The Mini project began back in June 2022, a time of creative sparks at the Lab in Lund, Sweden. We set out with a rather ambitious goal – to redefine how compact speakers could deliver a full and natural sound. The driving force? The unmistakable Nocs studio sound.
After a year’s worth of R&D, they’re thrilled with what they’ve accomplished. The Mini isn’t just holding its own against the competition; it’s carving out its place at the forefront.
“I found inspiration in the nostalgic charm of older radios while embarking on the design journey of Mini. My goal was to seamlessly weave together the elements of symmetry and asymmetry, a task that posed an exciting challenge. Symmetry is often straightforward, especially in speaker placement, but with Mini, I sought a more dynamic and playful appearance, delving into the realm of asymmetry. The monochromatic aesthetic plays a pivotal role, allowing us to retain a sense of simplicity while infusing Mini with a subtle yet timeless retro essence.”
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Every challenge brings opportunity. Embracing a somewhat unconventional solution allowed them to rethink and reimagine. It’s a reminder that innovation often thrives in the face of challenges. Mini’s development allowed them to build upon the foundation they laid with Monolith. By utilising the same technical platform as the Monolith, they’ve ensured that Mini embodies the same quality and performance that our customers have come to love.”
The case is thoughtfully fashioned from MDF and finished with a structurally and durable paint, guaranteeing durability while maintaining distinct acoustic properties thanks to internal bracing. The anodized aluminum plate that covers the passive radiator showcases a perforated pixel pattern, giving Mini a timeless look that fusions style and function.
The MDF is CNC’ed to the right geometry, and the surface is then treated with a structured matt paint. We aimed for a monochromatic vibe, which we achieved through the use of matte paint and sandblasted aluminum that harmoniously come together. In their pursuit to provide unparalleled sound quality, they’ve incorporated Sorbothane damping into the base of the Mini. These pads effectively curb vibrations, ensuring a stable listening experience that’s free from unnecessary movement.
They continue their collaboration with Scan-Speak, based in Denmark, as our local partner to deliver the highest caliber of speaker performance. Founded in 1970, Scan-Speak is renowned for its superb sound quality and high-end speaker drivers.
Their assembly partner is based in Estonia, where a speaker haven has existed since 1935. Their well-honed craft and accumulated wisdom add another layer to our European manufacturing journey.
Nocs Lab, audio development always begins with the musician community. The insights are invaluable in creating the right tuning, honing the experience to preserve the artistic integrity through the speaker. Nocs Labs engineers are laser-focused on the relationship between the artist and the listener, tuning drivers to perform ultimately. Premium components further empower the highest-quality sound.
In the Mini the two Scan Speak drivers have been coupled with a custom tuned subwoofer module to be able to retrieve our signature sound.
The Mini will be available for pre-order as of today at 750 USD for US & 900 EUR for Europe. Shipping starts 16th of October. Head here for more information
