Focal Mu-so Hekla – Immersive All-in-One Sound System

Focal-JMlab introduces the Mu-so Hekla as a new flagship in its line of premium all-in-one audio systems. Developed in close collaboration with Naim Audio, the Hekla is designed to bridge the gap between compact home-cinema solutions and high-fidelity music playback. It targets users who seek immersive performance without the complexity of separate components, offering a combination of Dolby Atmos, extensive streaming capabilities and advanced room calibration within a single enclosure.

Key Facts

• 15-driver immersive array with directional, lateral and overhead dispersion
• Total system output of 660 W through individually powered drivers
• Full Dolby Atmos decoding with support for Dolby MAT and TrueHD
• Naim Pulse Platform with Sphere processing module for 3D sound projection
• ADAPT room calibration with beamforming and crosstalk cancellation
• High-resolution streaming including Linear PCM up to 32 Bit and 384 kHz and DSD up to DSD128
• HDMI eARC, optical input, Ethernet, WiFi 6 and subwoofer output
• Multiroom operation with up to 32 compatible devices
• Designed for home cinema, gaming and high-resolution music playback
• Global availability expected in Q1 2026

Immersive Acoustic Architecture

At the core of the Mu-so Hekla is a multidimensional 15-driver arrangement engineered to create a true immersive field without additional loudspeakers. Three front-firing woofers provide low-frequency authority, supported by a pair of midrange drivers and two tweeters for precise imaging. Four lateral full-range units expand the horizontal dispersion, while four additional full-range drivers on the top surface direct sound toward the ceiling to exploit reflective cues.

This configuration is powered by a fully discrete amplification system, delivering 60 W to each woofer and 40 W to all remaining drivers. With a total output of 660 W and a frequency range extending from 30 Hz to 20 kHz (+/− 3 dB), the system is designed to produce high output levels with stable dynamics. The measured low-frequency extension reaches 27 Hz (−6 dB), allowing convincing performance even in rooms up to approximately 40 m².

Dolby Atmos and Advanced Multichannel Processing

The Mu-so Hekla supports the full suite of Dolby formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby MAT. The integrated DSP engine processes object-based metadata with sampling rates up to 96 kHz, enabling accurate rendering of height and ambient information across the multidirectional driver layout.

Unlike conventional soundbars, the Hekla aims to deliver a more spacious and enveloping presentation, taking advantage of the expanded driver architecture and high-performance processing framework. This allows the system to recreate cinematic audio environments without auxiliary satellite speakers.

Sphere Module, Audio Modes and DSP Framework

Focal employs the Sphere Module within the broader Naim Pulse Platform to shape and stabilise the immersive field. Key technologies include:

• Beamforming for precise control of the projected sound field
• Crosstalk Cancellation to maintain separation between channels in a compact enclosure
• ADAPT Room Correction analysing acoustics and dynamically adjusting the response

Users can select from multiple listening modes, including Stereo, Dolby Movie, Dolby Music, Dolby Night as well as Sphere Music and Sphere Movie, the latter optimising room reflections for expansive three-dimensional playback.

Streaming, Multiroom and App Control

The Mu-so Hekla integrates into the wider Focal & Naim ecosystem and supports a broad range of streaming services and protocols. These include Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, UPnP and native support for TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and QQ Music. The system handles Linear PCM up to 32 Bit and 384 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD128.

The Focal & Naim App allows control of individual devices or the synchronisation of up to 32 systems in a multiroom configuration. Additional convenience features include widget support, smartwatch control and compatibility with major smart-home systems such as Control4, Savant and Crestron. Bluetooth is available for quick, infrastructure-independent playback.

Connectivity, Integration and Use Cases

For TV connectivity, the Mu-so Hekla features an HDMI eARC interface supporting all relevant Dolby formats. An optical TOSLINK input allows integration of legacy players or game consoles, while a Cinch output provides the option to add an external subwoofer for enhanced low-frequency performance.

Its broad application span includes everyday TV audio, immersive home cinema, gaming and high-resolution music playback. Designed for sideboards and lowboards, it is suitable for modern living spaces where performance and aesthetics must coexist.

Design and Build

The housing features sandblasted and brushed aluminium surfaces, combined with a finely perforated front grille for a refined, modern appearance. The illuminated volume control, inspired by Focal’s luxury loudspeaker design language, and the integrated Naim-engineered heatsink with embedded antenna contribute both functionality and character.

Despite its all-in-one nature, the Mu-so Hekla measures 100 × 29,5 × 11,8 cm and weighs 15,5 kg, emphasising its robust construction and acoustic stability.

Price and Availability

The Focal Mu-so Hekla is priced at € 3.300,-. It will launch first in South Korea and China, followed by global availability in Q1 2026. Public demonstrations are planned for CES 2026 in Las Vegas and ISE 2026 in Barcelona.

Conclusion

The Focal Mu-so Hekla represents a significant step in the evolution of immersive all-in-one systems. With its 15-driver architecture, advanced DSP technologies and integration of the Naim Pulse Platform, it seeks to deliver cinematic performance alongside high-resolution music playback—without the complexity of multi-component setups. For users searching for a powerful, elegant and easy-to-install solution, the Mu-so Hekla stands out as a compelling new option.

Technical Specifications