Back in August, I wrote an article questioning what exactly Beats Audio was, since it was always just referred to as “a technology” in advertisements, without offering any clue as to what exactly it really was. At the time, I couldn’t find any information on the Beats Audio website, and when I contacted HP PR reps, they never did reply with an answer.
A reader of that article searched extensively and was able to find a YouTube video that broke down what exactly makes up Beats Audio, and here it is:
2. Discrete headphone amp – more powerful with better stereo separation
3. Dedicated audio island – isolates audio components on the circuit board
4. Function + B – engages Beats Audio profile
Based on the information provided, the Beats Audio system simply “corrects” some of the audio degradation that can occur when a computer is placed into a smaller package (a laptop) and corners are cut with the audio systems inside of it.
The “redesigned headphone jack” simply makes the jack itself out of plastic instead of metal to reduce potential noise. So any laptop with a plastic jack (and most desktops) essentially have that component of Beats Audio already.
A “discrete headphone amp” is the addition of a ground cable in between the stereo cables and better insulation of the cables themselves, so that there is less interference. And when they say “amp” they’re just referring to the audio being powered in general (like every computer) — the video itself even points out that the presence of a separate amplifier component is simulated.
The “dedicated audio island” is exactly what they say it is — simply isolating audio components on the circuit board. Like making the “amp” more “discrete,” this brings that isolation the rest of the way to the board.
Finally, the “Beats Audio profile” sounds like marketing speak for “equalizer setting.”
In summary, from what the video seems to indicate, Beats Audio is simply that equalizer setting paired with handling the wiring and organization of components in a way that fixes an oversight from previous HP laptop design. I’m sure it’s an improvement over some other manufacturers’ laptop construction as well, but who wires sound in what way probably varies a bit. Or more simply, Beats Audio makes your laptop sound as good as a desktop computer. But is it a difference you’d be able to hear anyway without high-end headphones?
As for how HTC implements Beats Audio in their phones and tablets, it’s probably safe to assume it’s a similar mixture of equalizer and insulation.
Two fantastic posts Jay, thanks for the information. Hugely interesting stuff, I’m curious to know who the marketing genius was who decided to make fixing original design flaws into a hugely profitable selling point.
I can’t wait for the next person to tell me how special their beats audio equipped device is while I smirk and walk away shaking my head.
“I’m curious to know who the marketing genius was who decided to make fixing original design flaws into a $400 celebrity endorsedo overhyped product cash cow” – corrected
But it Beats by Dre…its the classic lets put a celebrity name on the product and make flashy commercials to make it seem more expensive…This happens with Ciroc vodka…They had P Diddy endorse it and now its all the hype with people who listen to Diddy…
Well, I’ve just tried an HTC One X and the main “Beats Audio” setting definitely increases the volume (as well as applying an equalization). That having been said there is a bit more to it than that…
The other element is that you can set the headphone type – “Beats iBeats”, “Beats Solo”,”Beats Pro”,”Beats Studio” and “Other”. These apply very different equalization profiles – I guess to match, i.e. even out, the profile of headphones in question.
This would make sense as all audio devises have different responses over the frequency spectrum. A company matching headphones and equalisation as a brand makes great sense.
Co-incidentally as the profile of headphones tends to substantially follow the size, enclosure and isolation of the headphones picking a “Beats Audio” profile for a set of headphones “similar” to the ones you are wearing will likely do a “not too bad” job.
In-ear headphones have very poor bass and therefore it is likely that the equalization profile turns the bass end of the spectrum up to 11. That will therefore sound very bass-y on bigger headphones.
Further profiles for headphones with strong response in the treble bands will sound muddy on other styles of headphones.
(Aside: Bose was a mathematical genius with waves of all sorts; and its application in audio wave guides is terribly clever)
I was so thoroughly entertained by the cheekiness of the 2 articles and their comments (especially the replies by the PR guy from Monster/Dre’s Beats Corporate HQ<<——–LOL @ THAT GUY) that i just wanted to pop in and thank the blogger, and the regulars around here for this awesome set of convos haha!
Its actually pretty funny because theyre still selling the Beats Laptops as if theyre ridiculously superior to pther laptops, and my girlfriend just went on a craze where she was not happy until she got a pair of beats headphones.
Im not gonna lie, i have audio/music tastes that a lot of audiophiles would cringe at, but nevertheless its what i enjoy. I thought the beats headphones sounded good, and i typically like a little bit of extra low frequency punch for power and to better appreciate some funky basslines and things, or even for a deep explosion whike watching an action movie on my iphone. They are second only to a pioneer set that I REALLLLLY loved the sound of. At a guess, i would say the specs of the beats are similar to sennheisers, pioneers, sony etc. models that hover around $100 price rance.
I am the type of person to appreciate electronic/peformance related stuff much more than good design for the consumer, but to be honest, it was the user-friendliness of it that made it stand out more tham any others, including that ol pair o' pioneers i loved so much. My gf got the beats (the regular ober the ear beats by dre…not the solo's, the larger ones, but not the DJ's. They were super comfortable, and came with a good set of accessories, which included 2 stereo cables, one of which had the third channel for talking on an iphone or what have you (not sure what that type of cord is called) with a little volume button on the cord or song change. The cords are interchangeable. You plug one end into the headphones, the other into the device/amp/etc. which is actually a really big deal because im sure we've all gone thru a gajillion f****ng sets of headphones, especially if u work run or do whatever to wear and tear, so you can always be sure that yoy can get a replacement cord. My right channel on my fave pioneers died on me…if i woulda had an interchangable cord, im sure the drivers would still be kickin just fine
actually i was able to isolate the cord breakage to being really near the jack so i chopped it and got my buddy to solder the wires to a replacement plug but i dunno, it shorted again thereafter. Comes with a hard case, and they look really stylish. Definitely not worth 400 bux but definitely worth more bang for the buck than my old pioneers if the beats were priced better.
As for the beats audio on PC, taking in the fact that ive already made this way too long, the only reply i have is :facepalm: (if thats not a smilie i refuse to edit…too lazy…just pretend)
Cheers!