Libratone Zipp Mini – SoundSpace Link portable multiroom speakers

Like its big brother, the Libratone Zipp, the Zipp Mini packs in the same features that make it one of the most versatile multiroom speakers around. Aping the flagship feature of Philips’ Izzy range, the Zipp and Zipp Mini are able to take the audio from a Bluetooth connected device and synchronise it to other speakers. Where the Zipp range has the advantage is also being able to synchronise audio from a larger array of sources. The Zipp Mini also supports dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, AirPlay, DLNA, Spotify Connect, internet radio and has 3.5mm mini-jack and USB ports. All of these sources can be played from simultaneously across connected Zipp-range speakers.

As the name suggests, the Zipp Mini is a smaller, slightly more portable version of the Zipp. It weighs 400g less (at 1.1kg), has a diameter 20mm smaller and is 40mm shorter. It also has a slightly more bulbous top. Otherwise, both speakers follow the same cylindrical design principles.

You’re able to customise the design with removable zipped covers. As standard, the Zipp Mini comes with a woven fabric cover in a range of colours, but you can also opt for ‘Copenhagen Edition’ speakers that cost more and use more premium wool fabric, as well as leather for the handle and aluminium for the base. The standard Zipp Mini is £179, whereas the Copenhagen Edition will be £249 when it’s launched in February.

Removing and replacing the covers is a little fiddly at first but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite easy. If you want your speakers to match your decor, changing styles becomes a simple affair. Alternative covers cost £19. Copenhagen Edition Zipp Mini covers will be compatible with the standard Zipp Mini (and vice versa), but pricing for these wool-based covers hasn’t been revealed; we expect a price of around £30.

As there’s a built-in battery, a useful handle lets you easily carry the speaker around or hang it. The speaker is humidity-resistant, too, so it makes a great bathroom speaker. Just make sure not to get the Zipp Mini wet as it’s not water-resistant. The battery will last up to 10 hours on a single charge and in testing this was pretty accurate, depending on listening volumes. A single charge will easily get you through a party or barbeque. A special mention goes to the Zipp Mini’s plug, which has an attractive white glossy rounded finish and shows great attention to detail.

On top of the speaker is a circular touch panel that provides the usual media playback controls as well as quick access to your preset internet radio stations. Place your hand flat on the top of the Zipp Mini and you’ll activate the ‘Hush’ feature, muting the volume to let you talk or hear more easily.

Setup and SoundSpace Link

You can use the Libratone app for iOS and Android to set up the speaker. Like the Libratone Zipp, we struggled to configure the speaker using the Android app, with it refusing to save our wireless settings. As an alternative, you can configure the speaker using a browser, which worked without any problems.

Although the speaker is portable thanks to its battery, you’ll still need to remain within the wireless range of your router unless you just want to use it as a Bluetooth speaker. The Zipp Mini supports the less-lossy aptX codec, too.

As the latest Zipp Mini forms part of Libratone’s SoundSpace Link compatible range, you’re able to group together multiple Zipp speakers into a multiroom system using the app or controls on each speaker. This lets you synchronise music whatever the music source, so you can have audio coming into the speakers through Bluetooth, AirPlay or DLNA and have this source playing through multiple Zipp-range speakers.

SoundSpace Link circumvents any issues with streaming service compatibility, which is a problem for other multiroom speakers. You can have audio coming from your favourite podcast app, or Apple Music, Google Play Music or anything else you can think of.

The Zipp Mini has a USB port that can play most music formats, as well as a 3.5mm stereo input, and these sources can be synchronised across Zipp speakers as well. The Zipp Mini has a surprisingly sensitive microphone inside, meaning you can use it as a useful hands-free speakerphone when a device is connected over Bluetooth.

Sound Quality

Aside from the marginal reduction in size and weight, the other main difference from the full-size Zipp is when it comes to drive units inside. The Zipp Mini has a smaller 3in neodymium woofer (compared to 4in in the Zipp), only one 1in soft dome neodymium tweeter (compared to two in the Zipp) and two 3.5in low- frequency radiators (4in in the Zipp). These all combine to output 60W (100W in the Zipp). As such, there’s a little less punch compared to the Zipp but there’s a similar warm sound signature.

If you’re only looking to fill a smaller room the Zipp Mini does well, but for larger rooms or outdoors, the larger Zipp applies itself more effectively. Still, the sound quality from the Zipp Mini is top-notch and uses the same 360-degree FullRoom sound, which uses a reflector to disperse sound in every direction, removing any ‘sweet spots’ in a similar vein to Samsung’s Wireless 360 range.

Conclusion

Like the Zipp, the Zipp Mini is a wonderfully versatile multiroom speaker; just make sure you’re buying the newest model that has support for SoundSpace Link if you want the multiroom support. While it’s more expensive than the Philips Izzy BM5, you’re afforded far more features at the expense of simplistic setup from the Izzy BM5. The 360-degree sound delivers on its promise and at a lower price than the Samsung R5, too. For smaller rooms, or as a personal speaker for taking everywhere, the Zipp Mini is tremendously unfussy about the source of your music and delivers great audio for its size.