CES 2022: the best of audio and music equipment
CES 2022, the latest edition of one of the world’s largest electronics shows, wrapped up on January 7 after 3 days of exhibits from more than 2,300 companies from around the world. It was a welcome return for an event that was due to be held online last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and it certainly didn’t disappoint: BMW showed off a shifting concept car color, Schlage introduced a smart lock that works with Apple devices, and Black + Decker launched a capsule cocktail maker (think Keurig) called Bev! Oh, and there were also great advancements in audio and music equipment. Everything from ‘invisible’ headphones to overcharged laptops has been revealed, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the hunt for new toys…
Here are some of the best audio and music gear from this year’s show!
JBL 4305p:
Proving that good things come in small packages, the JBL 4035p is compact enough for the library but more than capable of being a workhouse for any level studio. Featuring a fully self-contained speaker system, wired and wireless connectivity, and six inputs, this monitoring speaker could be the perfect addition to your setup.
Mark Levinson #5909:
One of the audio industry’s biggest hits at CES 2022, the Mark Levinson #5909 proves you don’t always have to choose between fashion and function—these headphones sound as good as they look . With up to 34 hours of playtime, reference-quality sound, and the years of research and craftsmanship that goes with the Mark Levinson name, the #5909 is well worth the hefty price tag.
Roland Aerocaster:
A live streaming system designed for use with mobile devices, Roland’s AeroCaster allows anyone to quickly and easily stream to multiple cameras with high quality sound. Capture video from up to 5 sources and create up to 30 scene presets with graphics, overlays or other on-screen effects. Perfect for the DJ or producer who likes to go live.
Satechi 2-in-1 Helmet Stand:
A quick and convenient helper to keep your headphones out of harm’s way, the Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand doubles as a wireless charger for your AirPods or iPhone.
LG S95QR:
Described by the company as its premium soundbar, the S95QR packs some serious power in the form of 810w output and 9.1.5 channels of pure surround sound. Containing the world’s first center speaker, this premium offering from LG is as innovative and versatile as it is powerful.
Noveto N1
With Noveto’s own Smart Beaming technology, the N1 brings a whole new way to listen to music. Called “invisible headphones” by Noveto, the N1 works by streaming immersive 3D sound directly into your ears without the need for any kind of earpiece. Crafted with excellent audio privacy, the N1 delivers a wired-good experience without the bulk or discomfort.
Shokz Open Run Pro:
From invisible headphones to those that don’t even fit in your ears! The Shokz OpenRun Pro works by bone conduction, a process in which vibrations are transmitted to the cochlear bones (inner ear), freeing up your ear canal and providing more comfort and stability. Seriously cool, and more importantly, seriously high quality.
Earphones Wisear
Perhaps the most interesting new development at CES 2022 is Wisear’s Next Earphone Technology– they claim that the headphones they are developing will not be controlled by touch or sound signals, but by thought. Electrodes on the earpiece will send signals to the AI so you can make a call or adjust the volume just by thinking about it. A little hard to believe, I know, but the implications are absolutely incredible.
MSi Content Creation Series
MSi is generally known as a manufacturer of gaming laptops, but as you probably know, a computer powerful enough to smoothly run the latest games will have no problem with DAWs and other music software. Enter the MSi Content Creation series, a set of laptops with highly efficient processors and up to 17.3 inches of screen size – they’re ready for anything you throw at them.
Featured image credits: Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
