Skullcandy Mix Master review

Skullcandy is something of a go-to brand for affordable headphones, but the Mix Masters struggle against their competition Tested at £250

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Skullcandy is something of a go-to brand for affordable headphones, but the Mix Masters struggle against their competition

Pros

  • +

    Ample volume

  • +

    Energetic sound

Cons

  • -

    Overblown, flabby bass

  • -

    Muddied sound

  • -

    Flimsy build

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Taking the fight straight to Beats, Skullcandy joins the headphone party with its own pair of high-end ‘DJ’ headphones.

Beastie Boy DJ Mix Master Mike lends his name to these new cans – a collaboration that spanned 18 months.

Perhaps they should’ve taken longer. One glance at the plastic finish suggests the Skullcandys could struggle at this price.

Build quality

They feel as plastic as they look. The build is flimsy and we’re sceptical about the longevity of the headband. The rotating ear cups scrape away at the finish, too – hardly a premium feel.

They do have a good grip on them, though, with soft ear pads to cushion the ears (if a bit too warmly).

Sound quality

The Mix Masters go loud easily, and reveal a determination to be as punchy and energetic as possible. Ultimately though, they’re let down by a thudding, chubby bass that has little definition or control.

Drums sound lethargic and flabby, and there’s little subtlety to keep you hooked on to what you’re listening to.

Play Aerosmith’s Cryin’ and Steven Tyler’s usually wailing, rousing vocals and harmonica solos sound lazy and subdued. There’s a shortage of bite to the treble, too.

It’s a murky, muddled sound, the Mix Masters blending the edges of notes into one another and giving a quick summary of a track without digging into finer detail too much. Or at all.

Verdict

Skullcandy has become something of a go-to brand for affordable headphones, but the Mix Masters struggle in this company.

Your £250 will buy you much more elsewhere.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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