Mission M-Cube 5.1 speaker system 2004

Seymourpowell were asked by speaker manufacturer Mission to create a new home theatre system to house their radical flat panel DML (distributed mode loudspeaker) technology. Both designers and client were determined to avoid creating a monolithic 'trophy purchase', which is how high-end speaker systems have traditionally been positioned, and design instead a system that was adaptable and could blend discreetly into contemporary homes.

"We wanted to capitalize on the quality and adaptability of this technological advance by creating small and discreet speakers with unusual flexibility in terms of colour and began the project by researching current trends in contemporary furnishings, focusing from the beginning on the product's final location in the home environment."
David Fisher, Design Director, Seymourpowell

The final M-Cube product is cube shaped, working with the shapes suggested by the technology rather than against it. Soft corners and chamfered faces play with the minimal form. The speakers are constructed from solid aluminium and thick-walled polycarbonate, offering a cold versus soft contrast. The system was produced in two colourways - light ('Ivory') and dark ('Midnight') colourways, with further colour adaptability for consumers provided by a wide central fabric strip, which wraps completely round the speaker. The default wrap comes in 'slate' for the Midnight system and 'mushroom' for the Ivory system, with three secondary wraps provided for each in chocolate brown ('umber'), red ('ruby') and light green ('olive'), marrying with contemporary interiors trends.

How the radical new product scored in reviews for its look, innovation and sound:
"It's much easier to get it sounding fantastic in small rooms. Also, the design gurus at Seymourpowell have had a hand in making it look stunning"
Nuts, 28 Feb 2005

"A sub/sat system that displays cute looks and killer ability – a sure-fire hit"
What Hi-Fi, March 2005

"For some, a 5.1 surround system must be heard and not seen. The M-Cube is an attempt to cater for these aesthetic needs while at the same time providing a performance to be proud of – a tall order that's pulled off here with admirable ease"
Home Cinema, March 2005

"This is the kind of product T3 lives for: technology and style in perfect harmony"
T3, April 2005

"Looks as cool as candy…sounds great too"
Stuff, April 2005

"A slick-looking, great-sounding system that blends effortlessly into your living room"
Esquire, March 2005

"We did achieve excellent results with non-textbook setups, and so if you can't rearrange your living space for home cinema – that'll be most of you – the M-Cube system is a godsend."
GQ, March 2005

"A speaker system that looks as good as it sounds. Best of all the speakers feature a replacement wraparound fabric strip to suit any décor."
Wallpaper, March 2005

"A cubist's wet dream come true"
T3, April 2005