ASCII.jp Enjoy a higher-grade speaker life with "XPUMP" that realizes virtual surround

When considering upgrading the existing sound environment, it tends to require a major update of each device in most cases. Especially in an environment that assumes speakers, it is necessary to change the audio interface and DAC of the route, and the budget will rise easily. In that case, the idea of ​​adding some kind of device to improve the sound tends to emerge, but this time, let's check out the audio surround processor "XPUMP" that fits such demand.

XPUMP.The actual selling price is around 13,000 yen

XPUMP is an audio surround processor developed by Embrace Audio Lab in Taiwan. As the phrase "the world's smallest home theater" says, it is a unique device that uses XROUND's sound processing technology to convert the sound of connected headphones and speakers into a three-dimensional surround environment. It is a product that emphasizes ease of incorporation, and the size is as small as 92 mm x 27 mm x 155 mm, and it is a simple structure with IN / OUT of a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack. For example, simply installing it between a PC and speakers can greatly improve the sound environment.

The body is stick-shaped and compact

Some people don't need to look at the manual because they only have 3.5mm mini jacks on both sides.

Regarding the power supply, it has a built-in battery (driving for about 7 hours) assuming a mobile scene, but when incorporating it into the home environment, charging tends to be troublesome. In the case of a PC, you only have to worry about the part such as connecting to the USB terminal and using it as USB audio, or passing sound through the 3.5 mm mini jack while supplying power with the USB charging adapter. After that, XPUMP will improve the sound without permission.

By the way, to use XPUMP, all you have to do is decide whether to move it in speaker mode or headphone mode with the slider on the side, and press the button on the front of the main unit. There are three playback modes: normal, STUDIO, and CINEMA, and each time you press the button, it switches from normal to STUDIO to CINEMA. The normal mode is a mode in which the original sound is bypassed without any special processing.

side. There is a volume button and a speaker / headphone switching slider. The photo shows the state when using headphones.Power off when the slider is in the center

Also, the LED around the button changes to white in STUDIO mode and orange in CINEMA mode, so it's a good idea to install it near the keyboard or display for operation. Since there is only that much operation, there is almost nothing to worry about when embedding.

STUDIO mode

CINEMA mode

It can be said that STUDIO and CINEMA have different surround levels. STUDIO is a standard expansion, and CINEMA is a more cinematic expansion. XPUMP is a product that strongly appeals to virtual 3D surround, and from the point of view that it is possible to create natural 3D surround without distortion, first try incorporating XPUMP into the existing environment rather than building a high-class surround environment poorly. It will be worth it. Especially in an environment centered on entry-line speakers and DACs, the environment is targeted by XPUMP, so you can experience the effects even more profitably.

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