They just use lots of DSP, if you were to take the macbook speakers out and put them on a raw amplifier, it would never sound as good. Apple used digital tuning to make them sound great, and thats how they do the bass compression on higher volumes. They also do this transparently to the OS, as dsp functions are hardware. Windows laptops cheap out on the speakers, and companies usually put middleware software dsp garbage in windows to make the speakers sound okay. Tuned by AKG just means they spent 5 dollars on the drivers and put some awful dsp profile.
so happy to see the frequency response of MacBook Pro~ I guess if I plan to listen in the normal computer distance, I don't need the mini sub? But anyway, really cool set up, appreciate your ideas~
I'm so tempted! It's a bit of a shame there isn't an AirPlay 2 solution, since this would fix the latency issue. Technically it would be possible via a AirPort Express 2nd gen or a WiiM Mini, but then I guess you'd have even more cables... Minirig need to do a Bluetooth version of their speaker with Mac software to tweak the latency 🙃it should be possible, after all if you watch movies on your Mac with a pair of AirPods then it adjusts the visuals to sync with the sound, but of course shuts off the internal speakers as well. Great video anyway, thanks! I'm not very good working out EQ settings for a flatter sound though, it would be super helpful if you could post the EQ settings you used, or upload a config file, so we can have the same amazing sound settings from SoundSource that you have? 🤗
This is a really great idea/video. Finally something new and useful other than the standard rumor videos! (Those are fine too, but this is the first I’ve seen on something new and useful in quite some time.)
bit like lipstick on a pig. watching on a Mac m3 pro and sure the sound is good for a reflected source what amounts to 2 anker soundcore 2s. The spacial audio magic is simply the audio venting and reflecting from the display plus two little tweeters. the fold and the Nintendo oled switch can literally render 3d audio you can hear all around you and not just reflected off the display with a bit of 2d left and right action
Hi again. I got hold a simple powered sub from a friend to try this out. someone commented below about separation with men's voices - I'm not sure if they meant in terms of frequencies or latency between the two speakers, but. I've noticed that my MBP and sub definitely aren't quite in sync (or phase? I'm not great with the terminology). It's particularly noticable with tracks with stacato basslines (electronic music primarily) in which that tone is slightly split, but audible across other tracks too. The midi set up has "drift correction" checkboxes but these don't seem to do anything. Googling it, apple's website also mentions a "clock source pop up menu" but I can't seem to find this. I can see that the MBP speakers have clock icon next to them in the menu but I can't seem to interact with this. Is this something that Soundsource can help with? It feels like I just need to add a compensatory delay to the external headphones output.
Before the 16" M1 Macbook, the best sounding laptop I ever heard/owned was the Dell XPS 17 from 2011 with 22W JBL speakers. It was basically one of JBL's iPod docks, broken down and put into a laptop.
One other thing. If it’s not too much trouble, (since you seem to know a lot about batteries) could you tell me if it’s OK to charge minirigs with ANY USB charger (and cables) as Minirig’s FAQs says? I contacted the distributer in my country(Japan) and they said 800mA-5V charger is reccomended (on Amazon it says 5V-1500mA), so I don’t know what to believe. For example, Anker’s PD chargers use 3000mA or more when charging at 5V. Is it safe to charge minirigs (5V-1500mA) with 5V-3000mA chargers and 20V cables? (I'm not gonna do this daily but for emergencies) I know USB chargers adjust their voltage and amperage according to the connected device, but I don’t know if they work with DC ports. I’m worried because usually DC ports come with a big AC adapter. And I can’t to afford to break my minirig because I live far away from UK. Thanks.
My understanding is the voltage is the only thing that could damage things and USB is always 5v. The device will pull whatever amps it needs up to the max of the charger so I don’t think there is ever any danger of using a higher powered USB charger because worst case is it just won’t pull all the potential power
@@todd.parker You are right! I’ve charged my minirig with all the high powered chargers and they all charge at 5V/1300mA (I bought a USB tester for this lol). Thank you so much!
Hi. I commented a few days ago. I got my minirig sub and have been using it with my MBP 14 for a couple of days. Sadly, it isn’t working for me although I don’t regret the purchase. Here are the issues I’m having with this setup: 1. Men’s low voices sound a little separeted (maybe there is a very slight delay because of the computation?). 2. It sounds great but somehow the MBP speaker has to get very loud for me to enjoy the music (and I got complaints from people lol). 3. Playing audio stutters for about 0.1 second everytime I do something computationally heavy, like opening a big app or a video file (my MBP is M1 pro base model). On Apple Music, this happens every time swithing to a next song (both end and start) AND about every 6 minutes randomly when I'm not eve touching my mac. But I absolutely love the product itself and your video introduced me to subwoofers and minirig so I’m pretty happy with it. I decided to but a pair of minirig to use it with my minirig sub and audio interface. Minirig speakers (from what I've heard. Of course I watched your review, too) sound great and kinda makes me special when everyone else is using homepods or sonos, although I have to sell my kidney for the pair.
Interesting, sorry it's not quite there for you. Are you using SoundSource to tweak the EQ and using the midi controller to adjust the overall balance? Sounds like many you're hearing too much mid bass from the sub? Maybe try reducing some in the 150-250hz range to see if that helps? Or move the sub closer?
@@todd.parker Placing the sub behind the MBP helped. Less 150-250hz setting doesn’t do much for me. Plus, I’d always foget to turn off the 10 band EQ when I use other output devices. I wish I could adjust each device’s EQ separately with soundsource. Thanks anyway.
You should lower the base on the eq for the laptop.. Base is very expensive dB wise.. Dropping the lowest base that is covered by the sub gives you much more room for maximum volume from the laptop.. Since is omnidirectional already you loose nothing by dropping it from the dolby speakers.. 😉
Thanks for such an informative video. I was/am also amazed by the speakers in by MBP (14"), it sounds better than my existing hifi and headphones. I'm thinking about doing something similar. I would only be using the sub at my desk (in a very small room) so if it would have the same effect I'd probably prefer to get normal basic powered sub with an analgoue control knob and that plugs in the mains power without having a battery to go flat (and ideally would cost less) However I'm not a sound tech person (nor an audiophile) so I was wondering if this minirig mini-sub would have advtanges over a more typical standard sub. I'm thinking that maybe that, being smaller, it might cover more of the low end rather than just the sub-bass frequences and so be a better overall accompaniment to the MBP. Do you think this would be the case or should I be alright going for a standard subwoofer? Also, did you feel the sub impacted on the 3D sound?
I'd definitely go with a standard subwoofer if you don't need portability. It will sound much better and be cheaper than the minirig version. I don't think this should mess with the spatial audio processing, that stays intact as far as I can tell.
I love your idea! I was JUST looking for a good setup for my MBP 14 that is zero-latency, affordable and portable! And guess what, I'm already using SoundSource! I did a little research myself and it looks like minirig is still the best (and only) option, so I'm definetely gonna get one, but the problem is minirig 4 could be released anytime now (it's been 3 years). If minirig 4 getsUSB-C instead of 5V DC, it's worth the wait for me. I wish I was a cool guy who has a subwoofer lying around in his home but my life is so boring that all my speakers are bluetooth (that add delay even when wired). Anyway, thank you so so much!
Hi, great video and idea! Unfortunately it didn't work for me. No sounds from either the sub or the MBP speakers when setup as a new multi-output device. I am using an older 16". Perhaps that has something to do with it? Despite, thanks for the many tips. Rock on folks!
Partial Success! I simply deleted it and created a new Output Device Setup. BUT... the audio is not synced, the MBP speakers come in slightly first. Oh well. Till the next cool thing to experiment with! Cheers! @@todd.parker
Sadly a lot of people here in the US don't know about these! They're defiantly worth ordering from the UK! they blow all the other speakers we see here at pool parties out of the water!
Unfortunately, not that I’ve seen. A battery powered subwoofer is hard to find. If you just want a stationary sub you plug into, you can use anything you want and it will pros have better bass since they would be bigger
Brilliant tip! Many thanks. I wish there was a solution to the latency problem with Bluetooth! I guess if there were a wireless solution to everything, Apple wouldn’t have started reintroducing ports and jacks on their devices!
I have a SVS sound link setup and that’s very low latency but that’s a box that would need to set next to your MacBook which seems a bit clunky. I do wish Bluetooth had lower latency for sure, it’s way too much
Awesome idea, pulled the trigger and ordered a minirig sub to try. Love my M1 MBP speakers. As far as doing it wireless, have you ever looked into SKAA technology? Ultra low latency and there’s a couple options out there. I plan on using this sub with my MBP and a pair of Wet Sounds A-Link transmitters/receivers Thanks for the video and this idea!
I bet the dock would work. Re: wireless, I have a SVS wireless system that probably has much lower latency but it's too many boxes to deal with for a portable setup, I'll have to look at SKAA. Thanks!
apple ust have patented their music profiles because it just doesnt make sense why their audio is so incredible and nothing can even come close to it
Ikr
Profile of what? They haven t patented anything about speakers lil bro 😂😂😂😂
They just use lots of DSP, if you were to take the macbook speakers out and put them on a raw amplifier, it would never sound as good. Apple used digital tuning to make them sound great, and thats how they do the bass compression on higher volumes. They also do this transparently to the OS, as dsp functions are hardware. Windows laptops cheap out on the speakers, and companies usually put middleware software dsp garbage in windows to make the speakers sound okay. Tuned by AKG just means they spent 5 dollars on the drivers and put some awful dsp profile.
@@mioszk504 They do have a patent for speakers.
That's a really nice minimalist setup. I had forgotten about the midi setup and Rogue Amoeba too. Flashback.
I know, super retro!
so happy to see the frequency response of MacBook Pro~ I guess if I plan to listen in the normal computer distance, I don't need the mini sub? But anyway, really cool set up, appreciate your ideas~
I'm so tempted! It's a bit of a shame there isn't an AirPlay 2 solution, since this would fix the latency issue. Technically it would be possible via a AirPort Express 2nd gen or a WiiM Mini, but then I guess you'd have even more cables... Minirig need to do a Bluetooth version of their speaker with Mac software to tweak the latency 🙃it should be possible, after all if you watch movies on your Mac with a pair of AirPods then it adjusts the visuals to sync with the sound, but of course shuts off the internal speakers as well.
Great video anyway, thanks! I'm not very good working out EQ settings for a flatter sound though, it would be super helpful if you could post the EQ settings you used, or upload a config file, so we can have the same amazing sound settings from SoundSource that you have?
🤗
This is a really great idea/video. Finally something new and useful other than the standard rumor videos! (Those are fine too, but this is the first I’ve seen on something new and useful in quite some time.)
Thanks so much. I’m very impressed with the sound quality and I’m very picky. Glad you liked it.
bit like lipstick on a pig. watching on a Mac m3 pro and sure the sound is good for a reflected source what amounts to 2 anker soundcore 2s. The spacial audio magic is simply the audio venting and reflecting from the display plus two little tweeters. the fold and the Nintendo oled switch can literally render 3d audio you can hear all around you and not just reflected off the display with a bit of 2d left and right action
didnt know you could do that in MIDI setup. Thx
Yeah, it’s a very hidden feature. Lots of cool stuff you can do with it.
Hi again. I got hold a simple powered sub from a friend to try this out. someone commented below about separation with men's voices - I'm not sure if they meant in terms of frequencies or latency between the two speakers, but. I've noticed that my MBP and sub definitely aren't quite in sync (or phase? I'm not great with the terminology). It's particularly noticable with tracks with stacato basslines (electronic music primarily) in which that tone is slightly split, but audible across other tracks too. The midi set up has "drift correction" checkboxes but these don't seem to do anything. Googling it, apple's website also mentions a "clock source pop up menu" but I can't seem to find this. I can see that the MBP speakers have clock icon next to them in the menu but I can't seem to interact with this.
Is this something that Soundsource can help with? It feels like I just need to add a compensatory delay to the external headphones output.
Thanks for the analysis. I was feeling that there was a small delay but couldn't quite quantify it. If you figure out how to adjust the timing, lmk!
Before the 16" M1 Macbook, the best sounding laptop I ever heard/owned was the Dell XPS 17 from 2011 with 22W JBL speakers. It was basically one of JBL's iPod docks, broken down and put into a laptop.
So, which one sounds better
One other thing. If it’s not too much trouble, (since you seem to know a lot about batteries) could you tell me if it’s OK to charge minirigs with ANY USB charger (and cables) as Minirig’s FAQs says? I contacted the distributer in my country(Japan) and they said 800mA-5V charger is reccomended (on Amazon it says 5V-1500mA), so I don’t know what to believe.
For example, Anker’s PD chargers use 3000mA or more when charging at 5V. Is it safe to charge minirigs (5V-1500mA) with 5V-3000mA chargers and 20V cables? (I'm not gonna do this daily but for emergencies) I know USB chargers adjust their voltage and amperage according to the connected device, but I don’t know if they work with DC ports. I’m worried because usually DC ports come with a big AC adapter. And I can’t to afford to break my minirig because I live far away from UK. Thanks.
My understanding is the voltage is the only thing that could damage things and USB is always 5v. The device will pull whatever amps it needs up to the max of the charger so I don’t think there is ever any danger of using a higher powered USB charger because worst case is it just won’t pull all the potential power
@@todd.parker You are right! I’ve charged my minirig with all the high powered chargers and they all charge at 5V/1300mA (I bought a USB tester for this lol). Thank you so much!
Hi. I commented a few days ago. I got my minirig sub and have been using it with my MBP 14 for a couple of days. Sadly, it isn’t working for me although I don’t regret the purchase. Here are the issues I’m having with this setup:
1. Men’s low voices sound a little separeted (maybe there is a very slight delay because of the computation?).
2. It sounds great but somehow the MBP speaker has to get very loud for me to enjoy the music (and I got complaints from people lol).
3. Playing audio stutters for about 0.1 second everytime I do something computationally heavy, like opening a big app or a video file (my MBP is M1 pro base model). On Apple Music, this happens every time swithing to a next song (both end and start) AND about every 6 minutes randomly when I'm not eve touching my mac.
But I absolutely love the product itself and your video introduced me to subwoofers and minirig so I’m pretty happy with it. I decided to but a pair of minirig to use it with my minirig sub and audio interface. Minirig speakers (from what I've heard. Of course I watched your review, too) sound great and kinda makes me special when everyone else is using homepods or sonos, although I have to sell my kidney for the pair.
Saying "It isn't working for me," I'm still using MBP + sub 3 setup with all the flaws, because I love sub 3 so much and it's fun.
Interesting, sorry it's not quite there for you. Are you using SoundSource to tweak the EQ and using the midi controller to adjust the overall balance? Sounds like many you're hearing too much mid bass from the sub? Maybe try reducing some in the 150-250hz range to see if that helps? Or move the sub closer?
@@todd.parker
Placing the sub behind the MBP helped. Less 150-250hz setting doesn’t do much for me. Plus, I’d always foget to turn off the 10 band EQ when I use other output devices. I wish I could adjust each device’s EQ separately with soundsource. Thanks anyway.
16" Macbook pro's tend to be too bass rich on dialogue rendering them "muffled". My previous 2017 MacBook Pro was much clearer on dialogue.
You should lower the base on the eq for the laptop.. Base is very expensive dB wise.. Dropping the lowest base that is covered by the sub gives you much more room for maximum volume from the laptop.. Since is omnidirectional already you loose nothing by dropping it from the dolby speakers.. 😉
Thanks for such an informative video. I was/am also amazed by the speakers in by MBP (14"), it sounds better than my existing hifi and headphones. I'm thinking about doing something similar. I would only be using the sub at my desk (in a very small room) so if it would have the same effect I'd probably prefer to get normal basic powered sub with an analgoue control knob and that plugs in the mains power without having a battery to go flat (and ideally would cost less)
However I'm not a sound tech person (nor an audiophile) so I was wondering if this minirig mini-sub would have advtanges over a more typical standard sub. I'm thinking that maybe that, being smaller, it might cover more of the low end rather than just the sub-bass frequences and so be a better overall accompaniment to the MBP. Do you think this would be the case or should I be alright going for a standard subwoofer?
Also, did you feel the sub impacted on the 3D sound?
I'd definitely go with a standard subwoofer if you don't need portability. It will sound much better and be cheaper than the minirig version. I don't think this should mess with the spatial audio processing, that stays intact as far as I can tell.
@@todd.parker Thanks for getting back to me
They could do a usb C power only, without the battery and make it slightly more powerful
have option with a bluetooth subwoofer? thanks
Not that I know of but I hear Minirig has one in the works. It's hard to find a battery powered sub, let alone one with BT.
I love your idea! I was JUST looking for a good setup for my MBP 14 that is zero-latency, affordable and portable! And guess what, I'm already using SoundSource!
I did a little research myself and it looks like minirig is still the best (and only) option, so I'm definetely gonna get one, but the problem is minirig 4 could be released anytime now (it's been 3 years). If minirig 4 getsUSB-C instead of 5V DC, it's worth the wait for me.
I wish I was a cool guy who has a subwoofer lying around in his home but my life is so boring that all my speakers are bluetooth (that add delay even when wired). Anyway, thank you so so much!
One hour later: but then again, it is also possible that they won't release gen 4 until 2030. The hell, I'm buying now.
It's probably not worth waiting, might be a long while before they update the sub. Let me know how it goes!
is it possible to link 2 Minirig 3's together with 1 laptop?
i cant believe i never thought of this before
Hi, great video and idea! Unfortunately it didn't work for me. No sounds from either the sub or the MBP speakers when setup as a new multi-output device. I am using an older 16". Perhaps that has something to do with it? Despite, thanks for the many tips. Rock on folks!
Hmm, sorry about that. It should work…
Partial Success! I simply deleted it and created a new Output Device Setup. BUT... the audio is not synced, the MBP speakers come in slightly first. Oh well. Till the next cool thing to experiment with! Cheers! @@todd.parker
Great idea
This is genius and has taken my Macbook Air M2 to another sonic level! Many thanks.
So glad this worked well for you
What app did you use to measure frequency response?
apps.apple.com/app/id490078884
Excellent! I just ordered the sub. Thank you, Todd!
Enjoy!
Sadly a lot of people here in the US don't know about these! They're defiantly worth ordering from the UK! they blow all the other speakers we see here at pool parties out of the water!
I know, they’re great!
Is there any cheaper model?
Unfortunately, not that I’ve seen. A battery powered subwoofer is hard to find. If you just want a stationary sub you plug into, you can use anything you want and it will pros have better bass since they would be bigger
@@todd.parker Alright, that sounds great. Thanks 🙌
OMG the subwoofer aound very good
Nice. Did you try it?
Very cool!
Brilliant tip! Many thanks. I wish there was a solution to the latency problem with Bluetooth! I guess if there were a wireless solution to everything, Apple wouldn’t have started reintroducing ports and jacks on their devices!
I have a SVS sound link setup and that’s very low latency but that’s a box that would need to set next to your MacBook which seems a bit clunky. I do wish Bluetooth had lower latency for sure, it’s way too much
@@todd.parker I hadn’t heard of that device. At over US$100, I’d rather get a wired subwoofer!
Yeah, it’s not worth it for this scenario
amazing video. thanks
Glad you liked it!
nice!
Thanks for watching!
Nice!
Glad you liked it, I know it’s a super niche video!
Awesome idea, pulled the trigger and ordered a minirig sub to try. Love my M1 MBP speakers.
As far as doing it wireless, have you ever looked into SKAA technology? Ultra low latency and there’s a couple options out there.
I plan on using this sub with my MBP and a pair of Wet Sounds A-Link transmitters/receivers
Thanks for the video and this idea!
Also, wonder if those using a dock could setup the sub on the audio output there and free-up the headphone Jack 🤔
I bet the dock would work. Re: wireless, I have a SVS wireless system that probably has much lower latency but it's too many boxes to deal with for a portable setup, I'll have to look at SKAA. Thanks!