Introduction
Recently Fosi Audio has posted on social media regarding beta testing an accessory that I have long been yearning for, a premium wireless volume control knob the VOL20 and without hesitation, I promptly applied for a chance to test the product and with the grace of Fosi Audio, they have selected me. A big heartfelt gratitude to them for this rare and unique opportunity.
Packaging
Upon receiving the VOL20 I can straight away tell that something solid is inside the box as it does have some weight to it. It is packaged rather simply in a white box that I feel Fosi can improve to make a more premium unboxing feel but it is well padded and neatly packed with the manuals, a black USB C to C cable with a USB B adapter clinging permanently on one side.
The back of the box is printed with some product information in simple fonts and colours which I think can be improved in a more stylish way. The inclusion usage of a stress relieve toy is quirky and a fun way to introduce a product.
The manuals are easy to understand and all the information is explained pretty well.
Build and design
Now the first impression on the product on hand is perfect as they are indeed a very well built design with a good weight that gives a premium aura as it is beautifully designed with a solid weight and indeed isn’t your usual volume control knob. It has an anodized surface and they are made from precision CNC aluminium alloy that is just a sight to behold. There is a gap in the middle that separates the volume control and body with RGB LEDs in the middle. It does have a slightly wobbly top and I do wish it was a tighter fit as it is not sturdy even though it is well made but it doesn’t incur confidence. There is no clicking function when pressing down on the knob which some users might expect or want, but I do prefer this non clickable knob as accidental click might happen upon adjusting the volume. The volume has a good, smooth turning transition that feels good with minor silent clicks that can be felt on your fingers which is something I am fond of and they do double as a fidget toy for their clicky smoothness.
At the bottom part there are 2 buttons where one at the back is for connecting the bluetooth and doubles for controls of the RGB light settings when long pressed. The out button on the front works as pause and play when with a single click, long press to mute, double click for track forwarding and triple click for previous track control. A separate button for next and forward will be perfect. It is easy to operate even without the manuals. A USB C input is located at the back which doubles as a charging port and digital input.
At the bottom is an on/off switch and some rubber feet to keep it stable
The VOL20 only comes in 1 colour (metal grey) and a wider selection of colour or even special design will increase their selling points indeed.
It is a plug and play product that doesn’t need and driver but a software that can remap the VOL20 will be a game changer.
There is a decent 750 mAh battery inside that can last over a day long and a great feature to have.
On bluetooth connectivity there is some minor latency but it is still acceptable but for a more accurate, no latency usage, the wired mode will definitely be better
Usage scenario
The VOL20 is solely meant for adjusting the volume on your source only (PC, laptop, smartphone, streamer etc). It can be used on a full Hi-Fi system but for some pure setup that controls volume on the amplifier side will have to deal with controlling the volume in 2 places. I do prefer this product used on my PC for media consumption like YouTube. Netflix etc. I find that the wireless capability here is a useful trick as now I am able to control the volume wherever I’m at which is something I didn’t know I needed and I am joyful for these perks.
As for a portable usage like on travels, it might be useful as I can now adjust the volume of music in my car when it’s connected to my android car player and also a cool toy to have when on commute in public transport to control music without taking my phone out of my pocket. A lanyard hole will be awesome for users to put on some string for carrying on neck or wrist for easier transport.
End word
All that being said, I honestly am happy with this VOL20 product and owning a few cheaper control knobs, this product truly has the crown for being the most well designed, built and feature packed volume control in the market. Apart from the wobbly knob with an addition of a separate next and back button, I do think it will be a perfect, useful gadget that makes life easier and more colourful with their RGB lights. Can’t wait to show this to my friends and tell the story of an unexpected companion.
Pros
- Solid build
- Matte, anodized surface
- CNC goodness
- Nice RGB implementation
- Smooth, light clicky volume transition
- Wireless features
- Very good battery endurance
- Very responsive on wired connection
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Wobbly knob
- Packaging looks too simple
- Some latency on bluetooth mode
- Some colour selections or special design will be great
- A need for next and back buttons
- Some software remapping will increase the value.
