IFA: Mobile outdoor laser projector with big sound
Setting up an outdoor cinema environment sounds complicated. With the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro audio-video case with 4K laser projector, you can do it in no time
Outdoor is the order of the day at IFA, not only for kitchens but also for projectors. Anker has packed the 3500 lumen Soundcore Nebula X1 laser projector into a robust, waterproof sound case on wheels. The entire mobile package can be pulled behind you like a trolley to set up a movie event outdoors.
Four of the integrated speakers can be removed in a few simple steps and placed around the audience on fold-out feet. Together with the loudspeakers and bass speakers in the projector and case, they then wirelessly generate a 7.1.4 surround sound with Dolby Atmos, which impressed us at the trade fair stand with its rich sound. As desired with Atmos, the sound moved from the center of the screen to the sides and over the heads.
(Image:Â Ulrike Kuhlmann, c't/heise medien)
With autofocus and keystone correction as well as a built-in gimbal for the projector with position compensation up to 25 degrees, the projected image should be easy to position and fit on the screen. Anker also offers an inflatable outdoor screen that can be secured against the wind with ropes and water bags. But beware: if you want to enjoy movies in a private outdoor movie theater, you'll have to wait until the evening hours. The 3500 lumens of the projector are no match for bright sunlight.
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Karaoke or meeting
On top of the X1 Pro AV case, which weighs around 30 kilograms, there are also two microphones that can be used for karaoke. Soundcore provides an app that isolates the voices from any piece of music so that karaoke fans can sing along to the original music.
With the microphone set, which uses the speakers in the device for playback, another possible application of the video and sound case becomes clear: The Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro enables a compact setup for external presentations in front of a larger audience, where a single power cable to the case is sufficient.
(Image:Â Ulrike Kuhlmann, c't/heise medien)
The set consisting of a microphone and two satellite speakers, as well as a transport bag for the projector and audio, is also available separately for 600 euros, while the X1 projector itself already contains four speakers.
The 4K projector X1 in the case uses Google OS as its interface, and, provided you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can use almost any app from the app store. Anker is quoting a price of 3000 euros for the projector and 2000 euros for the sound case, which is cheaper when combined. The Nebula X1 Pro bundle is to be offered in a Kickstarter campaign at the end of September from 3000 euros (Early Birds).
Small projector with sound
For smaller budgets, Anker has other Soundcore projectors on the stand, including the Nebula P1 with detachable, magnetically attached speakers that can be powered via USB-C and supplied with sound via Bluetooth. They can therefore also be used without a projector.
(Image:Â Ulrike Kuhlmann, c't/heise medien)
Many people will be more familiar with Anker as a provider of gadgets for mobile power supplies. However, the company has also integrated the audio and projection business of Soundcore and Nebula under its umbrella brand, which will operate under the Soundcore label in the future.
(uk)
