The sound you’ve been waiting for is finally here. The legendary VIBE BlackAir series is back, and it’s making a statement. A new generation of these high-sensitivity speakers has arrived, turning heads with its striking, totally unique tube packaging and promising an exceptional listening experience.
For years, the BlackAir series has been synonymous with sensitive, SQ-focused speakers boasting lightweight cones and a power-friendly design. This latest iteration stays true to that heritage while pushing the boundaries of performance and style.
Meet the New BlackAir Lineup:
The coaxial speakers deserve a special mention. Their unique design allows for independent tweeter connection, mirroring the flexibility of component systems and enabling precise band junction control—perfect for active DSP setups. A simple protective cap is included for added convenience. This makes the entire BlackAir range an ideal partner for fully active, DSP-controlled systems.
Packaging That Pops:
The first thing you’ll notice is the innovative tube packaging. It’s a bold departure from the norm, designed to grab attention and reflect the quality within.
Under the Hood (or, in this case, the Tube):
While the packaging is new, the core of the BlackAir speakers remains true to its roots. They’re built on robust cast baskets, a familiar sight from previous CVEN models. The cone material is woven Kevlar. Measurements confirm their lightweight nature, with the curvilinear cone shape providing the necessary rigidity.
The motors utilize 1-inch voice coils, and the centering washers offer medium stiffness, complemented by relatively soft upper suspensions. The motor systems feature an intriguing geometry. Peeking through the chassis windows reveals the engineering undertaken to produce a speaker with controlled excursion and precise sound reproduction.
The tweeters are 25mm silk domes housed in enclosures with aluminum front flanges. Their 54mm outer diameter allows for versatile mounting. The magnetically attached grilles can be easily removed for custom installations. The housing disassembles, revealing a compact 43mm tweeter body. The kit includes mounting hardware and separating capacitors for added flexibility.
Performance and Sound:
The BlackAir series is built on the concept of lightweight cones and powerful (relative to moving mass) motors, combined with medium-stiffness suspensions. The magnetic systems incorporate Faraday rings, maintaining a balanced Q factor suitable for door installations. This design delivers clean, articulate bass with excellent control and definition. The high reference sensitivity is a major plus and a huge step forward in performance from the outgoing “Black” series.
The Ideal Listener:
The BlackAir series is perfect for those who appreciate a dynamic, articulate sound. As commented by industry testers; while not overly “soft” or “dark,” these speakers offer a refined listening experience without harshness. The slightly “dry” bass pairs well with a sensitive subwoofer for a cohesive and detailed low-end.
Power and Pairing:
The high sensitivity means these speakers perform admirably even with lower-powered amplifiers. However, they truly shine when paired with the new VIBE Powerbox DSP Amplifiers. They also work seamlessly with VIBE Powerbox DSP Amplifiers processors; even the POWERBOX65.4-8MDSP provides ample power thanks to their sensitivity.
Key Features:
Coming Soon:
While these speakers are ideal for active systems, we understand some users prefer passive crossovers. We’re currently engineering dedicated passive crossovers, expected to launch in Q2, 2025.
