Skullcandy Partners With Bose for Crusher 1080 ANC Headphones

Skullcandy announced the release of its Crusher 1080 ANC headphones this week, a significant collaboration with Bose that integrates premium noise cancellation and spatial audio software. This marks the first instance of Bose licensing its proprietary audio technologies for use in a non-Bose branded headset. The $279.99 USD headphones are available in True Black, Candy, Primer, and Cement colorways.

The partnership allows Skullcandy to incorporate Bose's advanced audio features into its bass-centric Crusher line, offering them at a price point considerably lower than Bose's flagship QuietComfort Ultra models, which retail for $449 USD. The Crusher 1080 ANC is equipped with Bose QuietControl ANC, utilizing a six-microphone array for dynamic noise level adaptation. It also features TrueSpatial audio with head tracking for an immersive listening experience and the Bose WaveForm audio engine for acoustic optimization and vocal clarity. SpeechClarity voice pickup technology is included for enhanced call quality.

Hardware enhancements focus on managing low-frequency audio. The headphones feature a dual-driver system combining 36mm full-range drivers with dedicated bass units that produce a tactile rumble. Users can customize this sensory bass output using an external dial on the ear cup or via a companion mobile application. To mitigate mid-range muddiness, the headset pairs these sensory dual-bass drivers with stiffer, distortion-reducing diaphragms.

In terms of battery and connectivity, the Crusher 1080 ANC offers 60 hours of playback on a single charge. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast technology. A quick-charge function provides four hours of listening time from just ten minutes of charging.