DALI Sound Hub Compact
Services
-> Design direction
-> Product design
-> Color, Material, Finish (CMF) selection
Client
Year
Collaboration since 2009
Image credits
DALI A/S
We helped develop the DALI Sound Hub Compact - a slimmed-down, ultra-compact wireless audio transmitter tailored specifically for modern TV and digital audio setups. The core design challenge was one of extreme space optimization and placement flexibility: the device needed to house complex wireless streaming technology, an advanced DAC, and multiple inputs inside a low-profile housing that could either sit unobtrusively on a shelf or be mounted flat against a wall behind a wall-hung TV, all without compromising wireless signal strength.
Our role
We approached the project from a holistic industrial design and micro-architecture perspective, treating the Sound Hub Compact as an invisible enabler of high-end experiences. Our role focused on creating a highly functional form factor optimized for smart cable management and effortless interaction. We balanced complex technical demands - such as heat dissipation in confined spaces and 5.7 GHz wireless antenna placement - with an ultra-slim, minimalist aesthetic that feels inherently premium, yet completely understated.
Process
Our design process centered on physical prototyping, port layout optimization, and a strategic CMF (Color, Material, Finish) development for discrete home integration. Through iterative design loops, we engineered the chassis with a clever angled connection panel to ensure that cables can be routed cleanly without adding bulk to the depth of the unit. We focused heavily on intuitive automation, implementing automatic source selection so the user rarely needs to interact with the box itself. The exterior texture and matte finish were carefully selected to prevent unwanted light reflections when placed near or behind television screens.
Result
The outcome is the DALI Sound Hub Compact, a masterclass in discrete industrial design and functional clarity. Activating DALI’s wireless EQUI loudspeaker ecosystem, it completely bridges the gap between high-end Hi-Fi sound and modern TV convenience. By combining a zero-latency, high-resolution wireless stream with an ultra-slim, versatile silhouette, the final design removes the traditional AV receiver entirely from sight - delivering a powerful acoustic experience from an entirely clutter-free living space.
Client
DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries) is an internationally acclaimed pioneer in premium audio, celebrated for making high-fidelity sound an authentic, emotionally engaging experience. Rooted in Danish design traditions, DALI combines state-of-the-art acoustic technology with high-end craftsmanship, continuously innovating how high-resolution audio integrates into contemporary lifestyles.
