Audio T Verdict
The Bluesound PULSE M is a stylish and unusually flexible wireless speaker designed to provide an even, room-filling presentation from a compact enclosure.
Its upward-firing woofer, angled tweeters and acoustic reflector spread music across a much wider listening area than a conventional forward-firing speaker. This makes it particularly effective in kitchens, dining rooms, open-plan spaces and other rooms where people move around rather than sitting in one fixed listening position.
BluOS streaming, AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, analogue and optical input, wired headphones, stereo pairing and home cinema rear-channel support provide plenty of flexibility. It does not match the scale and bass weight of the larger PULSE 2i, but its compact design and broader sound dispersion make it easier to position and enjoy throughout the room.
Bluesound PULSE M Omni-Hybrid Wireless Multi-Room Speaker
The Bluesound PULSE M combines a BluOS high-resolution music streamer, Smart DSP amplification and an Omni-Hybrid loudspeaker system within one compact elliptical enclosure.
It can play music from compatible streaming services, internet radio, network storage, USB drives, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and a connected analogue or optical source.
An upward-firing 133mm woofer and two 19mm tweeters are powered by 80 watts of total system amplification.
The speaker can operate independently, join a BluOS multi-room system, form a true left and right stereo pair with a second PULSE M or act as a wireless rear speaker within a compatible Bluesound home cinema system.
What Does the PULSE M Do?
Complete Wireless Speaker
- Built-in BluOS network music streamer
- Built-in Smart DSP amplification
- Upward-firing woofer and twin tweeters
- No separate amplifier or speakers required
- Designed for wide room coverage
- Available in black or white
Music Sources
- Compatible online music services
- Internet radio and podcasts
- Apple AirPlay 2
- aptX HD Bluetooth
- Network and USB music libraries
- Analogue or optical connected source
System Expansion
- Create a stereo pair with a second PULSE M
- Group with compatible BluOS players
- Use as wireless rear surround speakers
- Pair wirelessly with PULSE SUB+
- Use the optional WM230 wall bracket
- Use the optional FS230 floor stand
A Complete Music System in One Speaker
The PULSE M contains the music source, control system, amplifier and loudspeaker drivers required for a complete wireless music system.
There is no need for a separate network streamer, amplifier or pair of passive speakers.
Music selection, volume, tone adjustment, input choice, presets and multi-room grouping are handled through the BluOS Controller app.
The self-contained design reduces the number of boxes and cables required, although it also means that the internal amplifier and speaker system cannot be upgraded separately.
Omni-Hybrid Driver Design
The PULSE M uses Bluesound's Omni-Hybrid driver arrangement to disperse music across a wide listening area.
A 133mm woofer faces upwards towards a specially shaped acoustic reflector, while two 19mm tweeters are mounted at opposing 45-degree angles.
The reflector redirects the woofer's upper-frequency output away from the top of the cabinet and distributes it more evenly around the room.
The angled tweeters provide the higher frequencies and help create a broad soundstage that remains enjoyable away from one narrow central listening position.
Sound Across a Wide Listening Area
A conventional loudspeaker generally produces its most focused performance when the listener sits in front of it.
The PULSE M is designed to provide a more consistent balance when heard from the side, across a room or while moving between different seating positions.
This makes it well suited to social and shared spaces where several people may listen from different angles.
The presentation is not completely omnidirectional, and the exact result will still depend on placement, nearby walls, furniture and room acoustics.
Wide Dispersion Is Not the Same as Conventional Stereo
A single PULSE M is one physical speaker and does not provide the same left and right separation as two widely spaced loudspeakers.
Customers wanting a more precise stereo image should consider two matching PULSE M speakers configured as a fixed left and right pair.
80 Watts of Smart DSP Amplification
The PULSE M provides 80 watts of total system power.
- 50 watts for the upward-firing woofer
- 15 watts for the first tweeter
- 15 watts for the second tweeter
The Smart DSP amplifier monitors and controls the frequency range, dynamic behaviour and distortion of the complete speaker system.
Because the amplifier, processing and drivers have been designed together, conventional amplifier wattage comparisons do not tell the complete story.
Bluesound publishes a distortion figure of 0.030% total harmonic distortion plus noise.
Frequency Response and Bass Performance
Bluesound specifies a frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 1.5dB.
Low-frequency extension reaches approximately 40Hz at the -10dB point.
This provides useful bass weight for a speaker of its size, although the larger
Bluesound PULSE 2i
will normally provide greater scale and deeper bass.
A wireless
Bluesound PULSE SUB+
can be added when more low-frequency extension and impact are required.
Positioning the PULSE M
The PULSE M should be placed on a stable surface with space above and around the speaker.
Avoid placing objects directly over the upward-firing woofer and acoustic reflector, as this can interfere with the intended sound dispersion.
Moving the speaker closer to a wall may increase perceived bass, while greater distance from walls can improve clarity and reduce excessive low-frequency reinforcement.
The elliptical cabinet is designed to occupy relatively little shelf or surface space, but access to mains power and the rear connections must still be considered.
For Wider Room Coverage
- Place the speaker in a reasonably open position
- Keep the top reflector unobstructed
- Avoid enclosing it tightly inside furniture
- Position it away from deep room corners
- Use a suitable stand or wall bracket where helpful
For Stronger Bass
- Move the speaker slightly closer to a wall
- Use the BluOS tone controls carefully
- Place it on a stable and non-resonant support
- Avoid lightweight furniture that may vibrate
- Add a compatible PULSE SUB+ if required
Create a Wireless Stereo Pair
Two matching PULSE M speakers can be configured as a fixed stereo pair within the BluOS Controller app.
One speaker then reproduces the left channel while the second reproduces the right channel.
The pair appears as one player within BluOS, with shared source, playback and volume controls.
Stereo pairing provides greater channel separation, more precise imaging and a wider physical soundstage than a single PULSE M.
Use Two Matching PULSE M Speakers
A fixed stereo pair should use two identical PULSE M speakers.
Different Bluesound wireless speaker models use different drivers, amplifiers and acoustic tuning and should not be treated as a properly matched left and right pair.
High-Resolution BluOS Music Streaming
BluOS brings compatible streaming services, internet radio, network storage, USB music libraries and multi-room playback together within one control platform.
The BluOS Controller app is available for compatible iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices.
Native PCM playback is supported at sample rates up to 192kHz with bit depths from 16-bit to 24-bit.
A quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.8GHz per core manages high-resolution playback, library indexing, app control and multi-room synchronisation.
Streaming Services and Direct Integrations
The PULSE M provides access to more than 20 compatible music and internet-radio services through BluOS.
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- Amazon Alexa Skills
- Internet radio through compatible BluOS services
Service availability, subscriptions, regional access and maximum playback quality are controlled by the individual provider and may change over time.
No Built-In Voice Microphones
The PULSE M does not contain a microphone array and does not operate independently as a voice assistant.
Amazon Alexa voice control requires a compatible external Alexa device and correctly configured accounts.
Supported Audio Formats
The PULSE M supports a broad selection of compressed, lossless and high-resolution PCM audio formats.
- MP3
- AAC
- WMA
- WMA Lossless
- OGG
- Apple Lossless
- OPUS
- FLAC
- MQA
- WAV
- AIFF
- MPEG-4 SLS
DSD Is Not Listed in the PULSE M Specification
Bluesound's current PULSE M specification does not list native DSD playback.
Customers with a significant DSD library should confirm current compatibility and any conversion requirements before purchase.
Play Music from Network Storage
Music stored on a compatible computer or network-attached storage device can be indexed and played through BluOS.
Server Message Block network sharing supports libraries containing up to approximately 200,000 files.
Practical library size and browsing performance also depend on the network, storage hardware, file structure, metadata and album artwork.
Once indexed, the music library can be accessed by the PULSE M and other compatible BluOS products on the network.
USB Music Storage
A compatible FAT32-formatted USB memory stick or external drive can be connected to the rear USB Type-A port.
Music stored on the drive can then be accessed through the BluOS Controller app.
This provides a simple route to locally stored music without requiring a separate computer or network-attached storage device.
The USB Connection Is for Music Storage
The PULSE M cannot be used as a USB audio device for a computer.
Its USB Type-A connection is intended for compatible FAT32 music storage and is not specified as a digital output for an external DAC.
Combined Analogue and Optical Input
A rear 3.5mm combination socket can accept either a stereo analogue signal or a Mini Toslink optical digital signal.
Suitable analogue sources can include a CD player, tuner, cassette deck, portable player or external phono stage.
Optical sources can include a CD transport, television, games console or another compatible digital product.
A Toslink to Mini Toslink adaptor is included for use with a conventional optical cable.
Only One Connected Source at a Time
The 3.5mm socket is shared between analogue and optical operation.
An analogue source and optical source cannot remain connected to the socket at the same time.
Connect a Television by Optical Cable
A compatible television can connect to the PULSE M through its optical audio output.
This allows television programmes, films and games to use the PULSE M rather than the television's internal speakers.
The television should normally be configured to output stereo PCM audio.
No HDMI or Dolby Decoder
The PULSE M does not provide HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC or dedicated Dolby decoding.
It should be treated as a stereo optical speaker rather than a dedicated television soundbar.
Customers wanting HDMI eARC and home cinema processing should consider the
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA MINI
or
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA
.
Connect a Turntable
A turntable can be used with the PULSE M when it provides a suitable line-level output.
A model with a switchable built-in phono stage should be set to its line-output mode.
A turntable without an internal phono stage requires a suitable external moving magnet or moving coil phono pre-amplifier.
The PULSE M Does Not Have a Phono Stage
A moving magnet or moving coil cartridge cannot be connected directly to the analogue input.
The cartridge signal requires the gain and equalisation supplied by a suitable phono stage.
The
Bluesound HUB
includes a moving magnet phono input and can make a turntable available throughout a compatible BluOS system.
aptX HD Bluetooth Input
Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX HD allows compatible smartphones, tablets and computers to send audio wirelessly to the PULSE M.
Bluetooth is useful for applications and devices that do not connect directly through BluOS.
Playback quality depends on the source device, supported codec, distance and local wireless conditions.
Network streaming through BluOS will normally provide the most consistent route for high-resolution music playback.
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission Is Not Officially Listed
The current Bluesound support list for Bluetooth headphone pairing does not include the PULSE M.
Customers requiring wireless Bluetooth headphone transmission should not assume compatibility without confirming the particular speaker and current firmware.
A conventional 3.5mm wired headphone socket is provided.
Wired Headphone Output
A rear 3.5mm stereo socket allows compatible wired headphones to be connected directly to the PULSE M.
This provides a private-listening option without requiring a separate headphone amplifier.
The PULSE M is primarily designed as a room speaker, so demanding premium headphones may still benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier.
Apple AirPlay 2
Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV devices to send audio to the PULSE M.
This provides access to audio from compatible applications that may not be integrated directly into BluOS.
The PULSE M can also form part of a compatible Apple AirPlay multi-room system.
Roon Ready
The PULSE M can operate as a Roon Ready network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Music selection and library management are handled through Roon while the PULSE M provides network playback, amplification and loudspeakers.
A separate Roon subscription and compatible Roon server are required.
BluOS Multi-Room Audio
The PULSE M can be grouped with compatible Bluesound and BluOS-enabled products throughout the home.
Grouped players can reproduce the same music in synchronisation, while different rooms can play separate music at the same time.
Room grouping, playback queues, individual volume levels, source selection and streaming services are controlled through the BluOS Controller app.
BluOS is also incorporated into compatible equipment from selected partner manufacturers, allowing traditional Hi-Fi systems and Bluesound speakers to operate within the same multi-room platform.
Use as Wireless Rear Speakers
Two PULSE M speakers can be configured as dedicated rear surround channels within a compatible Bluesound home cinema system.
Suitable front products include the
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA
and
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA MINI
.
The rear speakers and front product are configured as a BluOS home cinema fixed group rather than an ordinary temporary multi-room group.
Compatible surround-channel information is then sent wirelessly across the network.
Rear-Speaker Use Requires Two PULSE M Speakers
A home cinema system requires a matching pair so that one PULSE M can reproduce the rear-left channel and the other can reproduce the rear-right channel.
Reliable network coverage is essential for stable wireless surround operation.
Add the PULSE SUB+
The
Bluesound PULSE SUB+
can be paired wirelessly with the PULSE M through BluOS.
The subwoofer extends low-frequency performance and reduces some of the bass demands placed on the PULSE M's compact enclosure.
Subwoofer level, crossover and phase settings can be adjusted through the BluOS Controller app.
No Wired Subwoofer Output
The PULSE M does not provide a conventional RCA subwoofer connection.
The supported Bluesound solution is a compatible PULSE SUB+ paired wirelessly through BluOS.
Gigabit Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi
The PULSE M can connect to the home network through wired Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi 5.
Gigabit Ethernet
- Uses a standard RJ45 network cable
- Supports network speeds up to 1000Mbps
- Provides a stable connection where cabling is practical
- Recommended for large network music libraries
- Useful for stereo pairs and home cinema systems
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Supports compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks
- Allows flexible positioning without a network cable
- Performance depends on local wireless coverage
- May be affected by walls and interference
- Should be tested in the final speaker position
Wired Ethernet will normally provide the most predictable connection where suitable network cabling is available.
A reliable network becomes particularly important when using two PULSE M speakers as a stereo pair or dedicated rear channels.
Touch Controls and Presets
A proximity-sensing touch panel on the top of the speaker provides access to frequently used functions.
- Play and pause
- Previous and next track
- Touch-sensitive volume slider
- Five programmable preset buttons
- Two LED status indicators
Presets can provide direct access to compatible playlists, albums, radio stations and streaming content without opening the BluOS Controller app.
The proximity sensor illuminates the controls as a hand approaches.
Infrared Remote Learning
A front infrared sensor allows the PULSE M to learn compatible commands from an existing remote control.
Frequently used functions such as volume, playback and track control can be assigned through the BluOS Controller app.
The optional Bluesound RC1 remote control can also be used with the speaker.
Optional WM230 Wall Bracket
The optional Bluesound WM230 wall bracket is designed specifically for the PULSE M.
It provides up to 180 degrees of swivel adjustment, allowing the speaker to be directed towards the main listening area.
The bracket maintains access to the rear connections and is available in finishes intended to match the speaker.
The Wall Bracket Is Sold Separately
The WM230 bracket is not included with the PULSE M.
The wall structure and fixings must be suitable for the combined weight of the speaker and bracket.
Optional FS230 Floor Stand
The optional FS230 floor stand provides a dedicated freestanding support for the PULSE M.
It can help position the speaker away from furniture and at a more suitable height for room coverage.
The stand also provides a cleaner installation when shelf or worktop space is unavailable.
The Floor Stand Is Sold Separately
The FS230 is an optional accessory and is not supplied with the speaker.
PULSE M, PULSE 2i or PULSE FLEX 2i?
Choose PULSE M When
- You want broad sound across a shared room
- A compact and decorative design is important
- The speaker will be heard from several angles
- Eighty watts of total system power is sufficient
- Five physical presets are useful
- It may be used as a wireless rear speaker
Choose PULSE 2i When
- You want greater scale and deeper bass
- The speaker must fill a larger room
- More powerful output is required
- A stronger forward stereo presentation is preferred
- You may create a substantial stereo pair
- Physical size is less important
Choose PULSE FLEX 2i When
- You need the smallest Bluesound speaker
- The room is relatively compact
- Portability with an optional battery is useful
- A lower purchase price is important
- The speaker will be used for background listening
- Dedicated rear-speaker use is a priority
PULSE M or a Traditional Hi-Fi System?
Choose PULSE M When
- You want one self-contained product
- Space for separate equipment is limited
- Multi-room audio is important
- Minimal cabling is preferred
- Broad room coverage matters more than pinpoint imaging
- Future component upgrades are not a priority
Choose Traditional Separates When
- You want a conventional wide stereo soundstage
- You want to choose and upgrade each component
- Several physical sources must remain connected
- A built-in phono stage is important
- More powerful or specialised speakers are required
- The room allows proper speaker positioning
Planning a PULSE M System
Single-Speaker System
- One PULSE M in a central or open position
- Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection
- Music controlled through BluOS
- Ideal for shared and open-plan rooms
- Optional PULSE SUB+ for additional bass
Wireless Stereo System
- Two matching PULSE M speakers
- Configured as a BluOS fixed stereo pair
- Speakers positioned to the left and right
- Greater stereo separation and imaging
- Reliable network coverage required
Multi-Room System
- PULSE M used in one or more rooms
- Other compatible BluOS products added elsewhere
- Grouped or independent playback
- Individual room volume control
- One BluOS app controls the complete system
Wireless Rear-Speaker System
- Two PULSE M speakers used as rear channels
- Compatible Bluesound soundbar provides front sound
- Products configured as a home cinema fixed group
- Optional wired or wireless subwoofer
- Stable network coverage is essential
Installation and Setup
The PULSE M should be positioned on a stable support or installed using a suitable optional bracket or stand.
Initial configuration includes connecting the speaker to mains power, adding it to the home network, installing current BluOS software and signing into the required streaming services.
Additional setup may include tone adjustment, preset programming, infrared remote learning, stereo pairing, PULSE SUB+ integration and home cinema rear-speaker configuration.
Audio T can help identify the most suitable position, configure the network and demonstrate how the PULSE M works with other Bluesound products.
Key Features
- Compact Bluesound wireless multi-room speaker
- Model P230
- BluOS multi-room operating system
- Omni-Hybrid driver arrangement
- Upward-firing 133mm woofer
- Two angled 19mm tweeters
- Custom acoustic reflector
- Wide room-filling sound dispersion
- Smart DSP amplification
- 80 watts of total system power
- 50-watt woofer amplifier
- Two 15-watt tweeter amplifiers
- Frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 1.5dB
- Low-frequency extension to 40Hz at -10dB
- PCM playback up to 24-bit and 192kHz
- MQA file support
- More than 20 compatible music and radio services
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- Amazon Alexa Skills integration
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth input
- 3.5mm wired headphone output
- Combined 3.5mm analogue and Mini Toslink optical input
- USB Type-A music-storage input
- FAT32 USB storage compatibility
- Server Message Block network-library support
- Support for libraries containing up to approximately 200,000 files
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5
- Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor
- Front infrared sensor with remote learning
- Touch-sensitive play and pause control
- Touch-sensitive previous and next-track controls
- Touch-sensitive volume slider
- Five programmable preset buttons
- Proximity sensor
- Can form a fixed stereo pair with a second PULSE M
- Can join compatible BluOS multi-room systems
- Can operate as a compatible wireless rear speaker
- Wireless pairing with Bluesound PULSE SUB+
- Compatible with optional Bluesound RC1 remote
- Compatible with optional WM230 wall bracket
- Compatible with optional FS230 floor stand
- Available in black or white matte satin finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluesound PULSE M?
It is a complete wireless music system containing a BluOS network streamer, Smart DSP amplification, an upward-firing woofer and two angled tweeters.
Does it require a separate amplifier?
No. The PULSE M contains its own 80-watt amplifier system and built-in speaker drivers.
Is the PULSE M omnidirectional?
It is designed to spread sound across a very wide listening area, although its output is not perfectly identical in every possible direction.
How powerful is the PULSE M?
It provides 80 watts of total system power, comprising 50 watts for the woofer and 15 watts for each tweeter.
Can I pair two PULSE M speakers?
Yes. Two matching speakers can be configured as a fixed left and right stereo pair through the BluOS Controller app.
Can the PULSE M be used as a rear speaker?
Yes. A matching pair can operate as dedicated wireless rear channels within a compatible Bluesound home cinema system.
Can I use one PULSE M as a single rear speaker?
No. A surround system requires two speakers so that the rear-left and rear-right channels can be reproduced separately.
Does it have HDMI?
No. The PULSE M does not provide HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
Can I connect a television?
Yes. A compatible television can connect through Mini Toslink optical and should normally be configured to output stereo PCM audio.
Does it decode Dolby Digital?
Dolby decoding is not listed. Use a compatible stereo PCM output when connecting a television or digital source directly.
Can I connect a CD player?
Yes. A suitable CD player can connect through the shared stereo analogue or Mini Toslink optical input.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, provided the turntable has a built-in phono stage or is connected through a suitable external phono pre-amplifier.
Does it have a built-in phono stage?
No. A moving magnet or moving coil cartridge cannot connect directly to the PULSE M.
Can analogue and optical sources remain connected together?
No. Both formats use the same 3.5mm combination socket, so only one can be connected at a time.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Compatible FAT32-formatted USB storage can connect to the rear Type-A socket.
Can I connect a computer by USB?
No. The USB connection is intended for compatible music storage rather than computer audio.
Does it support DSD?
Native DSD playback is not listed within Bluesound's current PULSE M specification.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Qobuz Connect is included among its current direct streaming integrations.
Does it support Apple AirPlay 2?
Yes. Compatible Apple devices can send audio to the PULSE M through AirPlay 2.
Is it Roon Ready?
Yes. It can operate as a Roon Ready endpoint with a compatible Roon server and subscription.
Does it have a wired headphone socket?
Yes. A 3.5mm stereo headphone connection is provided on the rear panel.
Can it transmit to Bluetooth headphones?
The PULSE M is not included in Bluesound's current official list of players supporting Bluetooth headphone pairing, so compatibility should not be assumed.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. A compatible Bluesound PULSE SUB+ can be paired wirelessly through BluOS.
Can I connect a conventional wired subwoofer?
No. The PULSE M does not provide a wired RCA subwoofer output.
Does it support Dirac Live?
No. Dirac Live room correction is not listed as a supported feature for the PULSE M.
Can the PULSE M be wall mounted?
Yes. The optional Bluesound WM230 wall bracket is designed specifically for the PULSE M and is sold separately.
Is a floor stand available?
Yes. The optional Bluesound FS230 floor stand is available separately.
Can Audio T configure the PULSE M?
Yes. Audio T can help with network setup, positioning, streaming services, stereo pairing, connected sources, headphones, subwoofer setup and BluOS home cinema configuration.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert advice comparing PULSE M, PULSE 2i and PULSE FLEX 2i
- Demonstrations through participating Audio T stores
- Advice based on room size and listening position
- Single-speaker and stereo-pair demonstrations
- Speaker-positioning and room-setup guidance
- Turntable and phono-stage matching
- CD player and optical connection advice
- Television optical-audio configuration
- Wired headphone setup
- PULSE SUB+ matching and configuration
- USB storage and local music-library setup
- Network-attached storage advice
- Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet configuration
- Streaming-service account setup
- BluOS Controller app setup and demonstration
- AirPlay 2, Roon and Bluetooth configuration
- BluOS multi-room system planning
- Wireless rear-surround speaker setup
- Wall-bracket and floor-stand advice
- Professional home installation options
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Bluesound and BluOS support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Bluesound PULSE M to a single-room, stereo, multi-room or wireless home cinema system.