A few years
ago at DragonSteelMods we had the chance to review the V-MODA Vibe Duo headphones, which we found were designed more for style
than sound quality. Today we will look
at the Remix Remote, the latest offering from V-MODA.
These
earphones are designed for both stereo playback and as a hands free device for
cell phones. The in-line remote helps
the user control music playback and volume without having to handle one’s cell
phone or mp3 player.
The Remote
Remix is marketed towards the active mobile user with its solid construction,
detachable ear hooks and stylish design.
This time the
company focuses on style while attempting to offer a higher fidelity sound experience
Product Name: Remix Remote
Reviewed by: Tomas
Ratas
Sponsor: V-MODA
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
Don’t just hear the music, feel
it. With the Remix Remote, you get unparalleled sound clarity and vibrant bass
putting you in every song. Plus, you get control at your fingertips with the
integrated three-button remote and high fidelity microphone. Combining
all-metal craftsmanship with fashion-forward design, the Remix Remote is
lightweight and durable, perfect for the mobile lifestyle.
A three-button remote and high
fidelity, omni-directional microphone let you control the music playback,
volume, Voice Control and phone calls with ease. A newly tuned 9mm V-MASQUE
high definition dynamic driver creates the absolute in clarity alongside the
perfect balance of vibrant bass built in collaboration with pro musicians and
DJs. The BEATPORT air flow system delivers a high-definition sound stage,
invoking the sense of a live music or club experience. V-MODA’s revered BLISS
(Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicone) noise-isolating technology further reduces
outside noise and enables deep punchy bass for the ultimate audio experience.
At the gym, heading to the venue,
or walking down the street, the Remix Remote is designed for your mobile
lifestyle. Weighing only 17 grams, they are lightweight. Featuring all-metal
construction, the Remix Remote combines sleek design and durability. Our newly
developed medical-grade, soft silicone ear tips give you a comfortable and
secure fit while the detachable sport earhooks insure you don’t miss a beat
when you’re on the go, running or at the gym. With the Remix Remote, the
pinnacle experience of music is interwoven with supreme style in these premium
fashion-phones that sound as amazing as they look.
Unparalleled
Control And Sound
- Three-button remote and discrete microphone
- Newly tuned 9mm V-MASQUE HD neodymium dynamic
driver - BEAT-PORT air flow system delivers a
high-definition sound stage - V-MODA’s revered BLISS (Bass Level Isolating
Soft Silicone) noise-isolating technology further reduces outside noise
and enables deep punchy bass for the ultimate audio experience.
Universal
Compatibility
- Adjust the volume, control playback of your
music, record voice memos and answer calls - Remote and mic compatible with iPhone 3GS,
iPod shuffle (3rd gen), iPod touch (2nd gen), iPod nano (4rd gen), 120GB
iPod classic as well as MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Pro (2009 and
newer models) - Audio is supported by all iPod models and
devices with a 3.5mm jack - Compatible with Apple Voice Control and Voice
Over technology (iPhone 3GS and iPod shuffle 3rd gen) - iChat and Skype compatible
Ultimate
Ergonomic Comfort
- Newly designed medical-grade soft silicone
fittings - Patent Pending detachable sport earhooks with
Active Flex technology - Four pairs of both black and clear silicone
fittings (XS, S, M, L)
Built To
Last (see
details)
- Custom designed 2.2mm Kevlar reinforced cable
built 3x-10x stronger than normal cables. - 45 degree, 24k gold plated plug
- All metal construction headphones and
y-connector - Two year V-MODA premier warranty and lifetime
Replay Replacement program
Specs:
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 24 kHz
- Speaker Driver: 9mm V-MASQUE dynamic
technology, neodymium rare earth magnet - Cables: Kevlar reinforced, 32″ plug to
y-connector, 13.5″ even-length earphone cables - Plug: 45 degree, 24k gold-plated 3.5 mm
(1/8″) stereo plug - Weight: 17g
- Warranty: Two year V-MODA premier warranty
Compatibility
- Remix Remote headphones with three-button
remote and high fidelity, omni-directional microphone - Patent Pending detachable sport
earhooks with Active Flex technology - Four pairs (XS,S,M,L) of silicone ear fittings
in clear and black - Premium black carrying pouch
- Two-year V-MODA premier warranty
- Replay Replacement Program – 50% off lifetime
discount
Price: $48.98
(from Amazon at time of review)
A Better Look at Things
:
The V-MODA
Remix Remote comes in a black and red cardboard box with a plastic window displaying
the ear buds, three button remote and microphone. On the bottom left corner are the “Made for
iPhone” and “Made for iPod” logos meaning this product is Apple compatibility
approved. The back of the packaging
lists the features of the Remix Remote.
Opening the inner plastic blister package up we find the Remix Remote headphones, additional pairs of
black/grey silicone ear fittings (eight in total), a pair of detachable sport
ear hooks, a user manual and a carrying pouch. The Remix Remote comes in four color choices – Nero, Rouge, Chrome or Blush. For our review we received the Rouge, which
is the blood red and black version.
The Remix Remote are a set of low
profile earphones with a built in microphone and remote for use with most 3.5
mm plug based devices; they are primarily aimed for the Apple mobile device
market including the iPhone and iPod.
Features found in the Remix
Remote includes a 9mm V-MASQUE HD neodymium dynamic driver, a BEAT-PORT air
flow system designed to create a high-definition sound stage and BLISS (Bass
Level Isolating Soft Silicone) noise-isolating technology further reduces
outside noise while maintaining a strong bass.
Each earpiece is composed of a
red metallic casing with the V-MODA name imprinted on the side with a R or L on
the lower part of ear bud to differentiate which ear they insert into. Each earbud is composed of a medical grade
silicone fitting. There are four sizes
offered (XS,S,M,L) to fit most any ear canal.
Despite these silicone ear buds,
the grills of the earbud speakers are exposed and do run the risk of
accumulating earwax which can become a gross problem.
The cord is colored red with a rubbery feel which is Kevlar reinforced;
I wonder if this means the Remix Remote are bullet proof as well? One drawback to this rubbery texture is the
Remix Remote gets tangled up rather easily when coiling them up for storage.
The 24k gold-plated 3.5 mm
(1/8″) stereo plug reinforced by a hard black plastic covering rests
at a 45-degree angle helping keep tension off the plug. The shape of this plug allows it to fit most
devices including the unusually contoured iPad 2 headphone jack. Measuring from the plug to the Y-connector
the cord measures 32” with each earphone cable measuring 13.5”. The Remix Remote weighs in at 17 grams.
On the cord below the Y-connector we find the three-button remote and omni-directional microphone. Other earphone manufacturers like to place
the microphone on the right earphone cable side but V-MODA chose to keep the
microphone in the middle.
The remote is composed of metal
with a lustrous red finish; three rubbery buttons are used to control volume,
playback and muting. The V-MODA logo is
found opposite these buttons.
Below mic/remote is an adjustable
clip for optimal positioning for phone conversation use.
The included detachable sport ear
hooks allow the Remix Remote to be used while running or in the gym without the
risk of them falling out or becoming consistently dislodged. V-MODA includes a soft velvety carrying case
for storing the Remote Remix when not in use.
Testing and Comparison:
For testing the Remix Remote was used with several Apple devices
including the iPhone 4, iPod Touch, iPod Nano and MacBook Air.
Like most earphone style headsets the Remix Remote requires the ear buds
to sit fairly deep in the ear canal to obtain the best sound.
Depending on the shape of one’s ear canal will determine the user’s comfort
level. Using the default (medium) ear
buds, I found the Remix Remote comfortable to wear for long durations. My nine-year-old daughter was comfortable
using the small size ear buds. Thankfully, V-MODA provides plenty of size
options with the included sets of ear buds.
The earphones were pretty secure resting in my ear and the only time I
experienced issues with fit was when chewing food or gum. When exercising you may want to use the
included over the ear hooks; I did not have any problems using them regularly
while going to the gym.
As I mentioned previously the shape of the 3.5mm plug allowed it to fit
into most iDevice case openings and jack inputs, even the oddly angled iPad 2
jack. The angle of the cable from the
jack helps keep tension off the connection even when accidently yanking out the
headphones as sometimes happens.
Controlling the music device via the inline remote was
straightforward. The outer buttons
lowered and raised the volume, while the middle button either plays and pauses
music or answers and hangs up phone calls. The Remix Remote works flawlessly as a hands free headset.
The inline controlled sits rather low on the cables causing it to rest
under one’s clothing more times than not. Another issue with the inline controller sitting below the Y-connector
split is now the marking on each bud is the only way to differentiate the
earphone position.
Appearance wise the Remix Remote is very stylish and extremely well
designed. They are ruggedly built to
withstand more extreme conditions that other earphones would quickly show signs
of wear and tear. The metal components
help accent the sleek style of the Remix Remote while the Kevlar reinforced
cables protect the wire insertion with the earbuds and 3.5 mm adapter.
In terms of sound quality the Remix Remote is designed for those who
prefer their music on the “boomier” side. The bass is definitely the most
prominent component of the Remix Remote’s sound stage. Music such as hip hop and more recent
releases sound acceptable but once you go towards the softer spectrum such as
blues and jazz, the acoustic limitations of the V-MODA’s become pronounced as
that music tends to sound flat.
They are a vast improvement over the stock Apple ear buds in both sound
and build quality but compared to similar priced “cans” from Shure or
Senheisser, the V-MODA one’s come up short. Pitted against the V-MODA Vibe Duo, the Remix Remotes sound much fuller
and more crisp, so V-MODA has made strives in improving the sound of their
earphones.
Summary:
The Remix
Remote continues V-MODA’s trend of creating stylish and functional
headsets. They are designed to withstand
the rigors of long terms use while looking good at the same time. The $99 price point makes it a mid price pair
of earphones.
The main drawback to these earphones is the sound quality. Although much better sounding than the stock
Apple earphones, they do sound less impressive when compared to some of the
better known brands. The Remix Remote
offers a bass heavy sound which most modern music favors but those who listen
to jazz or softer fare of music then these “cans” may not quite fit the
bill.
DragonSteelMods gives the V-MODA Remix Remote a 4 out of 5 score.
Pros:
+Well designed
+Integrated microphone/remote
+Solid construction
+Stylish Appearance
+Plenty of cable length
+Comfortable.
Cons:
-Bass Heavy
-Flat sound stage
review# 695
Disclosure: This product was given to DragonSteelMods for review
by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment
for the review; we do not, never have, and never will, accept payment from
companies to review their products.
To learn more about our review policy, testing methods and ratings
please see this page.