Audio and Video

Teardown: Blast by Ultimate Ears

28 September 2018
The following is an overview of a teardown analysis conducted by IHS Benchmarking.
Blast by Ultimate Ears. Available colors are graphite, merlot, blizzard and bluesteel (shown). Source: IHS Markit

The Blast wireless portable speaker, designed to deliver immersive 360° sound and voice control, features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as integration with Amazon Alexa. According to maker Ultimate Ears, it is drop-proof, dust-proof and seriously waterproof (liquid immersion up to 1 m for up to 30 minutes) and offers an unreal 12-hour battery life. Maximum sound level is 90 dBc, with a freequncy range of 90 Hz to 20 kHZ.

Additional selling points include an ability to take calls without stopping the music, over-the-air software updates from the Ultimate Ears app and an available power-up charging dock (sold separately). It is a standalone, Alexa-enabled device that does not require an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. Up to eight Bluetooth source devices can be paired with Blast.

Blast final assembly (main enclosure). Source: IHS MarkitBlast final assembly (main enclosure). Source: IHS Markit

IHS Technology Teardown Services teardown analysis overview:

Summary points:

  • Home automation device and speaker
  • Three microphones
  • Based on DSP Group DBMD5VT181A4ANI processor
  • Waterproof and drop-proof

Blast final assembly (main enclosure). Source: IHS MarkitBlast final assembly (main enclosure). Source: IHS Markit

Target market: Consumer

Release date: Q4 2017

Pricing and availability: $229.99 MSRP (Note: Current list price on Ultimate Ears website is $179.99)

Total manufacturing cost: $58.18 (including direct materials and manufacturing)

Blast charging PCB (bottom). Source: IHS MarkitBlast charging PCB (bottom). Source: IHS Markit

Major components:

  • Enclosure, main, case cover, multi-shot injection molded plastic and thermoplastic elastomer - (quantity: 1)
  • BT/WLAN module, dual-band IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth V4.2, contains Cypress BCM43907 and BCM20707A2 solution - Manufacturer: Siliconware Precision Industries Co. Ltd. - Manufacturer part number: SBWBM - N07P - (quantity: 1)
  • Battery pack, li-ion, one cell, 3.6 V, 3200 mAh, 11.52 Wh, with three discrete insulated wires and one three-position pin socket - Manufacturer: Panasonic Corp. - Manufacturer part number: 533-000104 - (quantity: 1)
  • AC adapter, 5.1 V, 2 A, AC to USB Type A, with clear mylar sleeve - Manufacturer: PI Electronics - (quantity: 1)
  • Enclosure, main, case, two-shot injection molded plastic and thermoplastic elastomer - (quantity: 1)
  • Audio SoC, voice control - Manufacturer: DSP Group Inc. - Manufacturer part number: DBMD5VT181A4ANI - (quantity: 1)
  • Passive radiator, two-shot injection molded plastic and thermoplastic elastomer, with insert-molded metal mass plate - (quantity: 2)
  • Packaging insert, foam rubber, die-cut, with pressure-sensitive adhesive - (quantity: 4)
  • Loudspeaker, right, 1.5 in diameter, 4 Ohm, with two discrete insulated wires, one two-position pin socket connector and integrated plastic bracket - (quantity: 1)
  • Loudspeaker, left, 1.5 in diameter, 4 Ohm, with two discrete insulated wires, one two-position pin socket connector and integrated plastic bracket - (quantity: 1)

Blast main PCB (top). Source: IHS MarkitBlast main PCB (top). Source: IHS Markit



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