The Focal Mu-so Hekla is a 7.1.2-channel soundbar from Focal, listed at $3,600. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
Focal Mu-so Hekla Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (7.1.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect
- ✓Room correction tunes the sound to where it is placed
- ✗No DTS:X, so DTS soundtracks play without their height layer
- ✗No rear speaker option, so surround stays virtual
- ✗At 4.65 in tall it can block the bottom of a TV sitting low on its stand
Channels and Surround Sound
The 7.1.2 badge means 7 ear-level channels (left, centre, right and 4 for width or surround), 1 subwoofer channel, 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A subwoofer is optional - the bar connects to one but does not come with it. It cannot add rear speakers.
Connections
The Focal Mu-so Hekla has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; optical digital input; wired subwoofer output (RCA (stereo pair)).
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0 GHZ), with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL; Bluetooth; voice control: Works with Siri and Google Home; app control (Focal & Naim app (iOS, Android)); no remote in the box. Sound features: night mode, room correction.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 39.37 x 4.65 x 11.61 in (W x H x D), or 1000 x 118 x 295 mm, and weighs 34.2 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 50-inch TV (43.6 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 4.65 in tall, check the gap between the stand and the bottom of the screen: on many TVs with feet at the ends it is under 3 inches, and the bar would block the picture or the IR receiver.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Focal Mu-so Hekla Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 7.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Front: 3 x 6x3in woofers, 2 x 2.75in midrange, 2 x 1in tweeters; Sides: 4 x 1.5x2.75in full-range; Top: 4 x 1.5x2.75in full-range; Amplifiers: Class D, 3 x 60 W (woofers) + 12 x 40 W |
| Power (bar, total) | 660 watts |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | None |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | Yes |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | RCA (stereo pair) |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ax |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL |
| Voice control | Works with Siri and Google Home |
| App | Focal & Naim app (iOS, Android) |
| Remote included | No |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 39.37 x 4.65 x 11.61 in / 1000 x 118 x 295 mm |
| Weight | 34.2 lbs / 15.5 kg |
| Wall mounting | No |
| List price | $3,600 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.