Logitch AudioHub Reviewed

Logitch AudioHub Reviewed

Published August 25, 2008 at 01:16:15 PM, by Travis Simon

Overview
Yet another speaker system made for laptops - however, the Logitech AudioHub delivers on two ends. First, it's a speaker system - a 2.1 speaker system at that. Although compact, it does have a dedicated subwoofer, which, in essence, is what a 2.1 system is all about.

Next - not only is this system only digitally powered (via USB) it also has a 3-port USB hub built in. If you couple that with a low profile, unobtrusive design and easy controls, and you have a fine candidate for laptop users everywhere as an alternative audio output for your notebook. But the suggested $99 price tag might be a little steep for some users just looking for something other than their laptop speakers to listen to audio.

Design
The design of the AudioHub is relatively simple. It's a custom enclosure utilizing a 3 chamber design. The look after you remove it from the boxis like someone tilted each end of the boxand it is all black. I don't know how best to describe it other than letting you know to look at the pictures.

The device itself only has two cords necessary to utilize the speaker system. One power cord, and one USB cord. That's it. Really, it's a simple yet effective measure for cord management which the unit does as well. The right side of the unit houses the volume control, which is shared with the on/off capability by pressing the knob inwards. If the unit is on, the knob will glow amber - if the unit is off (muted) the knob becomes dark and unlit.

Directly behind the volume control are the USB ports. The Logitech AudioHub contains 3 USB 2.0 ports that will fully utilize USB 2.0 speeds, if originally connected to a USB 2.0 port on your laptop. Since the AudioHub requires the use of its power adapter to work - these ports are fully powered as well. Which, is great for devices that require a powered USB port such as hard drives, mp3 players, etc.

The speakers themselves are behind mesh grills, and the integrated subwoofer is located beneath the unit. It's a downward firing subwoofer that is ported at the rear.

The speakers have the ability to 'expand' their location by about 1.5 inches outward on either side - this allows fitting of smaller laptops to larger laptops (not exceeding 14.5' in width of course) unobtrusive to the sound output.

If your listening pleasure requires further placement than this for stereo sound, you might as well cross this off your list, because they simply do not extend any further without serious modificationwhich I don't suggest doing.

Technical Specifications:
Total RMS power: 15 watts RMS
Drivers:
Tweeters: Two 2-inch drivers
Woofer: One 3-inch driver
Connections: Powered, three-port USB 2.0 hub

Setup and Installation:
In order to use the Logitech AudioHub - you have to find an available USB port on your laptop that you will be using it with. Also, since this device requires power, you will need to make sure that the power adapter is plugged in and inserted into both the wall and the AudioHub.

First complaint about the AudioHub I have, is that it only comes with a 2 foot direct attached USB cable. Being directly attached is fine - but only two feet? Luckily, Logitech eases some of this pain by providing a 4 foot USB extension cable with the unit. A little better, but I would have rather seen a 6 foot extension cable provided. But in essence, this should prove users with enough cable with the use it was intended for.

Installing and using the AudioHub is very simple, since it is USB powered, it relies on a digital signal rather than analog - which means simply plugging the device into a USB port (after you have it plugged into the wall by the way) and let windows handle the rest. Mac OSX users, never fear- this device is completely compatible with OSX and was tested thoroughly with no hiccups at all, except that it doesn't come in white perhaps.

After the device is done installing its drivers in windows, it is now defaulted as your system's primary audio output device. You can control the volume settings with the controls on your laptop, the knob on the side, a external device like the volume control on Macintosh computer keyboards, or the volume control panel within XP/Vista/OSX.

This is an audio output device only, there is no built in microphone.
This is a USB device only! You can not plug in an external analog signal into these speakers - which is kind of a let down as they would compliment various other media uses nicely.

Other Features:
Since Logitech also makes multimedia devices such as webcams, they went ahead and included a webcam holster that attaches to the front of the unit. My laptop has a webcam built into the top, so I didn't utilize this feature, but all you need to do is attach the holster to the front of the AudioHub and then attach the webcam directly above that. It's a neat implementation and helps reduce clutter, but it will really only work well with webcams that attach to it in the clip style, and not the style that rest on your lcd bezel like the Logitech Quickcam Pro we reviewed last year.

Performance and Conclusion:

The performance of audio is directly related to the source input, and listener capability. Audiophiles aside, I'm judging this setup by a consumer standpoint of functionality, volume, clarity, balance, and tone.

Functionaly

The speakers are great and get 4/5. They operate in stereo, and offer a discreet channel for bass output. There is no function for surround sound, however - that isn't the point with a 2.1 system such as this.
However, something I find annoying is no headphone output on this device! Defeating the purpose of having larger speakers attached, I suppose you can just attach headphones to your laptop instead - which is understandable. However, I do wish these speakers did not operate on USB alone and had an audio input.

The USB powered hub works great offering 2 more ports after the system has been plugged in. However, the placement of these ports leaves something to be desired, especially when the speakers are extended. It's very difficult to remove/see any device after it's been plugged in. It should be utilized for more permanent devices such as keyboards. It too gets 4/5.

Volume:

Decent for a 15 watt RMS system. While not the most powerful speakers you could get for nearing $100, the volume does scale rather well. Having the discreet (although small) subwoofer helps fill the sound very nicely. It can shake your desk pretty good. I was able to successfully make my coworkers annoyed by it's volume output, however, there was some distortion which is covered next. Volume gets a 3.5/5 as I've heard louder from similar watt speakers, but with this small package, the sound was pretty amazing.

Clarity

These are USB powered speakers, meaning the line input is digital - so the line does not get interference from an analog output that often happens with some speakers. There was no noticeable Hiss or pops from the speakers, however, at full volume the mid/bass distortion was relevant in tones that fell well out of the subwoofers range. Which is to be expected with it being a 6 ohm 3' woofer - I give clarity 3/5.

Balance

Discreet left and right channels were very distinct, and became more so when the speakers were expanded further out. Some might argue why this section is here? Well, with detachable speakers you can balance the sound where you want by moving a speaker in, out, angled, etc. But with this unit, what you see is what you get. You will not be able to twist the left speaker in a bit and the right one out to get your perfect 'sound'. Balance gets 4/5 - with the only complaint being that I wish the outer speakers could also swivel up and down slightly. That would make it nearly perfect.

Tone

The tone of the AudioHub is very midtone heavy - I found myself boosting treble and bass while decreasing mids to enjoy my audio how I like it. Again, since this unit does not have any EQ/DSP built-in, it will rely on the output of your system. I found Itunes audio-enhancements a joy on these speakers, while Windows Media player did well with its SRS technology. I suggest these settings with these speakers, because out of the box, they are very muddy. Bass range was lacking in the extreme low hz range, but provided enough bump to shake my desk for upper low hz range. The left/right channels stayed crisp when tweaked within the music program. I would place these above ANY laptop speakers however, so good job for Logitech on that part. Tone gets 3/5

Conclusion

If you think about it, you're getting a USB powered hub and really nice, small contemporary speakers. If You can start facing reality that if you want to really enjoy your audio, your laptop speakers aren't going to live up to their duties, then you should seriously consider the Logitech AudioHub. These are great sounding speakers for the form factor, and offer a 3-port USB hub to boot. Having a single digital connection is great, and even though they did provide a USB extension, I still would have preferred it to be just a bit longer. If you're near a power outlet, need to meet some serious space requirements, don't need a tremendous amount of bass, and would like some USB ports nearby for items you utilize permanently, I would give the speakers a 3.5/5 rating. However, if paying nearly $100 for a set of speakers and a 3-port USB hub is out of your range, and you only fall into certain categories mentioned above - you might be better off looking at simpler, more cost effective solutions that will offer more volume and better bass response. If I study any sort of trend however, I would give this speaker design the added benefit that within a year or two (please make this sooner?) Logitech might take my advice and add the channel swivel design, and make this unit WUSB.

Pros:

• Space saving design
• Simple Connection
• Very Decent sound for wattage
• Cord Management
• USB hub built in

Cons:

• Spendy
• Lack of Bass Response
• Fixed speaker width
• Only USB input
• Speakers don't swivel
• They aren't wireless.yet.
  

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Technical Specifications

No specifications are available.