DEEPTIME studio turns sand into sound with its 3D sand printed speakers

czech design studio DEEPTIME unveils the first commercially available audio set 3D printed with sand. the limited edition ionic sound system combines organic aesthetics and the innovative use of industrial 3D printing technology employing non-conventional printing materials. due to the premium sound quality, the system appeals not only to design and technology enthusiasts but also to the most demanding audiophiles.

all images courtesy of DEEPTIME studio

martin hřeben and ondřej chotovinský, DEEPTIME studio founders, developed a process which turns the fragile and porous sand prints into airtight and resonance-free forms using custom made hardeners and pigments. the result is a smooth 3D printed conch shell that has a sandstone finish and feel. the ionic sound system comprises two passive satellite speakers and one active subwoofer to provide a complete audio set for home and office interiors.

not only is the speaker system a design object itself, but it was devised to deliver optimal sound quality. the designers drew from their experience with industrial design in the automotive industry to create a speaker system that would provide the maximum possible acoustic power given the compact dimensions of the speakers. they produced their own set of circuit boards that drive and control the whole audio system within the resonance-free objects. the seamless sand enclosures enhance the system’s acoustic properties. the standard output power of the full sound system is up to 80 w / 160 w (rms / peak power), which will satisfy even the most demanding users.

the designers were heavily inspired by nature during their design process. “design means looking for the form that reflects the nature and function of the product and builds on the benefits of the newest available technologies. we don’t want just to embellish existing standard solutions. instead, we employ organic shapes designed to enhance the sound quality” explains martin hřeben. “we find inspiration mainly in nature. all shapes in the natural world are functional in one way or another. you’ll have a hard time finding regular cube or box shapes in nature,” adds ondřej chotovinský.