Skullcandy NBA Mix Master Mike Throwback Headphones

Until recently, SkullCandy had never had an ultra premium headphone that could be considered the flagship of the brand. With a $300 price tag, the Mix Master Mike's trump the RocNation Aviator's as SkullCandy's most expensive headphones. For those of you who don't know, Mix Master Mike is a west coast DJ who is most well known for his work with the Beastie Boys. 

The Mix Master's are a full-size, over-ear headphone that are made both for DJ's and music enthusiasts. The design isn't shy as its command attention with its bold style. The best way to describe these headphones is: big, blocky, and glossy. From the large SkullCandy logo on the headband to the over sized earcups, everything about these headphones is BIG (2012 NBA Theme).

My favorite part of the headphones is that they are both comfortable, and don't flare out, unlike both the Beats by Dre Studio's and the Pro's. Because the earcups are longer as opposed to wider, the earcups on the Mix Master Mike's are much more streamlined than most. Although the headphones have a snug fit, soft foam covers nearly every part of the headphones which avoids discomfort from the overall tight fit. Another feature that I like is that either one of the two included cables can not only be detached, but can also be plugged into either earcup. Also, the included carrying case is the most stylish one I have seen to date.

Now onto the reason you're buying these headphones: Sound Quality. First off, the SkullCandy Mix Master Mike's do sound good, just not what I expected. With the bold style and target young demographic, I expected a strong bass with mediocre high's and lows. What I got was an average bass with balanced high's and lows. In my opinion, the people that would buy this headphone are more interested in punchy bass and not as concerned with proper sound quality. With this said, I was impressed with the sound quality, but by no means was I blown away.

Back in 2010, SkullCandy gave away personalized Mix Master Mike's to each NBA All-Star. Now, SkullCandy has brought them back and made them available to the public with its NBA Throwback Series. They are currently available in 5 NBA Teams: Lakers, Bulls, Knicks, Celtics and Heat. I chose to purchase my favorite team, the newly crowned world champion Miami Heat.

Overall, the SkullCandy NBA Mix Master Mike Throwback Headphones don't excel in any one feature. However, they do have several positives, making them a good choice for anyone who wants a premium headphone with bold style. 

Price: $300

Available Now

Pros

• Durable
• Carrying Case & Included Accessories
• Balanced Sound Quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Not Much Bass
• Style Not For Everyone

Overall Rating: 8/10

iHome Soundesign SD63 Retro Headphones

In the last few years, iHome has become a well recognized company for their fantastic iPod accessories. Not surprisingly, iHome has joined the headphone market with their own headphones in collaboration with Soundesign. While iHome succeeded in giving the SD63's a retro feel, the headphones look and feel cheap due to their plastic construction and overall flimsy feel. However, there were two aspects of the design that I liked. First, the volume control can be adjusted using the circular piece on the outer portion of the right earcup. Secondly, the cord is spiral and thick which helped give it a classic 70's feel.

Unfortunately besides these two design touches, there weren't many positives to the SD63's. No matter how much adjusting I did, I could not find a natural fit. Comfort-wise, the headphones are below average, especially if you have a larger size head. The reasoning behind this is that the earcups are slightly angled which limits you from having a proper seal. As for sound quality, I expect much more for $50, especially now with the growing number of options at similar prices. Sound quality is just not very good, mainly because of the the design flaw I discussed earlier. While I can appreciate iHome's attempt to create a retro designed headphone, the SD63's have too many design execution errors to warrant a high rating.

Price: $50
Available Now

Pros

• Thick Coiled Cord
• Retro Feel
• Volume Knob

Cons

• Uncomfortable
• Sound Quality
• Look & Feel Cheap

Overall Rating: 6/10

 

Dara Torres Partners with Koss

The Wisconsin based company, Koss, has signed the Olympic swimming superstar Dara Torres. The five-time Olympian and 12 time medalist was recently named one of the "Top Female Athletes of the Decade" by Sports Illustrated. Dara Torres now becomes the second Olympian to sign with a headphone company. Just a few weeks ago, track star Usain Bolt partnered with Ludacris' SOUL Audio. As of now, the only details we know are that Dara Torres will be the primary endorser of a new line of Koss Headphones designed specifically for women. Dara Torres, along with Koss Headphones, will surely be getting major face-time during this summer's games.

 

Glen "Big Baby" Davis BiGR Audio Headphones

BiGR Audio has developed a signature headphone for Orlando Magic NBA star, Glen "Big Baby" Davis. The on-ear headphones come in 3 designs with each incorporating a different Big Baby inspired-design into the natural wood covered ear cups. They are now available for $150 through BiGR Audio's official website. Check back in the next few weeks for a full review.

Jeff Staple Limited Edition "Pigeon Beats"

Iconic designer, Jeff Staple, recently unveiled his limited edition "Pigeon" Beats by Dre Studio Headphones at a launch party in Beats' flagship store in New York City. The design features Staple's trademark colors slate and grey which fully captures the slick urban vibe of the city. Above the right ear cup appears a small pigeon, and above the left, "Staple" is printed in a simple, yet edgy font. The most attention-grabbing part of the design though is the blot of painted, surprisingly realistic, bird "droppings" on top. Only 500 of these exclusive headphones were made and are now available for a reasonable $350 at Beats by Dre's flagship store in NYC and online, at The Reed Space Store.