What is Front Row Audio?

BluOS Controller app 4.x.x

Front Row is an audio configuration available only for the Bluesound PULSE 2i, PULSE MINI 2i, and PULSE M. It is designed to replicate certain aspects of the sensation of being in the front row during a live music event. The resulting audio experience shares several traits with the equalization principle of loudness compensation.

Enable Front Row Audio

To enable Front Row Audio on your Player:

Android/iOS - Enable Front Row Audio

1. Launch the BluOS Controller app, navigate to the Players tab , and select the required BluOS Player.
2. Tap on the Player’s context menu (3 dots) and select Audio Settings to display the menu options.
3. Toggle to enable Front Row.
   Note: Tone Controls should be disabled to display the Front Row option. 

Windows/macOS - Enable Front Row Audio

1. In the BluOS Controller App, select the Player Drawer.
2. Select the required Player.
3. Click on the Player’s context menu (3 dots) and select Audio Settings to display the menu options.
4. Toggle to enable Front Row.
   Note: Tone Controls should be disabled to display the Front Row option.

When Front Row is enabled, the Player's audio profile undergoes modifications through a blend of DSP settings and EQ adjustments. Generally, you can expect to perceive enhanced richness in the lower frequencies (<60Hz) and a greater sense of openness and expansiveness in the higher frequencies (>5kHz). Additionally, you may notice heightened prominence in the dialog region, which is typically characterized by a slight boost at around 3kHz, resembling the experience of sitting in the front row of a live music performance. These EQ enhancements are most pronounced when listening at lower to moderate volume levels.

The Front Row setting customizes the majority of your player's audio settings to deliver a live listening experience. Consequently, other audio settings like Tone Controls, Wide Mode and Deep Bass cannot be adjusted when Front Row is enabled.

Here are some recommended applications for Front Row mode:

• Use your Bluesound PULSE 2i, PULSE MINI 2i, and PULSE M for background music in a party setting amid various other sources of noise.
• To address specific speaker placements within your home where you may require enhancements in the mentioned frequency ranges.

BluOS Controller app 3.x.x

Front Row is an audio setting for the Pulse 2i and Pulse Mini 2i that was created to simulate some of the effects of placing yourself in the front row of a live music experience. The resulting audio performance shares several characteristics with the equalization premise of loudness compensation.

Front Row is an On/Off toggle and is accessed through the Audio Settings menu by going to Settings > Player > Audio in the BluOS app. When enabled, the Player’s audio profile is affected using a mixture of DSP settings and EQ. In general, you should hear a fuller sound in the low end (<60Hz) and more air and spaciousness in the high end (>5kHz). You should also notice more forwardness in the dialog region (~3kHz), as sitting in the front row of a live music performance typically results in a slight dialog boost. All of these EQ adjustments will be most noticeable at low-to-medium volumes.

The Front Row setting will tailor most of the audio settings on your player to provide this live listening experience. As a result, with Front Row enabled most other audio settings such as Wide Mode and Deep Bass can not be configured.

Some suggested usages for Front Row mode are as follows:

•  A party setting, where your Pulse 2i or Pulse Mini 2i is used for background music and competing with many other noise sources.
• To compensate for certain speaker placements in the home, where boosts in the described frequency ranges might be desired.