An Under-Monitor Soundbar Can Replace Separate Speakers

A Tom's Guide writer added a BlueAnt Soundblade to a gaming desk where separate speakers would consume valuable surface area. The low-profile soundbar is designed to sit beneath the display, using space that may otherwise remain empty.

Check the clearance created by your own monitor stand before choosing that arrangement. The speaker also needs compatible connections and a reachable control position. A compact audio system can simplify the desktop, but its dimensions and cable route should be considered alongside the keyboard, screen height and any existing riser.

Measure the bar against the monitor support

The source lists a body about 23 inches wide, 8.58 inches deep and 2.13 inches high. It includes taller replacement feet for clearance around some monitor bases. The writer initially used those, then returned to the shorter feet after moving the display to an arm. That shows why the nominal low height is only part of the fit: depth, stand shape and the downward-firing driver all influence the usable position.

Choose a connection that matches the host

USB-C, a 3.5mm input and Bluetooth are available, with the physical sockets grouped at the right rear. The writer connected the monitor's audio output to simplify switching between a PC and console. The account also notes that the PS5 does not provide ordinary Bluetooth audio support. Confirm the actual source device rather than assuming the wireless option will replace every cable.

Keep volume and firmware access practical

A remote avoids reaching across the desk to the side touch controls. The reviewer found the original voice prompts loud and describes obtaining an appropriate firmware file through BlueAnt support to improve that behavior. Check the current instructions and exact hardware before updating. Its integrated downward-firing subwoofer adds bass close to the desk, but the source does not equate it with the output of a separate full-size subwoofer.

Measure the whole soundbar against the actual monitor support

The roughly 23-inch width is only one part of the fit. At about 8.58 inches deep, the body occupies substantial front-to-back space beneath the screen, even though its nominal height is around 2.13 inches. Compare that footprint with the monitor base, keyboard and desired viewing height. An under-monitor design uses an often empty region, but it does not establish that every stand leaves the necessary clearance.

The included taller feet helped the writer clear the original monitor support. After moving the display to an arm, the shorter feet became usable again and were preferred in that setup. Follow the current fitting instructions rather than improvising a support around an awkward stand. The downward-firing driver also makes the relationship to the desktop relevant, so evaluate the complete installed position rather than the soundbar's thin appearance in isolation.

Select one audio path that serves the real sources

The connections are grouped at the right rear, including mains power, USB-C and a 3.5-millimeter input. Bluetooth is another option for compatible sources. The writer used the monitor's analog output so both the PC and console could feed one soundbar through the display. Verify that the actual monitor provides the required output and switching behavior before copying that arrangement or concealing the cables.

The source specifically notes that the PS5 does not natively provide ordinary Bluetooth audio support. A wireless option on the soundbar therefore cannot be assumed to remove every console lead. Direct USB or an appropriate analog route may be more suitable, subject to current compatibility. Identify the intended source changes first, then route the right-rear leads with enough access to maintain them without moving the display or dragging the bar across the desk.

Keep everyday controls and firmware service practical

The remote made volume and input changes easier than reaching across the desk to the side touch controls. Include a reachable home for it when designing the compact setup. The writer also found the original spoken prompts loud and obtained a model-appropriate firmware file through BlueAnt support. Check the current official process and exact hardware version rather than applying a generic update or assuming every present unit needs the same historical fix.

The built-in downward-firing driver added useful bass near the desk, but the source explicitly distinguishes it from a separate full-size subwoofer. Compare that compromise with the available room and the desired listening level, including evening use. The old full-price and sale examples are historical. The space-saving case is strongest when the actual monitor clearance, connection method and accessible controls work together, leaving the bar to improve the audio without displacing the keyboard or compromising the screen position.