AIAIAI's UNIT-4 Wireless+ is a portable speaker system for music production and performance. This review explores its W+ Link connection, specified at 16 ms latency with uncompressed audio, along with roughly 20 hours of battery playback, a recycled-plastic main enclosure and a repairable design. The article covers the original model reviewed, including its X02 transmitter; specifications and bundled accessories should not be confused with later revisions.
Sound quality, convenience and design in a portable speaker
AIAIAI, known for its headphones, released the wireless speaker system UNIT-4 Wireless+.
Its design and functional LEDs immediately catch the eye, but it is also a monitor speaker offering lossless playback and low-latency wireless audio. That combination is central to its appeal.
Combining this level of sound with wireless convenience suggests potential beyond DAW production, across a wide range of music activities. That is what makes it interesting.
We invited two working songwriters and producers, Yusuke Shirato and Manaka Suzuki, to explore the product's features and possible uses with us.
Video: UNIT-4 Wireless+ Review
Selected questions and answers from the YouTube video
“I've been waiting for wireless speakers to use as rear channels in a four-channel or 5.1 setup!”
When playing alongside other speakers, the original reply estimated about 17 ms of additional delay compared with wired speakers. For that situation, it recommended using wired speakers throughout. This is separate from the manufacturer's quoted 16 ms W+ Link specification below.
Size and battery
The dimensions and weight per speaker listed in the original review are:
- Dimensions: 258 mm high × 155 mm wide × 115 mm deep
- Weight: approximately 2.5 kg
That weight includes the built-in battery, and the speaker is easy to carry in one hand.
The product was also promoted as suitable for carry-on travel, underscoring its portability. Actual airline and battery restrictions must be checked for the trip; this is not a guarantee of carriage.
The built-in battery was specified to provide approximately 20 hours of playback after about two hours of charging. That makes a useful pairing with wireless audio.
It looks practical for events and performances too; actual runtime depends on use.
Design
The design is another part of the product's appeal.
The speakers can be used vertically or horizontally to suit the application.
A protective steel grille helps guard against physical damage.
Attaching or removing it also changes the appearance, allowing a choice of look.
There is a mounting point underneath for a microphone stand or similar support.
That adds another option for event use.
Environmental considerations
The product also incorporates measures intended to improve sustainability.
Its main enclosure is described as being made from 100% recycled plastic, and its assembly does not rely on glue.
If components such as the battery, driver or wireless electronics fail, the relevant part can be replaced, upgraded or repaired separately. That design can reduce waste and the need to replace the entire speaker.
Wireless connections
UNIT-4 Wireless+ supports two main types of wireless connection.
Bluetooth 5.2
Standard Bluetooth makes it easy to connect a computer, tablet, smartphone or other compatible device.
For casual music listening, this connection may provide all the sound quality you need.
X02 transmitter
This is the connection using W+ Link, one of the product's main selling points.
The reviewed package uses the included X02 transmitter for wireless audio.
The original review lists the following specifications:
- Latency: 16 ms
- Audio quality: uncompressed
- Operating range: 12 m
That is an impressive combination for wireless monitoring.
For DAW production, the benefits include monitoring your DAW's sound over a high-quality wireless connection. That is only part of the appeal.
The original reviewers also found the latency usable for playing a MIDI keyboard in real time. The quoted 16 ms is the wireless link's latency, not a guarantee of the total latency of every computer and audio setup.
Wired connections are also available
Alongside wireless operation, wired inputs let you use the speakers' monitoring capabilities in a conventional setup.
- 3.5 mm mini-jack
- 6.3 mm balanced input
The speakers can also remain connected to external power, allowing flexible use according to the setup and application.
Sound
The original review lists these sound specifications for the model tested:
- Frequency response: 50 Hz–20 kHz. Editorial note: the original text has a malformed “+/−” entry without a tolerance value; no tolerance has been inferred here.
- Low-frequency cutoff: 40 Hz
- Peak SPL: 102 dB (the figure listed in the original review)
The reviewers found the frequency balance good and felt they could hear fine details in the tracks.
They also felt that the sound would make the speakers useful as a secondary monitoring pair.
A dedicated app
A smartphone app is available to control UNIT-4 Wireless+.
It supports iPhone and Android, and was offered free of charge in the original review.
It provides a five-band EQ and sound presets, allowing the sound to be adjusted to the location.
Other controls include LED brightness and switching the speakers off.
The app also handles firmware updates, making it a useful companion when setting up the speakers.
What did we think?
We were impressed by the sound quality and the thought behind the design.
I ended up buying a pair because they could make video shoots more efficient and visually tidy, while also providing more than enough monitoring capability for that work.
Different people will find different uses, but this is an appealing product for enjoying and working with sound.
If it interests you, take a closer look at AIAIAI UNIT-4.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. How much latency does UNIT-4 Wireless+ have over wireless?
The original review quotes 16 ms for W+ Link using the included X02 transmitter. The reviewers found this usable for real-time MIDI-keyboard playing. Total system latency also depends on the rest of the computer and audio setup, and this figure does not describe Bluetooth latency.
Q2. How long does the battery last?
The original model was specified for approximately 20 hours of playback after about two hours of charging. Actual runtime varies with use. Its portability can be useful for events and performances; airline acceptance and battery restrictions need to be checked separately.
Q3. Can it be used beyond DAW production?
The review explores live events, video shoots, monitoring and performances as possible uses. A microphone-stand mount and a dedicated control app add flexibility.
Q4. Does the design address environmental concerns?
The main enclosure is described as 100% recycled plastic, and the glue-free assembly and replaceable components are intended to make repair easier and reduce waste. This does not mean every component in the speaker is recycled plastic.
Q5. What devices and connections are supported?
Bluetooth 5.2 allows connection with compatible computers, tablets and smartphones. Wired inputs include a 3.5 mm mini-jack and a balanced 6.3 mm connection.
NEW ARTICLES
Latest English Articles
