Hotaru Record Player by Audio-Technica Corporation |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: Hotaru PRIMARY FUNCTION: Record Player INSPIRATION: We envisioned a musical experience that transcends the ordinary. We believe that the moment of listening to an analog record holds the potential for more than just sound - it can be a captivating spectacle. With its floating analog record and ethereal glow, HOTARU is designed to stimulate the senses and create an immersive world where every moment becomes a cherished memory. This is our vision - to elevate the act of listening to an unforgettable sensory experience. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This strikingly designed turntable features a floating platter that seamlessly integrates into any space, creating an atmosphere of harmony and depth. Its innovative design fuses sound and light for a captivating sensory experience. The minimalist cartridge and tonearm, paired with a concealed belt sub-platter drive, ensure both sonic clarity and visual elegance. Crafted from premium materials like acrylic, aluminum, and brass, the system delivers an unparalleled audio experience. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: It is operated using three knobs. The left knob selects the lighting mode, type, and brightness. The center knob selects the turntable speed. The right knob controls the speaker volume. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in December 2022 in Japan and will be exhibited in Milan Design Week in April 2025. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The floating turntable, achieved through powerful magnetic repulsion, eliminates unwanted vibrations, unlocking the full potential of the cartridge. It also seamlessly blends function and aesthetics with a minimalist VM cartridge and carbon tonearm. Precision-crafted acrylic, a high-quality aluminum case with integrated speakers, and solid brass feet create a refined aesthetic. The meticulously engineered structure produces a depth and richness of sound that defies its compact size. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 430mm x 430mm 235mm TAGS: analog, floating, turntable, record player, vinyl, music RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Speaker-integrated turntables typically use rubber or springs for vibration damping. But this time we considered a method of suppressing vibration by using magnetic repulsion to float the turntable from the speaker. Through repeated prototyping and signal analysis, we realized to achieve effects greater than existing structures. Generally, vibration suppression structures are internal mechanisms, but through these studies, we succeeded in sublimating this mechanism into an external design. CHALLENGE: The challenge was to make sure that the magnets used in the floating structure didn't affect the cartridge. This was especially important for cartridges, which contain strong magnets. If any magnetic energy leaked from the floating structure, it could directly lead to an unusual tracking force and sensitivity to movement. By using tools that analyze magnetic flux in product development and adding the right shielding materials to the case, we solved this problem. ADDED DATE: 2025-02-27 20:02:06 TEAM MEMBERS (3) : Yuma Murakami, Yosuke Koizumi and Tomohiro Shiraga IMAGE CREDITS: Audio-Technica Corporation |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS | |
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NAME: Audio-Technica PROFILE: Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. Building upon our analog heritage, we design critically acclaimed products including turntables to help people enrich lives through sound. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Hotaru Record Player by Audio-Technica Corporation is Winner in Audio and Sound Equipment Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Audio-Technica Corporation for design Hotaru here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Audio-Technica Corporation. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Audio-Technica Corporation. |
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