Skullcandy isn’t a headphone brand I usually feature, mainly because its customers have a specific demographic adn I think they are way too cool to be reading someone like me. The brand is as much a lifestyle icon as an audio name and Skullcandy has been striking chords with younger consumers for many years now.
Known for its Aviator franchise, Skullcandy has decided to revive a classic design by launching the new Aviator 900 ANC. These are the most ambitious headphones Skullcandy has ever released. When the original Skullcandy Aviator line was launched back in 2010, it was embraced by a worldwide audience of tastemakers and celebrities who loved the form, the look and the audio experience it delivered.
The new Aviator 900 ANC headphones build on the classic and retro look of the original Aviator headphones, but also use new materials and technologies for consumers who want a stylish pair of headphones but don’t want to skimp on audio quality just to get ab edgy look.
Now With THX Spatial Audio
With the new Aviator 900 ANC headphones, Skullcandy has collaborated with THX, the audio company founded by George Lucas of Star Wars fame. The idea behind the partnership was to bring immersion and emotional depth to the headphones by incorporating THX’s Spatial Audio with Head Tracking technology.
THX Spatial Audio recreates an effect that places the listener in a concert hall. The soundstage changes as the listener moves their head, creating a real-world spatial effect with the widest sound where individual instruments are placed in three dimensions.
The Aviator 900 ANC have an adaptive array of six microphones that are used top monitor ambient sounds which are then subtracted from the audio signal using adaptive active noise cancelation. The headphones also include Mimi Personalized Sound that enables the listener to customoze the sound of the headphones to suit their hearing.
“THX Spatial Audio with head tracking on the new Aviator is a historic moment for both companies,” says Tuyen Pham, chief executive officer of THX Ltd. “This collaboration merges THX’s long-standing mission to bring the best audio technology to consumers of entertainment with the popularity of the Skullcandy brand. With THX Spatial Audio on board the Aviator 900 ANC, Skullcandy is truly empowering their customers to hear movies, music, and games the way the creator intended the content to be enjoyed with emotional connection, depth, and immersion.”
As you might expect from a brand that’s rooted in youth lifestyle and fashion, the Aviator 900 ANC use a bold mix of materials, including vintage-inspired hardware with suede and polished finishes. The headphones also sport design elements like a knurled thumbwheel, joystick and retro-inspired multi-function LCD.
Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC With Multipoint Pairing
A full charge of the Aviator 900 ANC battery can power the headphones for up to 60 hours of continuous listening time. The Aviator 900 ANC have essential features like rapid charge, Bluetooth 5.3, wear detect and Multipoint pairing so two devices can be connected at the same time. The headphones have a collapsible, travel-ready design and come with a cross-body travel bag for stowing them away.
There are customizable controls which can be altered with the Skullcandy app. An adjustable “Stay-Aware” mode helps users be aware of their surroundings, plus there are custom EQ settings and button remapping for the headphone’s controls so they can be fully customized for seamless and intuitive to use.
“This marks Skullcandy’s bold entry into the premium headphone space,” says Justin Regan, vice president of marketing at Skullcandy. “It’s a fearless move for a brand known for doing things differently – and proof that great sound and standout design can live in the same package.”
Pricing and Availability:
The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC headphones – including THX Spatial Audio with Head Tracking – are available now from skullcandy.com as well as select global retailers. The price is $299.
Tech Specs:
- Microphones: 6-mic array.
- ANC: Adaptive Active Noise Cancelation.
- Battery life: 60 hours with ANC off / 50 Hours with ANC On.
- Rapid charge: 10 minutes gives 4 hours of playtime.
- Spatial audio: THX Spatial Audio with Head Tracking.
- Features: Play/Pause, wear detection
- Personal Sound by Mimi.
- Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode for environmental awareness.
- Waterproof: Sweat and water-resistant nano-coating.
- Design: Flat folding and collapsible.
- Control: Physical buttons and Skullcandy app.
- EQ controls: 5-Band Custom EQ and 3 Preset EQ Modes (Music, Podcast, Bass Boost).
- Voice: Clear Voice Smart Mic.
- Bluetooth: Version 5.3 with LE Audio.
- Multipoint connectivity: Yes.
- Google Fast Pair and Google Finder: Yes.
- Low Latency audio: Yes.
- Customizable buttons: Yes.
- Call, track and volume control on-device.
- Spotify Tap: Yes.
- Sidetone: Yes.