Italian design meets Japanese engineering. We take a look at the new V-MODA range of headphones and see why these are quickly becoming the world’s best over ear headphones for studio owners, producers and music fans alike in our complete V-MODA headphones review.
Why settle for a set of “good headphones” when you can get your hands (and ears) on a set of V-MODA headphones - the ultimate pairing of superior sound quality and high fashion sensibilities? If you value the way your music sounds and enjoy listening to music through headphones on a regular basis, investing in a set of over ear headphones or high-quality earphones is a must. Why settle for “good” when you can have the best headphones?
We all spend enough time listening to music on the commute, in the studio or while we’re just chilling out, so it makes absolutely no sense that we waste our hard-earned cash on cheap, poor quality headphones that we’re going to have to upgrade later on down the line. This is why V-MODA headphones should be on the top of your must-try list.
Let’s take a look at how V-MODA are completely changing the game in our complete V-MODA headphones review.
Why are V-MODA headphones so good?
High quality drivers
Utilising a range of custom built drivers, each of the headphones, whether over/on ear or in ear options allow us to enjoy a wide frequency range and provide us with an accurate representation of our music. Near perfect sound isolation, comfortable fit and near-indestructible construction has seen the V-MODA headphones win an array of Editors Choice awards and pick up celebrity endorsements from the likes of Kobe Bryant to Tom Cruise. In fact, the list of musicians and DJ's using these headphones is growing with the likes of Paul Oakenfold and The Chainsmokers championing them too. “Because I travel around the world with world-renowned musicians and sound engineers, I’m able to draw on this experience to build a better headphone,” V-MODA CEO Val Kolton says. “I know what is needed for modern-day road warriors, as well as the requirements to produce a song on the road and play it live on stage.”
A focus on fashion
V-MODA headphones have been created to offer the avid music fans, professional DJ's and live musicians out there with a highly responsive, functional and beautiful looking set of headphones that partner superior sound quality with high fashion, and no V-MODA Headphones review would be complete without discussing the style of these awesome headphones. Most of us wear a set of headphones all day at work, on the commute and in many cases, live on stage whilst we DJ- so why do we settle for headphones that don't match our style? Well, V-MODA CEO Val Kolton decided to craft a set of headphones that would allow our unique styles to shine through and still provide us with superior sound quality, whatever the circumstances. These are not your run of the mill style headphones, but a fashion accessory too! No longer do our headphones have to look clunky and out of place - with these, they can add to your overall style!
Custom shield kits
In addition to the superb sound qualities, the V-MODA headphones are also highly customisable. In fact, you can even design your own side plates and have them 3D printed and sent out to you. All you have to do is log on to their official site at V-MODA.com and follow the links to create your perfect Custom Shield Kits. Upload your design using the PhotoShop or Illustrator formats and choose from precious metals, fibre and stainless steel materials. Each custom design, once received is crafted by the team at the V-MODA Milano studio, which incidentally overlooks Castle Sforza, Leonardo Da Vinci’s workplace for 20 years and home of Michelangelo’s last sculpture.
Immortal Life Program
V-MODA not only have a minimum 1 year warranty, but they also include the Immortal Life Program. If your headphones have been overused, broken, or fall outside the warranty period, V-MODA will replace your headphones at 50% of the cost of retail. This means that in the unlikely event your headphones fail, or you wear them out, you get a new set for half the price through the V-MODA site.
Which is the right V-MODA headphones set for me?
With so many different options, it might be a little difficult to choose the perfect pair of V-Moda headphones for your needs. So let’s take a look at the different options to help you make the right decision. There’s obviously no wrong decision when it comes to choosing a pair of these, but there may be a few specific features that might appeal to you. Let’s take a look…
V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphones Review
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V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphones are the flagship headphones from the team at V-MODA, fusing the incredible styling sensibilities that make V-MODA such a coveted fashion accessory with superior, high quality audio. Crafted to provide DJ’s and avid music fans alike with precise bass response, vivid mids, crystal clear highs and a wide 3D soundstage, the Crossfade M-100 headphones are the perfect “all-rounder” for audiophiles of all kinds who want to be able to enjoy their music and look good doing so.
The patent pending 50mm Dual-Diaphragm Driver utilises a combination of inner and outer rings to separate the bass entirely, which stops the low-end frequencies from bleeding into the mids and highs. This means you get an incredibly defined sound at all times and you can hear an accurate representation of your mix and listen to your music the way it was supposed to be heard.
The analogue noise isolation is also a particularly useful feature making the M-100’s some of the best noise cancelling headphones available today. This allows you to relax and enjoy your music free from the annoying whirr of jet engines, the noisy public on the train or other distractions that will potentially take you out of your music. This noise isolation is another reason why the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphones make great headphones for mixing and studio monitoring – you get an accurate representation of sound at all times.
An innovative Shareplay feature allows you to share your music with a friend sat next to you on your commute, or even DJ in tandem without the use of adaptors thanks to the included reinforced SharePlay audio cable – a great feature exclusive to this particular set of headphones.
An exoskeleton carry case keeps your headphones safe during transit, although the fact that they surpass military level MIL-STD-810G test standards will be enough peace of mind – they’ll last a lifetime!
The fact you can create your own customisable side plates, is also a great feature as you can make these headphones as unique as you are.
Best for:
- Studio Monitoring
- DJ
- Mixing
- Recreational listening
- Travelling
V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Headphones Review
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V-MODA LP2 Headphones have been designed for the live performer and the travelling musician in need of hard wearing, great sounding and cool looking headphones. Again, you get that distinct refined vibrant bass sound with beautifully vibrant mids and vivacious highs, but it’s the wide 3D soundstage that will appeal to the DJ’s and performing musicians out there, not to mention the fact that over 50 legendary musicians and DJs got together to collaborate on the sound, durability and features of Crossfade LP2!
The V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Headphones (as with the rest of the V-MODA over-ear range) includes the wide 3D Soundstage which evokes the experience of a live performance – ideal for the audiophiles out there and those who use over ear headphones as monitors on stage.
The minimal sound leakage, durable reinforced extended audio cable and comfortable ergonomic headband with near indestructible Steelflex headband ensure you’re enjoying your music in absolute comfort. The incredibly comfortable and supple BLISS memory foam cushions also provide effective noise isolation, allowing you to cut out the background noise, whilst keeping you comfortable.
Best for:
- Live performance
- DJ’s
- Onstage monitoring
V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Headphones Review
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V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Headphones have been crated for the “Modern Audiophile”. Featuring, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless operation, these headphones also include an enhanced M-100 dual diaphragm 50mm driver to deliver beautifully rich dynamics and accurate sonic representations at all times.
A frequency response of 5 – 30, 000Hz makes the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless headphones a must-have for those who need to hear the wider ranges, however it’s the Bluetooth connectivity and wireless possibilities that make these a great option for gamers, gym enthusiasts and music fans alike.
There’s nothing worse than trying to use a set of headphones and the cord getting in the way of your day to day tasks, whether it’s listening to your favourite tracks on the commute, gaming at home or working out in the gym. So the team at V-MODA have worked hard to ensure that you have the option to go wireless and still enjoy high quality audio. In wireless mode, you have up to 12 hours of battery life at your disposal with virtually identical audio quality when wired. Once paired with your Bluetooth device, you can enjoy connection up to 33 feet (10 meters) and utilise the Simultaneous Device Pairing for connection to two sources at the same time – your smartphone and laptop or smartphone and smartwatch for example. When you do decide to plug in, your headphones will automatically switch back to analogue mode and switch off all battery and electronics with zero latency performance.
Furthermore, there’s a built-in wireless microphone hidden in the headphones, allowing you to make and receive calls wirelessly. You still get the Speakeasy Mic cable for when you’re wired, but the option is there to answer calls wirelessly when you’re deep into your workout via the button on the side of the headphones.
Gamers will also enjoy the fact the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Headphones a Boompro combatible too!
Again, you get a hard shell, form fitting case with your headphones, analogue noise isolation and the super comfortable BLISS memory foam cushions, making these a great option for those who need a wide range of options.
Best for:
- Active use
- Gaming
- Studio work
- Recreational listening
V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Headphones Review
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V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Headphones are an upgraded version of the Crossfade Wireless model featuring an M-Class Sound Signature designed for the "Modern Hi-Res Audiophile", as well as improved drivers, better cushions and a longer battery life.
For those who need the ultimate sound quality, yet need to have the option of wired AND wireless these are the headphones for you.
A re-engineered dual diaphragm 50mm driver featuring Japanese CCAW coil 50mm driver provides all the precise and powerful bass, vivid mids and ultra-crystal clear high extension that make these headphones so revered – ideal for those who don’t want to compromise on sound quality.
You have 14 hours of wireless playback at your disposal making these headphones great travel companions. However, it’s the super human frequencies that will really get the audiophiles excited.
When in wired mode, the Crossfade 2 wireless headphones support frequencies beyond even 40kHz during playback of Hi-Res music sources as certified by the Japan Audio Society (JAS). This makes these some of the best over ear headphones ever created as you can enjoy lifelike vocals, crystal clear instrumentation and ultra-hi-res dynamics when wired. Best of all, you have almost identical sound quality when in wireless mode too.
There’s also an Assistant Summon feature that allows you to use Siri and OK Google via the built-in, hidden wireless microphone.
Perfect isolation, super comfortable and incredibly hi-res audio – these are some of the best wireless headphones we’ve ever seen.
Best for:
- Anyone who values high quality sound!
- Studio owners
- Travelling musicians
- Recording artists
V-MODA XS-30 Headphones Review
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For the on-the-go musician or music lover, the
V-MODA XS-30 Headphones are a great choice, especially if you value portability and hard wearing construction.
Although smaller than the other members of the V-MODA family, these on-ear headphones still pack a punch. Featuring a 40mm Dual-Diaphragm Driver, passive noise isolation to cut out the background noise and supremely comfortable cushions, the V-MODA XS-30 Headphones are ahead of the game when it comes to on ear headphones.
The addition of Dual Inputs & V-CORK allows you to mix two sources at the same time or daisy chain with friends, whilst the V-Cork seals the unused input making these a great option for travelling musicans, prodcuers on the move and those who enjoy sharing music with their family members and loved ones.
The CliqFold Hinge™ (patent pending) construction allows you to fold your headphones to an impossibly small size and store them in the included Exoskeleton Case to keep them safe when not in use, whilst the carabiner clip lets you keep your headphones on the side of your bag for easy travel.
An included SpeakEasy™ Mic Cable also allows you to take calls and lets you switch from listening to music to talking on the phone instantly.
Best for:
- Gym use
- Travelling musicians
- Portable studio owners
- DJs
V-MODA In ear earphones
V-MODA also make a great selection of luxury in-ear headphones that also fuse incredible sound quality with high-fashion sensibilities. For those who feel that their headphones should be an extension of their style, the V-MODA range of earphones are a must have. Let’s take a look at the different options available.
V-MODA Forza In-Ear Sports Headphones Review
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V-MODA Forza In-Ear Sports Headphones have been designed specifically for the sporty ones out there who value high quality sound whilst working out. The 5.8mm featherweight micro driver provides lush and vibrant bass, vivid, bright mids, sparkling clear highs as well as that 3D soundstage technology. However, it’s the attention to detail in the fit that makes these headphones the perfect choice for those with an active lifestyle.
As the fit is the most important thing, V-MODA have included specially designed BLISS 3.0 fittings in four different sizes as well as detachable, patent-pending ActiveFlex sport fins and sport ear hooks that provide even further stability whilst you’re on the move. These things aren’t going anywhere, no matter how vigorous your workout. The Forzas are also sweat and weather resistant, plus they have been tested to military-level quality MIL-STD-810G standards. In addition, they’re extremely resistant to humidity, high and low temperatures and UV exposure making them the ideal pair of headphones for holiday use.
The V-MODA Forza In-Ear Sports Headphones are also available in a wide range of colours, however it’s the 3D custom handcrafted caps that really set these apart from any other in ear earphones. You can design your own 3D printed caps via the V-MODA website and purchase them separately, making your headphones as unique as you are.
V-MODA Forza Metallo In-Ear Headphones Review
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V-MODA Forza Metallo In-Ear Headphones are an ideal option for fans of high fashion design and those who need high quality audio at all times. These award-winning earphones deliver superb highs, lush mid range and a balanced, vibrant bass. In fact, they support super-human frequencies beyond even 40kHz when listening to Hi-Res music – a claim certified by the Japan Audio Society.
In the box you get, 4 x Pairs of BLISS 3.0 Fittings (XS, S, M and L Sizes), 3 x Pairs of ActiveFlex Sport Fins, 2 x Pairs of RemixRings as well as a Carrying Pouch designed in Italy.
This dedication to helping you create the perfect fit for your needs, makes the extra investment worthwhile. The V-MODA Forza Metallo In-Ear Headphones have also been designed using CNC forged aircraft grade aluminium built to withstand the rigours of active use. The inclusion of the ActiveFlex™ Ear Hooks ensure you don’t have to worry about them flying off too!
A world class mic has also been installed into the 3-Button DiamondBack™ TangleFree cable allowing you to take calls instantly at the touch of a button. In addition, you can also utilise Siri and OK Google via the Assistant Summon feature.
These luxury headphones provide incredible sound quality as well as the opportunity to make a fashion statement of your own. At the V-MODA homepage you also have the ability to craft your own 3D Custom Handcrafted Caps and add your own flair to your earphones using a selection of materials including precious metals.
V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless Earphones Review
For those in need of a wireless option, but still want to enjoy super hi-res sound and appreciate the design of their headphones, there’s the
V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless Earphones.
Working out with wired headphones can be annoying at times, so the V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless Earphones are a great option if you want the freedom to run, workout and live your life wirelessly. The 5.8mm featherweight micro high-resolution neodymium driver provides the same sound quality as the Forza range, however it’s the Qualcomm aptX audio coding algorithm that delivers near CD-quality sound over Bluetooth that will really appeal to the audiophiles out there. No longer will your music sound dull and lifeless when streamed wirelessly. This Qualcomm Chipset and aptX technology which has been developed at Queen’s University Belfast ensures your music, podcasts or anything you happen to be listening to sounds amazing at all time.
The headphones are also sweat and weather resistant, ensuring you’re not running the risk of damaging your headphones after those tough (and sweaty) workouts! You also get up to 10+ Hours of battery life and a full charge can be achieved in less than 1.5 hours!
The V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless Earphones are ultra-rugged, Bluetooth compatible, easy to pair with your devices and have been designed to provide you with incredible sound at all times.
V-MODA Zn 3-Button In-Ear Headphones Review
Finally, we have the
V-MODA Zn 3-Button In-Ear Headphones, which are the Jewel in the V-MODA crown. Partnering superior sound quality and high fashion design, the result is some of the best engineering in the world of headphones.
The sound quality of these V-MODA Zn 3-Button In-Ear Headphones even surpasses the already incredibly high standards of the Forza range. Thanks to the use of a dynamic 8mm driver, you can enjoy incredibly low distortion levels even at higher volumes and superb audio reproduction – this is probably the best your music will ever sound through earphones.
The Zn earphones utilise a zinc metal alloy housing – hence the Zn name, which has been forged via a patented liquid metal casting process. This provides a uniquely balanced sound and ensures stress free acoustic response.
Again, the V-MODA earphones are worth the extra investment thanks to the near indestructible design. If you’re worried about the cable becoming damaged – fear not as the custom DiamondBack cable has been reinforced up to 20x the industry standard. In fact, the 45 degree angled 24k gold plated plug area can be bent over 60,000 times which is up to 10x the industry standard – these will last a lifetime!
They’re also weather and sweat resistant and have been tested to surpass military-level quality MIL-STD-105 test standards.
As the clue is in the name, there's 3 buttons on these headphones that give you total control over what you're listening to. In fact, its a three-button interface, that allows you to raise or lower the volume of your music, play and pause tracks, skip tracks backwards and forwards, fast forward, rewind and take calls while connected to your phone. It's a complete control system for your music device!
If you value the sound of your music, want a pair of headphones that actually look great and will last a lifetime – these are some of the best earphones around.
Check out a full range of
V-MODA headphones and ear phones over at PMT Online today.