Sol Republic has just released their new headphones called the Master Tracks XC which are a new edition of the original Master Tracks we reviewed earlier this year. These Master Tracks XC headphones sport the same build quality and characteristics as the original, but the sound quality was specifically tuned by famed-producer Calvin Harris for better sound reproduction and accuracy. DJbooth.net team-member Nathan was sent a set of these new headphones to give them a quick mini-review to see how they perform for your average music enthusiast. Check out his write-up and our original Master Tracks video review below.
Sol Republic Master Tracks XC Review
Today’s headphones are largely all about turning up the volume, about blowing away your eardrums by pushing everything. But louder isn’t always better. In the process of turning up the bass to seismic levels, many of the nuances of the music, nuances that can make all the difference, can be lost.
That’s why Sol Republic created its new Master Tracks line, which will be appreciated by more connoisseur music lovers and may perhaps even prove essential to professionals who need to accurately mix their work outside of the studio. It certainly helps that the Master Tracks were co-created by DJ and producer Calvin Harris, for whom accurate audio is essential, and it shows. Beyond the often fetishized-bass, which is solid on these headphones but not earth-shatter, mid-range tones on the Master Tracks are crisp and the vocals are especially clear.
In terms of fit and comfort, the Master Tracks feature the same removable headphone design as all Sol Republic headphones, which frankly takes a little getting used to, but ultimately can provide a more fitted feel. In addition, small touches like a screw-in holder for adapters built into the headphone jack can make a big difference.
Ultimately, these aren’t headphones for the average, casual fan, but they were never intended to be. They’re for people who either pay such close attention to audio that they’d rather hear snares snap than overwhelming bass, and professionals for whom being able to accurately judge mixes outside of the studio is essential.
The Master Tracks XC are available now via
.
Check out our original
for more information.