I’ve recently been toying with the idea of repurposing my bookshelf active monitor speakers for home cinema use, in the hope that they will deliver better results than my soundbar. This got me wondering what I could do with the soon-to-be-unemployed soundbar; after all, it’s simply a speaker with a broad soundstage and multiple connectivity options.
I quickly realized that my soundbar was much more flexible than I had thought, and I could adapt it for many uses beyond a mere TV speaker. An old or unused soundbar lying around can be used to great effect to improve a workspace, create a relaxing environment, or experiment with creative setups. Ultimately, I found that this was less about repurposing old tech and more about embellishing my lifestyle.
Music and podcast hub
Turn your soundbar into a wireless listening station
A Bluetooth soundbar makes an ideal speaker for music and podcasts, especially in small to medium-sized spaces. Rather than making my phone or laptop speakers do all the heavy lifting, I can use it to wirelessly stream playlists, albums, or podcast episodes with significantly improved clarity and depth.
Not only is the sound quality improved, but it’s delivered with wider stereo separation, creating an immersive listening experience without having to set up multiple speakers. I can imagine a soundbar would work just as well in other smaller rooms, such as on home office bookshelves, bedroom dressers and enclaves, and on top of kitchen cabinets, thanks to its wireless connectivity and remote operation, which make it all the more versatile.
Desktop speaker replacement
Upgrade your workspace audio with a cleaner setup
I spend a lot of time at my desk and have never before considered how a soundbar’s long, slim profile lends itself perfectly to desktop use while significantly improving both sound quality and workspace aesthetics. It fits neatly between my monitor stands, reducing cable clutter, without significantly imposing on desk space, and sounds crisp and immersive, even at close quarters.
Compared to the average desktop speaker or laptop speakers, a soundbar is a massive improvement, with better bass response and clearer mids, which makes everything from video conferences to background music more pleasant. I can also switch between my phone and laptop without any fiddly plugging or unplugging cables, and use the included remote for easy operation, making this a practical and efficient upgrade.
How I Upgraded My Home Audio Setup Without Spending Much
You can make your audio so much better, and it doesn’t have to cost a month’s wages.
DIY karaoke setup
Have fun late-night parties without raising the roof
While any type of public performance sends a cold shiver down my spine, there are members of my household who like nothing more than to return from a bar in the early hours and blast their voices over a backing of questionable music choices. Thankfully, by pairing their Karaoke mixer to a soundbar via Bluetooth, they can enjoy their late-night entertainment without the power of a full PA system.
This setup allows for multiple microphone inputs for duets and provides decent sound separation, so they can hear their not-so-pitch-perfect efforts with clarity over the backing track and ambient noise. It is an ideal solution for the occasional karaoke enthusiast who wants a functional entertainment centerpiece without having to shell out for expensive or complicated equipment.
Meditation and relaxation device
Create a calming atmosphere with immersive sound
For anyone who has difficulty sleeping or needs to de-stress, your soundbar can also become a powerful tool for relaxation and mindfulness. Its ability to produce a broader, more enveloping soundstage than a phone or tablet makes it ideal for immersive activities such as listening to ambient music, white noise, or guided meditation.
While I’m no aspiring yogi, I do have trouble sleeping and tried streaming white noise using my repurposed mobile phone/nightstand assistant with my soundbar at a distance, achieving satisfying results. In this instance, I could use my phone as the playback controller without interrupting the session, and I can see this setup being equally valuable for anyone who uses audio for daily relaxation.
Instrument practice amplifier
Use your soundbar for basic audio amplification
If your soundbar has a 3.5mm (analog) input, it essentially serves as an analog-to-digital converter. For me, one of the most obvious practical uses for this feature is as a makeshift instrument practice amplifier. Sometimes I just want to plug in a guitar or keyboard and do some casual practice in my home office without waking up the neighbors, and this would be the perfect solution.
All you need is a signal processor or preamp to route your instrument through, and you’re good to go. A soundbar provides enough volume and clarity to make practice more enjoyable, as well as stereo functionality that lets modulation effects like phasers and flangers shine. However, it’s worth mentioning that soundbars aren’t built to handle extreme output and extended high-volume use, so be mindful of this when playing your instrument.
Make the most of your soundbar’s versatility
When we think of a soundbar, it’s usually as part of a TV setup, to boost the power and quality of flat-panel speakers. However, with a bit of creativity, it can be adapted to suit a variety of roles around the home, from a wireless music hub to a workspace upgrade, entertainment system, relaxation tool, or even a basic practice amplifier.
Even if your soundbar is always connected to your TV, consider its other potential uses that will maximize its value, with minimal effort. By thinking of my soundbar as a secondary mobile speaker, I have found it to be one of the most versatile pieces of tech that I own.
