The wireless OD-11 loudspeaker from Stockholm-based Teenage Engineering might look like other minimalistic box speaker, but it definitely acts different. The $795 Wi-Fi cube, to be demonstrated at CEDIA 2016 in September, builds on the original “ortho directional” design by Stig Carlsson in 1974.
The so-called Carlsson Cube, described below, now comes with a built-in computer, 100-watt amplifier, Wi-Fi that doesn’t require a network and a slick Bluetooth remote-control puck that can operate Teenage’s speakers or virtually any other Bluetooth-enabled (HID) device.
The OD-11 was and remains Stig Carlsson’s smallest model ever. The construction differed somewhat from Carlsson’s previous principles. Instead of having several cone-tweeters, this new speaker had just 1 peerless cone tweeter and 1 mid woofer. That’s what the number 11 (1+1) in the name hints at.
Despite its small format, the OD-11 generated great sound thanks to the high-end built-in frequency filter and a groundbreaking box construction with recessed, angled speakers. The ingenious angled positioning in a cast glass fiber reinforced plastic baffle remains unequalled to this day. The unique construction directs the sound diagonally – both sideways upwards and outwards.
OD is an acronym for ortho directional. By the unique positioning, Carlsson could minimize the number of tweeters in the box while still achieving a sound output similar to that of his previous loudspeakers. Furthermore, the OD-11 is engineered especially with stereo sound output in mind. The result is a full-bodied, natural and evenly distributed sound.
Each OD-11 has its own IP address, “meaning that Spotify Connect plays directly to your speakers — wherever they are on the planet,” says Simon Curtis, director of sales for the U.S. and U.K.
At the same time, the product can be put into CABIN mode to stream music when a network is not present, say, outdoors or in an unconnected cabin. In this state, the speaker creates a local network compatible with AirPlay.
The controls can be handled through the OD-11 app (“the one that made Apple blush,” Curtis says) or through a physical controller called the Ortho Remote.
It is that controller that should make integrators blush.
Sexy Bluetooth Controller
The Ortho Remote is a shiny Bluetooth puck that comes in a wide range of bright colors. It can control virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device compatible with HID, the Bluetooth standard for human interface devices.
Apple TV? Control it with an Ortho. Give each family member their own color so they can access their favorites with the press of a button. It’s magnetic. Stick one on the fridge.
Paired with an OD-11, though, the Ortho Remote couldn’t be simpler. Since OD-11 streams Spotify natively, users can control tunes through the puck (play, pause, fast forward rewind) and control the volume as well.
“Pair the Ortho Remote with your OD-11 and all it takes is one click for your favorite music to start playing,” Curtis says. “Simply tap to start playing, turn the knob to adjust volume, double tap to skip a track, and tap again while playing to pause. “It's as easy as that — no software or drivers needed.”
Teenage Engineering in the Channel
The OD-11 was launched in the U.S. in 2015 through the Museum of Modern Art New York, where Teenage Engineering has “experienced amazing sales,” particularly by “design conscious women,” says Simon Curtis, director of sales for the U.S. and U.K.
Today, it is distributed in the U.S. through traditional reps in the custom channel.
- Professional Audio Associates — New England and Upstate New York
- Bach Sales — Metro New York and New Jersey
- ACE Marketing Group — Mid-Atlantic States
- Evans Sales & Marketing — Southeast
- Select Sales — Upper Midwest
- St. Peters Sales Agency — Indiana and Kentucky
- CET & Associates — Rocky Mountain States
- I Rep Green — Southern California/Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii
- Media Delivery Strategies — Northern California/Nevada
At CEDIA, the company will reveal some “cool updates” to the speaker, in terms of software and connectivity, as well as three new colors (black, red and walnut) beyond the standard white.
Fun Fact: The company has a band called Teenage Engineering Sound System (TESS) and makes a pocket mixer for budding audio engineers.
Visit Teenage Engineering at CEDIA 2016, booth #6829.
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