Inside Lithe Audio’s New Auracast and PoE Speakers
Lithe Audio brings a sharp, practical upgrade to installed sound with a trio of products designed to make commercial audio simpler, more scalable, and more accessible. At the centre is an 8-inch Bluetooth and Auracast ceiling speaker with a built-in 60-watt RMS amplifier, designed to project a master signal up to 100 meters and form a mesh of receiving speakers. This approach reduces cabling complexity, keeps audio synchronised across large rooms, and opens up flexible layouts for gyms, cafes, restaurants, and open offices. The 8-inch driver adds bass weight and headroom, while Bluetooth keeps everyday pairing simple for staff who just need background music or announcements without extra hardware. It’s an all-in-one that addresses coverage, clarity, and cost in a single ceiling cutout.
Auracast is the new Bluetooth broadcast audio protocol, designed for venues rather than personal devices. Instead of a one-to-one pairing, a master speaker transmits a stream that many receivers can subscribe to, including ceiling speakers and personal devices. That means consistent, low-friction audio delivery for background music, paging, and emergency messages, and it removes the pairing bottleneck that often complicates hospitality setups. Crucially, Auracast improves accessibility: compatible hearing aids and earbuds can tune in to the same broadcast, giving visitors the same content at the same time. For installers and facility managers, this reduces the need for separate assistive listening systems and aligns with inclusive design goals.
Choice matters on job sites, and Lithe’s compact amplifier is the “brain” when you want to use passive speakers from any brand. It provides the same wireless connectivity and 60-watt RMS power as their pro speakers, but now it hides in the ceiling void and drives two 8-ohm speakers or four 4-ohm speakers for even coverage. This modular path decouples electronics from transducers: pick the aesthetic, size, and brand that suits the room, while the amp handles amplification, Bluetooth, and control. For retrofits, it means fewer compromises and the ability to modernise an existing speaker layout without replacing everything in the ceiling.
Power delivery can make or break an installation, and the amplifier’s dual approach solves a common headache: run it from standard mains or feed it with Power over Ethernet. PoE is a lifesaver when there’s no spare power in the ceiling, because many sites already have Cat6 routed for data. A single network pull can provide both power and control to the amp, minimising the electrician's time and the need for change orders. With proper PoE class support, integrators get predictable wattage budgets and can centralise power in the rack with UPS protection, improving system resilience and serviceability.
The upgraded PoE active speaker takes the one-cable vision further. Lithe Audio previously required separate runs for data and power; the new unit consolidates that into a single PoE input that provides 60 watts, then splits internally for audio data and power distribution. This small change has a big impact on time-on-ladder and points of failure, streamlining commissioning and reducing visible cabling. Since the speaker works with their all-in-one units and the new amplifier brain, it also serves as a universal node in mixed systems. The result is a cleaner bill of materials, faster installs, and simpler expansion when the venue grows.
For integrators, the practical benefits stack up: fewer amps on the wall, less copper in the ceiling, and more predictable coverage through Auracast broadcasting. End users gain straightforward control, rich sound from the 8-inch driver, and inclusive listening through hearing aid compatibility. Whether it’s a boutique gym needing synchronised zones, a cafe wanting effortless playlists, or an office requiring intelligible announcements, these tools reduce friction from design to handover. With distribution through established UK partners and full spec sheets online, planning and procurement stay clear. The message is consistent: simplify the path from source to ceiling, and let the network do the heavy lifting.
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