Design and features:Although this home/studio-style over-ear model lacks active noise reduction and uses a ported, rather than closed, design, it nonetheless reduces outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment. The headphones have medium-high sensitivity so they can provide satisfying volume levels when used even with lower-powered portable audio devices. The Crusher has an integrated microphone and music player function controls that are compatible with iPads, some iPods, and some iPhones and some other cellphones. The call connect/disconnect button can be used with some iPhones and some other cellphones. But these headphones may not operate properly with some non-iPod players or other audio equipment. This model has an integrated battery-powered bass extension amplifier that powers secondary bass drivers (speakers) in the earcups. The amp has an auto on/off feature and a claimed 40-hour battery life; the level of bass enhancement is manually adjustable via a slider. The bass extension amp is not needed for headphone operation, so the Crusher can operate without batteries. The earcups on this model can fold for storage or travel. Additional features include a detachable audio cable and a storage bag.
Sound quality: The Skullcandy Crusher headphones deliver fair overall sound, with a warm character. When this model is adjusted to provide its most accurate sound quality, the bass has good impact but is slightly pronounced, sluggish, and boomy. Midrange is a bit muffled, congested, nasal, and has a plastic resonance, and treble is rolled off. Overall sound is closed in, with decent dynamics. The bass adjustment has a noticeable effect on the lower bass level, ranging from none to a boost extreme enough to actually make the headphones vibrate on your head.
Comfort: We found that these headphones produce a sense of medium pressure around the ears, and the ear pads might feel hot and/or sticky after prolonged use.
