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SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£200
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

6.6

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 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

  • 1.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.6

    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

  • 5.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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  • sol-republic-master-tracks-xc
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £200

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The SOL Republic Master Tracks XC are circumaural, closed-back headphones studio-tuned by Calvin Harris, featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response and 32-ohm impedance. Characterised by a modular 'Sound Engine' design and a virtually indestructible FlexTech headband, they provide punchy bass and clear vocals suitable for electronic and pop music. Main pros include a highly durable and flexible construction, a comfortable over-ear fit with plush SonicSoft cushions, and a versatile dual-cable system that includes a 6-foot coiled pro cable with a 1/4-inch adapter. However, cons include a non-folding design that limits portability, potential sound leakage at higher volumes, and a sculpted sound profile that may lack the high-mid detail required for some professional monitoring or non-electronic genres.

Technical Specifications of SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.5
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a technical score of 4.51 points, which is lower than that of 72% of products in this category.
User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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.

Score components:

60.0%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

6.0
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 82.8% of products in this category.
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

no
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

20 Hz
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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

no
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
Show more
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

wired
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

yes
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

SOL Republic
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

243 g
SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc weighs 243 g, heavier than 59.4% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
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

?
Show more

SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc vs the average headphone

  • 22,000 Hz higher treble extension
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.42000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • In-line controls
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc 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

    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 22,000 Hz higher treble extension
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • In-line controls
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 11.5% higher weight
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is heavier than the average headphone (243 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4 years older release date
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2013
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc 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

    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc 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
  • 4.65x less popular
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 11.5% higher weight
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is heavier than the average headphone (243 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

    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is heavier than the average headphone (243 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.243 g vs 218 g
  • 12.3% worse value for money
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.00 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.
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.00 vs 6.736).6 vs 6.74
  • 2.22x more expensive
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).£200 vs £90
  • 4 years older release date
    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2013
    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

    SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc?

  • Professional sound tuning by Calvin Harris providing balanced and sonically accurate audio
  • Virtually indestructible FlexTech headband that can withstand heavy abuse
  • Modular design allows for easy replacement of headbands, cables, and ear cups
  • Highly comfortable over-ear fit with plush SonicSoft cushions suitable for long sessions
  • Includes both a long pro-coiled cable with a 'never-lose' adapter and a mobile-friendly cable with an inline mic

What customers dislike about SOL Republic Master Tracks Xc?

  • High price point compared to standard Master Tracks models
  • Bulky design that does not fold or collapse for easy travel
  • High-mid and treble frequencies can lack detail or feel slightly retracted
  • Ear pads can generate heat during extended use
  • Inline remote functionality is fully optimized for Apple devices only, limiting Android control

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
30/10/2013
Sol Republic Master Tracks XC Studio - Tuned by Calvin Harris

The Head-Fi review of the SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks XC highlights a re-engineered design featuring improved comfort via memory foam ear pads, alongside a rugged, modular, and interchangeable headband system. While build quality and comfort are noted as major pros, the review describes the overall sound signature as heavily over-tuned. The primary cons involve a "dark" and muddy...Read more

T
technobaboy.com
11/06/2014
Review: Sol Republic Master Tracks XC - Technobaboy

Review Summary The Sol Republic Master Tracks XC is a studio-tuned headphone collaboration with artist Calvin Harris designed to deliver professional sound quality from the studio to the street. A major design pro is its fully modular, three-part disassembled construction consisting of interchangeable ear cups, a highly durable matte FlexTech headband, and detachable cables, making...Read more

S
soundvisionreview.com
22/04/2014
SOL Republic Master Tracks XC Review - SoundVisionReview

The SOL Republic Master Tracks XC is an over-ear headphone model fine-tuned by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, built with a highly durable, flexible headband and interchangeable components. On the positive side, the review highlights its exciting dynamics, strong punch, and generous bass response, making it exceptionally well-suited for electronic, pop, rap, and dance music. The package...Read more

D
djbooth.net
14/11/2013
Sol Republic Master Tracks XC Headphones - DJBooth.net

The Sol Republic Master Tracks XC headphones are an upgraded edition of the original Master Tracks, specifically tuned by famed producer Calvin Harris to provide high-quality sound reproduction and accuracy. Built with professionals and audio connoisseurs in mind, these headphones shift the focus away from overwhelming, earth-shattering bass to prioritize musical nuances. They...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
05/11/2013
Sol Republic Master Tracks XC headphones Studio Tuned by Calvin Harris

The Sol Republic Master Tracks XC, tuned by Calvin Harris, are praised for their exceptional sound quality and durable modular design. The review highlights a "fast" and "tight" bass response that provides plenty of power without muddying the clear vocals and crisp high-end, making them ideal for modern pop and dance music. Physically, they offer a comfortable "head-clamp" fit with...Read more

S
stadt-bremerhaven.de
16/11/2013
Sol Republic Master Tracks XC review

The Caschys Blog review highlights the Sol Republic Master Tracks XC as a strong premium contender in the €200 price bracket, especially noting its sound tuning by electronic music producer Calvin Harris. The standout feature of these over-ear headphones is their exceptionally clean, distortion-free audio profile across all volume levels and genres, from rock and hip-hop to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
16/12/2013
Sol Republic Master Tracks XC

The Sol Republic Master Tracks XC over-ear headphones, created in collaboration with famed DJ and producer Calvin Harris, are highlighted in this ON-mag review as a premium upgrade to the standard Master Tracks model. The pros of this model include an incredibly attractive sound profile that manages to deliver vibrant, engaging performance without relying on artificial enhancements...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
03/10/2013
Sol Republic MasterTracks XC: best price - Les Numériques

The Les Numériques review awards the Sol Republic MasterTracks XC headphones a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The evaluation highlights the device's unique, highly customizable modular structure as a major design benefit, noting that it is remarkably easy to assemble and put into action. Additionally, the review praises the over-ear headphones for providing high levels of wearing...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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