Fusion StereoActive makes a splash

Fusion is turning up the beat on boating with what it claims is the world’s first purpose-built portable watersports stereo — the StereoActive — an impressive floating boom box with inbuilt Bluetooth streaming, USB audio playback and AM/FM radio. Retail price will be $399, with stock making it to local retailers by October in time for Christmas 2016.

Backed by parent company Garmin, Fusion is chasing a slice of the growing global watercraft, paddlecraft and small-boat market. At the Gold Coast launch, we were told the StereoActive came about after the Fusion folk observed the explosion in stand-up paddleboards (SUPS) and kayaks and realised that music can enhance these small craft experiences.

For the Australian marine media launch, the big New-Zealand-based electronics designer showed the diversity of applications for its StereoActive, fitting the personal floating stereo to an inflatable SUP, a polyethylene Hobie kayak, a Hobie Mirage Eclipse step-powered board, a Sea-Doo GTI watercraft, and a SPY ski craft.

MOUNTING SOLUTIONS
The first hurdle the techies had to overcome revolved around devising some secure mounting solutions. To this end, the StereoActive comes with an exclusive low-profile puck that can glued, screwed or bolted in place, strap mounted, and fixed to a third-party Ram or Railblaza mount.

The unique Puck-It mount system attaches the stereo to any paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat, hot tub, even a longboard, Fusion says, adding that the strap mount adds inflatable watercraft, portability and travel options to the equation.

Simply screwed or bolted in place, the puck provides a secure mounting platform on the thwart of a tinny, too. Then, using the Ram or Railblaza system, you can add an accessory like a rod holder to the same base when not in use.

THE ACTIVESAFE OPTION
To keep valuables safe from the elements, Fusion incorporated an optional lower compartment called the ActiveSafe ($129) which, when combined with StereoActive, will securely house any smartphone, vehicle keys, credit cards and cash.

This is an essential, given the likelihood that you will want to stream music from your phone and, on watercraft, take some cash for a coffee, your car key and a credit card at the very least. Yes, the ActiveSafe is waterproof.

STREAMING OPTIONS
StereoActive is capable of streaming audio via Bluetooth from any
popular music service such as Pandora or Spotify, from a compatible A2DP
Bluetooth enabled device, or playing music with the built-in AM/FM
tuner and sophisticated internal antenna.

The unit also contains
a waterproof cavity designed to provide secure housing for a low
profile USB for MP3 playback, while keeping the flash drive waterproof
and IPx7 safe, which means it will survive submersion in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes.

Audio playback over USB is available for Apple lightning
products and AOA 2.0 Android phones so users can simply plug and play.

The
USB port is otherwise designed to take a low-profile 8gb Flash Drive or
stick with your tracks. While Bluetooth means you can stream your music
from your phone, you can also control your
StereoActive using the FusionLink app on your smartphone and smartwatch.

This means you can crank the sound, inspire a workout and track your pulse
and paddle stroke from, say, a Garmin smartwatch like the VivoActive, Fenix
or the boating model called the Quatix 3.

Meanwhile, the AM/FM
radio lets you listen to the sport, a weekend tradition
while soaking a bait from your tinny, and stay connected with weather
alerts via news reports.

SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality of the StereoActive was really very good, via two 2.5in speakers giving a collective 20W stereo output. Because the unit has directional speakers, which are aimed forward and slightly upwards, it is firing the sound at an ideal angle when you are paddling, riding a watercraft, or in small boat like a tinny.

On the Hobie Mirage Eclipse stepper, the StereoActive had me working out
to the beats in no time, whereupon it suddenly gelled that this is more
than a toy and could actually enhance your on-water workouts, time
waiting out the back for a set on the longboard, and solo dawn paddle sessions on a long stretch of waterway.

CHARGING AND BATTERY LIFE
The Lithium battery life is said to be about 20 hours at a medium
setting and 8-10 hours flat-out pumping the tunes at a beach or boat party. Charge time is about three
hours from the supplied wall charger or the optional 12V car charger.

Another neat aspect of the StereoActive is the waterproof 12V charging
that gives a mobile phone a few hours of extra juice via the USB port.
This could get you out of trouble should you need to dial for help on
your mobile with a failing battery.

WATERPROOF AND VOICE PROMPTS
Although it feels quite heavy, weighing in at 1.3kg, the compact StereoActive floats. We put that to the test right up front.

The waterproof rating is IPX7 which, as we all know, means it will survive submersion in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes. Eventually, however, the speakers end up face down, which might be handy if you are playing fish-attracting tracks. You can actually by such a thing...

The case also contains a small platform or dent for mounting an action camera like the Garmin Virb, while the on/off, fast forward, volume +/- and other buttons can be controlled from 'afar' using the tip of a paddle.

There are audio alerts that let you know when you hit maximum volume, as well as voice prompts or feedback of your StereoActive operation as you go.

KIWI CONNECTION
Engineered in New Zealand, and with a UV-resistant moulded case in three colours — red, blue or white — the new compact StereoActive is "designed for the challenges of life on the water and tuned to deliver crystal clear audio that enhances any activity," Fusion adds.

"We approach every new design from the perspective of the customer," said Graham Brain, Lead Industrial Designer from Fusion Entertainment.

"Even after more than 20 years of experience in marine design, StereoActive was my passion project from day one."

"With modern design software and manufacturing processes, we are now able to produce a powerful, high-quality stereo system that goes where no one else’s would dare to go. Where others sink, we choose to float."

Chris Baird, Managing Director of Fusion Entertainment, said: "We are well established in the marine market for making the highest quality speakers and head units on the water. We have now taken marine audio innovation to a place it has never gone before.

"With StereoActive paddlers, kayakers and beachgoers can personalise their time with that quality Fusion sound."

Oh, yeh, maintenance? Rinse in freshwater, keep the rubber seal clean if you're around fine sand and the beach, otherwise that's it.

Due in shops by October with a $399 retail price for the StereoActive and $129 for the optional ActiveSafe. Bound to be a big hit.

For more information on StereoActive, ActiveSafe, the Puck-It mounting system, Fusion, or its entire line of audio products, see www.fusionentertainment.com.