Well, well, well, Drop is upping the audio game, and it's clear they want a seat at the hi-fi table. Now, for those of you acquainted with Drop, you might’ve encountered their legendary keyboard offerings. Remember the community-driven keyboard frenzy? That’s them. Now, they're diving headfirst into the audio game, and their latest offering caught my ear and eye, in equal measure. They’re now a Corsair subsidiary, which makes this endeavor even more intriguing.
Aesthetics and First Impressions
Right out of the box, these babies exude a minimalistic charm. The design, in essence, is a simple rectangle. A tiny footprint, especially when compared to your traditional PC speakers. They remind me of minimalistic art—sleek, unpretentious, yet commanding attention.
Speaking of orientation, these can be your vertical towers of sound or lie horizontally, snuggling perfectly under your monitors. They’re versatile like that. And oh! Don’t even get me started on those magnetic grilles. Sold separately, but I would recommend grabbing them. The base speakers, while having that “spare, industrial style” which some may find appealing, could give off an unfinished vibe without the grilles.
Under the Hood: Drop’s BMR1 Nearfield Monitors
Let's dig deeper. The BMR1s house the Balanced Mode Radiator drivers from Tectonic Audio Labs. If you're not up-to-date with your audio jargon (it's alright, no judgment here!), BMRs essentially radiate sound almost 180 degrees both horizontally and vertically. No need to find that elusive 'sweet spot' anymore; the sound engulfs the room. The audio dispersion is so widespread that it feels as if you’re in a live concert.
On the functionality side, these come with both Bluetooth and analog connectivity options. A neat addition is the aux-out port, giving you the chance to beef up the bass by adding a subwoofer.
Sound Quality
Now, what’s audio gear without sound quality discussion? The BMR1s, with their 2-inch BMR drivers, are paired with force-canceling passive radiators. These bad boys can push volumes without distorting the sound. They have a brilliant treble—clear, precise, and the soundstage remains focused, no matter where you place them. The only potential hiccup? They might be a tad light on the bass for some, but that’s easily fixed with a subwoofer.
Additional Tidbits
I appreciate the thought Drop has put into usability. A multi-function button on the right speaker (though, the LED ring could do with some dimming options), multiple input and output ports, and a headphone jack with mic passthrough – they’ve thought of everything. However, I'd have loved a longer speaker interconnect cable, because 4 feet might not always cut it for perfect cable management.
The Verdict
After spending quality time with the BMR1s, here's the lowdown: They're a compact powerhouse. Ideal for those with space constraints but unwilling to compromise on sound quality. Whether you’re jamming to your favorite tunes while working or immersing yourself in a gaming session, these speakers deliver.
However, if you're someone who thrives on deep bass, I'd recommend investing in a subwoofer to pair with these. The price point ($129 for the speakers and extra for the grilles) might raise eyebrows, but once you experience them, it’s quite justified.
Would I recommend the Drop BMR1 Nearfield Monitors? In a heartbeat! Especially for those looking for a seamless blend of design, functionality, and sound quality. They’re modern, they’re chic, and they sound as good as they look.