Not so long ago, speakers with sound-reactive ferrofluid displays were a rage. Not only were they extensively being prototyped, but they were widely covered as well. Some of these speakers even made it to platforms like Kickstarter but never made it to the audiophile home, leaving backers ghosted. Years later, I came across a speaker boasting similar prowess, or rather better, that was garnering quite some attention on social media. First spotted by Core77, the UFaudiO speaker harnesses the unique properties of ferrofluid to turn music into a captivating visual performance, redefining how we experience sound.
Designed by Taiwan-based design studio Fusion Lab, the UFaudiO sculptural speaker creation pushes the boundaries by blending auditory excellence with mesmerizing visual art. As evident from the pictures, the UFaudiO speaker comes incorporated with ferrofluid, a magnetic liquid first developed by NASA in the 1960s to manage fuel in zero-gravity environments. For those who live under a rock, ferrofluid is composed of nanoscale magnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid, and transforms into dynamic, almost otherworldly patterns when exposed to a magnetic field. UFaudiO speaker channels that phenomenon, creating a visual symphony where the ferrofluid dances in sync with the music’s rhythm and frequencies.
“Our inspiration came from a desire to turn sound into a visual, emotional experience. Ferrofluid, with its ability to react dynamically to electromagnetic fields, allowed us to transform sound waves into mesmerizing movement. UFaudiO is designed not just to play music, but to display it, making it feel alive and immersive. We see it as a bridge between audio technology, kinetic art, and emotional storytelling,” Mike Lee, CDO of Fusion Lab, tells me in an exclusive chat.
Barring maker’s inspiration aside, the speaker design reminds me of the fluid, shape-shifting aesthetic of the Marvel character Venom, with the ferrofluid moving like a living entity inside a transparent chamber. As the music plays, the black, viscous liquid pulses, spikes, and swirls, forming intricate patterns that seem to breathe life into the sound. It’s a hypnotic experience that elevates the speaker from a mere audio device to a piece of interactive art. If something is to be truly credited here, it’s the design prowess the speaker boasts.
The ferrofluid is housed in a durable glass container with pressure buffer bubbles to prevent breakage, ensuring safety and longevity. The device is powered by a high-capacity lithium battery, offering up to eight hours of wireless operation, or it can run while charging via a USB-C connection. Users can switch between modes, including sound-pickup for ambient audio or AUX for direct input, making it versatile for various settings, from quiet piano sessions to vibrant parties.
“The design process was a balance between industrial precision and artistic intent. We worked with ABS, maple wood, rubber, glass, and ferrofluid to build a structure that is both acoustically stable and visually expressive. One of the major technical challenges was stabilizing the ferrofluid under different audio frequencies while maintaining electromagnetic efficiency and thermal control. We had to finely tune the position and power of the electromagnetic coils to avoid overheating and ensure accurate fluid response, all without interfering with the speaker’s core acoustic performance,” Lee states while reflecting on the challenges to design a prototype.
On the technical front, the UFaudiO speaker integrates ferrofluid with a sophisticated audio response system. A built-in microphone or auxiliary input captures sound vibrations, which are then translated into magnetic pulses via an electromagnet connected to the audio input. These pulses animate the ferrofluid, causing it to move in real-time with the music’s tempo and intensity. “UFaudiO delivers a 2.1 channel configuration with two 10W tweeters and one 20W mid-bass speaker, totaling 40W of audio output power. The frequency response spans 20 Hz to 20 KHz, providing clear highs, rich mids, and satisfying low-end depth,” Lee informs.
The speaker also features customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to enhance the visual experience with vibrant, shifting colors or a fixed hue of their choice. This combination of fluid motion and colorful illumination makes the UFaudiO speaker a striking centerpiece for any space.
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UFaudiO has completed its prototype phase and is now entering pre-production. “We’re preparing for tooling and small-batch manufacturing, with all key technical modules tested and verified. The next step is launching on the crowdfunding platform Zec Zec in Taiwan, scheduled for August 13th, with plans to expand internationally through Kickstarter afterward. This phased approach allows us to optimize production, logistics, and community engagement regionally before scaling globally.” Lee informs.
“UFaudiO’s expected retail price is $189. However, during our crowdfunding campaign, early supporters will be able to back the project at an introductory early-bird price of $139. This reflects our desire to reward early adopters and make this unique audiovisual experience more accessible,” the makers suggest. All said and done, the UFaudiO speaker appeals to both audiophiles and art enthusiasts, merging high-quality sound with a visual spectacle that feels futuristic yet nostalgic.
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