Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC Brings Bose Tech to Big-Bass Cans

Skullcandy has unveiled the Crusher 1080 ANC, a new flagship over-ear headphone that pushes its much-loved Crusher line into more premium territory by combining the brand’s adjustable sensory bass with a full suite of Sound by Bose technologies.

Crusher has been Skullcandy’s calling card for listeners who want music to be felt as much as heard. Its patented dual-driver system creates a subwoofer-like effect that adds physical impact to low frequencies, giving basslines, beats and cinematic moments a more visceral edge.

With Crusher 1080 ANC, that formula has been sharpened. Skullcandy says a new 36mm driver design promises improved clarity, detail, and separation, while delivering a tighter, more forceful bass response. Listeners can adjust the level of Crusher bass directly using the onboard wheel or through the Skullcandy app, moving from a subtle low-end lift to the sort of head-rattling thump the range is known for.

We’re told that SPL is rated at 122.1±2dB at 100Hz with input 0.190V/1mW, while Crusher 1080 ANC’s claimed frequency range is 20Hz-20000Hz.

Skullcandy CEO Brian Garofalow told StereoNET:

Skullcandy is known for pushing the boundaries of bass. For the uninitiated, the Crusher experience is akin to standing front row at your favourite concert. It’s the closest thing to reality. In addition to giving fans the best-ever Crusher experience, we worked with Bose to be the first partner to integrate their noise cancellation, spatial audio, and other Sound by Bose technologies together. We set out to make the world’s greatest headphone by combining the two to deliver an incredible sonic experience for an unbelievable value.

Bose Bonanza

Bose’s contribution is more than a badge, too. Crusher 1080 ANC is claimed to be the first headphone to combine Bose QuietControl adaptive acoustic noise cancellation, Bose TrueSpatial with head tracking, Bose WaveForm Audio Engine, and Bose SpeechClarity in a single package.

QuietControl uses a six-microphone adaptive noise-cancelling system designed to reduce outside noise smoothly and comfortably, with Quiet, Aware and Off listening modes available.

Meanwhile, Bose TrueSpatial is designed to deliver a more open, speaker-like presentation and uses head tracking to keep the soundstage naturally anchored as the listener moves, while the WaveForm Audio Engine is designed to keep audio full, balanced, and smooth across volume levels.

For calls, Bose SpeechClarity aims to reduce background noise so voices remain intelligible in real-world environments, and Skullcandy has also included natural voice sidetone to help users hear themselves more naturally while speaking.

Crusher 1080 ANC: Vital Stats

The feature set continues with Bluetooth 5.3, LE Audio with Auracast, Google Fast Pair Suite v3.3 for quick Android pairing and easier device management, multipoint pairing for moving between devices, and low-latency audio for more synchronised gaming, streaming and video playback on compatible sources.

The headphones also support auto-connect and wear detection. Through the Skullcandy app, you can tailor Crusher bass, Sound by Bose features, EQ modes, button assignments, and firmware updates, with Music, Movie, and Podcast presets, plus a custom five-band EQ.

Battery life is quoted at up to 60 hours with ANC switched off, or up to 50 hours with ANC enabled. A 10-minute rapid charge is said to provide four hours of playback, while the flat-folding, collapsible design and supplied roll-top travel bag are intended to make the Crusher 1080 ANC easier to take on the road.

Nick Smith, president of Bose Audio Technology and Chief Strategy Officer, says:

For 60 years, Bose has been dedicated to researching and engineering better listening experiences that change how people listen to music. We’re excited to bring some of our most advanced audio technologies to Crusher 1080 ANC and hear them paired with Skullcandy’s unique sensory bass platform.

Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC is now available in black, candy, primer, and cement finishes, priced at £220 | US$280 | €250 | AU$400.

For more information visit Skullcandy