Sound: out-of-the-ordinary devices
· Michel Aguilera
We are going to talk about sound and, for once, about devices that are out of the ordinary. Audio quality, unlikely formats or other ways of enjoying your favourite music differently. That is the foray we are going to attempt in these few lines. A dive into the world of acoustics and innovative ideas.
Hello? Are you listening?
Among the most surprising audio devices, we have had the opportunity to mention a few on the blog. Take the Bass Egg, an audio system which, when placed on a surface, uses it as a loudspeaker.
A true audio UFO, it plays sound via a Bluetooth or mini-jack connection, through contact with a surface. The quality is quite stunning and, even today, it remains an unconventional way of listening to big sound without having to carry a big speaker. Its only drawback is that you cannot get a stereo effect or pair several Bass Eggs. A short review by Unbox Therapy (in English):
We cannot talk about unconventional devices without also mentioning the products Jean-Michel Jarre has created, such as the Aerosystem One.
You can also add a Bluetooth transmitter at the back, via the mini-jack socket.
There was a special Lalique edition which, in addition to steel, used crystal. A look back at this collaboration on video:
We can also mention the AeroBull, shaped like a… BullDog! There is also the AeroSkull, shaped like a skull, and the AeroTwist, shaped like a… chrome doughnut.
Here too, a short discovery video:
Among the quality audio manufacturers, Bose must also be mentioned. Renowned for excellence in noise cancellation systems, the company has developed headphones such as the QC35 or, more recently, its successor the NC700. A short video of these new headphones:
While on the subject of Bose, I especially wanted to come back to 2 products that do not seem to define themselves as a traditional way of listening.
The first is a pair of connected glasses, with sound delivered through mini speakers in the arms: the Bose Frames.
They come in 2 shapes (round or classic) and, after testing them, I was quite impressed by the sound quality (without a very deep bass level), which is very acceptable. You can listen to your music and still be able to hear what is going on around you.
Still at Bose, here is the niche product: a speaker worn around the neck, the Bose Soundwear Companion. The SoundWear Companion was designed to be worn around the neck, and its shape is tied to this particular position. Its two speakers are placed at each end, in the thickest part of the half-oval it forms. In between, the section is thinner and is used both for the battery and for an empty space that Bose puts to good use to boost the low frequencies.
In short, sounds good!
All these various devices meet aesthetic needs, the need to listen in particular conditions, or simply follow a fashion trend. You can’t come across them without being surprised. It is clear that technological innovations will continue to bring us new devices for enjoying our favourite music, in ever more innovative conditions and situations.