At CES 2021, LG has announced the UltraGear GP9, a dedicated soundbar built for gamers. It’s portable, battery-powered, and is designed to integrate with LG’s other gaming hardware.
The gamer-focused UltraGear GP9 wasn’t the only LG soundbar on display, though, so let’s take a look.
LG Builds Soundbar for Gamers
The LG UltraGear GP9 is an all-in-one, portable soundbar. Unlike most other soundbars specifically marketed towards gamers, the UltraGear GP9 includes a battery, meaning you can take the soundbar out into the world.
With gamers in mind, LG has programmed the UltraGear GP9 with various sound modes to suit video game types. For example, there are specific modes for first-person shooters or strategy-based games.
LG didn’t disclose the battery capacity of the UltraGear GP9, although it did confirm that the gaming soundbar comes with 20 watts of power. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, a USB Type-C port for charging and wired connections, plus an optical port as an alternative.
Why you would want to take a gaming soundbar out of your home and into the streets is beyond me, but then again, I might not be the target demographic (even as someone who thoroughly enjoys video games). Perhaps that is why there is also a headphones port, although why you wouldn’t connect to your portable hardware directly is another question.
LG Soundbar Game Is Strong
The soundbar for gamers, the UltraGear GP9, was far from LG’s only soundbar revelation at CES 2021. LG announced several other models, too.
Particularly of note is the LG QP5 Éclair, a compact take on the traditional soundbar.
Measuring just 11.7 inches by 2.3 inches, it’ll fit into almost any space, underneath any TV or monitor. Despite its size, LG has packed in some tidy hardware, including five drivers for 3.1.2 channel audio and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. There is also a separate wireless subwoofer to round out the sound.
So, why is it named “Éclair?” The designers think the LG QP5 looks similar to the delicious French pastry. Hopefully, it sounds as good as it theoretically tastes.
LG announced seven other soundbar models at CES 2021, so you’re not short of options. LG’s new soundbar models include the LG SP11R, a 7.1.4 channel 770W soundbar with custom Meridian tuning, and the LG SP9, a 5.1.2 channel 520W soundbar, also featuring custom Meridian tuning.
Overall, LG has significantly boosted its range of soundbar offerings, catering to a wide range of the audio hardware market. The gaming-focused UltraGear GP9 is an interesting offering on its own, even if the reasoning for the device doesn’t quite make sense.