre type material. The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 headphones come with two separate cables and there is an elastic strap on either side of the carry case to hold these cables when not in use.

The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 headphones fold up nice and compact and are very portable. The 600×515 pixel image above (when viewed on my 22″ 1080p monitor) is slightly bigger than the M-100’s are in real life. This should hopefully give you some sort of idea of their actual size when folded.

The side view gives you a good look at moth of the design features of the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 headphones. The hexagon design is very original and something I have not seen done before. The hinges have a 100% metal construction which is good to see as this is the weak point of so many otherwise great headphones.

The best thing about the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 headphones is that they look professional. The hinge design attaches at the side of the earcups rather than on the back of them. This design gives a good fit without too much earcup sticking out the sides or the need for an oversized headband. Each side has an extra 30mm of adjustment to allow for larger heads, wearing on to of a hat or large hair etc.

The earcups have a great range of movement and the headband has plenty of stretch. There is plenty of slack in the connecting cords to allow for movement without having wires pulled to tight.

The headband is 1.25 inches thick and finished in synthetic leather. The v-moda logo is printed in a glossy finish which is hidden until the light catches it. The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones feature a ‘STEELFLEX Headband’ which V-MODA claim is virtually indestructible. I’m sure there is a test out there that will refute this claim but for the most part I have to agree with V-MODA on this one – this is one tough headband for sure.

In this section we will take a closer more detailed look at the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones.

Another great innovation of the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones is dual inputs. You select which side you would like to use as input or you can mix two sources at the same time or daisy chain your headphones. Both input ports are blanked with a little twist lock stopper which V-MODA are calling ‘V-Cork’. This little stopper protects and seals the unused input port much like a dust cap on a tyre valve.

All of the metal fixtures are finished with tiny allen bolts and give the CrossFade M-100’s and industrial look. The vents in the earcups (dubbed ‘V-Port V3’) allow air to circulate inside the earcups.

Here is a close-up shot of the folding metal hinges (dubbed ‘CliqFold’). These hinges are very strong and make a positive click when you fold the earcups out or in. Hinges are generally a weak point in folding headphones but I don’t think this will be the case with the V-MODA CrossFade M-100’s.

The ear pads follow the hexagon design seen on the exterior of the earcups. The ear pads are memory foam covered in synthetic leather and feel very soft and comfortable.

The inside of the headband is finished in a breathable meshed fabric and is lightly cushioned too for a nice comfortable fit. Left and right orientations are depicted on the inside of the headband also.

The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones come with two separate detachable cables. The first cable (pictured above) is the orange braided ‘SpeakEasy Mic Cable’.

• SpeakEasy Mic Cable: Specially tuned for voice recognition and calls in the noisiest environments, the button control universally works with all 3.5mm smartphones and tablets including Apple, Android, Windows, Kindle and Blackberry

The next cable included with the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones is the black braided ‘SharePlay Audio Cable’.

• SharePlay Audio Cable: Share your music on a ride or DJ tandem without adapters

Both of these cables are kevlar reinforced for extra strength and feature the unique V-MODA 45 degree audio jack design. While this will ensure that the cables last a long time the kevlar reinforcement makes the cables less flexible than a traditional rubber coated cable.

For the users that want to use their headphones on professional audio equipment V-MODA have included a 3.5mm (1/8″) to 1/4″ jack adapter with their CrossFade M-100’s.

Along with the CrossFade M-100 Headphones, V-MODA also sent us their CoilPro Extended Cable and BoomPro Microphone headphone accessories. The CoilPro is a premium headphone cable aimed at enthusiasts, DJ’s and Studio use where a standard cable would not be able to take the wear and tear of extended use.

The V-MODA CoilPro Extended Cable (model# C-CP-BLACK) will cost you just $30 (Amazon). Sure you can pick up a coiled cable for a few dollars elsewhere, but they won’t have the quality and durability of a premium cable such as the CoilPro. Designed primarily for use with V-MODA’s own Crossfade M-100 headphones, the CoilPro is compatible with most if not all headphones that have a detachable 3.5mm or 1/4″ cable design.

The V-MODA CoilPro Extended Cable features metal plugs and 24k plated audio jacks. The cable length is 47″ (122cm) coiled, and 12′ (365cm) fully extended and weighs around 80 grams.

The CoilPro Extended Cable has a nice premium feel to it. It features a Kevlar reinforced cable and a metal spring on the metal plugs for added strain relief.

The output jack of the CoilPro Extended Cable features a twist lock design that will lock into V-MODA’s own Crossfade M-100 Headphones. This should not restrict use with other headphones, but it is not compatible with other twist lock designs.

The input jack of the V-MODA CoilPro Extended Cable has a threaded design to allow a more permanent connection to the 1/4″ adapter. The textured metal plug is a nice aesthetical feature which also improves grip when removing or installing the adapter.

The BoomPro Microphone converts your regular or studio headphones (with 3.5mm jack input) into a headset for gaming, communication and recording. The V-MODA BoomPro Microphone (model# C-BP-BLACK) will cost you $29.99 (Amazon).

The packaging for the V-MODA BoomPro Microphone is simple yet effective. The moulded plastic inner has a good hold on the BoomPro Microphone and requires a good tug to release it.

The V-MODA BoomPro Microphone is a great innovation. It’s simplicity makes me wonder why this was not invented much earlier. There is a very good chance that if your headphones have a detachable audio cable then the BoomPro will be compatible. The boom can be positioned with the absolute minimum of resistance and will stay right where you put it too.

The V-MODA BoomPro Microphone cable terminates in a 4-pole 3.5mm (1/8″) stereo jack. This is the standard now for most smartphones and tablets, so compatibility shouldn’t be an issue. The stereo jack design is nice and the unique 45 degree angle adds to the aesthetic qualities.

For PC gamers and home studio users the V-MODA BoomPro Microphone also includes a Y-splitter. The Y-splitter converts individual input of the microphone and output of the audio source to a female 4-pole stereo jack.

The V-MODA BoomPro Microphone features an in-line control clip. On the right of the in-line control clip (shown above) is a rotary volume control, and on the left of the control clip (shown below) is a microphone mute toggle switch.

Choosing the right set of headphones is a very personal quest. A great experience for person #1 may be a different experience for person #2 and gets even more convoluted when you have an eclectic taste in music. There is a lot of hype surrounding top brand headphones and price is not always a good indicator of performance. I’m not an audiophile or purist by any means, and before now I would not have been willing to spend more than $150 on a set of headphones, but that’s just me. The only headphones I have for comparison that are remotely close to the price of the CrossFade M-100’s are my ASUS ROG Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset (~$120).

I am very keen on getting a good audio experience however. I want good clarity and I won’t settle for sub par headphones. I’ll try to be as descriptive as possible and give answers to any questions you may have, but the best way to tell if you like how these headphones sound is to try them out for yourself. V-MODA state on their website that you can test drive their CrossFade M-100 Headphones at Microsoft stores and also at House for Hunger PlayButton listen stations in Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply stores.

I used AudioCheck.net’s sound tests to check frequency response, dynamic range, sound quality, driver matching, wiring, binaural signal, and full music playback on my PC. When using the tests on AudioCheck.net it is advisable to first download the samples to your computer and play them in a good media player. Some of the tests can be skewed by the audio compression of the online version. For music on the go I paired the CrossFade M-100 Headphones with my Samsung Galaxy SIII smartphone. I also tested the headphones in other usage scenarios such as Gaming and watching Movies/TV shows on my PC for extended periods of time to gauge comfort and wearability.

I generally listen to Urban / Alternative styles of music such as Dance, Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Rap and HipHop and UK Grime. These genres tend to be very heavy on the bassline front, and I personally prefer bass that can be felt rather than heard. You also get a fantastic mixture of instrument sounds and samples within these genres too, as the artists and producers are more willing to play and experiment with sound, more so than your average pop icon or recording artist would. It might also be important to note that the majority of my music listening is whilst inside my car (windows up) where I have the stereo and speakers tuned to my own taste.

• Samsung Galaxy SIII Smartphone
• Creative Desktop PC Sound-system
• ASUS ROG Vulcan ANC Headset for comparison

Sound Quality: I could easily summarise the sound quality with just three words; Depth, Immersion and clean. I may well need to reconsider my core values when I purchase headphones in the future. I had originally thought the ASUS ROG Vulcans to be an excellent sounding heasdset but next to the Crossfade M-100’s they are no competition. V-MODA have an exceptional set of headphones with the CrossFade M-100’s. The immediate feeling I got when switching between the two sets of headphones was a much richer level of depth with the CrossFade M-100’s. I started to notice sounds in music that I would normally only hear when listening through my car sound system. The CrossFade M-100 Headphones introduced a level of immersion I had yet to experience from a set of headphones. The sound remains clean throughout with no distortion experienced since the minute I started to use them.

Frequency response and Dynamic Range: Looking at the specifications you will see that the CrossFade M-100 Headphones have a frequency response of 5Hz – 30 kHz. This, coupled with the dual diaphragm design of the drivers, is ultimately responsible for the increased depth and immersion and cleanliness of sound I have so far experienced. Bass at frequencies below 20Hz is not audible – it is felt. The CrossFade M-100 Headphones performed flawlessly in the low frequency sound tests. The 10Hz frequency tests produced a tinnitus inducing low pressure pulse wave – Don’t do this test too loud or for too long as you will cause damage to your hearing.

The high frequency tests were met by a 14kHz roadblock. There is more than one limiting factor that can account for this, such as; 1) Upper hearing limit of test subject (Human factor). 2) Sound card is prone to aliasing (Reproduction factor) or 3) Frequency response of headphones may not be correct (Specifications factor). In general the upper human hearing limit is 15 – 20kHz which tends to deteriorate with age. Even so, sounds at these frequencies are so piercing that you wouldn’t want prolonged exposure anyway.

Binaural Testing: Binaural testing shows the headphone’s ability to recreate the exact position of sound. To test this, a recording of sound is taken with a microphone inside your ear, where the sound actually reaches you. Playing this back through good headphones, which rest very closely to the area where the sound was recorded, should make it sound extremely realistic. This test doesn’t work with regular speakers because of their positioning relative to your ears. Suffice to say, the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones performed flawlessly during the binaural testing.

Extended Playback and Comfort: The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones weigh slightly less than my ASUS ROG Vulcan headset (280g vs 325g) which is very surprising considering the metal construction. The Clamping force is quite strong but this does subside over time and can be immediately alleviated by straightening the headband a couple of times. The earpads cover the whole ear but do not completely surround it. While the CrossFade M-100’s don’t have Active Noise Cancellation they do a great job of blocking out quite a lot of exterior sound just as they are. This all adds up to a comfortable and pleasurable listening experience, but it could be better with less clamping force and softer/thicker earpads.

Overall impressions: I have been very impressed by the awesome performance of the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones. They bring extra depth to music, the likes of which I had not experienced with a set of headphones before. To be honest though, at this price point I really wouldn’t settle for anything other than an absolute stellar performance.

The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones are a very expensive proposition but they have the features, construction and performance to match the price. V-MODA use a lot of metal in the construction of the M-100’s but manage to still keep them lightweight and compact. The earcups house 50mm dual diaphragm drivers but the earpads do not engulf your ears. The CrossFade M-100 Headphones do not have ANC but do a very good job of blocking outside noise without it.

Designed with Studio/DJ use in mind, the CrossFade M-100 Headphones are tuned more for bass. The 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers ensure that the bass does not bleed into the mid and high frequencies and cloud them out. If you like your music with added bass you really won’t be disappointed. Mobile use is equally pleasurable but to really get the most out of the CrossFade M-100 Headphones you would ideally want to pair them with a decent headphone amplifier. The dual inputs and compact size when folded are really great additions to an already great quality set of headphones.

The CrossFade M-100 Headphones have really raised the bar for me in terms of sound reproduction. They produced a level of depth and immersion that I had never before experienced. I will definitely need to reconsider my core values next time I need to purchase a set of headphones. If I ever give any product a score close to 10 for performance it will definitely be these.

As with any monotone product it can be hard to give an appearance rating that everyone will agree with. The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones have a very unique hexagonal design on the earcups and earpads and the metal hinges help to set it apart too. The CrossFade M-100’s are quite compact and don’t stand out too much when you are wearing them but they are still not really the sort of headphones for wearing out on the go. Those of you that prefer a little more flair will find the Shadow or White Silver designs more pleasing. Of course you can also apply your own style to the removable earphone shields by means of having a custom logo laser engraved or choosing a base color that you prefer. All of these options are available via the V-MODA website.

Construction is very important when it come to headphones as I’m sure you know. It’s all well and good having excellent sound, but if they are not built well then it’s all for nothing. The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones were built with durability high on the agenda. The metal construction of the hinges and the earcups will ensure that the headphones will last for many years to come. The headphones fold up very small and have a case for extra protection. The detachable cable ensures that a damaged cable won’t compromise the integrity of the headphones and the kevlar reinforced cables supplied should last a long while too.

The main interesting function of the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones is the dual input design feature. Not only can you listen to and mix two sources at the same time, but you can also daisy chain your headphones and share one source without the need for special cables. The folding design makes for easy transportation and mobility. The CrossFade M-100 Headpones come with two detachable cables. One has an extension to allow you to share your audio source (Share Play Cable), and the other is an iPhone/Android Smartphone/Tablet compatible single button cable for hands free communications.

The the V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones (Matte Black) will cost you $299.99 (Amazon) or $310 direct from V-MODA. The only advantage of buying direct from V-MODA is the extra customization options available. You will have to be very enthusiastic about sound to spend ~$300 on a set of headphones. That sort of money is enough to buy a decent video card or CPU. The sound quality and build quality really shine through, and the level of attention put into the whole package helps to absorb some of the asking price.

The V-MODA CrossFade M-100 Headphones appear to be very popular in the professional music scene if you look at their social media accounts. This is for a good reason – they are excellent sounding headphones. They can cope with a wide range of scenarios but are primarily tuned for bass. Don’t just take my word for it, according to the V-MODA website you can try out these headphones at at Microsoft stores and also at House for Hunger PlayButton listen stations in Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply stores.

+ Excellent clean sound reproduction
+ Rich Bass
+ Very immersive experience
+ Excellent build quality
+ Very compact when folded
+ Dual inputs – Play 2 sources or daisy chain one source
+ Customizable ear shields
+ Very original design
+ Passively cancels exterior noise
+ Very little sound leakage
+ 2 detachable cables included
+ Protective carry case
+ Very soft earpads

– Expensive
– High clamping force
– Included cables are a little stiff

• Performance: 9.75
• Appearance: 9.00
• Construction: 9.75
• Functionality: 9.50
• Value: 8.50

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

COMMENT QUESTION: What are your favorite headphones regarding sound quality, durability and comfort?