Aire's mini home speaker is an unusual object. Aire offers an open-source speaker , and we're going to tell you more about what it has to offer! Be careful, there are several definitions of open-source. It's up to you to tell us if this project meets your expectations! Don't hesitate to contact us to update this article.
Discover the inside of Aire's mini speaker
Here are the technical characteristics of our mini speaker:
- Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 120 mm (L x W x H)
- Weight: 890 grams
- Power: 20W RMS
- Amplificateur : TAS5711
- Speaker: Faital Pro 3FE25, made in Italy
- Power supply: 12V 1A
- Bluetooth 5
- Microcontroller: ESP32
- 8-band DSP (Digital Sound Processor)
The mini speaker for the home
To begin with, the mini home speaker is entirely made using 3D printing . We will have other opportunities to discuss this additive manufacturing technology in our blog. This solution therefore allows us to manufacture with precision , and only to order . No more wasted resources due to large series.
A brief definition of open source
Here's a quick definition to get you started. The open source model involves making software source code available to the public for community review, modification, and sharing. Collaboration and sharing are the foundations of this development model, which aims to create high-quality and reliable software. Contributors can suggest improvements, report bugs, and work together to improve software performance. This development model is therefore based on sharing and collaboration.
The base: the speaker is therefore Bluetooth compatible
Une enceinte compatible Bluetooth est une enceinte qui peut se connecter sans fil à d'autres appareils, tels que smartphones, tablettes ou ordinateurs, via la technologie Bluetooth. Cela signifie que les utilisateurs peuvent diffuser de la musique et d'autres contenus audio depuis leurs appareils connectés vers l'enceinte sans avoir besoin de câbles ou de connexions filaires . Les enceintes compatibles Bluetooth utilisent une petite puce Bluetooth intégrée pour communiquer avec les appareils connectés, ce qui leur permet de diffuser du son de manière transparente sans fil.
Let's take a closer look at the engine
The Aire mini home speaker is based on an ESP32 microcontroller . We can compare this chip to the "brain" of our speaker.
L'ESP 32 est une puce microcontrôleur intégrant un processeur dual-core et une connectivité WiFi et Bluetooth . Il est développé par la société chinoise Espressif Systems . Cette puce est populaire dans les projets d'Internet des objets (IoT) en raison de ses caractéristiques telles que la faible consommation d'énergie, la capacité de traitement en temps réel et les options de connectivité sans fil. De nombreux développeurs l'utilisent donc pour créer des objets connectés tels que des systèmes de domotique, des capteurs, des écrans et des appareils électroniques portables comme des enceintes audio. Les makers choisissent souvent l'ESP32 pour ses fonctionnalités, sa commodité et son coût abordable par rapport à d'autres options de microcontrôleur.
What did we put into the brain of the mini home speaker?
We added the Squeezelite-esp32 to our chip. This is its internal software, also called Firmware. Find the project on Github. The community around the firmware is simply fantastic! We thank them again here for this work and this passion! The speaker is Bluetooth 5 compatible but it can also behave as a Squeezelite Receiver. Watch your eyes.
Quick clarification: Squeezelite is an open source project that allows you to run an audio streaming server on a compatible computer or device. It is designed to be lightweight and fast, with low system resource consumption. Squeezelite is compatible with the Logitech Media Server audio streaming protocol .
This means you can use the speaker to stream music from a computer or network storage. The Squeezelite project is then used to build home networked music systems. You can stream music from a centralized music library to multiple audio playback devices in your home .
So what exactly is a Squeezelite Receiver?
Un Squeezelite Receiver est un appareil de lecture audio qui utilise le logiciel Squeezelite pour recevoir et décoder des flux audio depuis un serveur de streaming audio .Il est ainsi utilisé pour écouter de la musique en provenance d'un ordinateur ou d'un stockage en réseau. Il est compatible avec le protocole de streaming audio Logitech Media Server. Vous pouvez construire des systèmes de musique en réseau domestique en utilisant des Squeezelite Receivers, permettant de diffuser de la musique depuis une bibliothèque musicale centralisée sur plusieurs appareils de lecture audio dans votre maison. Les Squeezelite Receivers peuvent être utilisés avec des enceintes sans fil, des amplificateurs audio et d'autres appareils de lecture audio pour créer une solution de diffusion musicale complète. 
Multiroom with Squeezelite
It is possible to connect multiple speakers with Squeezelite. Using the Logitech Media Server audio streaming protocol , Squeezelite Server can be configured to send music to multiple speakers simultaneously (the Squeezelite receiver). This allows the user to stream music to different rooms in their home. However, the exact setup will depend on the model and configuration of each speaker, so it requires some technical knowledge to properly set up such a device.
And what about Apple AirPlay?
What is a DSP?
DSP stands for Digital Signal Processing . It is a computer technology that uses mathematical algorithms to process digital signals , such as audio signals. DSP is often used in loudspeakers to improve sound quality by correcting distortion or adjusting sound frequencies. DSP can also be used to improve the frequency response of speakers , adjust volume, and process other aspects of sound. These filters can be built into the speaker itself, or placed externally and connected to the speaker via a cable or wireless connection.
What's hidden inside your audio amplifier?
We use the TAS5711 amplifier from Texas Instruments. It is a digital audio integrated circuit. It is used in audio systems to control and process digital audio signals (I2S inputs). The TAS5711 has a Class D DSP (Digital Signal Processor). This means you can modify the amplifier's response curve to improve the sound quality of your mini home speaker.
The amplifier then converts the digital audio signal into an analog signal to power the speakers. It is therefore often used in speakers, audio systems, and home entertainment systems to improve sound quality by correcting distortion or adjusting audio frequencies. The TAS5711 offers exceptional sound quality, low distortion, and very low power consumption.
Le TAS5711 est un amplificateur dit 2 + 1. Cela signifie que vous pouvez donc alimenter 2 enceintes large bandes avec cet amplificateur + un SUB . Bonne nouvelle pour les Aire : notre carte électronique a ainsi été conçue pour vous donner accès à l'ensemble de ces 3 sorties . Nous utilisons uniquement une sortie sur la mini enceinte. Vous pouvez donc ajouter un autre haut-parleur et un SUB. Il vous faudra alors pas mal de ressources et de goût pour le DIY afin d'y arriver. Mais les pièces sont là, disponibles pour une folle aventure !
The TAS5711 has 2 8-band equalizers for the full-range channels and 4 EQs for the SUB section.
What is an equalizer?
An equalizer is an audio tool that allows you to adjust the individual sound levels of frequencies in an audio signal . It works by adjusting the volume levels for different frequencies in the signal, thus compensating for differences in the frequency response of different audio systems or listening environments. Equalizers can therefore be used to improve sound quality by adjusting which frequencies are “over” or “under” represented in the audio signal. This also allows you to customize the sound according to your personal preferences. Equalizers can also be implemented physically or in software (like our DSPs) and can be included in audio systems (like in the Aire mini speaker), audio software, or mobile apps.
Can I change the response curve of my mini home speaker?
The answer is yes! It's entirely possible to modify the response curve of your mini home speaker. But you'll need to put in a little elbow grease to get there. We'll return to this topic soon. It will surely give rise to a dedicated blog article because this part is very technical. Don't hesitate to contact us for a specific project. We can discuss it in order to find solutions to your needs.
Can I have a party with the Aire mini home speaker?
The Aire mini home speaker has a 20W RMS amplifier with a 20W Faital Pro speaker (the Faital Pro 3FE25 4 Ohm).
En général, une enceinte de 20W peut être suffisamment puissante pour remplir une pièce de petite à moyenne taille d'un son clair et puissant . Par contre, si la pièce est très grande ou si il y a un grand nombre de personnes présentes, vous aurez besoin d'une enceinte plus puissante ou de plusieurs enceintes pour remplir la pièce avec un son suffisamment fort. Il est donc important de considérer les besoins spécifiques de votre situation avant de choisir une enceinte.
The Aire mini speaker won't have enough bass to liven up a party for six people. So don't get your hopes up about this speaker. It's perfectly suited for cozy use, with family, or for drinks... But we don't recommend it for hosting a party :)
Now the sequel
The 2.1 open speaker by Aire
The Aire team designed the first prototype of an open, Bluetooth-enabled speaker in 2.1 audio format. It was in the Aire workshop in 2021. The speaker was designed to deliver superior sound quality thanks to its two full-range channels and a dedicated low-frequency channel.
L'objectif de l'équipe Aire était de créer une enceinte Bluetooth qui puisse fournir une expérience audio immersive pour les utilisateurs, grâce à une qualité sonore exceptionnelle et une puissance suffisante pour remplir toutes les pièces de la maison avec de la musique. Les deux canaux large bande permettent d'obtenir des fréquences plus élevées avec une qualité sonore claire , tandis que le canal dédié aux basses fréquences garantit un son puissant et profond pour les basses .
Ultimately, the first prototype of the Bluetooth 2.1 speaker was a significant step forward for the Aire team in creating an innovative, high-quality product that meets user needs. The photo of the first prototype shows what the speaker looked like in its early days.
Please note that the electronic card of the Qube speaker still allows this type of speaker to be powered 😎
I hope you know more about your Aire mini speaker. I also hope you've identified some ways to customize it. For example, you can build a small setup with a dedicated amplifier (our electronics board), two cube-shaped speakers, and a subwoofer to powerfully reproduce the lower end of the audio spectrum (also called low frequencies). Don't hesitate to contact us for your audio projects. We hope you enjoy this article. We will, of course, update it based on your feedback and your projects!
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