Slate VSX - BUYER BEWARE

In this video, I cover my experiences with the fundamentally flawed Slate VSX Headphones. As mentioned in the video, the Slate customer service team were fantastic, however the hardware unit design does not appear fit for purpose.

[@cauchemarchemin]

That is crazy. For anyone interested, I've had a pair of Sennheiser HD650s for 6 years - constant daily use and no issues at all.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

They have cracked because the music you write is so epic!

[@Pieter_Auper]

I love that you are not a fanboy and speak out when companies are lying. A very rare trait in content creators these days.

[@JM_2019]

Who lied? Slate confirmed they had issues.

[@RickMcGuireMusic]

5 pairs, sheesh. Was just looking into these, but will probably just stick to my DT 990s

[@NRVE8]

I just bought these, and their amazing. I think this guy just puts headphones on in a weird way. But he's not the first or last to say these break easily. I was concerned about this too but it seems the customer service is incredible so..

[@paulwolff8305]

Have you tried the new version 4 release? I think you should try it. Also they have refunded and replaced 100% of every broken headphones with new ones and the issues have been fixed. I think it would be nice to amend your video to show the fact that it's been fixed, and that they took is extremely seriously and replaced anyone that wanted them replaced with no argument, which in todays times, is unusual on it's own.

[@PhilipValdesMusic]

It very rarely breaks but they've redesigned it twice? Why redesign if they don't keep breaking

[@grantfloering]

Software and the sound is pretty spot on, but yeah my first pair broke within a couple months, and I've been rocking the replacement since. I have to tell myself everytime I put them on to be EXTRA CAREFUL.

[@onnooo]

Just for balance. Still on my first pair of founder edition. Working like a charm

[@adl0815]

Same here. Still hope it stays that way. 🙄

[@stevebelgrave]

Same here 1900 series

[@NshtaiN]

+++ Im on 1900 with metal

[@TomaShh_Kunysz]

Same Here. No problems at all

[@danhun7355]

You said it yourself, you have the FOUNDER EDITION!!!! Those are clearly crafter with different material, but probably was more expensive so they cut the cost and now the building quality of the headphones is shit

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

Surprised you didn’t have to send the broken pairs back.

[@fozzee6999]

All the headphones I've ever owned have had that bit, that's breaking, made out metal. Why would they make it out of plastic ? Cost ?

[@TrueRemnantMusic]

Wow! Funny thing is I was really considering them throughout the entirety of this week. (Literally was about to purchase them yesterday after checking out some KZbin reviews of them as well as FB reviews). But for some reason I couldn’t pull myself to do it, and it wasn’t because of the results of the software but the build quality was something I kept hearing of repetitively as a con factor. Guess I’ll use the Audiotechnica ATH-M40x in the meantime while I look at other options like Beyer and Seinheiser.

[@hellfire9990]

It's true - I did not believe that such a well-known company would produce a defective product. I bought VSX headphones and they broke after a month

[@Momo_story_official]

It seems to be a song that warms the heart. Have a happy Christmas

[@deleted0000ere]

I was about to buy today. thanks for KZbin and this video i wont bother. Saved my money

[@elijahmant2855]

Not nice to have to do video's like this, but an absolute necessary. Thanks for sharing your reality, Man.

[@RapidFlow_Shop]

Ouch, this will do some damage to the brand :/ It just looks so bad when you see them lying there lined up. In all fairness, I have a founders edition 1900 series that is fine. It seems I have metal on the outside of the part that broke here... Did someone cut costs and decide to remove it on a later run? Steven Slate himself has gone on the Gearslutz thread to say if people experience breakage Slate will replace no questions asked. To be honest I love the way these sound and they are the best mixing tool I have ever used,, together with Console 1, but man they make me nervous knowing their tendency to break. Hope the 2300 series has this solved once and for all. If just one of those breaks Slate is in trouble with this product...

[@DonnaMarieSongsOfficial]

Thanks for the video. I was about to purchase some, so plenty of research and came across this. I will hang fire until a stronger, better made unit arrives, especially with that price tag ! Cheers

[@tayzonday]

Wow! This is damning. I just got my first VSX after four months of backorder. Now I’m wondering if I should just flip them on eBay. Nobody has time for this!

[@yosemitesam9679]

Chocolate rain! Holy smokes, you were my hero back in high school. Good to see you're still around.

[@atenville]

If your serial number is 23xxxxxx, then you should be good. They are new design, quality of materials greatly improved.

[@crackityjones777]

* I open the headphones gently as I put them on my head, to stop them from breaking* "Oh vxs paaaaiiiin!"

[@alfredwatkins]

@@atenville kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOvY2N6fNepe9E

[@Dirk_Ehlert]

Fair video and I hope they re-think the way they have'em designed. I may have been lucky, I have a 19 model which seems to have metal instead of plastic. Nearly a year in and absolutely no issues.

[@elpatoloco808]

The new replacement headphones have a metal band that fixes this. And they are covered by Slate for free.

[@Staykool777]

Hi have the 2700 series purchased circa April 2023.They are sturdy. Slates customer service is awesome

[@francolupo23]

I think Dirk Ehlert still has his first pair. Correct me if I‘m wrong, Dirk. Mine are still fine too. I think you should give them yet another chance, Daniel. :)

[@WayneParker]

Wow. Thanks for the info. Clearly it's a manufacturing issue.

[@joeljohansson6097]

I broke one pair and they sent me out a replacement that has a metal strip where it was previously only plastic. I'm pretty confident these won't break, but you never know.

[@jonathanhammer6437]

How are these holding up now, 6 months later?

[@joeljohansson6097]

@@jonathanhammer6437 I've had no issues so far! Since they now have a metal strip i feel pretty safe.

[@jamdonut7692]

Wow, that's insane! I must admit i'll never need another set of headphones since i got my Avantone Pro MP1 cans, they're awesome!

[@stupidusername38]

This is why I've put off buying them for a long time, I've read on Gearslutz so many users praising the software yet disappointed in the hardware because of their high fail ratio. I was getting close to purchasing a pair hoping that these 2200/2300 sets were more durable. But 5 pairs is ridiculous and the fact that they've replaced them 5 times says to me that it costs peanuts to manufacture them, that's how they'll still be able to make a profit even though they've sent you 5 replacement pairs at no cost to you. They are £479 in the UK yet I bet they cost no more than £10 to make.

[@frequency_sequencer]

I was in sales for a big pro audio brand ... You have no idea that most things actually have that amount of profit margins

[@stupidusername38]

@@frequency_sequencer it doesn't surprise me at all.

[@oinkooink]

The actual phones look cheap. I haven't seen them for real but just from pics they appear pretty cheap looking to me. And you make a great point...they replace the hell out of these headphones...so yep, they must cost peanuts. Cutting edge tech yeah right.

[@oinkooink]

The cable for example is as cheap looking as the day is long. And we are expected to pay hundreds of dollars. Steven Slate loves money, not audio.

[@MOSMASTERING]

Hey, mine broke too! I do love them however so I think its worth waiting until they get the design sorted as the actual drivers and software are fantastic. I'm using a high end DAC with super high powered headphone amp and the pairing is phenomenal. I'm getting great mixes and that's all that counts. It is a design flaw in the earlier serial numbers. I'm awaiting my replacements. I Having said that, your headphones look pretty battered to be honest! No dig though, as I have a special soft headphone stand that they're left on after using them. So I was pretty unhappy that mine broke considering that I've never looked after a piece of studio gear more than these. As the centerpiece for my entire studio its important I keep them as clean and carefully looked after as possible. My founders edition sticker is peeling off and they've never been in the case - they go from my head to the stand and that's it.

[@MOSMASTERING]

@MiyaDV I do have both the old pair and they sent me a new pair, and I do use Windows.

[@FrancoMaldonado96]

Thanks for the honnest review bro! I see this video has 2 years... Any opinion today?

[@composingtips]

My first one broke after just a little bit less than 1 year. Slate replaced it with a VSX 2. It broke after 2 weeks. Even though the hardware/software integration is good, you definitely can't rely on it. It broke mid-project and that was painful.

[@DragonBiscuit]

Wow… that’s ridiculous. Sennheiser HDs with Sonarworks or Acustica Audio’s calibrated correction - can’t go wrong. Plus the Sennheiser cans are so very comfortable. Their greed has no limits - Slate should have offered you a refund after the 2nd pair broke. Thank you for making this video

[@montazownianr1]

Sennheiser HDs are comfortable but not good for mixing AKG are.

[@chrisrevel2801]

The acustica headphone stuff is atrocious ! Sounds like a comb filter

[@DragonBiscuit]

@@chrisrevel2801 I disagree but to each their own. I will admit that it sounds bad if you adjust and use the modeled rooms. I just choose my model headphones 🎧 and leave it flat

[@DragonBiscuit]

@@montazownianr1 I have both and ultimately prefer the Sennheisers. Not as flat, but still better overall, especially after correction. People like Andrew Scheps are mixing on $100 Sony cans without correction and killing it so like always it’s what we do with the tools at the end of the day that matters. AKGs are pretty darn comfortable as well 👍

[@UncleBenjs]

The Sennheiser cables go bad after a couple of years.. my hd800s cable gave up and started falling apart, looking it up I found out plenty of others have the same issue. Replacement cable costs £200, unless I get one made by someone else which is what I will do. Fixed it with tape for now but I will need to replace the cable at some point.

[@davidsiegel4494]

Daniel, thanks for posting an honest video. No doubt they’ll fix this issue in V2. For now I will stay away!

[@lab-by-the-sea]

Have Sennheisers from the 70s and 80s and DT990 Pro from around 2000 but never had one breaking,i do it like you on 1 ear too,very strange!

[@Cloudjump3r]

Thanks DJ! I appreciate the honesty and fair points. I had also been eyeing these for a while and now think maybe I'll wait a bit longer ir find something else ;)

[@DaveZnoise]

Interesting.. I wonder if I lucked out. I have a serial 19 series which has metal bands for the sides. I haven't had any issues...

[@_bisty]

Have one of the newer models - still within my 'risk-free' 30 days. Audio interface took an unfortunate tumble less than 17 inches off the ground, bending the cable and adapter. Said they won't replace it. Wishing I had 5 spare models lying around about now. 🤣

[@BrianSladek]

I bought VSX when it first came out. The headphones have been rock solid and have dropped them several times without issue. With that said it is clear their is a group of people who have issues and I feel a good company should not have these kind of problems. I agree their is a design flaw. When a product is created it has to take into account multiple testing and variables to minimize this type of thing. I think Slate may have rushed the release. PROS of the VSX: Flat frequency response, pleasant to listen to, emulations are fun. CONS: Feel cheap in terms of build quality, you are paying for the sound, I never really use the emulations- I rely on my Genelic 8330A speakers with the room correction software (these are mind blowing). Would I buy these headphones again? For $200 yes, for $400 nope

[@ignite137]

A headband made of plastic, is asking for trouble… Why not metal? My Sennheiser Drop 6XX are of this material and I have no issue or whatsoever. It's sad for such a great company. I hope they will sort this problem out by making the entire headband out of metal.

[@marekdyjor]

"A headband made of plastic" in headphones worth 500$

[@AbhijeetPadhi]

Gah this just happened to me and I was gutted - especially because the software is so great. Thanks for your video, I've just reached out to support. Going to try and "fix" my broken pair with some tape and a piece of metal. Anyone else got any ideas? :(

[@eraser101YT]

At that price would it really kill them to throw a bit of stainless steel in the arm? It reminds me of my Sennheiser HD800s. Great headphones I've had for years, the headband is sturdy with stainless steel arms. However they came with a ridiculously bad cable, the rubber coating totally disintegrated in less than a year and I had to buy an expensive high quality aftermarket replacement. It's unacceptable at that price range to be cheaping out on a core component.

[@zazoomatt]

Dang now 3-3034 just got a pair and I argue that IK Multimedia's ARC 4 Studio is WHY I will send these Slate VSX Headphones BACK ! At the same Price you get a microphone & a Hardware box external once you got your room measured. Studio's treated best I would Go (ROT) this IK System came out the week I bought the Blooming Headphones !

[@wildeocean]

I was about to buy these but something was holding be back and now I know

[@BIG_PASTA]

The new ones are metal and don't have this issue - he should update this video...

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this video man, I was about to jump on a pair to replace my two pair of Focals that broke the same, it's a no for me!

[@rodneycosta]

Indeed is super week, I got my second one, and now I treat it as a fine cristal material. It sucks! Completely fail build.

[@cedricmialaret3300]

Unfortunately, this is a common problem in $$$ headphones. My Sony 300 € wireless headphone didn't last 6 months, a "Pro" Focal didn't last a year, and the most expensive "gaming" Sennheiser lasted a few months. And I can tell you, I don't receive 4 replacements in a row. So I'm keeping trusty ATH-M50x, the only one I can use on a daily basis for years.

[@iseeu-fp9po]

A lot of people have raised their concern over the build quality of these headphones. I have a 1900-pair and haven't had this issue. Don't know if that's just me being particularly carefull with my investment or that particular batch being sturdier, but I did manage to break off a small plastic piece that held one the speakers, (now held together by gaffers tape), on my Sony WH-1000XM3 one time when removing them from my head, so I don't know.

[@famousarmystudio]

I had this happen to me on some high end Focals for 2 pairs and then they sent me a 3 pair direct and they broke. These looks almost exactly like the Focals and I wonder if they are being made in the same plant with different branding.

[@rudigerk]

Welcome to the Club. I am now on my 2nd Pair. Love the Concept but as you said poor Quality so far. I still hope they will come up with a durable solution. Maybe too optimistic, i know.

[@andrewmack4829]

I was on the fence about buying them, but now I'm not sure. I want the technology behind them because I don't have the best room to mix in. My Audio Technica headphones I used when DJing have been so solid. They use metal at that joint and most of the flex is in the bow at the top. I think you're right on the problem being the design not allowing enough flex at the bow and putting too much pressure on the joints (which probably shouldn't be plastic).

[@noelsanger]

I got a pair 23 series a few weeks ago, so far so good!

[@christianrudolfpetrak4544]

mine just broke 23....

[@noelsanger]

@@christianrudolfpetrak4544 mine are working great and changed my mixing life. maybe I am more careful than the average user, who knows.

[@noelsanger]

that said, they hang on the side of my desk when not in use. I'm not even putting them away in the case.

[@noelsanger]

I've also used the same HD650's for a decade, only replacing the cable and pads. so maybe it's me. damn lol

[@pulseobsidian]

Thanks for the headsup!

[@johnfraserlongley]

Think I’ll stick with Audeze and Sennheiser, sorry to hear how widespread this problem is.

[@aro7975]

If you are rocking Audeze's you probably don't need to consider these Lol. Depending on what model but still

[@RP14_Music]

I’ve had mine for a year no issues yet

[@RP14_Music]

@MiyaDV I do and I’m on windows and Mac.

[@Barncore]

The newer models of VSX have a metal band instead now. I guess they got sick of having to replace so many headphones

[@savingsoul]

Breaking 5 pairs? I don’t know man, you just gonna be extra careful with them

[@leandrobremer-music]

I agree that they did cut corners. Mine arrived yesterday. Quality wise same as Mackie's 80€ headphones.

[@SeanWyseman]

The pair I recently bought, 2600 series, has placed a stainless steel springy band now attached to the plastic piece so that the plastic cannot break know. HOWEVER - I had the same problems with support that you did. Being treated like it was my fault was a bummer but they always flippantly insinuated that I had to be the problem. Took an ENTIRE 2 days to get the product registered so that I could set the headphones up with the software that's required. Finally it turned out that, despite giving them the email address I wanted to use - their system grabbed my email address from my ilok account & associated those two together & got rid of the email address I'd used to make my account. That effectively left me with a 2nd account with the headphone activation in it - but they never said they were switching to it. After putting me through two days of hassle & wasted time - when it was evident their system caused the problem - they never once acknowledged that or apologized - despite ALL the staff at sweetwater I dealt with - could not stop them from apologizing. Then I find out after going through all that crap - that you can't listen to these as VSX headphones on your iPhone or tablet unless you have a DAW - because the entire software program that makes these "special" is in a plugin. If you buy these - they don't tell you this in advance. So I contacted support & asked how to listen to music on them without a DAW & a computer. He said that was not possible. I found that so difficult to believe that I wrote back expressing my disbelief & disappointment with them not saying this at point of sale instead of letting you find out these are useless as shit without a computer, an approved DAW, & IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LISTEN TO MUSIC they will tell you to go buy one of 3 applications they approve of. However 2 of the links didn't work & took me to these trash sites that are full of crap & tons of advertising jumping out at you - that has nothing to do with software to fix their bloody headphones so they work like they should. Two of the links didn't work - Plus if you buy that 3rd party software & there's problems with it - Slate takes no responsibility. I'd love to share some adjectives about the attitude at Slate but I'll keep this professional so I'll spare the adjectives. Suffice to say I was prematurely impressed with Slate's business before I got to experience their support. Slate is good at marketing, even great at it, but - support wise - if your problem is not a cookie cutter one - you're going to have trouble with them. I personally find their attitude about support to be smug - so that if you have a legit problem their smugness makes them believe YOU are the problem. That is exactly what happened to me - & it appears you had the identical thing happen to you. Slate is so busy cheerleading his staff to believe in the greatness of him & his company that they are incapable of believing that a problem could have been caused by Slate Inc. or whatever it's called. It appears that they have a couple of "approved" streaming services - so that you have to sign up for one of those if you want to listen to music. I want to listen to my own mp3's while plugged into my phone, my computer, my tablet, or whatever has music on it. I can't do that unless I want the headphones to sound like any other off-the-rack 200.00 - 300.00 headphones. I'm guessing he set this up to trap people into giving him affiliate commissions on streaming revenue - which must be the reason he did not make them for listening to multiple devices. ONLY computers with DAWS can use these to their full effectiveness. Otherwise I might as well have bought the DT770's and left it at that. But after losing two days these headphones owe me a minimum of 1000.00.

[@illnoyz5054]

The newest models are made with a metal band id say you played a roll in the redesign

[@mewetea119]

Happend to me too .. New meal versions are suppose to be coming in April '22. so ive heard.

[@andyanderson6455]

Wow I just bought some... looks like the Fex Return label might need to get ready. Is Slate even taking care of customers regarding this?

[@marios7480]

24 is what you want… anything before that will break regardless of plastic… 22 and 23 had a different plastic compound, 24 the metal seems solid… Great customer service and they stayed on top of this….

[@darrenhirst9900]

Its the same with Audio Technika ATH M40X they broke in exactly the same place. So I'm thinking maybe they get them from the same place? Its a tight fit so you're putting stress on the plastic and it always find's the weakest point and that's where it breaks. That's why the next models always seem to have hinges. Had the Sennheiser DT 770 pro for the same amount of time and had no problems.

[@AlexPfeffer]

Ew, I was about to get them. Thanks for the video, mate! Think I should wait a little longer.

[@Jellybeantiger]

Good ole Beyers to the rescue. I use the DT 770 m versions for tracking and DT 990 pro for mixing.

[@melodyman9162]

I'll never understand why companies just don't give people a good products. It's always about "How much money can I make without spending too much". Give people a quality product and you will make the money you want and grow your business.

[@toktok9975]

Hi Daniel, what are you considering to buy now? I was going to buy the VSX but I'm worried now. Are you using any other headphone correction / room simulation software?

[@JohnMarshall-NI]

Man, that is a frustrating experience for sure. They have clearly had some manufacturing issues with the founders and 2100 series and have been pretty open about that. The pandemic didn't help matters at all. Time will tell if the 2200 or higher have totally resolved that issue. My founders editions needed replaced and I got one from the 2100 run about a month ago. I hope that they stand the test of time as they seem a lot sturdier in that area. I know Slate will take care of me if they do go wrong. I wouldn't want to mix without them now.

[@vidworxsfx]

I have a standard pair of Sony 7506's had them around 25 years never broke the band they still work fine same with my AT headphones only thing ive had to do is get new ear pads over the years but all my units have stainless steel bands not just plastic, that design you show in the video looks like junk, the band should be metal not all plastic are they insane, who designed their headphones Fisher Price.

[@glennygtube]

I have what will probably not be my first replacement pair coming. No way was I going to throw out my expensive VSX 2's, so I used some parts from a $5 pair of headphones and fixed my broken VSX. Five dollar headphones are sturdier than the band on VSX. At least now I have a backup pair.

[@glennygtube]

@MiyaDV Still have them. No I'm Mac.

[@duentuen2631]

Make in China ?

[@UUes]

should i buy this

[@davidvalens3337]

Can you try using super glue and baking soda to glue them back and then use black marker to hide the cracks

[@abolit]

I got my third pair of these phones replaced and they broke after a couple of days. I'm done with this crap. I just don't understand why they still selling them. Looks like this company takes the customers for fools or stupid persons. Moreover - it looks like nobody's willing to fight this mess.

[@Styrant]

I purchased the Essentials bundle and the 26xxxxx serial have a reinforced metal band

[@FurkanTopal]

Just using a metal would change everything. I'm using one of the cheapest headphones, Steinberg ST-H01 and even this has metal. I'm dropping a lot to the ground during the day, and I'm using harshly honestly, moreover I'm crushing its cables with my chair's wheels and yet nothing happens, it's strong. But as for this product, as a person who thinks to buy, it's surprising to see that. Btw why isn't there any other company who makes headphones and environment simulations at the same time? Or are there?

[@Barncore]

The newer ones do have metal now

[@mindmachinepsy]

I have my AKGs for at least 12 years now. Hell the fucking cable pretty much has seen more duct tape than a Sex Pistols roadie. But it still works and the cables cost a lot sooo... xD I feel like they might say it's rare that they break, but changing the product again for the 22 series tells otherwise. They do make some amazing hardware, but that definitely sounds like a big nono

[@cescu2]

Do you sell one of these broken pairs? I would really love to test the sound and software!

[@marios7480]

They finally sent one with metal band…. #6… hopefully this one will maintain…

[@entity9588]

When you put the broken phones on I died laughing.

[@marcsunborn]

Mine just broke on both sides, one last week , the other one yesterday, simply by taking them off my head. Using them since about middle of October last year - badge 23xxxx! Why can't they use the same metal as fx on my Sony 7506? I will NOT send them in for repair or replacement because it would take at least one month. I will replace this part with a metal band myself. I know with that I will loose my guarantee, but what's the point if they break again.

[@byronmiller8968]

My 23xxx series bought last september just broke as well. Reach out to customer service they should send you a new pair, just need the serial number

[@humanambassador]

HELLO Daniel SORRY TO TALK OUT OF THE VIDEO SUBJECT BUT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPUTER / LAPTOP AND THE SPECS YOOU USE ON YOUR WORK PLEASE THANK YOU

[@NicStride]

Mental, seems like they're using a hard plastic rather than a bendy one for the thin bits or something. Didn't know these headphone even existed. xD

[@JonRayRunawayVealMusic]

This sounds terrible ….is this still happening to customers ? That’s a huge amount of cash for terrible errors ? Most slate products are quite good so I’m really amazed about this

[@Alex-pq4zl]

has anybody had this problem with the 19's ? They seem to be slightly differently designed with a metal strap. I have a pair and so far so good but this video has made me nervous, I will definitely be taking extra care

[@1JayAkki]

Tried the first two versions and called it quits? I just saw an up to date video of a guy twisting and bending the newest model, have you tried them since?

[@ErickMcNerney]

I've got some relatively cheap AKG's and it seems they've figured that part out - use various flexible or semi-flexible material. In fact, I've never really had an issue with headphones snapping or breaking in that way - even in the $15-40 price range.

[@EgoShredder]

I've got the AKG K712 PRO and K271 MkII and both are excellently constructed and great performers. Been using them daily since 2015. There is even some K245 on Amazon for an incredible £40!!! I doubt its possible to get that level of quality at that price or cheaper.

[@ErickMcNerney]

@@EgoShredder Nice! Yeah I'm honestly not impressed with Slate lately. They're verging into Unison Audio level advertising and marketing strategies.

[@EgoShredder]

@@ErickMcNerney All the companies will be scrambling around to survive shortly, in view of world events in recent years. What is coming will not be pretty.

[@ErickMcNerney]

@@EgoShredder I hope you're wrong, but not gonna lie, I feel it coming too. Really strange times.

[@EgoShredder]

@@ErickMcNerney *** apologies for slightly long reply *** I've felt it coming for years, especially since Brexit when more information began coming out about dodgy governments etc. I told my family in 2018 what was coming, and they looked at me like I was nuts, or being wrongly influenced online etc. Nope, I just stick to facts, logic, repeating patterns in history and intuition. Put it all together and 2022 is what you get, or to be more accurate United Nations Agenda 2030. My exact words to them in June 2018 were, "the world will come to a complete standstill in April 2020 and go into a new system". I had no idea what would be the method for stopping the world, but we soon found out. I knew what the system would be, because its been attempted before a few times in the last 100 years. So yeah not fun times ahead and will make the 1930s seem like a walk in the park. The way the global financial system was setup from the start 100+ years ago, it had failure designed into it, e.g. exponential growth via interest rates etc decade after decade is simply not possible. Eventually it all comes crashing down and then the elites come after peoples homes and assets, to pay for it all. This is already happening in America. I could say an awful lot more, but best not. Anyway in the meantime, like you I will be creating good music while I still can lol.

[@Matthias138]

I was long sceptical about this product. VSX is marketed as "beryllium driver headphones" but the actual drivers being used have nothing to do with real beryllium drivers that can be found in headphones like Focal Utopia. Utopia has a pure beryllium dome which you can see see and hold it in your hand, while VSX uses a method od vaporizing a micro-layer of beryllium onto a standard dome. So to call the drivers beryllium is a bit like vaporizing golden dust onto an iron ring and marketing it as a golden ring. Slate is assigning the benefits of using beryllium in audio, but the benefits apply only to a pure beryllium dome, not a microscopic layer. Look at RBH-HP2 headphones. They are discontinued since 2018 but they look just like Slate VSX headphones. Yeah, they may just share the same casing but it's surely no coincidence that both companies combined the same casing with a "beryllium" driver. This whole product is really a snake oil, I'm amazed that people don't see that. This Slate guy is the Donald Trump of audio industry.

[@ztfstudio]

So, you got to keep the pairs that the band broke?

[@JohanSamuel]

What a dissapointment. But what did you think about the sound image and the function itself? Is it usefull?

[@edwardmartin7090]

I bought the founders edition, broke within a week the same way as yours and I ended up refunding them because of the complete lack of confidence.

[@queenpurple8433]

It looks like you didn’t take good care of them, they’re all dirty and beaten up

[@DJLA]

I took great care and even extra careful care of everyone until they broke them they were put on a shelf while I was using other headphones while awaiting replacements. The dirt is from sitting on the shelf, the beaten up part is literally from gentle regular use, hence the problem.

[@glennygtube]

My 23's broke today in two places. My first instinct was to yell at my son, then I saw this. And on close inspection, lots of little cracks developing just in one side (R). Getting a replacement, but if 23's are breaking then nothing short of a full redesign with all metal band will do the job. What is the flattest response headphone available for under $500?

[@AchillesxHeal]

Where did you purchase the 23s? The slate website is sold out

[@glennygtube]

I got them from the one retailer who had any left in Australia.

[@DaveZnoise]

Seems really wasteful as well, do they recycle those?

[@LordDRockMusic]

Luckily they've redesigned it with a metal band. This does not surprise me tho! Slate is a digitally focused company. All about emulations and machine learning. They simply aren't a hardware company and are probably ass at this aspect. At least they replaced them tho

[@vitaliistep]

As with Shure SRH940 just replace the headband with the one from DT770 and they will survive a nuclear apocalypse :) Shame on Steven for such a poor quality, there should be a metal headband!

[@levbrodkin5964]

Long time no see.. missed..

[@chris-rb7bm]

maybe you drop them or sat on them? 5 pairs is very very unlucky! I have 1 pair founders ed,, ive dropped them a few times from desk to floor they are ok though still (touch wood). thx for the cool vid though man :) interesting... there must be a design issue they should attend to!

[@Zactivist]

You should have bought a lottery ticket.

[@SeanGould]

All these headphones look like they’ve been beat to shit as it is.

[@dannyveras]

Can you still use the software though? apparently these headphone are not that great but if the software is worth the price, can't you just get some tascam headphones for 30 $ ?

[@joeydego2]

The software is calibrated to work with these headphones. That being said, a regular budget pair of studio cans didnt sound all that different to me when I tried.

[@variancewithin]

Does anyone know if their mics are built shittily like that?