Skullcandy adds Bose noise canceling to Crusher headphones

Skullcandy has introduced the Crusher 1080 ANC, a new wireless headphone model that brings Bose audio technology to its bass-focused Crusher line. The launch matters because Skullcandy is pairing its signature low-end hardware with Bose’s noise-canceling and spatial-audio systems.

Skullcandy said the Crusher 1080 ANC includes Bose QuietControl active noise cancellation and head-tracking spatial audio. The company is selling the headphones now for $279.99.

The new model comes in four color options: black, candy, primer and cement, according to Skullcandy. The company is positioning the headphones as an update to the Crusher family, which is known for emphasizing bass more directly than many competing wireless headphones.

Bose tech meets Skullcandy’s bass system

Skullcandy’s Crusher headphones use both full-range drivers and dedicated bass drivers in each ear cup, according to the company. That design is meant to strengthen deeper frequencies rather than relying only on software tuning.

Skullcandy has acknowledged that heavily increasing bass in this setup can reduce audio quality. The company says the Crusher 1080 ANC is intended to address that issue with help from Bose’s audio technologies.

The Bose additions named by Skullcandy are QuietControl ANC and head-tracking spatial audio. Active noise cancellation is used to reduce outside sound, while head-tracking spatial audio changes the listening presentation based on the movement of the listener’s head.

The Crusher 1080 ANC continues Skullcandy’s focus on listeners who want a stronger bass response, while adding features more often associated with higher-end noise-canceling headphones. Skullcandy has not described the new model as replacing the broader Crusher lineup.

Skullcandy said the headphones are available through its own product page. The company listed the price at $279.99 at launch.

This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.