Packaging and Closer Look
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 comes in a stylish box that looks very similar with the V-MODA XS. Most of the headphone’s features and specifications can be read from the sides and back of the box.
The packaging includes some reading materials, a V-MODA sticker, reinforced SpeakEasy microphone cable, reinforced SharePlay audio cable, a 1/4″ adapter, V-cork plug, a carabiner clip, an exoskeleton carry case and the M-100 itself. The company is also offering a six-star service that includes two-year warranty, immortal life program and a 60-day test drive guarantee.
The orange braided cable looks eye-catching, but I’m not very fond of the cable V-MODA used. The braided cable tends to fray and suffers from kinks, specially that you have to fold it several times to fit it inside the carrying case. Fortunately, it’s a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and there are lots of third party (upgrade) cable that you can use with the M-100.
The Carabiner is attached to the carrying case out of the box. The exoskeleton hard carrying case looks very much like a clam shell, a stylish clam shell. The orange under surface is a smooth velvet-like surface that will help prevent the Crossfade M-100 from getting scratched while inside.
The Crossfade M-100 folds into a small compact form just like what you see above. It has this nice click feeling when you fold and unfold the M-100. The mechanism is very well executed and doesn’t feel wobbly or loose.
Here’s a side by side comparison of the Crossfade M-100 and the V-MODA XS. Notice that the shape of the headband is somewhat different compared to the M-100. And obviously, the M-100 has larger ear cups compared to the XS. Despite their differences, both headphones look like a father and son, or big brother and small brother.
Here’s how the Crossfade M-100 looks like when unfolded. Notice that the arm holding the speakers are somewhat thin. They are somewhat thin, but very sturdy. Although, I wouldn’t put too much pressure on the arms or try to bend it because it may bend at one point. I also feel that the hinge that connects that arms and the speakers are the weaker part of the headphone. Not that they are flimsy, but I’m sure you wouldn’t want that portion to get damage.
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 comes in three different colors. Each one of them having different color themes and the materials used in the headband portion. This one is the Matte Black Metal version. It has a nice and smooth leatherette surface with a discrete “v-moda” logo on it. The underside is padded with foam that I think has just the right amount of thickness.
On the bottom of each ear cups you see two 3.5mm sockets (one each cups). The left side has the v-cork on, while the right side has no v-cork. You can use either of the socket to plug the 3.5mm cable. If you are comfortable with the wire on the left side, then plug the cable on the left side, or vice versa. You might be wondering what a v-cork is? That’s what the company calls on the thing that you insert in a socket to prevent dusts and other objects from getting in. In short, it’s just a socket cover.
The ear cups on the Crossfade M-100 has a hexagonal shape and design, just like most of V-MODA’s headphones. The ears pads are made out of memory foam and are replaceable. These ear pads are very comfortable and soft on your ears. Aside from the stock ear pads for the M-100, there is also a pair of XL memory cushion available that is thicker compared to the stock ones.
The face plate or Shield is also replaceable and interchangeable. But you will need a different kind of screwdriver to remove it, specifically a hexagon Allen wrench screwdriver (1.5mm). These Shields come in different colors and you can have your own art work or logo design engraved on the shield.
Like most headphones, you can adjust the length of the headband by sliding the slider up or down. There is a nice click feeling as you slide it, giving you precise adjustments. The headband itself is so durable that it can withstand a million cable bends. Well at least that’s what V-MODA says. I did try it bending several times (inwards and outwards) and it really feels sturdy.
Above is a photo of the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 side by side with the V-MODA XS. Both headphones share the same design, except for the sound signature and the size of the ear cups. There is one thing that these headphone can’t do. You can’t rotate the ear cups like what you can do with the Audio Technica ATH-M50x or Grado’s headphones. This makes it uncomfortable to wear around your neck since the ear cups of the M-100 is larger and will most probably in the way of your jaw.
