Announced at the CES 2013 international consumers’ show in Las Vegas on 8 January 2013, the BeoLab 15 / 16 integrated system (complete with Amplifier 1) built-in sound system embeds itself into a user’s wall to deliver high-quality sound to specific areas of the room.

Comprising two-way active speakers (BeoLab 15), an active sub-woofer (BeoLab 16) and a rack-ready amplifier (Amplifier 1), all have been designed specifically by Anders Hermansen for in-wall or in-ceiling placement.

The active speakers harness an array of high-end components to deliver expansive audio performance from very compact constructions, the company states. Design and engineering teams have collaborated on a visual identity that is distinct but discreet, with a motorised tilt function which directs the sound to where it is needed when the speakers are on, and then retreats to go flush against the wall when no longer needed.

“This active in-wall sound solution was conceived for installations where people want great sound without having to find room for free-standing speakers” stated product manager Michael Jensen. “The combination of two speakers and a sub-woofer – all built-in, all with drivers powered by separate amps – delivers a premium sound experience throughout the room. And the motorised tilt adds a touch of practical magic to enhance the listening experience.”

The new tilt function on BeoLab 15 lets the user aim high- and middle-tones right where you want them. Turn on the system, and the speaker automatically tilts out to pre-set angles to direct the sound for optimal listening. Turn off the system, and BeoLab 15 tilts back to flush position.

Each and every driver in the system’s active speakers is powered by its own amplifier. This allows high-performing components to be built within compact speaker cabinets which are easy to build into most  walls. The new system meets international building codes by keeping the amplifiers and speaker drivers separate. The innovative cable compensation feature automatically calibrates all cables at distances up to 100 metres to ensure optimal bass performance.

BeoLab 15 is a closed-cabinet, two-way active speaker with a 20mm tweeter and a 75mm mid-range, featuring tilt functionality for directing sound up to 45° from the default flush position.

 BeoLab 16, the system’s active subwoofer, comprises two pairs of 100mm woofers in separate sealed cabinets, played in-phase using the Acoustic Balance Principle to enable deep bass without unwanted wall vibrations.

Amplifier 1 contains six separate amplifiers. Two Class D units rated at 2 x 150 watts power up the sub-woofer. Each BeoLab 15 gets 150 watts for the midrange, and 45 watts for the tweeter. Adaptive Bass Linearisation keeps the deep bass cultivated and crisp all the way down to 45 Hz.

The circular design is discreet but distinct. When switched off, the speakers and sub-woofer are flush with the wall, and all you notice is the subtle geometrical composition by designer Anders Hermansen. Turn the music on, and the speakers’ motorised tilt function magically directs sound where you want it for amazing acoustic performance. The speakers are available in matt aluminium, with fabric covers in either white or black. The sub-woofer is in matt aluminium.

BeoLab 15, BeoLab 16 and Amplifier 1 sound solution will be available from January 2013 priced at $4595 (US) (excluding fitting).

BeoLab 15 / BeoLab 16 technical specifications

BeoLab 15

• closed-cabinet principle
• two-way active speaker with one 20mm tweeter and one 75mm midrange drivers
• tilt functionality for directing sound up to 45° from the default flush position
  
  

BeoLab 16

• active sub-woofer
• two pairs of 100mm woofers in separate sealed cabinets
• played in-phase using the Acoustic Balance Principle to enable deep bass without unwanted wall vibrations
  
  

Amplifier 1

• six separate amplifiers
• two Class-D units rated at 2 x 150 W power up the sub-woofer
• each BeoLab 15 gets 150 W for the midrange, and 45 Ws for the tweeter
• adaptive Bass Linearisation keeps the deep bass cultivated and crisp all the way down to 45 Hz
  
  

 Specifications:

BeoLab 15: 25.4cm x 10.25cm /2kg

Effective frequency range: 130 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL re 125 mVrms re 1m

Cabinet principle: Sealed box

Cabinet volume: 0,89 litre

Mid-range driver: 76mm cone

High-frequency driver: 20mm

Tilt: Motorised tilt, adjustable 0,10, 20, 30, 40 - 45°

Cabinet / Cover: Aluminium and composite materials / Fabric

 

BeoLab 16: 34.9cm x 10.25cm /5,1 kg

Effective frequency range: 45 Hz - 130 Hz

Cabinet volume: 0,82 litres (per driver)

Bass drivers: 4 x 100mm

Cabinet / Cover: Aluminium and composite materials / Fabric