REVIEW – I reviewed the SOUNDBOKS (Gen 3) speaker somewhat over two years in the past. Nothing—and I imply nothing—has approached this speaker in quantity. It will probably put out extra uncooked decibels than a rock live performance. It’s 30 instances louder than a garden mower! I may go on, however let’s simply say it’s L.O.U.D. Nicely, SOUNDBOKS has determined the Gen 3 speaker was in want of an improve, so right here we’re—the SOUNDBOKS 4. They dropped the GEN half (besides on the handbook), so now it’s simply named “4”. Is the 4 louder? Nope. It nonetheless tops out at 11 (another than 10!). Is the 4 a brand new design? Solely the grill is a brand new design. Has playtime been elevated? The battery lasts 20% longer—however solely at max quantity. Has splash/moist resistance been improved? No. So what the heck has been improved? Nicely, largely it’s what you can not see—and can’t hear (form of).
What’s it?
The SOUNDBOKS 4 is a large speaker that’s made for outside listening—ideally over a big space. Not solely can it play music loudly, however it could possibly additionally double as a guitar/mic amp for gigging or public talking. It has a speaker tripod port on the underside—similar to an out of doors monitor.
The SOUNDBOKS 4 weighs 34 lbs. It could be transportable, but when you need to carry it, deliver a buddy. It does include two built-in handles for transporting. The SOUNDBOKS 4 has two 10-inch woofers and a single 1-inch compression driver tweeter (nestled in a big cone).
Battery life is a formidable 6 hours at full quantity. Play music at a extra cheap half-volume and battery life jumps to 40 hours!
The SOUNDBOKS 4 makes use of the identical battery because the earlier variations. The battery is replaceable, so it may be swapped out in a couple of seconds throughout a celebration if crucial. SOUNDBOKS warns that the battery shouldn’t be used and charged concurrently to stop harm.
There are numerous connections for the SOUNDBOKS 4. In addition to wi-fi Bluetooth 5.0, there may be an AUX enter port and AUX output port together with two combo microphones/devices (1/4“ XLR) inputs. My son gigs round city and he may use the XLR ports on this speaker for his performances. I’m positive he can be borrowing it.
SOUNDBOKS has a smartphone app (iOS and Android) that may carry out a couple of capabilities. It will probably replace firmware, apply preset or customized EQ (equalizer) settings, arrange a number of audio system utilizing the TeamUp characteristic, set parameters for the mic/amp capabilities, and even add safety layers.
As with the SOUNDBOKS (Gen 3) speaker, SOUNDBOKS has what they name SKAA wi-fi expertise. This permits (as much as) 5 SOUNDBOKS audio system to be wirelessly linked—by way of TeamUp within the app—for a “wall of sound”. I’d love to listen to that at full quantity!
The brand new grill for the SOUNDBOKS 4 speaker is designed to be simply detachable for portray, adorning or changing.
Specs
- 126 dB max quantity
- IP65 water and dust-proof ranking
- 40 hours of taking part in (at mid-volume) or 6 hours of taking part in (at max-volume)
- ProPanel for cabled connections (XLR, TRS, Aux In/Out)
- SOUNDBOKS app
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Wi-fi SKAA expertise
- Simply swappable battery
Design and options
SOUNDBOKS States that the SOUNDBOKS 4 speaker was drastically improved in audio efficiency and high quality. Which may be true, however I used to be fairly impressed with the standard of audio from the earlier (Gen 3) speaker, so any enchancment within the SOUNDBOKS 4, is usually misplaced on me—aside from one shocking element: quantity—or lack of it. Let me clarify.
As loud because the (Gen 3) may get, I used to be by no means impressed with the sound at decrease or indoor volumes. It was okay, however most smaller Bluetooth audio system outshined it. Total, these different audio system simply sounded higher, relegating the SOUNDBOKS (Gen 3) to outside use solely. This was okay, however it was just like the speaker was solely dwelling as much as most of its potential—not all.
The SOUNDBOKS 4 speaker modifications all that. I don’t know if SOUNDBOKS is making their digital sign processor “rather more highly effective” as they are saying, however this speaker may simply be positioned in any sized room and sound nice at any quantity —inside (indoor) motive! It was stunning how good it sounds. As I write this evaluation, the speaker sits about 2 ft. away going through me. Quantity is about about midway on each the speaker and my iPhone. It’s not too mushy or loud—simply good for writing whereas listening.
After setting and saving my most popular EQ within the app, I’m floored listening to “Into Mud” by Mazzy Star. This shoe gaze tune will increase in quantity because it progresses, revealing extra complexity. The SOUNDBOKS 4 reveals nearly every thing the tune has to supply. After listening to this monster of a speaker at full quantity, I’m surprised at how delicate-sounding it sounds at (a lot) decrease quantity. So, it’s not what I can hear that’s so spectacular—though 126 dB is enjoyable to point out off—it’s what I don’t want to listen to. I don’t assume SOUNDBOKS touts this characteristic sufficient.
SOUNDBOKS additionally states how they improved the drivers for higher bass, mids, and excessive frequencies. Possibly so, however at max quantity, most subtlety is misplaced within the skull-cracking quantity. Don’t get me incorrect, that’s nice, however it’s not important listening. I’m saying that whereas sitting in entrance of this speaker at “regular” quantity. It may be used for critical listening—the speaker is that good. The one factor I can consider that will enhance the speaker is having two paired for true stereo listening. Sadly, that may’t be examined with the only speaker I’m reviewing.
At (full) quantity, the SOUNDBOKS 4 can nonetheless pack an “I’m calling the cops” punch. I’ve an acre yard and I may hear my music simply tremendous from the again aspect close to our small lake far-off from our deck. Not solely may I hear it, it was nonetheless loud sufficient to stop regular dialog. At full quantity and much away, I observed a readability I hadn’t observed with the (Gen 3) model. AC/DC’s “You Shook Me” from “Black in Black” was not solely loud (it was recorded loud), however the large quantity was not harsh—at all times a plus.
What I like
- Sounds nice at any quantity
- Music sounds nice—even when far-off
- Helpful app
- SKAA wi-fi connection
- Loooong battery life
What I’d change
Ultimate Ideas
In audio, quantity is straightforward to create. Listenable quantity—not really easy. SOUNDBOKS has managed to realize nice sound with the SOUNDBOKS 4 speaker, whether or not loud or mushy. Their skill to sound nice at any quantity makes the expense simpler to justify. If I may sum the speaker up in a single phrase, it will be “FUN”. And you’ll nonetheless tick off the neighbors!
Value: $999.99
The place to purchase: SOUNDBOKS and Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was supplied by SOUNDBOKS.
