While sound is the company’s main focus, Ultimate Ears has also come to be known for the artist editions of its speakers, which feature even more flashy and eye-catching designs than the models they are based on. Given the popularity of the company’s relatively new Roll 2 Bluetooth speaker, it’s no surprise that it’s getting an artist edition of its own.
The Drippy UE Roll 2 has a particularly bold design by Jen Stark, whose work has been seen in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Permanent Collection, at the 2015 MTV Music Video Awards, and in the music video for the song “Lighter” from Miley Cyrus.
“Jen’s works of art are undeniably one of a kind and in line with Ultimate Ears — her work is at the forefront of pop culture and a statement of expression,” Ultimate Ears General Manager Charlotte Johs said in a statement “Your favorite song can captivate your ears, as Jen’s colorful creations captivate your eyes. Bringing the two together as Drippy UE Roll 2 is the perfect marriage of sound and sight.”
While it might be easy to simply describe the look of the Drippy UE Roll 2 as psychedelic, there is more than initially meets the eye. “There’s no doubt that music brings movement to a moment,” Stark said. “For this ‘Drippy’ design, I wanted to give the impression of sound becoming an oozing liquid, dripping down the surface of the speaker and leaving its mark on a moment.”
Released in May, the UE Roll 2 takes the original design of the UE Roll and cranks the volume. With IPX7 certification, the build is rugged without looking like a piece of industrial equipment. It offers up to 9 hours of playback time, depending on volume.
If you want to get your hands on one of these speakers, you better act quick. Like other UE artist editions, only a limited number are being produced. The Drippy UE Roll 2 will be available for $100 in North America, Australia, and select European countries beginning in July. For more information, see the Ultimate Ears website.