Naim Audio, the British hi-fi specialist with 47 years of audio expertise, has launched a dedicated Control4 driver for its range of music-streaming speakers and systems.
The new driver allows installers to seamlessly control connected Naim products from Control4’s wide range of touchscreens, remote controls and apps, so high-performance multiroom music streaming can be more easily integrated into discreet custom installations.
The driver also supports volume control and source switching through the Control4 interface, allowing installers to customise the user experience any way they like.
The Control4 driver works with all Naim products based on their latest-generation music streaming platform: the Mu-so and Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation wireless speakers; Uniti Atom, Uniti Star and Uniti Nova streaming systems; and ND5 XS 2, NDX 2 and ND555 dedicated music streaming players. Further Naim products – including the Uniti Core music server – can also be integrated, offering the ability to rip and store music collections in flawless quality for playback through home installations.
The driver currently supports browsing of TIDAL and Internet Radio, and Naim is looking to add more services in the future. AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Spotify Connect features continue to operate as normal, and the Naim App and individual product remote controls can also be used.
The Naim Control4 Driver in More Detail
The Naim Control4 driver offers two control methods for a Naim streaming product. One is as a media renderer, allowing browsing and playback of music services. The other is a traditional control method – enabling source switching, volume control, and other functions. An installer is able to use either or both in a project, allowing them to integrate the Naim product in the most suitable way for each installation.
The new driver connects the Naim product to a Control4 processor over a network connection, so does not require any special cabling. Either a wired or wireless connection can be used, but Naim recommends a wired connection for optimum performance.
The new Naim Control4 driver will be exclusively available to registered Control4 installers, whom will be able to download the software from our their development partner, Intrinsic, from March.
Naim also has announced immediate availability of native Qobuz support for its music streaming family. Enabled via a free over-the-air firmware upgrade, the update allows Naim owners to enjoy seamless access to Qobuz streaming services – including true high-resolution streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz quality – from within the Naim control app.
Qobuz offers the most comprehensive CD-quality music catalogue currently available and the largest selection of albums in true high-resolution studio quality. Its streaming services are currently available in 12 countries, including the U.S., UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
The Naim Qobuz update is available now for owners of Uniti Atom, Star and Nova systems, plus ND5 XS2, NDX 2 and ND 555 network players. An update for Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation and Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation wireless speakers will follow in Spring 2020 (in the meantime, owners of the speakers can enjoy Qobuz in up to 24bit/96kHz quality via Chromecast). To enjoy Qobuz streaming services, users will need a Qobuz subscription: 30-day free trials are available via a link in the Naim control app, which is available for iOS and Android devices.
