MorningBlues Record R1 - Everything You Need to Know
BIKMAN TECHMusic was once a tactile experience—the ritual of sliding a vinyl record from its sleeve, admiring the cover art, and reading the lyrics while the needle dropped. In the streaming era, music has become invisible, reduced to background noise or a notification on a lock screen. Enter the MorningBlues Record R1, a device that audaciously promises to solve this "crisis of invisibility." By merging a high-fidelity 2.1 speaker system with a stunning 21.5-inch circular display, it transforms your favorite playlists into a kinetic art installation. At BIKMAN TECH, we have analyzed every aspect of this "furniture audio" piece to help you decide if it’s the right centerpiece for your home.
1. The "Digital Vinyl" Design Philosophy
The first thing you notice about the MorningBlues Record R1 is that it doesn't look like a speaker; it looks like a piece of mid-century modern furniture. Drawing inspiration from the Neoplasticism art movement, the design strips the turntable concept down to its geometric essentials: a perfect circle intersected by clean lines. The unit stands on three solid North American Black Walnut legs, giving it a warm, organic presence that contrasts beautifully with the technology it houses.
Unlike standard black-box speakers, the R1 is built to be seen. The front face features a "textured fabric cover" that acts as an acoustic grille, seamlessly integrating with the centerpiece: the display. MorningBlues has employed Anti-Glare (AG) Glass for the screen surface. This is a critical detail because a glossy screen would reflect your room's lighting and ruin the illusion. The matte finish diffuses reflections, making the digital album art look like it is printed on paper, closely mimicking the texture of a real vinyl record sleeve.
2. Visual Experience: Kinetic Typography & Mood Lyrics
The heart of the Record R1 is its 21.5-inch circular IPS display (approx. 54 cm). This isn't just for showing static album covers. The device utilizes a proprietary "Mood Lyrics" engine that analyzes the beat and emotional energy of your music to generate real-time animations. This Kinetic Typography means the lyrics don't just scroll; they dance, float, and pulse in sync with the rhythm.
We found that the system offers 9 distinct visualization scenes. You might choose "Hearth Serene" for a slow jazz track or "Glitterscape" for an upbeat pop anthem. When the music stops, the R1 doesn't become a black void. It transforms into a stylized "Art Clock," ensuring the device remains a functional piece of decor even when silent. It effectively bridges the gap between a smart display and a digital art frame.
3. Audio Performance: The Jamo Connection
While the visuals are the hook, the audio engineering is what justifies the footprint. The Record R1 bears the "Audio by Jamo" badge, leveraging the expertise of the renowned Danish audio brand. The system uses a 2.1-channel configuration designed to deliver a rich, warm sound signature suitable for living rooms.
The driver layout includes two 0.75-inch (19 mm) tweeters for clear vocals and high notes, paired with two "racetrack" shaped midrange drivers. The real power comes from the dedicated 6.5-inch (165 mm) subwoofer housed within the cabinet. This substantial woofer allows the R1 to produce deep, room-filling bass (down to 50Hz) that smaller smart speakers simply cannot physically match. It is tuned for a pleasant, non-fatiguing listening experience rather than clinical studio accuracy.
4. Connectivity and Control
The MorningBlues Record R1 operates primarily as a Bluetooth speaker, utilizing Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable connection to your phone or tablet. This ensures compatibility with virtually any streaming app, from Spotify to Apple Music. To unlock the full visual experience, you will use the companion MorningBlues App.
The app connects the device to your Wi-Fi network (Dual-Band 2.4/5GHz), which is used to fetch lyrics and album art metadata from the cloud while your phone streams the audio via Bluetooth. Through the app, you can switch between visual scenes, adjust EQ settings, and manage firmware updates. It is important to note that the R1 is designed as a "tethered" experience; your phone remains the primary controller for your music selection.
5. Installation and Real-World Usability
This is a substantial device, measuring approximately 890 mm (35 inches) in height. It is designed to be placed on the floor, ideally near a wall outlet. It is crucial to know that the Record R1 is not battery-powered. It must be plugged into mains power (AC 100-240V) to function, which reinforces its identity as a permanent fixture in your home rather than a portable gadget.
Weighing in at 14 kg (30.9 lbs), it is sturdy and stable, thanks to the solid walnut tripod. The weight also helps dampen vibrations from the subwoofer, preventing rattling. Assembly is straightforward but does require attaching the legs to the main body, a process that feels more like assembling a premium piece of furniture than setting up a gadget.
6. Technical Specifications
For those who love the details, here is the breakdown of the R1's hardware:
| Display | 21.5-inch Circular IPS LCD with Anti-Glare Glass |
| Audio System | 2.1 Channel Stereo (Audio by Jamo) |
| Drivers | 2x Tweeters (0.75"), 2x Midrange (4"), 1x Subwoofer (6.5") |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 (BLE), Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz Dual-Band) |
| Dimensions | 890 x 830 x 290 mm (35.0 x 32.6 x 11.4 inches) |
| Weight | 14 kg (30.9 lbs) |
| Power | AC Input 100-240V (No Battery) |
7. Who is the Record R1 For?
The MorningBlues Record R1 is a polarizing device in the best way possible. It is not designed for the critical audiophile who counts every hertz of frequency response. Instead, it is built for the visual-first consumer and the interior design enthusiast. If you love the aesthetic of vinyl records but prefer the convenience of Spotify, this device bridges that gap perfectly. It is a "conversation starter"—a centerpiece that draws the eye and changes the atmosphere of a room instantly.
8. Final Verdict
The MorningBlues Record R1 succeeds brilliantly as a piece of "Kinetic Furniture." It brings the lost art of the "Now Playing" screen back into the physical world with elegance and style. The combination of North American Walnut, high-quality fabric, and that mesmerizing circular display makes it a unique addition to any modern living space. While it relies on an app for its magic, the hardware itself is a solid, premium execution of a daring idea.
At BIKMAN TECH, we believe that if you value aesthetics and novelty as much as audio performance, the Record R1 is a compelling choice. It turns music listening back into a shared, visual event.
Have questions about the setup or sound quality? Let us know in the comments below!
