Swedish audio brand Nocs Labs has announced the upcoming release of the Monolith X Aluminum, an ultra-compact wireless speaker designed to offer high-quality sound while emphasizing environmental responsibility. Scheduled for shipping in November, this speaker has been in development for over a year and represents a significant step forward in both audio technology and sustainable design.
The Monolith X Aluminum stands out due to its minimalist design and eco-friendly construction. The casing is CNC-machined from a single block of recycled aluminum, a process that eliminates the need for less environmentally friendly materials.
This method also enhances the speaker’s durability and aesthetic appeal. After machining, the aluminum is sandblasted and anodized, resulting in a sleek, modern finish available in natural silver and matte black.
Nocs Labs has designed the Monolith X Aluminum with sustainability in mind. Every component of the speaker is replaceable, ensuring that it can be easily repaired or upgraded, thus extending its lifespan and reducing electronic waste. This approach aligns with the company’s goal of creating cradle-to-cradle products, echoing similar efforts by other premium audio brands.
Despite its compact size, the Monolith X Aluminum delivers powerful sound through a sophisticated array of drivers and amplifiers. The speaker includes two 5cm full-range drivers, two 10cm woofers, and a 20mm tweeter, all utilizing neodymium magnet motors. These drivers are powered by a set of Class-D amplifiers, providing a total output of 225 watts.
The frequency response ranges from 39Hz to 23kHz, covering a broad spectrum to ensure rich, detailed audio reproduction. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos spatial audio capabilities enhances the listening experience, particularly for users streaming via Tidal. Additionally, the new speaker supports multi-room playback, allowing synchronization with up to eight other Monolith speakers for a comprehensive audio setup.
In terms of connectivity, the speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), ensuring robust and flexible streaming options. Users can stream music via Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, with plans to support additional streaming services in the future. While the speaker does not include aptX or other high-resolution audio support wirelessly, its performance should remain impressive for most listeners.
A notable feature of the Monolith X Aluminum is its portability. The speaker includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 5,000mAh, providing up to 15 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. Weighing in at just 4kg (8.8 lbs), it is easy to transport in a reasonably sized bag, making it suitable for both home use and on-the-go listening.
The development of the Monolith X Aluminum involved extensive collaboration with artists and DJs, who provided valuable insights into sound tuning. Nocs Labs' CEO, Daniel Alm, highlighted the importance of these partnerships in shaping the speaker's audio characteristics. The company’s in-house lab in Lund, Sweden, served as the primary site for tuning and testing, ensuring that the final product meets high standards of audio fidelity.
Throughout the development process, Nocs Labs conducted numerous listening sessions, involving detailed tests and measurements to refine the speaker's sound. The result is a product that aims to deliver an immersive and high-quality listening experience, with attention to every detail, the company claims.
"The challenge has been to strip away all that is unnecessary. Countless hours were devoted solely to achieving the perfect symmetry in the positioning of the drivers," said Alm. "There are no logos, no frills – only the sleek yet refined appearance of solid aluminium remains."
Technical Specifications:
The Monolith X Aluminum is available for pre-order now, with a price tag of $1,000 / €1,000 / £850 / AU$1,405. Early customers will also receive an alcantara sleeve to protect the speaker. Shipping is set to begin in November 2024.
