With a unique, ergonomic design that is worn on the shoulders, allowing users to comfortably enjoy "realistic surround sound while losing yourself in your favorite video games," the new Panasonic SoundSlayer SC-GN01 speaker system is a complementary product to the HTB01 gaming soundbar that the company released in 2020, designed in collaboration with a gaming company. The neckband approach leverages the experience of that gaming soundbar, transfering the drivers closer to the user's head and ears, creating an alternative to headphones.
As Panasonic explains, the new SoundSlayer WIGSS's three sound modes - Role-Playing, First-Person Shooter, and Voice - were created through a joint development with the gaming sound production experts behind the Final Fantasy XIV title, and the main focus is to enhance the online experience with low-latency immersive gameplay. The speaker system is able to generate a high-impact soundfield that enhances game audio and provides a truly realistic translation of the virtual world in the game - in this case optimized for use with the popular Final Fanatasy game. Panasonic markets these products in a box branded with the game logo in what essentially becomes an accessory for gamers.
The SoundSlayer WIGSS SC-GN01 around-the-neck design allows users to switch quickly between the three modes, and there is also a Music mode and Cinema mode, so gamers can enjoy a realistic audio experience with content other than games, such as movies and television shows. The neckband also features a high-performance noise- and echo-cancelling dual MEMS microphone system, allowing users to chat clearly with other players without being disturbed by the powerful surround sound.
The SoundSlayer SC-GN01 features four-channel, full-range speakers, combined with original processing technologies, creatively names as "True MAGESS" (Majestic Augmented Gaming Environment Sound System) and powered by a high-performance signal processor. The processing engine explores the combination of the four full-range 3cm speakers to deliver sounds that appear to come from all directions, accentuating sharp sounds, or enhancing dialog in voice mode. This processor is also compatible with multichannel content, allowing natural reproduction of existing 5.1 surround productions.
The lightweight 244g design sits comfortably on the shoulders, delivering optimal speaker placement, which Panasonic found allows players to use it for a long period of time without physical or hearing fatigue, and without putting pressure on the head and ears, as headphones do. The original housing structure is based on Panasonic's results of extensive human body data analysis, essentially, resulting in a comfortable around-the-neck speaker with great surround sound.
Detailed specifications describe the SC-GN01 speaker system as being able to deliver 4W RMS total output power (measured at 1kHz, THD 10%, 6Ω, 20kHz LPF). Connectivity is provided via USB to any PC, PS4, PS5, or Nintendo Switch gaming devices, with a 3.5㎜ mini jack allowing an auxiliary input for audio from Xbox consoles and other content sources.
Panasonic says the SC-GN01 Wearable Immersive Gaming Speaker System (WIGSS) will be available in October 2021.
www.panasonic.com
