Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Joining the award-winning B&W Zeppelin, the Zeppelin Mini gives you everything you love about Zeppelin—incredible sound, intelligent design, elegant connectivity—in a smaller, compact package that's perfect for desktops and bedside tables.
- Best in class sound provided by a compact speaker
- Docking arm rotates 90 degrees for watching video
- Based on 40 years of advanced loudspeaker acoustics
- USB connection for audio streaming from Mac or PC
Overview
Zeppelin Mini is an integrated speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins, makers of the speakers used to monitor the recording of much of the music on your iPod. B&W developed its iPod speakers with the same exacting standards as the speakers that are used in Abbey Road Studios and Skywalker Ranch.
Design
To compliment the iPod user interface, the docking port allows you to grasp your iPod or iPhone as if it were in your hand. It also cleverly accommodates iPod or iPhone models of differing depth through a spring-loaded docking arm that flexes to adjust automatically. The dock also rotates through 90 degrees.
Heritage
At Bowers & Wilkins, the quest to develop the perfect speaker has lasted more than 40 years. The designers are always mindful of the goal to create a speaker that portrays a musical performance exactly as it was recorded, with zero coloration.
Technology
Mini uses two newly developed, full-range, 7.62 cm glass fiber drivers whose uniquely slotted cone and very long-throw “motor” deliver unprecedented range and dynamics for so compact a transducer. B&W's advanced DSP technology maximizes the drivers' abilities to produce jaw-dropping loudness and fullness. And two leading-edge Class D (“digital”) amplifiers ensure plenty of power from ultra-compact, nearly cold-running circuitry.
Multi-purpose USB connection
The USB connection in the back of the unit allows for audio streaming from iPod via docking arm or from a Mac or PC via mini USB connection located on back of the unit. It also allows iPod/Mac/PC sync with iTunes (when Zeppelin Mini is in stand by mode). You can even use it for firmware upgrades with new iPhone/iPod releases.
Simple operation
Plug in Zeppelin Mini, place your iPod or iPhone on the docking port and hit the play button. The connections at the back let you play other sources through the unit. Easily change tracks, volume and mode with the pebble-like remote.
Features
- Best-in-class sound provided by a compact speaker
- Docking arm rotates 90 degrees for watching videos or skipping through Cover Flow
- 40 years of advancing the science of loudspeaker acoustics
- USB connection allows for audio streaming from Mac or PC
- iPod/PC/Mac sync with iTunes
- Charges the iPod/iPhone when docked
Did you notice?
The rotating arm allows you to view videos and go through Cover Flow much easier from your iPhone or iPod touch while listening to high-quality sound.
Apple Recommends for...
Enhance the sound from your Mac or MacBook by connecting it to Zeppelin Mini, or stream music using AirPort Express.
Technical specifications
- Technical features: Digital Signal Processing (DSP); Digital amplifier; Switch mode power supply; Rotating arm for cover flow operation; Flow port; USB streaming from Mac or PC; iPod/iTunes sync; Remote control
- Drive units: Two 3 in./7.62 cm full range
- Frequency range: -6dB at 47Hz and 22kHz
- Amplifier power output: Two 18W
- Power input voltage: 100V – 240V AC 50/60 on external power supply; 16V DC on product
- Inputs: 30-pin iPod connector; 3.5mm mini-jack analogue; USB 2.0 for computer connection (streaming, synchronisation and software upgrades)
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 6.8 x 12.6 x 4.0 in./17.3 x 32.0 x 10.2 cm
- Weight: 4.85 lbs./2.2 kg
What's in the box?
- Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
- Power supply
- Cradle for horizontal docking
- Remote control (with battery)
Warranty
Two-year limited warranty
This accessory is compatible with the following:
-
iPhone 3GS
-
iPhone 3G
-
iPhone
-
iPod touch
2nd generation -
iPod touch
1st generation -
iPod classic
120GB 160GB (2009) -
iPod classic
160GB (2007) -
iPod classic 80GB
-
iPod nano
5th generation (video camera) -
iPod nano
4th generation (video) -
iPod nano
3rd generation (video) -
iPod nano
2nd generation (aluminum)
Most Useful Reviews
-
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Awesome sound from a small dock!
Written by RJ from Leicester
09-Nov-2009
The sound from this thing is truly awesome!! The sound is so rich and meaty with really good bass, it is 10 times better than my Technics stereo system (which is a few years old now). The sound just fills the room.
One thing I would say is to test the mini and the original Zeppelin side by side as this was one thing I didn't do as I was buying for the price difference!
I would say that this is much better quality than the Bose sounddock (the original one) which a friend has. It is really well built and has a nice weighty feel to it just like its bigger brother. I have a 2nd gen touch and haven't been able to turn the sound up anywhere near the maximum - it just goes SO loud without distortion! The only thing is that the remote is a bit rubbish - you have to press the buttons too hard and you have to make sure its the right way around or you're pressing the wrong buttons! …More48 of 52 people found this useful
Was this useful?
-
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Mini name but impeccably big sound and manners
Written by SB from Edinburgh
16-Nov-2009
Having scoped this system out online prior to launch, I couldn't wait to see it in the Apple Store and audition it as best as you can in that environment. At first I was a little disappointed listening to the in store iPod Touch, with there being a lack of warmth and clarity.
Docking my own iPhone and loading up a high quality MP3 encode, the sound improved considerably and after ten minutes of listening, we were convinced enough to purchase.
Having listened for a couple of hours with a range of tunes, I am absolutely delighted with the Mini. It is not as big or full a sound as the Zeppelin, but it is a big and full sound. They are different systems though, (the Mini is half the size) and to fill a studio flat or bedroom with quality rounded sound, these are the bomb.
Bought to replace a Bose Soundock which died after two and a half years of constant use, these outperform it. And I do not buy in to the wholesale criticism the Soundock has attracted of late, I always liked it as a system. The B&W sound is more natural, and cleaner in my opinion.
Two factors are crucial for me though - eq should be set to flat on the iPod for best results, and at least 192 kbps encodes are required for a decent sound. But I think that is a compliment to the B&W system - it is so good it shows up deficiencies in sound - remarkable for a system this size.
All in all, great value for money (even though it is not cheap) - fabulous styling and build quality, and most importantly, fabulous sound. …More42 of 45 people found this useful
Was this useful?
-
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Written by MC from HOCKLEY
09-Nov-2009
This speaker system is pure quality. The sound is crystal clear and totally fills a room. I was tossing up between a Bose or the Zep or mini Zep and have no regrets at all. Go to the Apple shop and ask for a demo, you won't be disappointed. …More
39 of 44 people found this useful
Was this useful?
Most Recent Reviews
-
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Great sound quality and connectivity
Written by JG
29-Nov-2009
Awsome sound quality, have just bought this as a present to myself, and has now replaced my stereo. USB cable recognised as speakers for my computer too, so can be used just as speakers from my computer. Ipod Sync, charge, play, stream.... everything you'd need it to do. A great addition to any new stylish apartment. …More
3 of 6 people found this useful
Was this useful?
-
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Mini name but impeccably big sound and manners
Written by SB from Edinburgh
16-Nov-2009
Having scoped this system out online prior to launch, I couldn't wait to see it in the Apple Store and audition it as best as you can in that environment. At first I was a little disappointed listening to the in store iPod Touch, with there being a lack of warmth and clarity.
Docking my own iPhone and loading up a high quality MP3 encode, the sound improved considerably and after ten minutes of listening, we were convinced enough to purchase.
Having listened for a couple of hours with a range of tunes, I am absolutely delighted with the Mini. It is not as big or full a sound as the Zeppelin, but it is a big and full sound. They are different systems though, (the Mini is half the size) and to fill a studio flat or bedroom with quality rounded sound, these are the bomb.
Bought to replace a Bose Soundock which died after two and a half years of constant use, these outperform it. And I do not buy in to the wholesale criticism the Soundock has attracted of late, I always liked it as a system. The B&W sound is more natural, and cleaner in my opinion.
Two factors are crucial for me though - eq should be set to flat on the iPod for best results, and at least 192 kbps encodes are required for a decent sound. But I think that is a compliment to the B&W system - it is so good it shows up deficiencies in sound - remarkable for a system this size.
All in all, great value for money (even though it is not cheap) - fabulous styling and build quality, and most importantly, fabulous sound. …More42 of 45 people found this useful
Was this useful?
-
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
Awesome sound from a small dock!
Written by RJ from Leicester
09-Nov-2009
The sound from this thing is truly awesome!! The sound is so rich and meaty with really good bass, it is 10 times better than my Technics stereo system (which is a few years old now). The sound just fills the room.
One thing I would say is to test the mini and the original Zeppelin side by side as this was one thing I didn't do as I was buying for the price difference!
I would say that this is much better quality than the Bose sounddock (the original one) which a friend has. It is really well built and has a nice weighty feel to it just like its bigger brother. I have a 2nd gen touch and haven't been able to turn the sound up anywhere near the maximum - it just goes SO loud without distortion! The only thing is that the remote is a bit rubbish - you have to press the buttons too hard and you have to make sure its the right way around or you're pressing the wrong buttons! …More48 of 52 people found this useful
Was this useful?
Questions & Answers
Most Interesting
-
Is the Zeppelin Mini compatible with the Nano 5th generation?
- Asked by RS from Pacific Palisades
- 10-Nov-2009
-
Is the Zeppelin Mini fuly compatible with the IPod Touch 3rd generation? Will it charge the IPod while playing etc.?
- Asked by RM from Montrose
- 09-Nov-2009
Best Answer
Tested and verified.
- Answered by TJ from Bennington
- 10-Nov-2009
- 7 of 11 people found this useful
-
Is there a headphone out jack? What bitrates can it accept as inputs (the Macbook Pro can do 24bit/96khz out)
- Asked by DD from San Mateo
- 13-Nov-2009
Best Answer
There is no headphone jack - there is an analogue only 3.5mm input.
Via USB, the system will accept all bitrates playable by your Mac software - the advantage is that the system replaces the Macbook Pro soundcard in the process so uses its own DAC etc.
Note that you will have to buy an A to B USB cable to do this as one is not included in the box.
If you use the analogue input, obviously the output from your MacBook will be from the headphone jack socket and in this case will not be digital so your MacBook doeas all the processing and just feeds the sound output to the Zep Mini.
I would choose the USB option personally. …More- Answered by SB from Edinburgh
- 16-Nov-2009
- 6 of 6 people found this useful
Most Recent
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Does it come with a USB cable in the Box and if not what type of USB conection is in the back of the device or Is it full USB 2.0 or is a mini USB?
- Asked by RK from Wellesley
- 30-Nov-2009
-
Is there any way you can extend the cable so it can plugged up to my pc.
- Asked by JM from ROTHERHAM
- 27-Nov-2009
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does the zepplin mini take batteries?Or the Zepplin?
- Asked by MR from Wareham
- 26-Nov-2009
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Do you have to have your iPhone 3GS in airplane mode when it's connected to the Zeppelin Mini in order not to get interference?
- Asked by LB from BRIGHTON
- 25-Nov-2009
-
do i have to remove iphone case to connect to zeppelin mini
- Asked by KG from london
- 24-Nov-2009
