There’s one massive list of strange customers that wear the original LP model customized to their liking – Paris Hilton, Gio Conzales, NERVO, and Lindsay Lohan to name a few. And though celebrity names like Kobe Bryant wont do one whole heck of a lot for audiophiles when it comes to actual audio quality, you can bet that this team of manufacturers isnt going anywhere any time soon. And I’m here to tell you right now: if it’s good enough for Paul Oakenfold, it’s good enough for me.

Unboxing

So we’ve got a pair of $199 headphones here in a box that you’ve got to cut a ribbon to get into. The box itself is impressive enough what with cardboard around it that’s thicker than the jacket of a hardcover book, then the top has a button hinge and a snakeskin strap (fake, we hope) that keeps the contents beyond safe in their travels to the specialty shops. Inside you’ll find padding around a monster shell which contains the headphones and the mass of cords and plugs that come with it.

Package Contents

Inside the shell are the headphones themselves, two detachable cables with 24k gold-plated plugs: both of them fabric, 3.5mm jacks, and universally compatible with all headphone jack-having devices. One is is a classic cable with no added features along it, the other has a 3-button remote control able to work with Apple products including iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. Also inside is a converter plug for plugging these same cables into your larger amplifier, and all of these items are held down with a couple of strap-heavy removable panels that you can use (or not use) inside your shell – one also has a belt clip so you can attach your goods to your side when the shell is too big to bring with you on the go.

Military Grade Construction

The shell is a hard exoskeleton carrying case that’s black-on-black printed and ribbed on the outside surrounded by a red and black zipper and embroidered in red with the V-Moda logo at the top. Inside is a lovely bright red padded container custom molded for your V-MODA Limited Edition Crossfade LP2s. Great for tossing in your backpack for long trips on airplanes or short trips to the recording studio. Don’t worry too much about damage, on the other hand, because with these phones you’ve got an Immortal Life Program – this allowing you a 50% off lifetime discount if you’ve accidentally smashed the crap out of your phones and want to pick up a new pair – cheap!

For the phones themselves, you’ve got a business that’s ready and willing to help you get the best fit and feel the most awesome when you’re using your headset on the regular. Get a taste of trueHERTZ to see what I mean. As far as how hardcore the equipment is, Military-Grade durability should keep you sleeping at night:

The Crossfade LP2 is tested under strict MIL-STD-810G military testing and V-MODA’s even tougher VMQA guidelines:

• Kevlar® reinforced detachable cables and 45-degree plug strain relief can each bend over 1 million times, over 100x industry standards
• Survives 70+ drops on concrete from 6 feet, approximately 3x the industry standard
• Headband can bend 10+ times flat, not break and retain its memory and shape
• Virtually inaudible sound variances across the spectrum of less than 2dB from unit to unit versus 10-30dB+ of inferior products
• MIL-STD-810G environmental tests including high and low temperatures, humidity, salt spray and UV exposure

Sound

As for sound – and I know you’ve been waiting for this after all that talk about every other possible aspect of these phones – you’ve got what V-Moda calls Live Play Sound. It’s a patent-pending “biggest-in-class” set of 50mm Dual-Diaphragm Drivers and V-PORT 3D staging. This setup, they say, is able to recreate the sound of multiple drivers at the same time as it sticks to the consistency of a single quality driver. The Crossfade LP2 phones are fine-tuned with a 31-band EQ, this keeping your eardrums in tact whilst delivering a wide range of sounds with high quality power.

Wrap-Up

And indeed that is what they do. If you were looking for assurance from your humble narrator here that these headphones sound fabulous – they certainly attain that level of approval from me. These are without a doubt the finest set of over-ear headphones I’ve tested at this point for the price point they set at, and are currently my day-to-day go-to pair for everyday listening as well as listening out in the wild – read: at coffee shops and at the library.

For DJ situations, again, I’ll trust the tests of the masters listed above working with the model that came before this one, essentially the same in build and quality. What this set offers is a bump above the original LP model, and without a doubt they are worth the cash you toss down on them at $199. You can also grab yourself a pair of custom metal plate replacements if you really want to – go ahead! Treat yourself! These limited editions are available at V-Moda’s online shop while supplies last.

In-use

The quality you’re getting here is top-notch, and since this isn’t the first version of these little beasts, you know good and well that V-Moda has once again further perfected the art. Your hearing will be protected by the Faders working to filter noise up to 12dB. They do not BLOCK the noise, they filter it – this meaning that your mids and your high-range audio is still there and still very clear, while the damaging low-end noises galore are plugged up. You can adjust the amount you filter by changing the bud size, also.

The versions you’ll get in the store come with a lovely little shell case, while these early versions show just the buds — you’ll know the 2012 versions from the older ones from the slight difference on the box face, the newer ones having a bright ORANGE splash around the “METAL” bit. The newest versions also come with detachable cords. Otherwise they’re the same fabulous sound-blocking masterpieces.

Verdict

These monsters are certainly worth what you pay for them. If you want throwaway plugs, go ahead and pick up a pack of them from your local grocery store. These plugs will stopper up the sound to the degree that you like and will do it in a fashionable way – so very lovely. Pick up the gunmetal versions (like we’ve got here) for ultimate anytime wearability.

These buds will be available SOON, and when they are, they’ll be $15 USD plus shipping unless you can grab them from your local audio-conscious record store. Grab em online sooner from V-Moda!

These little plugs sit in your ear all comfortable like complete with metal casings (none of that touching the innards of your ear, of course. The silicone bud is what holds the bud in place and blocks the sound while the metal is a lovely shiny color that’ll make sure you’re looking fashionable as you keep your eardrums safe. The idea for these buds came from a mister Val Kolton, V-MODA founder and accomplished DJ, found that a startling number of teenagers had some degree of hearing loss: one in five American teenagers.

“Most earplugs simply sound like you have mud in your ears, even expensive custom-fitted sets costing hundreds of dollars don’t have the clarity and highs. Additionally, after DJing for years with custom earplugs, I experienced first-hand that they can cause ear canal problems similar to using Q-tips. Worst of all, these expensive products easily fall out and get lost. Faders are affordable, comfortable, sleek, fit everybody, and most importantly they help protect your hearing while still allowing you to rock out and enjoy concerts, clubs, or any loud event.” – Kolton

What you’ve got here is a $15 pair of hearing loss defenders. You can get them in three different colors, Gunmetal, Rouge, and Pink, and each pair comes with three sizes of “BLISS 2.0″ silicone fittings for all sizes of ear holes. And not only that, any order over $50 at the V-MODA store will get you a free pair of Faders – for a limited time only. AND check this out:

A portion of all proceeds go to the In The Loop Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Kolton to help educate and promote the practice of safe sound.

So says the man himself, Van Kolton! Go grab yourself a pair right this second at the V-MODA store right the heck here: http://v-moda.com/Faders/ And don’t hesitate to pick your humble narrator up a pair of reds!

The Crossfade M-80 features a patent-pending pure sound technology that uses 40mm Dual-Diaphragm Drivers to deliver multi-driver sound with the energy efficiency and quality consistency of a single driver. Hence, no batteries or artificial sound processing is needed to produce a pure balanced sound. The memory cushions are designed to provide the best balance of sound isolation, staging, and ergonomics.

Interchangeable custom shields for the M-80 will be coming soon to allow you to customize the stylish headphone, which is built with military-grade durability, using a lightweight steel construction and Kevlar reinforced cables. The Crossfade M-80 is available now for $230.

[via V-Moda]

The new Revamp headphones are in-ear style and they have a universal one-button mic that will work with the iPhone, Android, and other smartphones that use a 3.5mm port. The single button should allow you to control your music and answer phone calls too. The earphones also use V-Moda Active Flex detachable sport ear hooks.

Those earhooks will help keep the earphones in your ear when you are active. V-Moda uses the soft and snug fitting BLISS 2.0 ear tips to block outside noise. The Revamp ships with four different sizes to fit just about anyone. The Revamp headphones will normally sell for $120, but they will go for $99.99 during the fourth season of True Blood.

The line-up will consist of in-ear buds up to full headphones, with plenty of metal and Kevlar-reinforced cables to keep them distinct. There’s plenty of vampire-themed puns in the V-MODA press release, but we were impressed by the audio quality from the Crossfade LP set to listened to, so we’re reasonably hopeful that the True Blood collection won’t be all bark and no bite (sorry, we couldn’t help it).

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the six models, though they should all go on sale by the time True Blood hits the airwaves again on June 26. However, we also have a giveaway coming up where you can win a pair, so keep reading SlashGear for details on how to enter!

Press Release:

V-MODA and HBO® Partner to Create “V-MODA for True Blood” Line

Sexy, stylish headphones for those whose lives begin at night

June 1, 2011 – Hollywood, Calif. – V-MODA, the music lifestyle brand that pioneered the fashion headphone category, and HBO, America’s most successful premium television company, today announce their partnership to establish a collection of headphones that embodies the spirit of the award-winning series, True Blood®. Scheduled to launch this June, the “V-MODA for True Blood” collection offers six models ranging from ear buds to headphones, including a brand new style specifically crafted for this line. The “Hearwear” is tailored to the tastes and sensibilities of the millions who identify with True Blood’s alluring, sexy style.

In V-MODA, Chief Visionary Officer and DJ, Val Kolton, created a lifestyle brand that naturally aligns with True Blood’s sexy night life. True Blood fans, music lovers, night-dwellers and artisans alike will be drawn to the headphones’ almost immortal durability, made possible by V-MODA’s MaterialEDGE military-tough testing processes and over four years of quality engineering. The product line’s timeless materials – metal, Kevlar®-reinforced cables and luxurious fabrics – ensure functionality that, like True Blood’s vampires, can span years without signs of deterioration. And most importantly, each product has been masterfully tuned alongside legendary musicians, producers and DJs to deliver “supernatural” sound.

“The fantastical world of True Blood speaks to the vision and values of the V-MODA Tribe,” says Kolton. “Our products have been carefully crafted for those whose style and sophistication have evolved through the ages. With each season, more and more people have found it impossible to resist the allure of True Blood and we think the same will be true of the new “V-MODA for True Blood” line. Like the show, it’s appealingly seductive.”

“Music is a very integral part of the story telling for all of our programming, especially True Blood,” stated James Costos, vice president Licensing & Retailing, HBO. “So it made sense for us to partner with V-MODA which is an extremely forward-thinking music accessories company. In addition, their brand mirrors the edgy, provocative qualities that are so closely associated with the show.”

Arriving in time for the show’s fourth season premiere on June 26th, the “V-MODA for True Blood” line will be unveiled and available at select retailers, including V-MODA.com, Amazon (Amazon), (Newegg), and the HBO Shop® at (42nd St. & 6th Ave) and online (www.store.hbo.com).

The new program is called the Crossfade Customs Program and it allows the users to choose from different designs and colors on the headphones. The initial design options include six color plate options four engraved designs with custom text on a choice of four base frames. The designs will include numbered jersey, crown, skull snake, and a vinyl immortal angle.

The colors for the plates that can be chosen include gold, black, gunmetal, pink, purple, and red. The custom design options are available for a limited time on each set of the Crossfire headphones purchased at $199.99 directly from V-Moda.

The case of the Vibrato earphones are die cast and have a very cool black and silver design. The earphones have 8mm dynamic HD neodymium driver for deep bass while still having good mid and high range sounds.

The earphones also have BLISS noise isolating technology inside to reduce background noise and make the bass deeper. The headphones ship with XS-L silicone ear tips and have the Active Flex ear hook for active users. The headphones use a 3.5mm plug and the remote allows the user to control volume, answering of calls and more. The earphones sell for $129.99.

The headphone manufacturing company has just unveiled their plans to help potential customers make a decision toward their line-up of ‘phones. You have the ability to receive either a $35 voucher, or a $10 voucher depending on how you go about things. To get the higher voucher, you’ll need to send in your current pair of headphones in an envelope to V-MODA, which also includes your email address. Once they get your old pair, they’ll email you that $35 voucher, which you can use to purchase the Vibe, Vibe duo, Vibe ii, Remix Audio, Remix Remote, or Crossfade LP headphones.

Or, if you don’t want to send anything to them, you can just get an instant $10 off right from the site. Just input the coupon code “upgrade” before you check out, and you’ll get that 10 bucks pulled off your purchase price. Sure, it’s not as much as the other option, but then again you’re not sending anything away, either. Maybe you’re really fond of your current pair of headphones. Check out the full statement from V-MODA below for an address and what not, and then head on over to their site to check out the goods.

Details

To receive a $35 voucher by email, take off your cheap earbuds and put them in an envelope along with a piece of paper that lists your email.
Mail your earbuds to:

V-MODA
Earbud Upgrade
6464 Sunset, Suite 500
Hollywood, CA 90028

Once we receive your earbuds, we’ll email you a $35 voucher good towards the purchase of any Vibe, Vibe duo, Vibe ii, Remix Audio, Remix Remote or Crossfade LP at shop.v-moda.com.

If you don’t want to send in your headphones, you can still receive a $10 discount. Simply use the coupon code “upgrade” towards the purchase of any Vibe, Vibe duo, Vibe ii, Remix Audio, Remix Remote or Crossfade LP at shop.v-moda.com.

Terms & Conditions: Limit one discount or voucher per household. Limited Time Only.

While the colors are changing, the headphones themselves are not. V-MODA is still concentrating on dual-diaphragm drivers, which they still say are just as good as single drivers, but that their models have more of a distinct range to them. You also get a detachable cable, with a three-button remote control. It comes with a mic, and the controls will allow you to adjust the volume whenever you need. You can use the headphones to listen to music, or take phone calls. And, as usual, the construction of the headphones is top-notch, with a steel framed memory headband that goes atop your skull. The high price didn’t change either, still sitting pretty at $250.

[via V-MODA]

V-Moda has announced that it is now offering Crossfire LP Rouge and Nero models. The features of the headphones are the same. The Rouge has red accents on the headband and the cable is red and black. The Nero set is black with a royal purple accent inside the headphone headband. The Nero also has a black and purple cable and a crocodile skin embossed headband.

The cables of the headphones are stile Kevlar reinforced and have a 1/4″ adapter for DJ and pro audio systems. They also ship with a carry case. The Nero headphones are in Best Buy stores and online with the Rouge online at Amazon. Both sets of headphones sell for $249.99.

If you’re giving the Crossfade LP headphones as a gift then the lavish packaging – complete with crocodile-affect handle held in place with angular metal studs – probably comes as a bonus. If you’re of the impression that the box is just something to stop your headphones getting beat up on the way from the factory, then you might wonder how much they added to the Crossfade LP’s bottom line. At $249.99 they’re hardly cheap, but then neither are their high-profile rivals like Monster’s Dr.Dre-blessed BEATS range.

Inside the box there’s a hard-shell carrying case moulded to the shape of the headphones themselves. Unzip it and you’ll find the accessories, neatly tucked into elasticated pouches and straps. Notable are the two audio cables V-MODA provide, one for basic stereo audio and another with in-line controls for your cellphone and a microphone for hands-free calls. Each is fabric-braided, making them tricky to get tangled, with gold-plated plugs (one straight, the other at a 45-degree angle); V-MODA also bundle a 1/4-inch adapter for audio sources with larger sockets. Finally there’s a carabiner clip and a cleaning cloth.

Like their Monster rivals, the Crossfade LP headphones are distinctive; however, where the BEATS range are bright plastic, V-MODA’s mix together matte or gloss plastic, metal and leather. Our “Phantom Chrome” set look almost retro with their gloss black and metal finish; there are also matte “Gunmetal Black” and “White Pearl” versions on offer. It’s probably still a little on the glitzy side if you prefer your headphones to go unnoticed, but we can’t argue with the build-quality. Similarly, they rate highly for comfort, with the headband thickly padded (and with a non-leather section on the inside of the band, which helps avoid your head getting sweaty) and the ear cushions using memory foam that retains its bounce but also moulds itself comfortably around your ears.

Each ear-piece can be adjusted independently, though only for reach; there’s no way to rotate them, which would’ve meant the carry case could have been thinner and thus a little less intrusive in your bag. The metal panels and headband extensions are certainly fingerprint magnets, and we’ve a feeling they’d be prone to scratching if you try to carry the Crossfade LPs unprotected. That won’t impact the sound, of course, but we can’t imagine many people will be happy at the thought of scratching up their expensive headphones.

As for that sound, it’s bold, distinctive and likely to polarise opinion. V-MODA have thrown lashings of bass at the Crossfade LPs, and while trebles and mids are both clear and respectably strong, the heavy bottom end can threaten to overwhelm them. Of course, how welcome that is will depend on what sort of music you prefer to listen to; V-MODA aren’t shy of discussing their “world-renowned DJ” partners who helped tune the Crossfade LP, and if you’re a fan of dance, hip-hop or other bass-heavy music then you’ll likely approve.

If, however, you prefer vocal music or classical, you’ll likely find yourself spending a lot more time tweaking what equaliser settings your PMP of choice has to offer. By notching down the bass in our media player we were able to better balance the Crossfade LP headphones and enjoy what looks to be sparkling top-end performance. Problem is, if your PMP doesn’t have that sort of EQ flexibility then you could be left with the impression that the V-MODA’s are a one-trick, bass-thundering pony.

Ironically, those limited EQ options are usually to be found on smartphones that are increasingly doubling up as PMPs, and for which V-MODA include that second headphone cable with in-line controls. As well as a play/pause button – that also answers and ends calls – that has a built-in microphone and volume keys. We had no problem getting it to work with various test handsets, including the iPhone 3GS, together with the iPad, though the microphone seemed a little on the muted side for those at the other end of the call. Still, it’s a useful addition and makes the Crossfade LP headphones far more convenient.

$249.99 is undoubtedly expensive for a set of headphones, though it’s worth pointing out that they’re still cheaper than Monster’s similarly bass-loving Beats Studio (which currently sell for around $300 online). More divisive than the price is the audio tailoring, however. If your tastes lean to the modern and thumping then the V-MODAs should definitely be on your auditioning list; classical aficionados should probably look elsewhere. Still, solid construction and brilliant audio quality make for an excellent set of over-the-ears, with arguably equal comfort as you’d find with a potentially more expensive pair of in-ear customs. Try before you buy, then, but for their niche the V-MODA Crossfire LP headphones are worthy contenders.

The Crossfade LP is a full-size set of headphones with over the ear style that uses 50mm dual-diaphragm HD drivers. The design allows the headphones to deliver the sort of sound typically associated with dual drivers from a single driver. The headphones can be had in three colors including pearl, phantom chrome, and gunmetal black.

A detachable cable is included with the headphones that offers a remote and a mic for making calls while on the go. The ear cushions are made from memory foam for comfort and to reduce gaps that let the sound escape. The headphones include a 3.5mm audio cable, a 3.5mm cable with mic and remote, a ¼” adapter for DJ and audio gear compatibility, and a carry case. The headphones sell for $249.99 and are available direct from V-MODA and from the Apple store.

V-moda described the alternative to the in-line controller having the chip as being a separate remote circuit, demanding a second jack for the controls to plug into.  This would obviously have prevented Apple’s attempts to shrink the iPod shuffle 4GB.

According to Apple, the “control chip” will be legitimately offered by companies that have signed up to its Made for iPod program, which assures customers that third-party products meet Apple’s own specifications.  It also demands a fee from the manufacturers, which is inevitably passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.  Contrary to original speculation, Apple have not used any sort of encryption or DRM in the control chip, and so third-party companies looking to circumnavigate the Made for iPod program could realistically reverse-engineer the chip’s mechanism and release cheaper products with Apple’s blessing.

Of course, the end result remains the same: until third-parties can get their headphones and adapter cables to market, iPod shuffle 4GB buyers are stuck using Apple’s bundled headphones.