ProSound

Professional audio magazine

Search
Menu

beyerdynamic SPACE review and test — a stylish speakerphone that can also play music

Maxim Liadov

The beyerdynamic SPACE is a small, light, battery-powered speakerphone designed for many different uses. The manufacturer suggests using it equally at work and at home, for calls and for music playback.

The Bluetooth-speaker styling helps the beyerdynamic SPACE fit into a room. Three available colors also suggest a broad audience. Unlike many other models, it announces commands and mode changes through its loudspeaker, making it feel like a smart speaker. However, its main role is still that of a good speakerphone.

The official video shows the main features and intended uses of this speakerphone.

beyerdynamic SPACE specifications

  • Microphone array: 4 × MEMS
  • Wireless connection: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Loudspeaker: 1.5-inch full-range driver + two passive bass radiators
  • Loudspeaker frequency response: 100 Hz–10 kHz
  • Maximum power: 5 W
  • Maximum SPL: 81 dB at 1 kHz
  • Linking of two speakerphones
  • Echo cancellation
  • Firmware updates
  • PC connection: USB cable
  • Connection and charging port: USB-C
  • Battery: lithium-ion
  • Operating time: 20 hours of calls
  • Charging time: 2.5 hours with a 5 V/1.5 A adapter
  • Dimensions: 132 × 132 × 40
  • Weight: 354 g

The 4 microphones are a notable feature, picking up sound from every direction. The manufacturer describes its 360° SMART MIC TECHNOLOGY as suitable for conversations with up to 6 participants.

Support for the modern Bluetooth 5.0 standard is expected, as is wired USB operation with any operating system. Business features include hiding the speakerphone from phones searching over Bluetooth for security, in what is called business mode. Two speakerphones can also be linked to extend conversation coverage. The model is protected against dust and moisture, and the fabric has an antimicrobial treatment.

The most interesting feature is, of course, the sound. A 1.5-inch full-range driver works with two passive radiators that significantly extend and improve bass response. The beyerdynamic SPACE therefore reproduces not only voices but also music well at low and medium volumes. This immediately sets it apart from many similar devices.

Sound quality deserves a closer look. Nobody expects a small speakerphone to match a full-size powered speaker. Even so, the beyerdynamic SPACE immediately impresses with clear speech and capable music playback. The sound is balanced, without boomy bass or unpleasant treble distortion. It is a very good replacement for the speakers of even an expensive laptop or for smartphone speakerphone mode. Users who want stereo can link two units and use them as powered stereo speakers.

The speakerphone comes in simple recycled-cardboard packaging. The insert is also paper, following the environmental approach. Even the cable uses a recycled-paper band instead of a normal wire tie.

Along with the speakerphone, the package contains a fabric pouch and a USB-C cable with a USB 2.0 adapter. There is also a printed manual and a leaflet about the manufacturer's environmental efforts.

The package is perfectly adequate. The cable fits both connection types, and the adapter can be stored underneath the speakerphone.

The same recess can hold the optional branded Bluetooth adapter, sold separately. There is also a stand mount on the bottom. The feet are clearly removable. The manual says that the internal lithium-ion battery can be replaced when worn out. We like this attention to detail, which shows the manufacturer's experience.

A circular panel with illuminated touch buttons handles control. Its color changes with the operating mode. Pressing the battery symbol shows the current charge. English voice announcements provide the same information. The function button with the manufacturer's logo controls advanced modes. For example, the user can enable a light show: the illuminated ring then changes colors in time with the music.

The wireless symbol activates wireless connection. Operation is standard and easy to understand. In our view, only the volume controls would benefit from the more familiar + and - symbols.

A dedicated computer and smartphone application makes firmware updates very easy.

Each firmware update has a clear list of changes. The update history also shows that the manufacturer keeps improving ease of use.

We tested call quality in popular applications, from WhatsApp to Microsoft Teams. The beyerdynamic SPACE provided high-quality communication, and we had no complaints about echo cancellation. It is clearly intended mainly for personal use and small meeting rooms. For more demanding business use, beyerdynamic offers the larger SPACE MAX. That model is much louder, but also much larger and twice as heavy. The SPACE under review is for users who want a relatively light, compact speakerphone that can be taken on a trip and used for wireless calls or as a powered speaker with pleasant sound.

Conclusions

The beyerdynamic SPACE impressed us as a carefully developed model with a very clear purpose. It is light, compact, attractive, and offers long battery life. Most importantly, it sounds pleasant with both voices and music, as we would expect from beyerdynamic. The main business functions are present, including extended coverage by adding a second speakerphone. Controls are simple, a carrying pouch is included, and the supplied USB cable allows charging from a power adapter or connection to a computer. Regular firmware updates show the manufacturer's attention to user needs.



Note. This is an adapted machine translation into English. It follows the “In simple terms” approach. Read the original article at https://prosound.ixbt.com/microphones/beyerdynamic-space.shtml.