GOOD design award 2014
Design: Kent Li, Larry Koo
Project lead: Larry Koo
The challenge for Manta Flat was to design one of the flattest soundbars to match the slimness of modern TVs. The embedded technology utilized an array of newly developed ultra-slim loudspeaker drivers to deliver credible sound while achieving a relatively slim and sleek form factor. In the end, the result, HTL6145 (Manta), was successfully claimed to be the flattest soundbar in the market. It is only 3 cm in thickness, as flat as any flat-screen TV. The soundbar is paired with a versatile placement subwoofer designed to match well and fit seamlessly into any modern urban living space.
A full metal grill wraps around the front and extends towards both ends to showcase the full range of sound. The choice of metal instead of cloth was to match the sleek metal frames found on modern TVs. Touch controls are placed in the center top strip, blending seamlessly with the metal foiling treatment on both sides. To optimize flatness, 3 ultra-slim 2” woofers with neodymium magnets are housed on each side of the soundbar. The overall construction was optimized to achieve the tightest dimensions all around. A considered dual-function accessory is designed for wall mounting as well as a table stand to improve stability.
The complementing slim subwoofer is designed to offer versatile placement, sitting flat or upright for flexible positioning. The height of the box is optimized for fitting under or behind a couch. The benefit is to completely hide the speaker box, where traditional subwoofer boxes often had to occupy a good amount of space. The circuit board housed inside the box generates a significant amount of heat. To avoid implementing a fan or heat sink, the bass ports on both sides of the box were used to draw the heat out. For upright placement, a lightweight plastic base is designed to provide additional footprint to prevent the slim speaker box from toppling.