24 September 2018

X-mini adds earbuds to audio portfolio

Audio brand X-mini is adding earbuds to its repertoire of portable audio choices, with four new wired earbud series for audio lovers in Singapore: the X-mini NOVA series, X-mini XYRIUS series, X-mini XTLAS series and X-mini RAY series.

Drawing on X-mini’s long-standing portable audio expertise, each product in the X-mini XOUNDBUDS series incorporates curated sound drivers to produce X-mini’s signature sound quality. With microphone support across all the earbuds, users can experience the convenience of voice and music, while being able to choose the earbud style that suits them the best. Each earbud family is engineered for outstanding music quality to suit a wide range of needs, for casual users to music lovers and sports fans.

Hoong He Hin, CEO of X-mini says: “In 2007, we revolutionised the portable speaker industry with our iconic capsule speakers. We’re now ready to venture into the world of earbuds, and make our mark there as well. With our four new XOUNDBUDS series, we are continuing our tradition of offering great sound in earbuds for every choice of wearing style, use case and price point.”

The new earbuds include:

Source: X-mini. The NOVA series comes in four colours.
Source: X-mini. The NOVA series comes in four colours.

X-mini NOVA series 

The entry-level NOVA series are the ‘fun buds’ for everyday music users, delivering crystal-clear sound. X-mini NOVA XOUNDBUDS feature a dome design, aluminium housing and satin finishing. The XOUNDBUDS incorporate a 10 mm dynamic driver* and a single-button remote with a microphone, allowing users to skip music tracks and answer calls. They come in four colours, and are compatible with most iOS and Android devices.

Hashtags: #funbuds, #xmininova

X-mini NOVA+ series

The X-mini NOVA+ XOUNDBUDS offer crystal-clear sound for the everyday music user via a 6.8 mm dynamic driver with enhanced bass. Fun, stylish, and practical, the X-mini NOVA+ XOUNDBUDS have tangle-resistant fabric-braided cables and a slim housing with a textured rim. They come with a universal three-button control system for basic track and volume control, as well as for answering calls.

Hashtags: #funbuds, #xmininova

X-mini XYRIUS series

Designed for working urbanites seeking a music companion that is versatile enough for both work and play, X-mini XYRIUS XOUNDBUDS provide well-balanced sound for all music types. They have a 5 mm dynamic driver, premium aluminium unibody and durable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)-coated cables that protect them from regular wear and tear. They also feature a universal 3-button control system and microphone, and are Hi-Res Audio certified**, which means they can closely replicate the sound quality of the original file, enabling audio lovers to hear music as the artists originally intended.

Hashtags: #worktoplay, #xminixyrius

X-mini XTLAS series

The X-mini XTLAS series, which is Hi-Res Audio Certified, is designed for music lovers who want to experience premium sound, with detailed lows and pure mids and highs. These XOUNDBUDS have a durable aluminium unibody, along with tangle-resistant cables. They also come with a pair of memory foam ear tips that conform to the shape of the wearer's ear to provide exceptional noise isolation.

Engineered with virtually weightless dual drivers*** – a balanced armature driver and a 8.6 mm dynamic driver, to reproduce both critical highs and lower frequencies, the X-mini XTLAS XOUNDBUDS are Hi-Res Audio certified, and come with a universal three-button control and microphone.

Hashtags: #hearmoretravelfar, #xminixtlas

X-mini XTLAS+ series

The ultimate X-mini full-bodied sound experience is available from the X-mini XTLAS+ XOUNDBUDS. Wearers can enjoy a realistic, immersive sound experience, with a hybrid triple-driver setup consisting of dual balanced armature drivers and an 8.6 mm dynamic driver.

Like the XTLAS series, the X-mini XTLAS+ XOUNDBUDS come with a pair of memory foam ear tips for better noise isolation, tangle-resistant fabric-braided cables and a universal three-button control system. They are also Hi-Res Audio certified.

Hashtags: #hearmoretravelfar, #xminixtlas

The X-mini RAY series

The wireless X-mini RAY XOUNDBUDS are IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant  wireless earbuds for fitness fans. They take two hours to recharge and offer up to four hours of playtime. They come with a magnetic power switch. Snap them together to switch them off, then pull them apart to switch them on. The X-mini RAY XOUNDBUDS also feature a universal three-button system and microphone.

Desmond Soo, X-mini's Head of Product Development, said the batteries are housed in the buds themselves instead of in volume control bar, eliminating problems such as ear buds listing to one side because of a heavier volume control on that side. 

Hashtags: #trainharderpushfurther, #xminiray

The X-mini RAY+ series

Intensify workouts with the X-mini RAY+ XOUNDBUDS with enhanced bass. Built to withstand perspiration and high-intensity workouts, they have an IPX5 water-resistant coating and a magnetic secure clasp, so that the earbud cables can be hung securely around the neck.

The RAY+ XOUNDBUDS come with interchangeable ear wings of varying sizes to ensure the earbuds have a secure fit during heavy workouts. They can be recharged in just two hours and offer continuous playback for up to eight hours on a single charge.

Hashtags: #trainharderpushfurther, #xminiray

The X-mini LIBERTY series

Source: X-mini. The sleek docking case doubles up as a power bank for the X-mini LIBERTY XOUNDPODS.
Source: X-mini. The sleek docking case doubles up as a power bank for the wireless X-mini LIBERTY XOUNDPODS.

The X-mini LIBERTY XOUNDPODS are X-mini's first true wireless earpods, designed for convenience and affordability. The cable-free XOUNDPODS are created with ease of use in mind. The left and the right earpods automatically connect to and disconnect from each other and to a paired device the moment they are removed from or returned to their charging dock case.

"You don't even have to touch a button," Soo said.

In addition, each X-mini LIBERTY XOUNDPOD can work in either SinglePod or DualPod mode. Each side contains an independent microphone, so that calls may be answered using both earpods in true stereo mode, or with one earpod.

The X-mini LIBERTY is IPX4 splash-proof and offers continuous playback for up to 3.5 hours per charge. A ceramic antenna means connections are more stable - in areas where there are a lot of Bluetooth devices, there can be interference in any Bluetooth connection, causing audio to drop or skip in the case of connected audio, Soo explained.

It also features a 6 mm dynamic driver with a graphene coating for superior sound. "We feel we should let people hear what we believe in - crisp clear audio sound," Soo said. The properties of graphene promise reduced power consumption, the ability to transfer louder sounds with smaller speakers, and less sound distortion in the audio world. The X-mini LIBERTY can deliver up to 14 hours of playtime with its charging case. On a single charge, the earpods offer up to 3.5 hours of play time.

Hoong says: “At X-mini, we place the same level of demand on quality for our products as if we were consumers. We aim to create a true wireless earpod that produces quality sound for everyone to enjoy beyond its size. This is the heart of our X-mini LIBERTY XOUNDPODS.”

"We price it as truly affordable," Soo added of the S$69.90 price point.

Hashtags: #trulywirelesstrulyfree, #xminiliberty

All wired earbuds come with a 3.5 mm audio jack for maximum compatibility with phones in the market, with Lightning and USB C compatibility in the works. Soo also shared that noise cancellation capabilities are in the product roadmap.

Details:

Pricing (manufacturer's suggested retail price [MSRP])

X-mini RAY: S$52.90

X-mini RAY+: S$79.90

X-mini LIBERTY: S$69.90

X-mini XTLAS: S$79.90

X-mini XTLAS+: S$129.90

The X-mini NOVA, XYRIUS, XTLAS and RAY earbud series will be available from at xmini.com and at major online retailers in Singapore, including Qoo10, Shopee and Lazada.

The X-mini RAY, X-mini RAY+, X-mini XTLAS and X-mini XTLAS+ will also be available at local retailers.

The X-mini LIBERTY is an online-exclusive model and comes in black. It will be available from October at x-mini.com, and at major online retailers including Qoo10, Lazada and Shopee.

Summary of features, availability and pricing


Explore:

View photos of the Singapore earbuds launch event on Facebook

Hashtags: #beyondsound, #XOUNDBUDS

*As a rule of thumb larger driver units will offer more powerful sound. Other factors will affect the quality of the sound, however.

**Hi-Res Audio certified products can closely replicate the sound quality of the original file, enabling audio lovers to hear music as the artists originally intended.

***Dynamic drivers typically achieve a powerful bass and an ideal volume without using a lot of power. Balanced armature drivers are tuned to sound good within a specific frequency range. Multiple balanced armature drivers can be used together to offer optimum sound in different ranges. Hybrid drivers combining dynamic and balanced armature drivers offer a balance of good bass and treble.