The Sonos Roam has taken the audio world by storm with its compact size, impressive sound quality, and versatility. But one question has been on everyone’s mind: Can the Sonos Roam be used as surround sound? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of surround sound, explore the capabilities of the Sonos Roam, and answer this question once and for all.
What is Surround Sound and Why is it Important?
Before we dive into the Sonos Roam’s surround sound capabilities, it’s essential to understand what surround sound is and why it’s a crucial aspect of home entertainment. Surround sound is an audio technology that envelops listeners in a 360-degree sound field, creating an immersive experience that draws them into the action. This is achieved by using multiple speakers placed strategically around the room, each emitting sound from different angles.
Surround sound is critical in modern entertainment because it:
- Enhances the emotional impact of movies, TV shows, and video games by simulating real-life sound environments.
- Creates a more engaging and realistic audio experience, making you feel like you’re part of the action.
In a home theater setup, surround sound typically consists of five or more channels: Left, Center, Right, Left Rear, and Right Rear. These channels work together to create a rich, immersive sound field that envelops the listener.
Sonos Roam: A Portable Powerhouse
The Sonos Roam is a compact, portable speaker designed to deliver high-quality audio anywhere, anytime. Weighing in at just 1.4 pounds, this tiny titan boasts an impressive feature set:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless streaming
- Long-lasting battery life (up to 10 hours)
- Water-resistant design (IP67 rated)
- Automatic Trueplay tuning for optimized sound
- Enhanced bass response and clear, detailed sound
The Sonos Roam is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a portable speaker that can deliver big sound in a small package. But can it handle the complexities of surround sound?
Can the Sonos Roam be Used as Surround Sound?
The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. The Sonos Roam can be used as a surround sound speaker, but it’s essential to understand the limitations and requirements.
The Sonos Roam is not a traditional surround sound speaker. It’s a stereo speaker, designed to produce two channels of audio (Left and Right). However, with some creative setup and configuration, you can use the Sonos Roam as part of a surround sound system.
To create a surround sound experience with the Sonos Roam, you’ll need:
- A Sonos home theater system, such as the Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbar, or Sonos Arc, which acts as the central hub and processes the surround sound audio.
- At least two Sonos Roam speakers, one for the Left Rear channel and one for the Right Rear channel.
In this setup, the Sonos Roam speakers will receive the surround sound audio signal wirelessly from the Sonos home theater system, using Sonos’ proprietary wireless technology. The Roam speakers will then produce the rear channel audio, completing the surround sound experience.
Configuring the Sonos Roam for Surround Sound
To set up the Sonos Roam for surround sound, follow these steps:
- Connect your Sonos home theater system to your TV and configure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In the Sonos app, go to Settings > Speaker Settings > Surround Settings.
- Select the Sonos Roam speakers as the rear surround sound speakers.
- Adjust the speaker settings to optimize the surround sound experience.
Limited by Design: The Sonos Roam’s Surround Sound Limitations
While the Sonos Roam can be used as a surround sound speaker, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- Lack of discrete surround sound channels: The Sonos Roam is a stereo speaker, which means it can only produce two channels of audio (Left and Right). This limits its ability to produce a true, discrete surround sound experience.
- Wireless connectivity limitations: The Sonos Roam’s wireless connectivity may introduce latency or interference, affecting the surround sound experience.
- Placement restrictions: The Sonos Roam’s compact size and wireless design make it easy to place anywhere, but this also means it may not be able to produce the same level of audio immersion as a dedicated surround sound speaker.
Conclusion: The Sonos Roam as a Surround Sound Solution
While the Sonos Roam can’t replace a traditional surround sound system, it can still offer a compelling surround sound experience when used in conjunction with a Sonos home theater system and additional Roam speakers. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations of using a stereo speaker as a surround sound solution.
If you’re looking for a portable, convenient, and affordable way to add surround sound to your home theater setup, the Sonos Roam can be a good option. Just be aware of its limitations and the requirements for a successful setup.
In the world of surround sound, the Sonos Roam is an innovative solution that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with portable audio. While it may not be the perfect surround sound solution, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a flexible, wireless, and high-quality audio experience.
What is the Sonos Roam and how does it compare to other portable speakers?
The Sonos Roam is a portable speaker that is designed to deliver high-quality sound and versatility, allowing users to take it with them wherever they go. Compared to other portable speakers, the Sonos Roam stands out for its ability to produce a wider soundstage, thanks to its use of TruePlay technology, which calibrates the speaker to its surroundings to produce a more immersive listening experience.
While other portable speakers may be more compact or waterproof, the Sonos Roam’s focus on delivering high-quality sound and its ability to seamlessly integrate with other Sonos devices make it a compelling option for those looking for a premium listening experience on-the-go.
What is TruePlay technology and how does it improve sound quality?
TruePlay is a technology developed by Sonos that uses a series of audio tones to calibrate the speaker to its surroundings, taking into account factors such as the shape of the room, the distance from walls, and other acoustic variables. This information is then used to adjust the speaker’s output to produce a more balanced and immersive sound.
The result is a sound that is more detailed and nuanced, with better bass response and a more accurate representation of the audio signal. TruePlay technology is especially useful in situations where the speaker may be moved from room to room or used outdoors, where the acoustic environment can vary widely.
Can I use the Sonos Roam as part of a home theater setup?
Yes, the Sonos Roam can be used as part of a home theater setup, either as a rear surround sound speaker or as a standalone speaker for outdoor use. When paired with other Sonos devices, such as the Beam or Arc soundbars, the Roam can provide a more immersive surround sound experience, with the ability to wirelessly connect to other devices and synchronize playback.
This makes it an ideal solution for those who want to take their home theater experience outdoors or expand it to other rooms in the house. Additionally, the Roam’s compact size and battery-powered design make it easy to move around and place anywhere, giving users more flexibility in their setup.
How long does the Sonos Roam’s battery last and how do I charge it?
The Sonos Roam’s battery life is rated at up to 10 hours of continuous playback, although this can vary depending on the volume level and type of audio being played. The speaker can be charged using a USB-C cable and a compatible charging adapter, and it also supports wireless charging via the Qi standard.
To charge the Roam, simply place it on a Qi-compatible charging pad or plug it into a wall outlet using the included charging cable. The speaker’s battery life is also compatible with Sonos’s automatic shutdown feature, which turns off the device after a set period of inactivity to conserve power.
Can I pair multiple Sonos Roams together for a more immersive experience?
Yes, the Sonos Roam can be paired with other Roam speakers or other Sonos devices to create a more immersive listening experience. Using Sonos’s multi-room audio feature, users can synchronize playback across multiple devices, allowing them to create a more expansive sound field or extend their music to different rooms or areas.
This feature is especially useful for outdoor gatherings or parties, where multiple Roam speakers can be placed around the area to provide a more immersive sound experience. The Sonos app makes it easy to control and configure multiple devices, allowing users to tailor their listening experience to their specific needs.
Is the Sonos Roam waterproof and durable?
The Sonos Roam has an IP67 rating, which means it is fully waterproof and can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. It is also designed to be rugged and durable, with a robust exterior that can withstand scratches and drops.
However, while the Roam is designed to withstand rough handling, it’s still a premium electronic device and should be treated with care. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or physical shock, and make sure to clean it regularly to keep it in good condition.
Is the Sonos Roam compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, the Sonos Roam is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control the speaker using voice commands. This makes it easy to play music, adjust the volume, and access other features using just their voice.
To take advantage of voice control, users will need to set up the Sonos Roam with their Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant account, which can be done using the Sonos app. Once set up, users can use voice commands to control the Roam, making it even easier to use and enjoy their music.