Hi everyone, today at DROP is speaker day! The BMR1 is designed to fill the gap between cheap computer speakers and nearfield studio monitors that are a little large for proper placement on a computer desk.
The challenge we set was to make something with a bigger sound than little desktop tweeters, more flexible than a soundbar, and yet still able to fit under or around a monitor. Many of these existing options use a single tweeter-sized driver paired with a bass port, or a larger “box” with tweeter, midwoofer, bass port, and a passive crossover built-to-cost. Soundbars always have the right and left speakers at a set distance that don’t allow the user to optimize separation for binaural stereo presentation, which is one of the greatest advantages speakers have over headphones and IEMs.
Our first in-house DROP studio designed and produced speakers, using Tectonic Audio Labs’ Balanced Mode Radiation (BMR) drivers in a 2-inch disc size, paired with force-cancelling passive radiators, pack a punch for their compact desk-friendly size. Headphone users will appreciate that there is no crossover in the mids to muddy detail, and also the spatial presentation of speakers. The sweet spot for listening position is wider than a soundbar or highly directional tweeters. And the narrow stick-shape of the enclosures combined with the broad radiation pattern will allow for creative positioning, including below a screen or mounting the lightweight speakers (less than a pound each). For full-range sound, a standard subwoofer-out port is included to optionally add whichever sub fits your size and power requirements.
Our top question during the announcement was “Price?” Previously, we had announced that the ongoing price for the BMR1 would be just $129, however we are pleased to announce that all Preorders will be priced at $99, valid through 2/28/2023.
Currently, the BMR1 is launching in three initial runs. Run 1 (shipping mid May) will have 200 units available, Run 2 (early June) will have 500 units available, and Run 3 (mid June) will have 500 units available.
More quantities will be available after this. We would like to apologize for a mistake, opening preorders at 8am Eastern US instead of Pacific time, however all preorders will be honored.
Update: Thank you for the overwhelming support and interest! We are working extra hard to make more speakers available to ship as fast as possible. We are expecting Run 4 (1,000 units) to ship late June (SOLD OUT). Run 5 is now live (1,000 units) expected to ship early July. Preorder pricing is still valid for the time being.
Where would you set these up? We hope to see dorm room tours, sweet battlestations, and creative work from home setups!
We are happy to offer new customers a longer 10ft. (3 meter) speaker cable available as an add on for no additional cost. The new cable allows for greater flexibility in placement such as with ultra wide screen monitors or larger TVs. Simply add the cable to your BMR1 order before checkout.
I just received my bmr1 monitors but only just noticed that there were longer cables available in the comments. Is it still possible to order some? I did not see an option to add them when I bought the unit.
Just got a second pair of there, and sound would not play at all. Turned out to be the 3.5mm cable.
Good reminder that it only takes a shitty little cable to ruin everything. Glad I caught it before returning.
I've used these now for several months and am very impressed with their performance. I also read a lot of negative comments and still can't understand where most came from?
How come this is cheaper than the pre-order, and with longer cable? are the early supporters are getting screwed? i will never be an early adopter in Drop ever again.
Great... $20 less than preorder, and it comes with the longer cable that I have needed since getting them.
How's about you (Drop) make it up to your preorders by sending out the longer cable to those that need it?
I'd even pay the $5 it would cost you to send it.
How about that, huh?
samuelkwestFYI: For anyone reading my post, it turns out that 2-pole Phoenix connectors (3.81mm pitch) fit quite nicely, and allow one to make their own cable of arbitrary length.
samuelkwestAnd... of course, in the vertical orientation, the 3.5mm input placement interferes with the shoulder of the phoenix connector... so, some customization/accommodation must be made.
But, it's working for me, and I now have a 12' cord. More than necessary, but now I can run the cable under/behind the table.
Cheers!