V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Review – Customizable DJ Headphones

Whether you are a DJ or just a fan of bass-heavy music genres selecting the right pair of headphones can be challenging. In this review, we take a deep dive into one of the most popular options available for DJing and see if all the praise is warranted.

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is an excellent pair of headphones with a long list of benefits. Below are the quick pros and cons, but read on for a more detailed breakdown.

Features

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 offers a lot for casual listening and DJ applications making them some of the best headphones for EDM music. It also features some unique features that set it apart from the competition. Let’s take a closer look.

Sound Quality 

The Crossfade M-100 offers excellent sound quality that is dynamic, engaging, and punchy. There is a distinct focus on modern music which makes it an ideal choice for DJs. But its rich tonal profile also makes it perfect for casual listening.

The bass response is warm and punchy, with a satisfying kick. The delivery here is more precise than some other DJ headphones, but that feature lends itself well for DJing. Muddy bass can be distracting, so a certain degree of precision is required, and the Crossfade M-100 delivers.

Mid-range performance is also impressive, with ample warmth and dynamism. Electronic music elements like synths and haunting vocals are clean and inviting. While they are a more neutral-sounding pair of cans compared to other DJ headphones, there is still a consumer-friendly sound that translates well for various genres.

The Crossfade M-100 delivers an inviting and punchy sound profile.

The top end is wonderfully precise and pronounced and blends perfectly with the rest of the audio range. Thankfully this slight emphasis doesn’t result in any tinniness or harshness that could prove fatiguing over longer sessions.

While they are more neutral than other DJ headphones, it is worth pointing out that these are not balanced enough for detailed studio work. You’ll need to look at other options if you need studio-level cans. They also fall short in the soundstage department with a distinctly cramped profile. Fantastic for DJing to attain focus but not as expansive and dispersive as some casual listeners might want.

Fun, engaging and capable are the words that spring to mind when assessing the Crossfade M-100. The more neutral profile is a welcome departure from the overhyped bass you’ll find in some comparable headphones. A superb choice for modern music fans and DJs.

Comfort 

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 offers a good level of comfort, but it is also not without some issues that might be an issue for some.

Let’s start with the earcups. The large hexagon cups offer a generous amount of room which should be able to accommodate most ears. The unique hexagon shape provides extra room at both the top and bottom, so if you have piercings, you’ll appreciate the extra space on offer.

The depth is slightly smaller than other cans, which could prove an issue if you have prominent ears. The padding quality is fantastic, with a tight seal that adapts well to your head shape. One drawback is that the tight seal and closed-back design result in heat build-up, a common feature of closed-back cans. It isn’t excessive but certainly noticeable over longer sessions.

The Crossfade M-100 features a firm clamping force for a secure fit.

The headband also features ample padding and helps alleviate any potential pressure on the top of your head. The SteelFlex headband is rugged and provides generous give to adapt to your head, and the padding is also more breathable than the padding on the ears.

The only potential issue is the clamping force. These are tight headphones and hold your head in a vice-like grip. In some ways, this is beneficial as the stability is high, giving you the confidence to move about and dance when DJing. It also adds to the passive isolation levels and minimizes leakage. But if you wear glasses or prefer looser headphones, you’ll likely find these uncomfortable over time.

At 0.62 lbs. (281 grams), they also strike a good balance between feeling robust without having an overbearing weight that makes you feel like you’ve strapped two large speakers to the side of your head.

I have a relatively large and square head, and it was noticeable but by no means a dealbreaker. I’ve worn more comfortable headphones but, equally, have worn much worse. For most people, these should be comfortable enough. From a DJing perspective, the sense of security from the tight grip is something I appreciate.

Design 

This is one area where the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 outshines much of the competition. These are stylish headphones with modern sensibilities and features. The striking hexagon earcups are instantly recognizable and give these headphones a futuristic and industrial flair.

The metal plates on the earcups also offer room for customization. You can purchase different colored plates to spice them up or take them further with custom-designed plates. These come in both CMYK printing or laser engraving for a sleek mono-tone look. This is ideal for establishing your branding as a DJ or reflecting your personality.

You can buy various colored metal plates or customize one with your own design.

As with most DJ and consumer-focused headphones, these are easy to drive with a low 32 ohms impedance. You’ll be able to experience their full output across all devices comfortably. With a sensitivity of 107dB, these can also get very loud.

These headphones also collapse into a compact travel-ready form. The included case is superb and an ideal companion for the traveling DJ. The excellent passive isolation and minimal sound leakage also highlight the travel-ready nature of these cans.

Perfect in a club setting but equally capable on your daily commute. Granted, these are not on par with dedicated noise-canceling headphones, but these perform exceptionally well for a stock pair of closed-back headphones.

The Crossfade M-100 collapses for easy transportation.

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 also offers SharePlay. This allows you to daisy chain the headphones with other pairs. This is an excellent feature for DJ duos that want to monitor simultaneously. No more passing the headphones to each other or plugging and unplugging your preferred cans.

It’s also an ideal feature for casual listening. Picture yourself on a plane and having the ability for you and your travel companion to listen to one source. Very handy! A range of optional extra cables is also available, including a coiled cable, BoomPro microphone, Speakeasy lightning cable, or an audio-only cable, all of which expand the M-100’s versatility.

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 combines a sleek and attractive design, detailed customization to express yourself, and extensive features to adapt to different scenarios.

Durability 

Daily use and the rigors of DJing require a set of headphones up to these demands, and the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 fits the bill perfectly. These are tough and dependable headphones that will serve you for years to come.

The Ergosoft foam cushions are hard-wearing, replaceable, and will not flake easily. Behind these cushions within the earcups are high-quality 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers. The rigid steel exterior protects the drivers, and switching between metal plates is seamless.

The steel frame doesn’t have the slightest hint of feeling cheap, and I can see these comfortably handle the occasional fall. The SteelFlex headband is equally tough but also flexible, with vegan leather and a 3D mesh exterior for the padding.

The Crossfade M-100 is a tough and dependable pair of headphones.

The cable quality is also superb, with aramid fiber reinforcement and a 45-degree plug tested to survive over a million bends. There is nothing to be concerned about with the M-100 except the exposed cabling, which could fail if you hook these exposed cables on something and place them under pressure.

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is a workhorse set of headphones you can rely on. V-Moda also supplies a two-year warranty and a 60-day trial period that allows you a chance to test drive these bad boys. 

V-Moda also offers an Immortal Life Program. This is for headphones that have passed the warranty period. All you need to do is ship your headphones back, and you’ll receive a 20% discount on your next pair. It’s a little something extra and a clever play to keep you invested in their ecosystem of headphones.

If you need a durable set of cans backed by the manufacturer, the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 should be on your list of options.

Value 

The Crossfade M-100 is not a cheap set of headphones. Considering the number of features and the close attention to detail, it is not surprising that they come with a hefty price tag. If you are on a budget, alternatives out there provide better value. But if you can afford these, they will not disappoint.

Within the package, you’ll also get a premium quality softshell case. This ultra-tough case protects your cans during transport and features a convenient clip to attach to your bag or luggage. 

The included case is fantastic.

You’ll also have access to two cables. A short 4.3 ft. (1.3m) Speakeasy cable with a built-in mic with a solitary button for some basic controls. The longer 6.5 ft. (2 m) cable is audio only but does include the built-in splitter for daisy-chaining headphones. I would have liked to see a coiled cable included at this price point.

While it might not represent the best value for money, there is no denying the supreme quality on display. It is an investment but one that is worth every dollar.

Customer Reviews

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 headphones are one of the most popular DJ headphones available today. From beginners to touring pros, they have become a mainstay of the scene. Consistent four and five-star reviews cement its reputation as among the best you can buy.

Stand Out From The Crowd

There has never been a greater need to be able to differentiate yourself from everyone else. It can take a lot to establish yourself and maintain a presence in a world of social media and passing trends.

Branding is a critical component of any DJ’s career. You might have all the skills and passion, but you can quickly become lost in the shuffle without a compelling brand you can promote. This is where it pays to establish an identity and have elements like a DJ logo and press kit available.

Customizable headphones help you stand out.

It’s one of the reasons why I like the V-Moda Crossfade M-100. It’s one extra way that you can help push your branding and identity. Whether on a live stream or in a club, your logo is fully displayed to help connect your performance to your brand.

Interest in DJing has exploded in recent years, and anything you can do to push your name and brand further is a good thing in my books. It’s competitive out there, and all the little things add up, so don’t be shy, put yourself out there and be proud of your sound, brand, and identity.

Other Options

There is a massive amount of diversity available for something as straightforward as a pair of headphones. Below we take a quick peek at some other headphones worth considering.

Sennheiser HD 25 Review

The Sennheiser HD 25 is another superb set of DJ headphones that will please EDM lovers. It is common to see these on the heads of the world’s leading DJs.

• Highly detailed sound profile with excellent isolation.
• A lightweight and elegant shape that is comfortable and durable.
• These are on-ear headphones that might not appeal to some.

Austrian Audio Hi-X55 Review

If you require a set of headphones that you can rely on in the studio and the DJ booth, the Hi-X55 from Austrian Audio is worth adding to your shortlist.

• A neutral sound profile that is detailed and well-suited for serious studio work.
• Tough metal construction and a firm yet comfortable fit.
• The analytical sound is a little dry and less engaging than the M-100.

Audio-Technica ATH-M70x Review

Keeping with the studio theme, the ATH-M70x is a worthy candidate if you spend most of your time in a studio setting. Not the best choice for DJing, but superb for detail-orientated work.

• Transparent and accurate sound with a broad frequency response range.
• A high comfort level with breathable ear padding and a more relaxed fit.
• The low-frequency response will not please bass lovers.

Should You Buy?

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is an easy recommendation. These are fantastic headphones that deliver in so many areas. The rugged metal construction is up to the rigors of frequent use. The warm and pleasing sound profile is ideal for modern music and EDM in particular. When you also factor in the customization options and clean styling, there is little to fault.

The fit is a little tight, but most people should find them comfortable. Perhaps its only drawback is the high price point. But if you are looking to buy high-quality, long-lasting, and great-sounding headphones, the Crossfade M-100 is a serious contender as among the best.