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29/10/2023Anker Soundcore Motion X500: A Portable Speaker with Spatial Audio Technology
If you are looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite tunes, movies, and games, you might want to check out the Anker Soundcore Motion X500. This is a portable Bluetooth speaker that promises to deliver immersive spatial audio with its own speaker. But what is spatial audio and how does it work? And is the Soundcore Motion X500 worth your money? Let’s find out.
What Is Spatial Audio and How Does It Work?
Spatial audio is an audio experience that simulates a surround-sound setup, making you feel like the sound is coming from all around you, not just from your speaker. It uses software processing and algorithms to adjust the frequencies and directions of the sound, creating a 3D soundstage.
There are different types of spatial audio, such as Dolby Atmos, Sony 360, THX Spatial Audio, and DTS Headphone: X. These formats use multi-channel audio tracks that encode the position and movement of the sound sources. For example, if a helicopter flies over your head in a movie, you will hear it moving from behind you to above you to in front of you.
Apple also has its own spatial audio feature, which combines Dolby Atmos with head tracking. This means that the sound will follow your head movements, so that it always sounds like it’s coming from the screen, even if you turn your head. This creates a more realistic and engaging experience.
How Does the Soundcore Motion X500 Use Spatial Audio?
The Soundcore Motion X500 is a compact and stylish speaker that has three full-range drivers: two at the front for left and right channels, and one up-firing for the sky channel. The sky channel is responsible for creating the spatial audio effect, using a custom spatial audio algorithm and a high-end DSP (digital signal processor).
The speaker also supports Sony’s LDAC codec, which allows for high-quality wireless transmission of audio. It is Hi-Res audio certified, meaning that it can handle higher-resolution audio files than CD quality. And it has a 9-band EQ that you can adjust using the Soundcore app.
The speaker has a 6400mAh battery that can last for 12 hours of playback. It also has an IPX7 water resistance rating, meaning that it can withstand splashes and rain. And it has dynamic LED lights on the top that can sync with the music or create a light show.
Is the Soundcore Motion X500 Worth It?
The Soundcore Motion X500 is not the cheapest portable speaker on the market, but it offers some unique features that make it stand out. If you are looking for a speaker that can deliver spatial audio with its own speaker, this might be a good option for you. You can enjoy a more immersive and realistic sound experience with your movies, games, and music.
However, there are some limitations and drawbacks to consider as well. First of all, not all content is compatible with spatial audio formats. You will need to find apps or services that support Dolby Atmos or other multi-channel audio tracks. Otherwise, you will only hear stereo sound or spatialized stereo sound, which is not as impressive.
Secondly, spatial audio is not for everyone. Some people might find it distracting or unnatural to hear sound coming from different directions with their speaker. Some people might prefer a more balanced or neutral sound signature than what the speaker offers. And some people might not care about spatial audio at all.
Good
- Water-resistant design
- Spatial audio with speaker
- LDAC and Hi-Res audio support
- Long-lasting battery life
- Dynamic LED lights
Bad
- Content and device compatibility
- Personal preference and needs mismatch
- Relatively expensive
- Not very loud or powerful
Conclusion
The Soundcore Motion X500 is a portable speaker that aims to bring spatial audio to your speaker. It has three drivers, a spatial audio algorithm, a high-end DSP, LDAC support, Hi-Res audio certification, a 9-band EQ, a long-lasting battery, water resistance, and LED lights.
It is a speaker that can enhance your audiovisual experience with more immersive and realistic sound. However, it also has some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. It is not compatible with all content or devices, and it might not suit your personal preferences or needs.
If you are interested in trying out spatial audio with your speaker, you can pre-order the Soundcore Motion X500 from the Soundcore website for £129.99 with an early bird discount of £40. It will be available from November 6 from Amazon and other retailers for £169.99.
