Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
M-FIELD Class-A Mosfet
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Output power (300 Ohm mono mode): 5.1W RMS per channel
- Output power (32 Ohm mono mode): 26.1W RMS per channel
- Output power (32 Ohm): 9.6W RMS per channel
- Output power (300 Ohm): 1.6W RMS per channel
- Output Impedance: 0.1Ohm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-200kHz, -3dB
- Input Impedance: 10kOhm (SE input), 20kOhm (mono input), 3.3kOhm (BAL input)
- Gain: 14.7dB, 21.7dB, 26.0dB
- THD: 0.006%
- Power Consumption: 37W
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 15.6 x 3.2 inch (342 x 397 x 82 mm)
- Weight: 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Description
The M-FIELD model uses MOSFET transistors in the output stage and has a unique sound signature and tuning. The sound is characterized by a darker tone and a thicker, fuller sound in the low frequency range. The sound has a smoothness, a certain intimacy that is characteristic of MOSFET-based devices, with an impressive volume of soundstage.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
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M-FIELD CLASS-A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
- Positioning: The entry-level model seeking quality sound in a compact format.
- Description: Features a MOSFET-based Class-A design that provides a smooth and natural tonal balance; compared to its stack and dual mono siblings, it sacrifices extra power and synchronization modules for a more straightforward, cost-effective solution. It suits buyers with small room use cases who want clear and stable performance without the added expense and complexity of multi-unit assemblies.
MENTOR CLASS-A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
- Positioning: A single amplifier unit aimed at users looking for clean channel separation in a compact design.
- Description: Features a dual mono Class-A configuration that improves channel isolation and reduces crosstalk, offering a refined sound signature that stands out among entry-level options. Compared to the M-FIELD version, it emphasizes precise channel balance while lacking the extra power features found in the stack models.
M-FIELD FULLY BALANCED STACK
- Positioning: A dual amplifier stack designed for audiophiles who desire enhanced power and balanced performance in a fully integrated package.
- Description: Uses MOSFET transistors in a fully balanced, synchronized configuration that boosts low-frequency warmth and soundstage depth; compared to the single M-FIELD unit, it offers higher headroom and improved dynamic range while being less complex than the Mentor dual mono stack.
MENTOR DUAL MONO CLASS-A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER STACK
- Positioning: A dual amplifier stack that targets advanced users seeking superior channel isolation with a dual mono setup.
- Description: Combines two independent Class-A amplifier units with synchronized volume control for precise channel separation and consistent performance; compared to the M-FIELD stack, it focuses more on independent channel integrity rather than relying solely on MOSFET colorations.
ATLAS CLASS-A HEAD-AMPLIFIER / DAC / PRE-AMP / STREAMER
- Positioning: The flagship unit that integrates amplifier, DAC, preamp, and streaming capabilities into one high-end system.
- Description: Incorporates groundbreaking digital-to-analog converters with dual AK4497EQ chips and features a high-precision touch screen with motorized volume control, setting it apart with cutting-edge digital isolation and comprehensive connectivity; compared to all other models in the lineup, it provides a complete audio solution with superior digital features and refined analog circuitry. It is ideally suited for users with extensive functionality needs, who have a larger budget and require a more versatile, all-in-one system for high-fidelity applications.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
801
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
2009
Our take on the brand
Flux Lab Acoustics, a Ukrainian hifi brand, specializes in exceptionally powerful headphone amplifiers, offering distinctive features like monoblock designs and Class A outputs of 16-33.5 watts.
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What if you spend more?
Flux Lab Acoustics
Mentor Fully Balanced Stack
2999
2999
/
2
Reviews
Flux Lab Acoustics, a Ukrainian hifi brand, specializes in exceptionally powerful headphone amplifiers, offering distinctive features like monoblock designs and Class A outputs of 16-33.5 watts.
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.svg)
Video review
Our take on the brand
Flux Lab Acoustics, a Ukrainian hifi brand, specializes in exceptionally powerful headphone amplifiers, offering distinctive features like monoblock designs and Class A outputs of 16-33.5 watts.
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Naim
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
3799
3799
/
24
Reviews
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Feliks Audio
Euforia Evo
2833
2833
/
8
Reviews
Ultimate achievement in OTL technology. Perfect match with dynamic headphones and most planars. Features XLR and RCA headphone outputs with smooth, neutral and dynamic sound thanks to UPOCC wiring, premium components, and point to point design.
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Product Strengths
- Delivers a smooth, embracing, and euphonic tone, making it enjoyable to listen to for extended periods without fatigue
- Offers excellent detail and ambiance reproduction, resulting in a sublime and neutral sound that pairs beautifully with high-impedance headphones
- Provides a wide and airy sound with neutral tuning, combined with a rich and smooth texture
- The midrange is powerful, vivid, and lively, offering a unique and analog timbre for engaging listening experiences
- Produces a wide, three-dimensional soundstage and lifelike, holographic imaging for an immersive listening experience
Product Considerations
- Lacks power for driving very demanding headphones
- Generates a considerable amount of heat, requiring placement in a well-ventilated area
- Has some coloration in the low-end, which may not appeal to all listeners
- The on/off switch is located on the back panel, which might be inconvenient in some setups
- May not be 'tubey' enough for some users seeking stronger tube coloration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Feliks Audio Envy: It 'hits' differently and is a more budget-friendly option for high-impedance headphone owners
- Vs SMSL SH-X: Both amps generate a lot of heat, but it offers more realistic staging and imaging
- Vs HIFIMAN Prelude: It offers a neutral, dynamic, and colorful sound, while Prelude is smooth, lush, warm, and bassy
- Vs Violectric HPA V340: It provides tube richness, a wider soundstage, and better instrument separation compared to the brighter and harder sound of HPA V340
- Vs Feliks Audio Euforia (original): The Evo delivers more color, contrast, dynamic range, and resolution with better control and lower distortion, especially with hard-to-drive headphones
Takeaway: The Euforia Evo is a tube amplifier that gives music a smooth, rich, and detailed sound. It is great for those who want to experience high-quality audio and enjoy listening to their headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Holo Audio
Bliss
2998
2998
/
6
Reviews
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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Product Strengths
- Versatile amplifier that breathes life into a wide range of headphones
- The purity of the sound creates a very natural tonality and a very organic experience in general
- Incredible depth, note separation, and holography, with a soundstage that envelops the listener
- Connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- It runs hot and needs space to breathe, as it is a class A amplifier
- Its hefty size (10kg) might be too much for a small desk
- Hifiman Susvara users might want to look for another amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Pass Labs HPA-1 has an unmistakably organic feel, while Bliss leans more towards a very clean and pure neutral presentation
- Holo Bliss brought a new level of energy and control to the music, while refining the details and presenting them in a purer, more organic way
- Compared to Felix Audio Euphoria Anniversary Edition, a little of that black background is lost, and more of a sunset feel is gained, with more of a lush midrange akin to the characteristics of the Tube
Takeaway: The Holo Audio Bliss is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers an exceptional listening experience, with a focus on purity, holography, and natural tonality, making music vibrant and captivating. With its top-notch build quality, it's designed to be the heart of any high-end audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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What competes at this price?
iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
/
Released
2023
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Ferrum
OOR
2094
/
Released
2021
OOR will redefine the category of headphone amplifiers. OOR will drive any headphones effortlessly to the max of their potential, while preserving the essence of the music it amplifies.
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size compared to competitors, allowing for easy integration into desktop setups
- The OOR outputs 8 watts of power at 60 ohms and 1.6 watts at 300 ohms, making it one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers ever made
- Low gain setting is silent with sensitive IEMs
- Employs a fully discrete class AB amplifier; there are no op-amps used
Product Considerations
- Simultaneous use of the balanced and single-ended preamp outputs with the main headphone output is an inconvenience
- The unit gets quite warm after a few hours of use—recommending a well-ventilated area
- Powering on the unit requires going from balanced to single-ended
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Benchmark HPA4, OOR felt considerably more alive, fleshed out, and natural sounding
- Vs Flux Volot, the reviewers felt that the OOR was more visceral sounding
- Compared to Fluxlab Acoustics, the OOR is a warmer and more soul-infusing amplifier and it never wants to be linear or flat
- Vs Flux Lab Acoustics Volod, it was easily bigger sounding, easily more impressive sounding, just more layered
Takeaway: The Ferrum OOR is a powerful amplifier in a small package, and it is built with great attention to detail. It has an engaging sound with a touch of warmth.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Linear Tube Audio
Velo
2100
/
Released
2024
The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA's MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. We've taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible.
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully enjoyable and transparent sound, described as smooth, resolving, and engaging, enhancing music without coloration
- Open design makes it easy to swap out the tubes
- It opens the soundstage in depth and width, increasing the ability to hear the placement of instruments, and micro details and spatial cues become more accessible
- Versatile, the Velo works well with different headphones (low/high impedance, dynamic/planar)
Product Considerations
- Not particularly powerful, the Velo might require more volume dial rotation compared to other amps to reach desired listening levels
- Bass might sound a little too rounded and lacking texture compared to some setups
- Lacks balanced XLR features
- The included switching power supply is not at the same performance level as the upgraded linear power supply
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Linear Tube Audio MZ3: The MZ3 is more resolving and detailed, while the Velo is richer and smoother, the MZ3 is more technically engaging, but the Velo is more emotionally engaging
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X-GT: The Soloist 3X-GT has more power and greater resolution/clarity with a balanced cable, but the Velo is more intimate and relaxing
- Vs Oliver Sayes Type 26 DHT preamplifier: The Velo strikes a nice middle ground between the overly 'emotional' tube stage and the 'straight' sounding TVC mode
- Vs Eddie Current Zana Deux SE OTL: Unlike the Zana Deux, it doesn't go too far in warmth to the point of sounding mushy
Takeaway: The Velo is a versatile tube amplifier that provides a wonderful and enjoyable listening experience by being transparent and smooth. It's designed for music lovers who value emotional engagement with their music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
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HIFIMAN
EF6
1599
/
Released
Hand-built by HIFIMAN craftsmen, the new EF6 flagship headphone amplifier provides audiophile quality for the most demanding listeners. Fit and finish hint at the amplifier's exceptional performance under the hood.
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Specifically designed to drive the power-hungry HE-6 planar magnetic headphones.
- Boasts 5 watts Class A per channel, providing massive output power.
- Delivers a wonderfully lush and smooth sounding presentation.
- Offers a clean and neutral tonality.
- Exceptionally well-rounded in terms of genre selection.
Product Considerations
- Lacks balanced circuitry option.
- Does not include a remote control.
- The buttons feel loose.
- The lateral heatsinks can get quite toasty to the touch if played long enough.
- The EF-6 arrived without a power cord.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Lyr: The EF-6 stays noticeably cooler after an hour or so of usage.
- Vs Schiit Mjolnir: The EF-6 edges out the Mjolnir for smoothness, the Mjolnir would be the closest for power, though tonally it is a bit brighter and more dynamic than the EF-6.
Takeaway: The EF-6 is a great choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile amplifier, especially for demanding headphones like the HE-6, with a smooth and engaging sound signature. It is a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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Austrian Audio
Full Score one
1599
/
Released
2024
The Full Score one is Austrian Audio's debut headphone amplifier, applying the same meticulous approach to its design as with its family of award-winning headphones and microphones. Created with both home listeners and high-end mixing and mastering engineers in mind, the Full Score one takes headphone performance to new levels, revealing a new world of listening pleasure and precision to all users, from those unfamiliar with the world of premium audio to the already committed audiophile.
Austrian Audio, founded by the former AKG Vienna core team, manufactures its own ceramic CKR12 capsules and Hi-X headphone drivers in-house in Vienna. Their capsule consistency is so precise that any two microphones can be used as a stereo pair without matching. The brand's microphones feature unique tech, including dual-output mode for reshaping polar patterns in post-production, and real-time wireless polar pattern control via Bluetooth.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully built
- Offers a clear, detailed, and balanced approach to music replay
- Has impressive compatibility with a wide range of headphones from 10-600 ohms
- True Transient Technology improves detail resolution, leading-edge definition, and image precision
- Has enough power to drive three headphones simultaneously
Product Considerations
- The True Transient Technology can make the Full Score One fussier about recording quality, revealing any harshness or edge mercilessly
- Has only one input
- Volume control adjustment could do with greater subtlety for low-level listening
- The build quality from a studio perspective is neither one space rack or two
Takeaway: The Full Score One is a well-made and sonically talented headphone amplifier that offers a clear and balanced listening experience. A warmly recommended amplifier if you want to get the most from high-end headphones and have sources of sufficient quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Austrian Audio, founded by the former AKG Vienna core team, manufactures its own ceramic CKR12 capsules and Hi-X headphone drivers in-house in Vienna. Their capsule consistency is so precise that any two microphones can be used as a stereo pair without matching. The brand's microphones feature unique tech, including dual-output mode for reshaping polar patterns in post-production, and real-time wireless polar pattern control via Bluetooth.
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