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Skullcandy Mix Master Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Skullcandy Mix Master review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Good

4.8

Poor

6.3

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.9
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
4.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.9
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
9.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Skullcandy Mix Master is an over-ear DJ headphone featuring proprietary 50mm Mylar drivers with neodymium magnets, delivering a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz and a sensitivity of 102dB. Its primary characteristics include professional-grade 'Cue Control' that automatically mono-mixes audio when an earcup is pivoted, a one-touch mute button for instant environment monitoring, and dual-sided detachable cable inputs. Pros include a lightweight 270g build, plush memory foam ear pillows, and a comprehensive accessory package featuring both a coiled DJ cable and a straight Mic3 cable with an inline remote. However, some users have noted cons such as a plastic-heavy construction prone to headband cracking over time, a high clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, and slightly shallow ear cups that can lead to ear contact with the internal driver grilles.

Technical Specifications of Skullcandy Mix Master

Overall score

5.1

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.0

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

6.6

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

4.1

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

4.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

6.7

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Skullcandy

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Skullcandy Mix Master vs the average headphone

Why is Skullcandy Mix Master better than the average headphone?

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10 mm larger driver size
Skullcandy Mix Master uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Mix Master uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
0.25 % lower distortion
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.05 % vs 0.3 %
On-device controls
Skullcandy Mix Master includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Mix Master includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Skullcandy Mix Master includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Mix Master includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Skullcandy Mix Master has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Mix Master has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Quick mic mute
Skullcandy Mix Master includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Mix Master includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Play while charging
Skullcandy Mix Master can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
What it is: Can be used while charging
When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.
Importance: LOW
Skullcandy Mix Master can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
Foldable design
Skullcandy Mix Master has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
10 mm larger driver size
Skullcandy Mix Master uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.25 % lower distortion
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
Play while charging
Skullcandy Mix Master can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
On-device controls
Skullcandy Mix Master includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Skullcandy Mix Master includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Skullcandy Mix Master includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Skullcandy Mix Master worse than the average headphone?

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23.9% higher weight
Skullcandy Mix Master is heavier than the average headphone (270 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
5 mm tighter earcup height
Skullcandy Mix Master has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Mix Master has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
8 dB lower max SPL
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
7 years older release date
Skullcandy Mix Master was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
December 2010
23.9% higher weight
Skullcandy Mix Master is heavier than the average headphone (270 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Skullcandy Mix Master is heavier than the average headphone (270 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.270 g vs 218 g
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Skullcandy Mix Master has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Skullcandy Mix Master has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
5 mm tighter earcup height
Skullcandy Mix Master has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Skullcandy Mix Master has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.55 mm vs 60 mm
27.1% lower user score
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.29 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.29 vs 8.000).6.29 vs 8
2.89x more expensive
Skullcandy Mix Master is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
Skullcandy Mix Master is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
7 years older release date
Skullcandy Mix Master was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
December 2010
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Skullcandy Mix Master was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2010 vs 2017
6.6% worse value for money
Skullcandy Mix Master has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.32 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Skullcandy Mix Master has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.32 vs 6.736).6.32 vs 6.74
8 dB lower max SPL
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Skullcandy Mix Master has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.102 dB vs 110 dB

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Mix Master and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Mix Master?

Aggressive and punchy sound signature well-suited for modern genres like hip-hop and electronic
Rich accessory package including a collapsible hard case, cleaning cloth, and dual cables
Unique DJ-specific features like 'Cue Control' (mono mixing when an earcup is twisted) and a built-in mute button
Ambidextrous cable inputs allowing the cord to be plugged into either the left or right earcup
Extremely efficient drivers that reach high volume levels easily even on portable devices
Secure and lightweight fit that stays in place during vigorous movement
Soft memory foam padding on both the earcups and the headband

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Mix Master?

Questionable build quality with frequent reports of the plastic headband cracking over time
Shallow earcups that can cause discomfort as ears press against the hard internal driver grilles
Average noise isolation that behaves more like a semi-open headphone than a fully sealed one
Soundstage lacks depth and spatial cues are often delivered too 'upfront'
Glossy plastic finish is a significant 'fingerprint magnet' and can easily show scuffs
High retail price compared to professional-grade alternatives from established audio brands

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

08/07/2012

Skullcandy x Mix Master Mike Mix Master Headphones

The Skullcandy x Mix Master Mike headphones offer an aggressive, energetic sound tailored for bass-centric genres, featuring tight low-end, impressive instrument separation, and a balanced midrange, according to the Head-Fi review. However, the acoustic performance is marred by a noticeable roll-off in high frequencies, resulting in a lack of treble energy. Head-Fi.orgDesigned for...Read more

head-fi.org

03/04/2012

Review: Skullcandy Mix Master – Duality

The Head-Fi review highlights the Skullcandy Mix Master as having an aggressive sound, featuring punchy bass, high efficiency for mobile devices, and DJ-focused features like the "Cue Control" monauralization system. However, the headphones suffer from poor long-term comfort due to shallow earcups that allow ears to touch internal plastics, along with a fragile, creak-prone...Read more

witchdoctor.co.nz

11/04/2012

Skullcandy Mix Master Headphones REVIEW

The Witchdoctor review of the Skullcandy Mix Master headphones highlights a DJ-focused design featuring an ambidextrous 3.5mm input system, two specialized cables (one with an inline remote, one coiled), and practical, high-gloss aesthetics. Performance-oriented features include a useful on-ear mute button and a mechanism that monauralizes the audio signal when an ear cup is...Read more

headphoneslab.com

01/04/2020

Skullcandy Mix Master Mike Over-Ear DJ Headphones Review Are you looking for comparisons between the original Mix Master and other contemporary DJ hea...

The Skullcandy Mix Master Mike Over-Ear DJ Headphones, designed in collaboration with the famous hip-hop DJ, deliver an energetic and aggressive sound signature characterized by prominent bass and forward mid frequencies, making them excellent for hip-hop and electronic music. Intended for professional and semi-professional use, they offer unique DJ-centric features like Cue...Read more

theheadphonelist.com

09/06/2014

Skullcandy Mix Master Review

The Skullcandy Mix Master is a flashy yet highly functional flagship DJ headphone developed with American DJ Mix Master Mike, priced at a retail MSRP of $299.99. A major pro of this headset is its rich feature set, which includes an automatic stereo-to-mono "Cue Control" system for single-ear monitoring, a dual-state mute button, an ambidextrous cable input, and a generous lifetime...Read more

whathifi.com

27/01/2014

Skullcandy Mix Master review

The Skullcandy Mix Master headphones are a high-end collaboration with DJ Mix Master Mike, but they fail to justify their high price tag. On the positive side, these headphones provide ample volume and a very punchy, energetic sound. They also offer a secure grip with soft ear pads, though the cups can make your ears feel a bit too warm. However, the headphones suffer from major...Read more

djmag.com

25/07/2012

I Want Skullcandy!

The DJ Mag review of the Skullcandy Mix Master headphones evaluates the company's high-end, celebrity-endorsed model backed by Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys. Priced at a hefty £249.00, these lightweight headphones lean heavily into DJ-specific functionality and aim for a more professional crowd than standard consumer models. The sound profile delivers a loud, dynamic...Read more

wired.com

06/03/2012

Review: Skullcandy Mix Master Mike DJ Headphones

Review Overview The Skullcandy Mix Master Mike headphones are designed specifically for DJs but carry an egregiously high $300 price tag, earning them a mediocre 5/10 rating from WIRED. Developed in collaboration with the Beastie Boys' DJ, these lightweight and comfortable headphones deliver a well-balanced, loud sound with up-front bass and percussion suitable for live gigs. They...Read more

stereophile.com

18/11/2011

Skullcandy Mix Master

The Skullcandy Mix Master headphones, designed with DJ Mix Master Mike, offer a secure, lightweight fit with comfortable padding and innovative, DJ-centric features like ambidextrous inputs and an automatic monauralizing flip-up ear cup. While praised for functionality, the design is criticized for its bulky, high-gloss "Darth Vader" aesthetic and audible, creaky hinge mechanisms....Read more

wired.com

06/05/2010

Review: Skullcandy Mix Master Headphones

The WIRED review of the Skullcandy Mix Master Headphones rates the DJ-centric gear a mediocre 6 out of 10, concluding that the product's aesthetic design far outshines its actual performance. On the positive side, the review highlights several unique features, such as the ability to connect a straight or coiled cable to separate jacks on either the left or right ear cup, a...Read more

bonedo.de

11/12/2013

Skullcandy Mix Master Review

Review Summary The Skullcandy Mix Master is a closed-back DJ headphone developed in collaboration with legendary Beastie Boys DJ Mix Master Mike, initially launching at an MSRP of €300. Weighing a remarkably light 120 grams, it features large 50mm dynamic drivers inside 90mm ear cups, providing a punchy mid-range and finely detailed bass response, though it lacks some high-end...Read more

welt.de

12/12/2018

Headphones from Beats, Sony, and Skullcandy reviewed - Sound, look, comfort

The WELT review of Sony, Beats, and Skullcandy headphones highlights that the Sony model excels in noise-canceling and comfort with good padding, despite a slightly artificial sound, bulky design, and non-intuitive controls. Conversely, the Beats model offers superior sound and style but fails on comfort with a tight fit causing pain, alongside only mediocre noise dampening. WELTThe...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

20/12/2012

Skullcandy Mix Master Review - Les Numériques

The Skullcandy Mix Master headphones received a 4 out of 5 rating for delivering a balanced, high-quality audio performance that breaks away from typical celebrity-branded, bass-heavy alternatives. Architected in collaboration with Mix Master Mike, the headphones feature 90-degree rotating ear cups with an automatic spring-return system and a dedicated mute button tailored...Read more

lydogbillede.dk

27/05/2015

REVIEW: Skullcandy Mix Master - Sound & Vision

The Skullcandy Mix Master is a pair of professional over-ear DJ headphones designed in a 1.5-year collaboration with Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys. The reviewer notes that they deliver an impressively neutral and well-balanced sound profile suitable for remixers and creators, rather than the heavily artificial, bass-heavy sound common in consumer models. The mid-range...Read more

Video reviews

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