Skip to main content

V FOR VICTORY!

V-Moda want to give DJs a unique and beautiful-sounding headphone — can they deliver on this bold mission?

V-Moda’s new Crossfade LP headphones have been championed as the greatest headphones of all time and the last ones you’ll ever need, capable of flying to the moon, walking your dog, and of course delivering superb audio. Designed with the intent of providing competition to high-end “style over substance” headphones, such as Monster’s Beats by Dre, V-Moda have created a great set of headphones. But are they right for their intended market — the DJ?

The sound quality of the V-Moda Crossfade LPs is phenomenal. If listening to electronic music on a near-exclusive basis, they won’t disappoint. Taking a peek at the speakers in these phones, it looks as if V-Moda have jammed an entire woofer into these bad boys as the bass really shouts out. With a frequency response of 5-30 kHz, every sound is detailed and accurate, an area that is very noticeable when comparing them to cheaper headphones.
The Crossfade LP headphones are lightweight and very comfortable when worn for long periods of time, which is due in part to the memory foam ear-pads that are endlessly comfortable. DJs are supplied with two Kevlar-reinforced headphone cables, which should stand up to some abuse. One of the cords is longer and meant for DJs in a club environment, the other is a shorter one meant for personal use that features a three-button remote. The remote allows you to adjust (theoretically) the volume on your music player, and has a built-in microphone that allows conversation whilst using the headphones.

TURBO-CHARGED
An interesting point to pick out when using the V-Modas is that sometimes the sound can be too powerful. A strange gripe? Yes, granted. The Crossfade LPs have been designed to deliver a turbo-charged bass response and this can be very overwhelming on tracks that already have a lot of bass. Imagine Skream’s mix of La Roux — this track almost took the heads off my fellow testers, so caution when using the Crossfade LPs at high levels.

Another minor issue that some DJs may pick up on is that the Crossfade LPs don’t feature an ear cup swivel, and the hinge on the cup only has a limited degree of movement to it. Compare this to Pioneer’s HDJ2000s, which have almost unlimited amount of movement and rotation, and there will be a lot of disappointment.  The way that the phones sit on your head might affect some DJs ability to preview tracks, especially if they have got small heads. The headband is supposed to secure the V-Moda firmly to your head, especially if you’ve only got one of the phone cups to your ear, but the small-headed masses will find the Crossfade slipping off their heads with depressing regularity.
For around £160, these should be beautiful as well as functional. The Crossfade LPs may come across a little garish at first glance to some, because they look as if they were designed by cyber-men. Some may not appreciate their appearance.
A hexagonal, metallic plate encases the phones, and one particular model, the Nero, appear to be made from crocodile skin. Try selecting one of the more muted, tasteful colour-ways, of which the white and red are a very nice combination, known as the White Pearl.

The Crossfades are lovely ’phones. They feel great and the build quality is very good, even down to the clickable, adjustable headband.
One last thing that deserves a mention is the exoskeleton hardcase, as it provides the Crossfade LPs with ultimate protection from on the road gigging and consequently looks like something that has come straight out of The Dark Knight: this alone will add extra bonus points to the whole Crossfade headphone experience. Avid electronica fans planning on dropping £160 on a pair of headphones could do a lot worse.