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Giant Mako attacks CES |
| January 21st, 2007 |
On January 7th at CES in Las Vegas Razer announced and demonstrated for the first time anywhere the Razer Mako 2.1 speaker system. On that same day a press release was sent to all the major wire services where I was quoted as saying …
“Razer’s new line of products being showcased at CES, which include the Razer Mako, Razer DeathAdder, Razer Pro|Type and the Razer Pro|Click Mobile, truly reflect the future of interactive entertainment,” says Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, president, Razer Group. “We are proud to say that this new product lineup continues to express the originality of our ideas by aggressively pursuing what consumers want in design and engineering. We did not get to where we are today by ‘playing by the rules’; we arrived here by setting them.”
These were my actual words and not some copywriter’s space filler. I was hoping that our fans would view this product in the proper light and not merely pass it off as 
“oh, a 2.1 speakers system for $300” or “what does Razer know about music speakers”, etc. What I do know is that we have our work cut out for us in altering the prevailing paradigms surrounding what constitutes a desktop speaker system.
Since there is no way for any of you to actually hear these speakers (unless you are planning to stop by our booth at CeBIT) please allow me a bit of space to explain their unique technology. Speaking of which we had the support of those wonderful folks at THX, led by the capable hands of Dr. Laurie Fincham their lead scientist (you can see Dr. Fincham and me shaking hands in the CES images below – he’s the tall, good-looking chap).
The Concept
Okay, we refer to the Mako as “advanced desktop audio” because it takes a problem, sound wave interference due to audio desk-bounce, and turns the surface into a solution by utilizing the desktop as a “soundstage”.
The Technology
Using the patented THX Groundplane for dramatic mid-ranged treble and bass audio the signal fires downward to the patented THX Slot Tweeter for a richer, fuller omni-directional soundstage. The downward firing omni-directional solution provides unparalleled acoustic fidelity found only in high-end audio systems. The two 50W bi-amplified satellites allows louder and expanded audio axial signal before distortion and Class HD™ Digital Amplifier technology featuring full DSP control makes previous generation Class AB and Class D amplifiers obsolete.
The Class HD amplification system of broad co-axial response limits results in higher efficiency curves, improved SNR, EMI, reduced idle consumption and lowered amplifier delays. In other words, crank this baby up! The cool looking all-in-one control pod grants speaker volume control, single-touch mute, headphone jack and an auxiliary input all within easy reach and amplifies the microphone jack for improved headphone performance. Now here’s the real benefit, the unique 360° circular design delivers uniform sounds directly to the user’s ears regardless of position or placement of speakers in your room or on your desk.
What the CES press had to say about the Mako
From John Yan at Gaming Nexus …
“Razer has gotten into the audio arena with a sound card and headphones but they will soon be unleashing a 2.1 speaker system. The Mako is a THX certified setup that THX’s Ground Plate and Slot Speaker technologies. They are circular speakers that allow for omni-directional sound and won’t give you distorted sound at really high levels. Total power of the system is 300W.
A feature of the Mako that’s found in very expensive high end speakers is ClassHD. Class HD scales power in sync with the music, resulting in operation at a much higher efficiency curve, improved Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), improved EMI, reduced idle consumption, and lowered amplifier delay. For adjusting volume and such, the Mako has a nice little puck style control that can lower and raise the volume by sliding your thumb around in a circle that’s similar to how the iPod operates.”
From Jason Cross at PC Magazine …
“High-end gaming speakers for the PC tend to target multi-satellite configurations: 5.1 or 7.1. Razer is bucking the trend with a new set of THX-certified 2.1 speakers for $300. Calling them THX-certified is probably not going far enough, though. Essentially, the speakers were co-designed by Razer and THX engineers trying to solve the problem of sound reflecting off the desk with normal PC speakers. The solution is a special ground plane and slot-speaker technology that fires the speakers downward and reflects sound out a thin slot edge on the side.
How it all works is a bit complicated, and is probably best saved for our eventual full review. It’s a fascinating design, though, and with two 50W amps in each satellite and some really fancy DSP technology, it should sound awesome. It’s all a very interesting package, and could be great news for those who demand awesome sound from their PC but don’t have the room (or spousal approval) to string up rear speakers.”
From Bosco at Overclockers Club …
“The advantage of multimedia and PC speakers is that they can be conveniently positioned on desktops and bookshelves. But, sound reflecting from desktop surfaces interferes with the direct sound, creating uneven frequency response at the listener’s ear level,” said Laurie Fincham, chief scientist at THX. “The Razer Mako 2.1 is the first multimedia speaker system designed from the ground up to provide optimal performance on the desktop. The THX Ground Plane and Slot Speaker technologies ensure the speaker drivers are very close to the desktop surface, doubling the output and delivering smooth and even response at all frequencies."
Lastly Wired Magazine awarded Razer the best of innovation award for CES …
“Designed by engineers from THX, the Razer Mako speakers get props for trying something new: the tweeter and mid-range drivers point down, bouncing sound off a metal plate and out in a halo. It’s not surround sound, but room-filling sound; stand in a corner of the room and your music sounds nearly as full as it does if you were sitting between the two desk-top speaker pods.
We’ll need more controlled testing to know if the Mako lives up to its $300 price tag — especially considering it’s a simple 2.1 get-up — but our time with a prototype unit left us reconsidering the money we’d spent on 5.1 PC speakers (not to mention the hassle we’d gone through running wires to the rears).”
There are many more CES show reviews and product previews, and if you are interested in reading more (and I hope you are), you should Google “Razer Mako” (there’s only 329,000 references). I think that from this brief introduction you can capture the mood of what we developed, why it is needed and also see our dilemma as to how to clarify or separate it from all other desktop speaker systems. More to come soon as this is at best a projected May delivery product.
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January 22nd, 2007 at 9:54 am
Repost left handed mouses discuss
Numbers say a bad news for me, but I still think if you make a good advertise like “Best mouses for lefthanders/ you reach the point, grab you mouse and play/ be best and surpass worlds right handed comunity/ be special, show you are better as righthanders WITH RIGHT MOUSE !”
I think opinion like this: “lefthanders are not necesary, we wanna make business, money… ”
is not right, because there is a lot of exellent progamers leftahnders. If you satisfy their demand, you could make good money in later years. Not now, because lefhandes must be know, that razer is best choise for their gaming, working. If you IGNORE lefhanders, they wouldnt do good success in gaming.. as you need for advertise. Lefthanders will w8 for some products (they GRAB first precise mouse) from genius, microsoft… so be first and make BEST mouses also for lefthanders pls. Mouse is very important part in these graphic, game times. Compromises as ambidextrous designs will not make that result as can be !! Pls think about that, make best mouses FOR US
Best wishes
Ranas
January 22nd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Will the Barracuda AC-1 support Vista?
January 24th, 2007 at 5:15 am
I still don’t know about purchasing a Baracuda. Even though it’s a highely refined sound card, the core chip is from C-Media (atleast from what the drivers say).
I’ve seen some of the coverage on the Makoto speakers and they look interesting to say the least. I like the idea of having omni-directional sound. No matter where you’re sitting you would hear everything. It would be amazing for music, but how well would something like this deliver sound that needs to be directional such as positional audio?
I’ve never experienced a downward firing speaker so I don’t know if this would even be a factor.
Not really related to the discussion, but I’ve been looking for a address or message box for submitting sugestions. I don’t know if you guys want feedback, but it would be cool if you guys considered a form or something. Some people come up with some really good ideas.
January 24th, 2007 at 5:29 am
Ooops. Mako, not Makoto (stupid Ghost in the Shell).
January 25th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
January 30th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Hey guys I think if you come out of a speaker with exceptional clarity and outstanding soundstage, I think you have a winner. Remember Logitech z-2300? That has set the standards for a 2.1 system, now if you can beat that you have a winner. One more thing - go for a wireless remote, I know it might be expensive but it would be worth it. Or come out with an additional wireless remote control, where people can opt to but it. Cause I think for a ground breaking speaker system released on the year 2007 you got a include a remote control.
Oh another thing try to use Phase plugs into the mid range driver if you can (Logitech z-2300) it creates a huge difference.
Another pointer check out http://www.mother-of-tone.com/speaker.htm this site has got pointers that your THX engineer might hide from you. Send me a prototype if you can - I would love to help you get the music side of things sorted (I would say an average person spends more time listening to mp3 on his computer than playing games or watching movies - things THX are concerned with),
Good luck create and exceptional speaker with clear highs and mid range for music and ground shaking bass for movies and games which can be turned up and down based on listener’s choice (again from Logitech z-2300) and you gotta a customer - myself.
Cya l8
January 30th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Hi there -
I have got a couple more suggestions ; please look into the option of them being easily able to attached to commonly available speaker stands which means just a pre-manufactured hole at the back (Klipsch Promedia 2.1 is a good example) cause this helps in keeping the speakers at pre-determined distance to create a better soundstage if a customer so desires and another very important issue is speaker wires, i.e. the option of speaker wires terminating at the satellites from the subwoofer, cause a lot of customers would love to replace the company wires with their own wires and this helps in more than one situation (custom placement, better sound quality) etc.
Hopefully you guys would address these issues and have a great product.
Cheers.
February 6th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Well Apro, it wouldnt be very smart to put the only speakers system created solely to be on a desktop or table up on the wall or on speakers stands. That kindof beats the purpose of the ground plane technoligy which is supposed to be so revolutionising.
I would like to know if when we can expect the Mako speakers released, and if they will be launched in Europe and the US simultaneously?
-Secher
February 18th, 2007 at 12:34 am
I’m curious about a point brought up above. Since these speakers create “omni directional” sound, how useful will they be for positional audio? Do the satellites have orientation markings for L/R and Front/Back placement? Otherwise, at first glance, it looks like another kick-ass product. I can’t wait to see one in person! Keep up the great work!
February 20th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
If you plan to use the AC-1 with the Mako it supports any Dolby Headphone which means any stereo headphone plugged into Mako’s remote and in turn connected to AC-1 should have some elements of positional audio. This isn’t as dramatic as the full 7.1 positional audio experience we achieve with the Barracuda solution. We support Dolby Pro Logic IIx too, which essentially means AC-1 can take a stereo signal, upmix it to 7.1 to achieve the positional elements, then downmix it back down to stereo and achieve fairly credible positional results. That’s the headphone plugged in bit.
February 27th, 2007 at 5:54 am
does the mako have an HS-DAI connector? and how far is the engineering progress, or when will it be ready (when will it release).
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:28 am
Do these speakers use Razer’s proprietary plug into the soundcard or typical 1/8 jacks? If there are no 1/8 plugs nobody’s going to purchase them. I was really excited to see Razer was releasing sound products until I saw those proprietary connections.
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:31 am
ok, so i was just told by a friend that i’m an idot and that there is an adapter that you can use to plug in the headphones and speakers. Yeah? If so, rockin’!
March 5th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
I’m getting ready to head out to CeBIT Expo in Hanover Germany where we will have 2 working prototypes of the Mako, this time complete with the Class HD amplification technology. We are going to make some serious noise! Members of the press be prepared - I warn you, these boys are not for the timid of heart.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Will that be a Worldwide launch or US only? (Eagerly waiting to get my hands on a set in Denmark)
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:47 pm
March 29th, 2007 at 6:31 am
damn…im from m’sia..the price is fraeking exp lol but its worth though…the speakers rocks
April 1st, 2007 at 11:30 pm
i just wanna ask, what kind of connector does Mako use???
can I use Mako and HP-1 on AC-1 at the same time????
or other 7.1 sound card???
April 4th, 2007 at 11:40 am
Since the Barracuda HP-1 and AC-1 are meant to be used as an Integrated Audio System, using the HD-DAI connectors on each ensures optimal sound reproduction and performance. The Barracuda IAS is a setup meant to be connected via the HD-Connectors for optimal performance for surround sound gaming.
To properly maximize the sound quality of the Mako, we recommend that users connect the Mako directly to the Barracuda AC-1. Currently, our engineers are researching output connections and the Mako prototype houses 3.5mm and RCA outputs.
By splitting the feed from the Barracuda AC-1 to accommodate playback on both the Barracuda HP-1 and the Mako at the same time, sound quality would be directly affected. Again, our engineers are looking into alternative solutions that may allow for this without directly compromising the interaction between all three components. We will keep current and future Barracuda AC-1 users updated on further developments on the Mako as they become available
April 6th, 2007 at 1:30 am
Hello i recently purchased the baracuda hp headphones. While i am on ventrillo talking ingam in bf2 my teammates can hear my background noise like the choppers and my firing. Since the mic is pluged into the headphones does it mean that the sound filter through the headphones and there is no way to fix this? This is a big problem for me because people say that my background noise is louder than me. please help.
April 6th, 2007 at 6:43 am
how does the omni-directional sound on the Mako compare to Altec’s “in concert technology” w/ their FX/PT6021 2.1 system?
April 25th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Wow hope this will be ok for critical-listening, I’m already considering selling my Logitech Z-2300s and buy this when it launches. But of course, you shouldn’t expect too much out of desktop speakers.
June 13th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
i currently use the barracuda AC1 and HP1 for gaming but its rather painful to wear them all the time for music or movies, and the only solution has been to keep my old surround speakers plugged into the onboard soundcard of my motherboard. this is rather a bad solution though cos the onboard soundcard is nowhere as good as the AC1 in terms of performance.
I think a good solution that can be implemented with the Mako as well would be a front panel for the AC1 that speakers or headphones can be plugged into. Output from either headphones or speakers can then be chosen via the AC1 control panel.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:55 am
I would also like to see a solution where you could combine the ac1/hp1 with the mako speakers. Preferably where you can use razers HD-DAI connector.
July 10th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Hi Razer guy - any news on release date yet we are already hitting mid july and are waiting with bated breath to transform our desktops to class HD theatres. Let us know whats happening with the production phase of the mako please.
Cheers
August 9th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Hey!
When will the mako be released…? It’s close to mid august… Im just wondering!
Tnx man!
Bye!
August 12th, 2007 at 1:25 am
hey when is the new razer mako comming out im diing i want it so bad
thx
August 20th, 2007 at 1:43 am
Same here…… my ancient 7 year old Altec Lansing needs to be replaced already…..
The Barracuda soundcard is on it’s way into my PC and it’s a shame to waste it on crappy speakers……
But don’t worry….. we’ll support ya all the way Razerguy!
August 26th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
According to sources in singapore, Mako should hit our shores in Q4 of 2007, pppray hard its gonna b Oct~ Anyway, i m soo looking forward to HD desktop~
September 10th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
When the mako be released???09-07 and nothing=P ,is for this yearXD
September 25th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
I think a wireless remote is a must; and by the way when is it coming out?
October 22nd, 2007 at 11:19 am
Hey Guys
Really lookin forward to the mako’s. H/K soundsticks don’t fit my needs. I’m sure mako will be better. What will be the crossover freq? and how many ” drive will the sub have???
tnx!
Can’t wait till release…
bye!
October 29th, 2007 at 4:50 am
hey guys you should make all your stuff wireless that would kick ass and get kickass sound in speakers once again wireless if you manage then i think you would be the game gods with your stuff and when is the battleeye and battle light comming out i cant wait. laters
November 17th, 2007 at 9:01 am
This seems like the sound-system to go with, got 11 out of 15 parts for my new PC in, getting the new Razer Lycosa keyboard from a retailer nearby aswell, so when is this baby coming out?? What price will it be, 300 USD?
Thanks for the response in advance
November 21st, 2007 at 12:58 pm
I’m thinking about them all the time when they come out? nearing 2008… when :’( ??
December 6th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Razer rocks cuz they continue the beloved Stereo-Story, instead of surround sound.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
um razer guy we,re almost at the end of 2007 and i,ve been waiting all year for the mako speakers, plz plz plz plz put me out of my misery and tell every1 wots happnin and when they gonna be released, the suspence is killin me man.
December 31st, 2007 at 11:25 pm
damn….its new years and Razed has yet to release the Mako 2.1. Let’s see if the company will lie again and say it will come out q1 of 08…..yeah right. Fukin liers
January 4th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
i reckon the mako speakers wil be released march 2008….
January 9th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Well the latest new is that they,ve been released wordwide uuuuuuummmmmmmmm but i dont see em anywhere do you and the dat of release was 8th jan 2008. ummm ummm ummm !!!!!!!!!!!!
January 13th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Hey,i have been looking at the Razer Mako for about a year now and its really starting to piss me off that it hasn’t been realsed yet…………..they show us what it will be like but don’t release it even a year later…..wtf!!!!
January 16th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
hey guys.. I know It’s hard for everyone to live further having a nice life with your current speakers. But I prefer waiting till they’re perfect. Better than bringing them out now (or 1 year ago) with technical problems…
February 9th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
These speakers don’t exsist. I’m tired of waiting, getting Klipsch IFI instead. The Razer company needs to tell us exactly when we will see these speakers.
February 18th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
no shops sell these in Amerika.. but some online-shops in the Netherlands have them in stock (no pre-order).. for around €450 (thats around $650 at the moment!!) but the price isnt the problem.. i just want them! can i trust these speakers they sell are the final version??
example: http://www.pixmania.nl/nl/nl/658518/art/razer/luidsprekers-mako-2-1.html
February 21st, 2008 at 12:19 am
Okay, I first saw a blurb about these speakers in a Popular Mechanics I picked up while on a layover in Chicago O’Hare on New Years Eve and was very interested to say the least. These have to be the best designed 2.1’s I’ve ever seen and I give the engineers high marks for style, but after looking for a pair online and realizing that they have yet to be released after more than a year I can only assume that they’ve run into an enormous flaw in design or possibly a legal nightmare that has kept them out of our hands for so long. And yet, I find myself unwilling to settle for anything less at this point. I want these and even if I have to settle for something less I until they’re released. Even if that so far into the future I’ll be on a whole new build by then. And if need be…well, they can use them to play the music at my funeral.
March 5th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
finally i have them!! JSUS what a quality!! music is warm, huge soundstage, and u can hear how extremely compromised mp3 is.. better than any others i’ve heard! performs well at all kinds of music (and games). WELL DONE RAZER!!!
March 26th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Hi Audio Freak
Pray tell where did u get these speakers. I am looking hi and low for them. Im in the US.
David
April 8th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
hm something strange happened.. i once saw them on amazon.COM for $399 (in stock).. but now i can’t find anything when i search: “buy razer mako”. Maybe you can import from amazon.co.uk or amazon.de - they’re in stock in these countries, slightly overpriced. If it’s possible to import from UK or Germany, dont hesitate to do it because of the extra you pay. I bought them in holland for €450 (>$600) BUT EVEN THIS PRICE IS WORTH IT!! I bought them before hearing them, i was affraid they were not worth the price but only offer some boomy bass (cuz thats what most peaple like), but thats not true! this is serious quality!!! succes!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Amazon (US) now lists this item as 2 to 5 week delivery. This combined with Razer offering this item in the facebook contest leads me to believe that we will see a US release soon.