Want to create a custom sound system? You need to try Soundots Ai-2

Most portable speakers are lone rangers. But the new Soundots AI-2 is happy to blast tunes alone or as part of a custom setup.

Want to create a custom sound system? You need to try Soundots Ai-2
  • What is Bluetooth 5.0? It’s the latest thing in wireless connectivity. It allows you to play audio from your phone on two speakers simultaneously.
  • How do you create a custom sound system? Either buy something very expensive from a specialist store or grab a modular speaker.
  • What is the best modular speaker? We love the new Soundots Ai-2. You can connect several of these speakers for bigger sound.

As audio technology has improved over time, portable speakers have really grown in popularity. People love being able to enjoy good — if not great — sound on vacation or down at the beach.

Of course, such devices cannot compete with elaborate home cinema setups. Separate tweeters and subwoofers will always outclass an all-in-one boombox. As a result, you have to choose between immersive sound and portability.

At least, that was the choice. The new Soundots Ai-2 portable speaker can work alone or as part of a team. This means you can build a custom sound system wherever you go.

What is the best multifunctional Bluetooth speaker?

It’s difficult to pick an outright winner, but the Ai-2 is a very capable little package.

This handsome device has two 48mm drivers, mounted inside a durable fiber-armed plastic chassis. It weighs just 750 grams (26.4 ounces) and it’s completely portable.

[tweet_box]Most portable speakers are lone rangers. But the new Soundots Ai-2 is happy to blast tunes alone or as part of a custom setup.[/tweet_box]

The speaker utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 for cutting-edge wireless sound, and you get an AUX port for wired sound. As the name suggests, the Ai-2 is also pretty smart. The speaker has two USB-C ports, meaning you can connect it with Amazon Alexa, Chromecast, or Apple TV.

custom sound system 07

Stackable sound

How to build a custom sound system

While each Ai-2 sounds great on its own, the real magic happens when you put multiple units together.

custom sound system 06

Sleek design

On the top, bottom and sides of Soundots, you will find a clever locking mechanism. This allows the speakers to slot together like building blocks. The stack of speakers works like a choir, with each device harmonizing with the others. This means that instead of one 15W speaker, you have a 120W wall of sound.

custom sound system 01

Feel the power

Furthermore, the speakers can be arranged to suit your need. For instance, you can daisy-chain three together to form a soundbar under your TV. Alternatively, you can split them apart for multi-room music at a house party.

custom sound system 02

Many options

Thanks to a built-in touch panel, these speakers are really easy to control. They even look the part, with integrated RGB lights.

While a cluster of Ai-2 speakers won’t replace your surround sound system, it’s probably the next best thing when you’re away from home.

“Place three Soundots in front of your TV and create a powerful crystal-clear soundbar for all your movies, series and games. Going out? Grab just one of the Soundots on the go and enjoy up to eight hours of wireless music bliss. Remember: you can stack as many Soundots as you want. Crank it up!” — Soundots on Kickstarter

custom sound system 04

One smart speaker

The best bits

This speaker is the complete package. It’s small enough to fit in your backpack, yet it can team up to provide a full home cinema experience.

custom sound system 05

The full setup

Future designs

While these speakers do sync, they cannot yet offer surround sound. We’d love to see that in version three!

Availability

– Kickstarter: Until August 4th

– Pledge: $159 USD

– Delivery: November 2018

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

I said I’d stop buying LEGO—these Prime Day deals laughed in my face
I said I’d stop buying LEGO—these Prime Day deals laughed in my face
Between my husband’s Star Wars LEGO collection and my kids’ growing LEGO Friends empire, we’ve amassed quite a lot of building sets over the years. Our dining room table has basically turned into a brick battlefield. I swore I’d stop..
10 No-gimmick Amazon Prime Day gaming deals: Laptops, monitors, processors, and consoles
10 No-gimmick Amazon Prime Day gaming deals: Laptops, monitors, processors, and consoles
If you’ve been browsing Prime Day gaming deals in recent years, you know the game. Too often, Amazon slaps the “deal” tag on something that’s been sitting with the same price for weeks. As someone who basically lives on Amazon..
These Prime Day travel deals are the only ones I’d actually pack
These Prime Day travel deals are the only ones I’d actually pack
After years of international travel, I’ve learned one thing: packing smart makes all the difference. And now that Prime Day travel deals are officially live, I’m highlighting the gear I personally use and recommend: power banks that don’t weigh you..
I’m super picky—but these are the best Amazon Prime Day deals worth your money
I’m super picky—but these are the best Amazon Prime Day deals worth your money
I’ve covered Amazon Prime Day deals for years. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: not everything on sale is actually a deal. In fact, a lot of brands hike up their list prices before Prime Day, only..
The iFLYTEK AINOTE Air 2: Precision Productivity for the Demanding Professional
The iFLYTEK AINOTE Air 2: Precision Productivity for the Demanding Professional
In an era of constant notifications, open tabs, and scattered thoughts, organizing information has become more valuable than simply capturing it. For professionals navigating multilingual meetings, dense research, or critical interviews, turning raw input into meaningful action is the challenge...
Smart kitchen faucet skeptic? These 8 picks totally won me over
Smart kitchen faucet skeptic? These 8 picks totally won me over
I write about new gadgets for a living. And while I love sharing the latest tech news with you, when it comes to my own stuff, I tend to stick with the tried and true. So when a friend suggested..