Beyerdynamic Space Max Speakerphone Is ideale For Larger Meetings

The new SPACE MAX speakerphone from beyerdynamic is a powerful device for solo use but it can also ... [+] work well with up to six people or even be extended for up to 12 participants in a meeting.

In June, I reviewed the excellent EPOS SP40T speakerphone, a device designed for making phone calls or holding video meetings with small groups or individuals on the move. This month I’m taking things up by reviewing the beyerdynamic SPACE MAX speakerphone, a new model from the German brand that’s expandable for larger meetings.

Speakerphones are handy gadgets because they make it possible to hold conference calls with a smartphone or computer. Many speakerphones can handle calls for up to eight people huddled around the device. Still, if you want something a little more powerful or extended with a second unit for conference calls for up to 12 people, the beyerdynamic SPACE MAX is well worth considering.

Until recently, beyerdynamic was probably better known for making microphones and headphones used in broadcasting and recording studios. Now the company is branching out into the speakerphone and true wireless earbud market as it takes its sales into the consumer and business space.

The SPACE MAX from beyerdynamic is available in Nordic Grey opt Charcoal finishes.

The new SPACE MAX speakerphone has already won a RedDot Award for its disc design, which looks like a fat flying saucer. Measuring almost 150mm in diameter, the SPACE MAX is available in a choice of Nordic Grey or Charcoal fabric on its upper side. The SPACE MAX has a circular control ring on its surface to house vital functions like volume levels, taking and ending calls, muting, and Bluetooth pairing, plus there is a beyerdynamic multifunction button that can be used to control music by skipping tracks and pausing audio.

The control ring is surrounded by a multicolored LED ring which displays vital signs like remaining battery life and when the microphones are muted. A full charge of the built-in battery provides up to 25 hours of operating time, although if the battery is low, it can be plugged into a USB-C power supply. Even a USB-C power output port can power a smartphone for longer calls if the phone has a low battery.

This new speakerphone is the largest model in the beyerdynamic range and features full duplexing, which means the people on each end of a call can hear and be heard simultaneously. I call it “Interruption Mode” because it helps conversations flow more naturally and you can even interrupt a speaker if you want to.

The SPACE MAX speakerphone includes a power bank function that can power a smartphone from the ... [+] device's internal battery.

The beyerdynamic SPACE MAX is certified to IP64 and can resist dust and water. It’s not waterproof, but a small splash of water or drizzle won’t cause it to malfunction. All the parts used in the SPACE MAX are replaceable, including cables, control components and even the battery, making it more sustainable than some other speakerphones.

Unlike most speakerphones, the SPACE MAC has a two-way speaker design. There is a 2-inch mid-range speaker, a 0.65" tweeter, and two passive radiators for better bass reproduction. This arrangement makes the SPACE MAX much more adept for listening to music, movies or playing games.

The SPACE MAX is certified for Zoom and compatible with Microsoft Teams. The SPACE MAX has four MEMs microphones onboard, offering full 360° coverage. The smart mic technology can automatically detect voices even when the person talking is walking around the room. The mics can filter unwanted noise, reducing reverberation, echoes or feedback thanks to advanced echo cancellation technology.

The top surface of the SPACE MAX has a control ring with touch buttons for all the essential ... [+] functions.

Ordinarily, the beyerdynamic SPACE MAX provides maximum speech intelligibility for meetings with up to six participants. However, two SPACE MAX devices can be connected in Conference Cascade mode for larger gatherings or bigger conference rooms. Cascade mode requires a long TRRS 3.5mm extension cable that connects the two units and enables the two SPACE MAX speakerphones to serve a meeting with up to a dozen participants.

There's a choice of USB or Bluetooth connectivity to connect the SPACE MAX to a host computer or smartphone. Pairing with an Android device is almost immediate thanks to support for Google Fast Pair. Also included in the box is a USB cable for connecting the SPACE MAX to a laptop and desktop.

Available as an optional extra is a Bluetooth USB dongle that can be used for connecting to a computer, especially if the computer doesn’t have an advanced Bluetooth chipset to provide full-frequency sound. There’s a cradle on the underside of the SPACE MAX for stowing away the dongle, but I would have liked to see the dongle supplied as standard as EPOS does with its SP40T.

Two beyerdynamic SPACE MAX speakerphones can be connected in Cascade mode for calls with up to 12 ... [+] people around a meeting table.

Verdict: The sound quality of the beyerdynamic SPACE MAX is excellent. The microphones do a great job of picking up voices with clarity while filtering out unwanted background sound. The SPACE MAX is ideal for larger meetings, especially as it’s expandable with a second unit in Cascade mode. I’d like to have seen the USB Bluetooth dongle bundled with the speakerphone, but it won’t be a problem for most people using smartphones or more modern computers.

Pricing & Availability: The beyerdynamic SPACE MAX is available now in Charcoal and Nordic Grey and costs $399 from the beyerdynamic online shop or Amazon. The Cascade Cable SPACE MAX is an optional accessory for $25.

More info: beyerdynamic.com

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