Rocket Scientist-Designed Portable Speaker
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CREDIT: Sound Matters |
NASA engineer Dr. Godehard Guenther has launched the foxLv2 Bluetooth portable speaker for iPad and any Bluetooth-capable device that delivers a range of audio output usually found only in hi-end home speakers.
The foxL is engineered around a pair of expensive highly sophisticated acoustic drivers, unique in their ability to reproduce both extreme high (tweeter) and low (woofer) frequencies from a single very small diameter ― under an inch ― dome speaker, dubbed the "Twoofer".
When a rocket scientist turns to music
Guenther spent eight years as a NASA project manager after receiving advanced degrees in astronomy, nuclear physics and physical chemistry. About 11 years ago, he founded Soundmatters, turning his passion for music into an innovative hi-fi speaker business.
He is credited with being the first to use rare earth magnets in a speaker, the first to incorporate digital time-delay in surround sound, and the first to create in-wall speakers and subwoofer.
What's on his playlist? Bach, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, and Sting.
Engineered sound inside and out
Bass is all-important to sound quality and a challenge to produce in tiny devices. The foxL turns the battery into a woofer for smoother, deeper bass using a miniaturized version of the high mass "moving-wall" passive bass radiators found in larger speakers.
Guenther's patented design was created by rubber-encasing foxL's high capacity, lithium-ion battery, so it can do double duty as an acoustic suspension bass driver. Moving the battery from the inside of the speaker to become part of a “moving-wall” radiator, frees up critical internal airspace to drive the bass.
The device's casing is as important as its components in the production of sound.
"Given that our engineering goal is to achieve a maximum level of performance from as small a speaker enclosure as possible, we often find "form follows function" works best for us," Godehard Guenther explained in a statement. "This is certainly true with foxL, which was created utilizing high-tech glass-filled composite walls to form a "skintight" ultra-rigid totally sealed acoustic enclosure … often confused with metal, but much lighter, for portability."
Specs
The foxL measures 5.6” wide x 2.2” high x 1.4” deep and delivers eight hours of rechargeable battery -time. Audio output ranges from 80Hz to 20kHz.
It has a built-in noise-canceling microphone for wireless speaker phone conferencing.
Compatible with iPad , iPhone, iPod, the device is automatically displayed in Apple's AirPlay menu.
The foxL plays and charges with an included universal AC charger with four international adapters and can be charged via computer connection with included USB cable. It also comes with a stereo 3.5mm audio cable, wrist strap, travel pouch and anti-slip mat.
The foxLv2 Bluetooth for iPad and other Bluetooth devices is priced at $199, available through major online retailers, including Hammacher Schlemmer, Sharper Image, Music Direct, Amazon.com and the Soundmatters site.
