SSEIII, Diplo, La Niña
Developed in 2022, the S.S. III (Sound System III), nicknamed "La Niña," represents a specialized evolution within the studio’s series of upcycled loudspeakers. This model achieved international recognition when it was commissioned for the musician Diplo’s Jamaican villa (Pompey), where it was integrated as a centerpiece for high-fidelity sound. Currently, this iconic piece is exhibited at Nave La Mosca in Madrid and has been made available for a global audience through 1stDibs, marking its transition from an experimental prototype to a high-end collectible audio asset.
The design team developed La Niña with a distinct vertical configuration that serves a rigorous acoustic purpose. By elevating the high-frequency drivers—specifically the two 1" compressor drivers—above the average height of a standing person, the delicate treble frequencies can travel across the room without being absorbed or blocked by a crowd. This architectural approach ensures a crystalline and immersive sound experience even in densely populated environments. Like the rest of the series, the cabinet is built from reclaimed, sustainably grown European poplar plywood, originally used in the Materia Gris exhibition (CentroCentro, 2021). Following the studio’s "pro-cycling" philosophy, all wood was dismantled and repurposed without the use of glues, using only heat-blackened screws and a water-based varnish.
Technically, the S.S. III is a powerhouse of audio precision. The studio equipped the system with high-end BEYMA speakers, including two 15" bass woofers (500 RMS watts) and two 8" mid-range drivers (250 RMS watts), delivering a total of 1000 RMS watts. Powered by a Crown 2500 stereo amplifier, the system features a 3-way HD frequency division and supports advanced SBC and aptX codecs via a 30-meter HD Bluetooth reception. For superior internal dampening, the team utilized 100% recycled textile geopanels, ensuring the sonic output remains pure and undistorted.
As a "sonic totem," La Niña embodies the fusion of high-performance engineering and circular craftsmanship. By placing this system in demanding contexts—from a professional recording artist's villa to contemporary design galleries—the studio demonstrates that upcycled materials can exceed the technical and aesthetic standards of the global music industry, proving that the "ghosts" of past exhibitions can find a powerful second life in the world of high-fidelity sound.