Loewe We. HEAR 1 gray

Emerging from the design studio in Kronach, Bavaria, and awarded the iF Design Award and Red Dot Award 2021, the portable Bluetooth speaker from the youthful sub-brand We. by Loewe opts for formal restraint and colorful acoustic fabric. Four shades in the catalog, 740 grams in hand, IPX6 certification against water splashes, and 40 watts of musical power delivered by amplification rated at 2 x 10 watts RMS: everything is calibrated for use outside the living room.

A visual signature from the Kronach studio

We. by Loewe is the youthful and portable sub-brand launched by Loewe Technology GmbH, the Kronach-based manufacturer also known for its high-end televisions. The speaker adopts a cylindrical silhouette covered in taut acoustic fabric, available in four colors: Aqua Blue, Coral Red, Storm Grey, and Cool Grey. The physical volume and pairing controls are located behind the speaker’s foot, which prevents the cylinder from rolling when laid flat on a smooth surface. A flexible strap, attached to the upper part of the enclosure, allows it to be carried by hand or hung from a backpack. The formal work signed by the Loewe Design studio remains in line with a German tradition of understated and functional industrial design.

Audio design and available power

Loewe states an audio output power of 2 x 10 watts RMS, which corresponds to a total musical power of 40 watts. A sound output of this level is enough to fill a medium-sized living room, a terrace of a few square meters, or a bedroom, without having to push the volume to the limits of the amplification. The perforated grille visible on the upper part of the cylinder provides access to the drivers, while the rest of the enclosure is covered by the colored acoustic fabric.

Wireless and wired connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0 handles audio streaming and playback controls from a smartphone or any other compatible device. The built-in profiles are A2DP for stereo audio transmission and AVRCP for controlling playback functions, in a frequency band from 2402 to 2480 MHz and with a maximum transmission power below 10 mW. A 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary input complements this wireless connection for plugging in a portable player or a computer’s headphone output. Charging is done via a USB-C port powered at 5 V / 2 A, requiring two to three hours for a full cycle. Two units of the speaker can also be paired in TWS (True Wireless Stereo) mode in order to recreate left-right stereo listening from a single source.

Battery life and waterproofing for outdoor outings

The integrated lithium-ion battery (7.4 V / 2000 mAh) provides 12 to 14 hours of battery life depending on the listening volume, enough to cover a day in the garden or a round trip by train. The enclosure complies with the IPX6 standard, which protects the electronics against powerful water jets coming from all directions, without however allowing full immersion. The speaker can handle a poolside setting or a terrace in the rain, not a fall into the pool. The permissible temperature range goes from 0 to 40 °C, with tolerated relative humidity between 20 and 70%, without condensation. The charger’s mains power supply accepts voltages from 100 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz, which covers all electrical networks encountered while traveling.

Integrated microphone and hands-free calls

A microphone is housed in the enclosure, making it possible to take a phone call without picking up the paired smartphone. The Bluetooth channel then switches between music playback and conversation, with a return to the audio stream at the end of the call. The function remains practical in a family setting or during an impromptu discussion on a terrace, when the phone is not always within reach.

Technical Specifications

Audio

• Configuration: 2 x 10 W RMS
• Total music power: 40 W
• Dynamic and balanced sound reproduction, suitable for music, podcasts, and multimedia content

Connectivity

• Wireless technology: Bluetooth 5.0
• Compatible Bluetooth profiles:
  • A2DP
  • AVRCP
• Bluetooth frequency range: 2402 to 2480 MHz
• Bluetooth transmission power: < 10 mW

Battery and power supply

• Rechargeable battery: 7.4 V / 2000 mAh
• Battery life: 12 to 14 hours
• Charging time: 2 to 3 hours
• Charging current: 5 V / 2 A
• Mains power supply: 100-240 V ~ 50 / 60 Hz

Design and durability

• IPX6 waterproof certification: protection against water jets and splashes
• Lightweight chassis designed for portable use
• Integrated carrying strap for easier handling

Dimensions and weight

• Width: 90 mm
• Height: 220 mm
• Depth: 83 mm
• Weight: 0.74 kg

Operating conditions

• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: 20 to 70% (non-condensing)