Designed in collaboration by NATIVE UNION and audio experts La Boite concept, PR/01 is a state-of-the-art speaker with advanced connectivity, beautiful design and unmatched acoustics. Made from wood and hard-wearing home textile with brass toned aluminum controls, the design blends seamlessly into your home environment. Using exclusive patented technology, PR/01 produces superior sound fidelity, even impressively low frequency sounds for a speaker of its size. With multiple options for audio-in and a hidden drawer that conceals charging ports, PR/01 is compatible with existing and future technology.
Led by the R&D teams at La Boite concept, the technology behind PR/01 is a reinvention of a patent from the 1970’s, which has been adapted to support new digital technologies. Essentially, the patented Active Pression Reflex technology consists of two speakers inside a multi-amplified pneumatic system. This exclusive design allows PR/01 to offer exceptional power and definition in the extreme bass, all contained within a compact structure. The modular design enables a clean looking exterior with extensive functionality hidden underneath. A concealed drawer hides a dedicated recess for a wireless charger as well as multiple audio-in connectors and USB-ports for charging everyday tech.
The design process of PR/01 was driven by the idea of creating something truly timeless. While retaining all functionality expected of speakers today, the design also had to ensure that it won’t become obsolete with the inevitable introduction of new technologies to the market. Instead of integrating current technological solutions directly in the speaker, we wanted to make PR/01 adaptable to innovation.
Hence, as opposed to being equipped with the current standard Wi-Fi compatibility, PR/01 is a wired speaker housing three different optical audio-in connectors as well as Bluetooth aptX compatibility. Additionally, it holds both USB-A and USB-C ports for connecting other devices to reflect and support the ever-changing nature of technological standards. A dedicated recess within the wooden hood can hold a wireless charger, but instead of building one directly inside the speaker, we opted otherwise to give users the possibility to change the internal charger as technology develops.
Compared to other speakers for the home, what sets PR/01 apart is its modular design and future-proof functionality. At first glance, PR/01 appears to be a solid wooden unit characterized by a refined walnut finish and brass toned details. At closer look, the wooden casing turns out to be a removable drawer hiding a world of functionality inside.
Hidden under the hood are all audio-in connectors as well as additional ports for connecting other devices (DAC optical audio digital input, RCA analog input, 3.5mm stereo plug, two USB-A and one USB-C port) and a dedicated recess for a wireless charger. The additional USB ports enable users to charge any of their chosen devices hidden inside the drawer, while the wireless charger recess makes it possible to charge your phone by placing it directly on top of the speaker even with the drawer closed. Essentially, PR/01 is a multifunctional charging hub that can be fully customized to build your own personal solution.
The design of audio equipment is often driven by sound as the most important factor. The design philosophy that inspired PR/01 on the other hand, was uniquely focused on combining intelligent, user-friendly technology with striking aesthetics and exceptional materials. Instead of creating just a great sounding speaker, we aimed to craft a lifestyle piece that easily complements any home decor while giving users a smoother experience with their everyday tech; a truly unique masterpiece of sound.
The PR/01 user experience is guided by the modular functionality of the speaker. From the outset, it is effortless for users to access the main purpose of the speaker: enjoying music. Bluetooth aptX compatibility means users can intuitively connect with any Bluetooth compatible device of their choice, be it their phone, computer or other tech. However, the hidden functionality beneath the wooden drawer adds an element of pleasant surprise. By hiding all ports underneath the drawer, the exterior remains minimal, making it easy to integrate within a myriad of interior spaces.
Audio-in ports are traditionally placed either on the side or back of a speaker, perhaps in an effort to make them as unnoticeable as possible and to keep the front of the speaker looking clean. This can, however, make the ports unnecessarily hard to reach. By hiding the ports inside the wooden casing of PR/01, we were able to keep all connection ports facing forward while still ensuring a sleek and minimal aesthetic for the speaker’s exterior.
The added benefit for users is the ability to not only listen to music, but also charge their other devices both wirelessly or through the additional USB ports with just one device – the PR/01. This makes our speaker a bespoke power solution that any user can fine tune to their liking and lifestyle.
Finally, for a very compact speaker, the sound of PR/01 is exceptionally powerful and natural, thanks to the exclusively patented technology. This superior sound quality lends itself perfectly to any genre of music making PR/01 a great home speaker for all kinds of people, from the hip hop enthusiast to the classical music lover. It elevates the experience of enjoying music and has the power to bring people together to take pleasure in an important part of culture and life.
On the other hand, there’s a common yet unspoken perception that audio equipment look and feel a certain way. Many products are made of cheap plastic that prioritize cost over quality and personality, providing little choice to consumers. Through the use of high quality materials – real wood, solid aluminum and premium woven fabric – in hand with strong construction and patented technology, we wanted PR/01 to be the antithesis of a trend piece. Thoughtful design, high quality construction and future-proof functionality make PR/01 a speaker to last a lifetime. A truly sustainable choice in an age of seemingly disposable technology.