TEST: AIAIAI Unit-4

 As soon as you start thinking about portable monitoring, all systems currently on the market have the same problem. We are talking about a more or less large layer of cable, which is necessarily attached to the monitor boxes for connecting interfaces, speakers, power supplies or similar. The company AIAIAI has now brought a loudspeaker system onto the market for the first time, which is intended to work in studio quality and does not require any cables. We are talking about the AIAIAI Unit-4, which is developed in Denmark, built in China and I am very excited about the result of the test.

The concept of AIAIAI Unit-4

The basic principle of the AIAIAI Unit-4 can be found in the use of the so-called wireless link technology. The system is delivered with a transmitter, which is connected via USB-C and can either output the signal at 44.1kHz / 16bit via WLAN with a latency of only 16 ms thanks to 2 antennas, or you can use the built-in mini jack socket. Alternatively, you can also output the signal used via Bluetooth, although, as is well known, the same standard cannot be used for professional applications due to the lack of signal security and in particular due to the high latency of 80 ms and more. The range for the transmitter is stated to be 12 meters, which should be more than sufficient for regular studio use.

The first impression

Anyone who is happy about the generally visually attractive packaging range of Apple products will be very pleased with the delivery of the AIAIAI Unit-4. The two boxes come in a very nice box, which is also divided into two individual boxes in which the speakers are packed in a small fabric bag. The boxes can be used horizontally and vertically, although they have small rubber strips on the sides for both horizontal and vertical operation, which are intended to prevent the boxes from slipping. According to the manufacturer, only recycled plastic was used to make the case, which gives you a better feeling about the environmental aspect.

Due to the trapezoidal shape of the housing, the speakers are automatically slightly slanted in the horizontal position, whereby you can choose between using tweeters on the outside or tweeters on the inside. For my part, in such a company the tweeters are always on the outside. Due to the absence of any cables, it is extremely easy to try out different positions of the speakers. Especially when horizontal, you can find out very quickly whether you might want to have the tweeter on the inside. A very big advantage if you work without any cables.

However, you can also purchase additional rubber pads for vertical operation, with which you can change the angle of attack of the speakers to suit human hearing. To protect the loudspeakers, two magnetic loudspeaker grilles are included, which protect the high and low tones from haptic influences from outside, which is particularly noticeable during transport.

The housing of the monitors is made of plastic and the manufacturer explicitly points out that the design of the system is modular and that all components of the system can be accessed by loosening just two screws. This should make the system very easy to repair and individual parts should be very easy to replace. In addition to the boxes and the transmitter, the scope of delivery includes a charging power supply plus the necessary cables and a simple manual.

You can immediately tell that the manufacturer attaches great importance to the visual appearance, which it achieves across the entire range. The low tones are enclosed in an LED light ring, which signals whether the system is activated or switched off during operation as well as in shutdown and turn-on mode. There are three push buttons on the top of the case, one to turn the product on and off and a plus and minus button for the general volume of the product. The brightness of the LED ring can also be adjusted via a mobile app.

The performance data of the AIAIAI Unit-4

As you can tell from the product name, the AIAIAI Unit-4 has a 4" woofer and 1" silk dome tweeter. The Class D amplifier delivers a power of 2x 30 watts in continuous power and 2x 80 watts peak. If necessary, you can also control the speakers traditionally via TRS cable or mini jack, but this of course takes away a lot of the wireless appeal.

You can also use the mobile app to set different sound presets or you can put together your own setup. There are five frequency bands called Sub, Bass, Mid, Upper Mid and Treble, which can be raised or lowered. The frequency response is specified as 50 - 20,000 Hz, the crossover frequency is 3 kHz and the system should be able to generate a maximum SPL of 105 dB.

When it comes to operating time, the internally installed batteries are very impressive. The normal operating time is given as 20 hours, but this refers to continuous playback and of course also depends on the volume you use. Normally, the speakers should last for several days before they need to be charged again. In any case, I didn't feel the need to charge the product again during the test operation.

The AIAIAI Unit-4 in practice

When you look at the performance data of the AIAIAI Unit-4, it quickly becomes clear that the system was primarily designed for portable operation. Of course, you can also use these speakers as a second or third listener in a project studio or similar, but the focus on the small dimensions with maximum sound reproduction is always a sign of the portable operation approach. This operation can of course also be used as a small monitor during live shows. For example, they can be used as monitor boxes for DJs, keyboard players or other stationary artists. Because, it's hard to believe, despite their small dimensions and clear performance data, the speakers have a very large headroom and offer a comparatively balanced sound, especially in the lower and medium volume ranges.

In a neutral EQ setting, the speakers sound comparatively unspectacular. However, if you intervene a little in the sound control, the speakers are much more pleasing than is the case in the basic setting. Personally, I find the sub-band a bit pretentious, as in this range only the lower limit frequencies of the speakers are touched upon. However, the bass control is comparatively strong in its presence.

Due to the dimensions of the woofer, the speakers cannot really develop a high thrust. However, the woofer impresses with its relatively soft suspension in combination with the sophisticated bass reflex opening with an above-average definition of the bass range. Personally, I would be a little careful with the height control. If you give it a little more responsibility, the tweeter tends to sound relatively harsh, which can quickly ruin the otherwise well-balanced sound of the speaker.

Of course, you can never reflect the sound quality of the speakers in a test report, but you can compare them with other speaker designs. Compared to other portable monitor systems such as the KRK GoAux series, the AIAIAI Unit-4 really performs extremely well. Not only does the system impress in terms of sound with a somewhat more open reproduction, but also in terms of the elegance of the appearance, it is much more fun to work with loudspeakers with this look than with the sometimes somewhat clumsy micro speakers, which are also usually small The connecting cables on the back of the housing are pumped up to the limit.

However, with near-field studio speakers with a similar size specification such as the SC-204 from EVE Audio, the system inevitably has to lose out, as the AIAIAI Unit-4 speakers reach their limits here, especially in terms of their bass reproduction. The tweeter is also inferior to the Eve Audio speakers in terms of resolution. However, you can compensate for the bass range accordingly by using an additional subwoofer for the low bass range, which is probably what you generally do when working with satellites in the 4 inch woofer department.

However, you should always keep in mind that the price of the AIAIAI Unit-4 system includes an additional interface of the highest quality, which must be purchased additionally when purchasing another traditional near-field monitor system, unless you use the mini-jack output port, which is very sensitive to the touch of the Macbook want to use.

Conclusion

With the AIAIAI Unit-4, the Danish manufacturer has a wireless system in its portfolio that impresses with its elegant look, no-brainer handling and good basic sound. For me personally, it's an excellent choice for portable operation, as it requires extremely little space thanks to the included mini-interface and a simple, rudimentary travel case already offers enough protection for the system.

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Additional Informations:

AIAIAI stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of audio technology. The journey of this remarkable company traces back to its humble beginnings, driven by a passion for sound excellence and a relentless pursuit of innovation. This article delves into the enthralling saga of AIAIAI, exploring its inception, evolution, and the pivotal milestones that have shaped its trajectory.

Origins:
The story of AIAIAI commenced in Copenhagen, Denmark, where a group of audio enthusiasts and design aficionados converged with a singular vision—to redefine the landscape of audio equipment. In 2006, this vision materialized into reality when Frederik Jorgensen, Christian B. Lorentzen, and Kasper Moth-Poulsen founded AIAIAI. The founders shared a common belief in the power of collaboration, drawing inspiration from the vibrant creative community of Copenhagen.

Early Years:
In its nascent stages, AIAIAI carved a niche for itself by blending Scandinavian design principles with cutting-edge audio technology. The company's maiden product, the "Tracks" headphone, garnered widespread acclaim for its sleek aesthetics and superior sound quality. This initial success laid the foundation for AIAIAI's ascent in the competitive audio market.

Collaborative Culture:
AIAIAI's ethos revolves around collaboration—a cornerstone that distinguishes it from its counterparts. The company forged strategic partnerships with renowned artists, DJs, and musicians, fostering a culture of co-creation and experimentation. These collaborations yielded groundbreaking products tailored to the unique needs of professionals and audiophiles alike.

Innovation and Design Excellence:
At the heart of AIAIAI's success lies its unwavering commitment to innovation and design excellence. The company's R&D team continuously pushes the boundaries of possibility, leveraging advanced acoustics, materials science, and ergonomic design to engineer state-of-the-art audio solutions. AIAIAI's product lineup reflects a harmonious fusion of form and function, embodying the Scandinavian ethos of minimalist sophistication.

Expansion and Global Reach:
Fuelled by its early triumphs, AIAIAI embarked on a journey of expansion, gradually establishing its presence across global markets. The company's strategic foresight and customer-centric approach enabled it to resonate with diverse demographics, from professional DJs seeking unparalleled performance to everyday consumers craving immersive audio experiences. Today, AIAIAI boasts a global footprint, with its products adorning the shelves of leading retailers worldwide.

Flagship Products:
AIAIAI's product portfolio encompasses an array of flagship offerings that have garnered accolades for their innovation and performance. The "TMA-2" modular headphone system stands as a testament to the company's modular design philosophy, allowing users to customize every aspect of their listening experience. Similarly, the "H05" Bluetooth headband exemplifies AIAIAI's embrace of wireless technology without compromising on audio fidelity.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices:
In an era marked by environmental consciousness, AIAIAI remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The company prioritizes eco-friendly materials, recyclability, and responsible manufacturing processes, minimizing its ecological footprint. Furthermore, AIAIAI champions fair labor practices, ensuring that its supply chain adheres to stringent ethical standards.

Cultural Impact:
Beyond its commercial success, AIAIAI has exerted a profound cultural impact, transcending the realm of audio technology. The company's collaborations with avant-garde artists, fashion designers, and cultural icons have catalyzed creative dialogue and inspired cross-disciplinary innovation. AIAIAI's products have become synonymous with artistic expression, serving as canvases for self-expression and individuality.

Future Prospects:
As AIAIAI embarks on the next phase of its journey, the company remains poised to spearhead innovation in the audio industry. With a steadfast focus on technological advancement, design ingenuity, and sustainability, AIAIAI is primed to redefine the future of audio experiences. By staying true to its core values and embracing the spirit of collaboration, AIAIAI continues to shape the sonic landscape for generations to come.

Conclusion:
The saga of AIAIAI exemplifies the transformative power of vision, creativity, and collaboration. From its humble origins to its global stature, the company has blazed a trail of innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the audio industry. As AIAIAI charts a course towards the future, its commitment to excellence and ingenuity ensures that the world will continue to resonate with its harmonious symphony of sound.