Purchase portable speaker- it is not a matter of paramount importance, so rarely does anyone pay much attention to the choice of this device. It is often purchased as a gift to yourself or someone else. This device is not the first need for the buyer. However, this market is mature enough to find all sorts of models that differ in shape, colors, features, functions and, of course, cost.

Diversity

The JBL portable speaker is represented by several models. Each of them deserves special attention. They differ in the technologies used, in the presence of special functions, and in the sound quality. Similar in design and availability of branded specifications.

So, the Flip series is available to the buyer - a good budget line. In addition, there is a Charge option, which is represented by several variations. There is also an excellent version for those who do not care about the size of the device, but are more concerned about the sound quality. Xtreme can hardly be called portable, as this speaker even needs a carrying strap. But about each model in order.

A budget option

The JBL 2 Flip portable speakers cost just $130 at launch and are a very affordable option for many buyers. At the same time, the case received high-quality materials, a variety of color schemes, Bluetooth connection or with a cable, good sound, speakerphone and even NFC.

Appearance is quite typical for this company. It is very similar to the Pulse model, which received a backlight. But this option yet more restrained, suitable for those who want to get only a cool sound without frills.

There are five color options on sale, among them there are both discreet ones - white and black; and quite bright: red, yellow and blue. Everything is hidden under a perforated panel, on the bottom there is a small rubberized insert that serves as a stand and connects the side rubber elements.

The build of this model is excellent. The column is made of quality elements. There is a charging port and a 3.5mm port. The charge level is shown by indicator lights. Comes with case, cable and power supply. It is also convenient that the column is installed both horizontally and vertically.

Capabilities

JBL Flip 2 portable speaker received standard features. You can connect any gadget via Bluetooth or cable. Otherwise, there is a logical and intuitive listening to music. You can try using the speakerphone. Basically, it's pretty good quality.

The column can work for about 5 hours continuously. The sound quality is excellent, inside two speakers of 8 watts. In general, there are no more outstanding characteristics here. The column does not perform any additional functions.

It is slightly more expensive than the first version. It cost about 2 thousand rubles. The second version received a price tag of 4 thousand rubles. Later it became clear that this model can replace another. But more on that later.

Update

The third version of Flip changed the positioning. From a budget model, it has become a more expensive model. Its price was about 6 thousand rubles. Interesting at the column and design. It has changed relative to the previous model, received better materials. The number of colors has also increased: a gray model, orange, turquoise, blue, red and crimson is now available.

This option is now powered by a 3000 mAh battery, which allows you to play music continuously for up to 10 hours. The speakerphone is not gone, the quality of the noise-canceling microphone has become better. There is also moisture protection. Of course, you can’t bathe the column, but it is not afraid of splashes, moisture and rinsing.

Three devices can be connected to the novelty at once, which makes it possible for everyone in the company to boast of tracks. Inside is a special technology for excellent bass reproduction. The frequency range is 85 Hz - 20 kHz. The total power is 16 watts.

Future

Well, the continuation of this series, of course, will be the fourth version. The JBL Flip 4 portable speaker was introduced at the beginning of 2017 at an exhibition in Las Vegas. Its main update was the presence of the IPX7 standard, which protects the novelty from water and dust. Now you can bathe the device for up to half an hour.

The design hasn't changed much. The number of color solutions has decreased, only the best-selling ones remain. The battery has 3 thousand mAh, while the column can work up to 12 hours continuously. It also became possible to combine several models of this version into a speaker system. Tentatively, sales should begin in the spring of 2017, and the price will be $100.

multitasking

The first version of the JBL Charge portable speaker appeared back in 2013. Then she became a real blast this segment. At that time, it seemed that this was a device from the future: in addition to high-quality music playback, it can charge a smartphone and has excellent battery life.

The appearance of this model is interesting. A version with a combination of blue and white was introduced to the market. The column is installed both horizontally and vertically. On the sides are rubberized elements. At one end there is a perforated grille, on the other side there is a plastic panel. There are several control keys that are clear to every user.

You can play music via Bluetooth or cable, and charging occurs only via wire. The column was produced in several colors: gray, green and blue. Each of them had white inserts.

Characteristics

The battery received 6 thousand mAh, the playback time is 12 hours. The sound quality is, of course, excellent. There are also low frequencies, and high. Everything is heard well, the volume level is acceptable. At the time of release, the price was about $150. For this cost, you could get a great device that any user would be happy about. Listening to music and charging the phone at the same time is the dream of any advanced user.

Update

JBL Charge 2 portable speaker presented in Berlin in 2014. The look has changed a bit. It has become more refined, stylish, minimalistic. I got the perfect black version, with matte plastic inserts. Built-in speakers are still hidden under the perforated grille. On one of the sides is the company logo.

The manufacturer does not recommend placing this column on the end. For this there is a special stand. Here you can also find the necessary slots for charging the battery of the speaker, for feeding other devices and an audio output. This model costs about 7 thousand rubles. The sound system has become better, and the materials are much better.

Improvement

The JBL 3 Charge portable speaker has become more expensive than the younger version by 4,000 rubles. The main update was an increase in autonomy to 20 hours, the presence of technology for the speakerphone, as well as the standard for protecting the device from water and dust.

The novelty has changed appearance. Now it is almost completely covered with a perforated grill, under which the speaker is hidden. At the bottom there is a special stand and the necessary connectors, at the top there are buttons for turning on, volume, playback and Bluetooth.

There are also various indicators that notify about the level of charging and connection. For 11 thousand rubles, the buyer receives all the necessary functions, also great amount additional "buns" and a great stylish design.

Giant

And of course, you can not lose sight of the giant model. The JBL Xtreme portable speaker appeared in 2015, despite criticism and doubts, it was able to find its buyer. This model weighs about 2 kilograms. The length turned out to be 28 centimeters. The battery inside is located at 10 thousand mAh. The cost of such a giant was 17 thousand rubles.

In the kit, in addition to the adapter and instructions, there is a special strap to which you can attach the column and wear it on your back, for example. This decision is understandable, because the column is really very large and will not fit in every bag.

The appearance of this model resembles the JBL 3 Charge, but the dimensions significantly exceed it. Interestingly, there is a zipper on the back. She got on a black case Orange color and "hid" the connectors for power, charging, etc. The device turned out to be as versatile as possible. It is suitable not only for travelers and party lovers, but will also serve faithfully in home use and at work.

Instruction

What if you bought this gadget but don't know how JBL portable speaker works? The instructions for use are very simple. In general, the operation of any model is intuitive. Each of them has the necessary pointers. Increasing the volume is indicated by a "plus", decreasing - by a "minus".

The inclusion of Bluetooth is also indicated by a special icon. For those who still feel difficulties using this device, an instruction is available in the kit, and there are many guides that explain all the available functions and their use in each model.

A portable bluetooth speaker is a compact device for amplifying the sound volume of a playback device and playing audio files. It can be connected to a computer, audio system, smartphone and almost any gadget via bluetooth connection or using a 3.5mm mini jack to enjoy music anytime and anywhere.

The principle of operation of the bluetooth speaker

The principle of operation of a Bluetooth speaker is not much different from how standard audio devices work. The most commonly used speakers with neodymium magnets with a power of 2 W and an amplifier up to 3 W. A mandatory attribute of the device is a mini-USB connector on the side panel, as well as charging and power indicators. Some models have a clock display. In device medium price category installed lithium battery, while more expensive models have lithium-ion batteries.

Scheme of the portable speaker JBL Flip 3

Connection types

Although the main format for using a portable audio device is wireless connection, it also has a 3.5mm cable input for wired connection.

By Bluetooth

To connect the speaker to the device, you need to start it in BT mode, after which it will become available on all laptops, smartphones and tablets with Bluetooth enabled. In the list of found devices, you need to select the name of the speaker to pair both devices and wait for the connection. All the data necessary for playing audio recordings is transmitted over a distance of up to 10 meters.

Some devices are capable of transmitting a signal at 15-30 meters.

By audio cable

Most speaker models have an audio input for a 3.5 mm jack cable. Some devices are equipped with a 2.5 mm mini-jack cable connector. This parameter must be indicated on the product packaging.

To connect, you need to insert one end of the cable into the speaker connector, and the other into the connector of the connected device: laptop or computer. In some cases, it will be necessary to perform speaker detection in Windows settings if this operating system is installed on the computer.

JBL portable speaker with micro-USB connector and mini-jack 3.5 mm

Ways to connect to different devices and step by step instructions

The method of connecting a portable audio speaker depends on the type of playback device, whether it has a Bluetooth function or a wired connection.

How to connect to a computer and laptop

Before connecting speakers to a laptop, you need to make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on it. Speakers usually have an on/off switch that must be held down for a few seconds to activate the wireless transmission feature. There are also devices in which the pairing function starts automatically for a few seconds or minutes after turning on.

JBL portable speaker control panel

When the speakers are ready to pair, a flashing light will appear. Now you need to click "Start", go to the "Settings" section of the computer menu, selecting the "Devices" item to see a list of all installed devices. On the left, there is a list where, among other things, a Bluetooth icon will be displayed, which you need to click on in order for the laptop to start searching for devices with which it can pair.

If the computer cannot find the speakers, you may need to repeat the procedure. Many models are programmed for automatic shutdown pairing after a while if a suitable device to connect to was not found. If the speakers are found, you need to select them in the list of devices and click "Connect".

Sometimes required additional authorization. This is necessary to confirm that the user wants to connect the devices themselves, and not someone is trying to hack into the computer via bluetooth. There are several ways to authorize, but most often you need to enter the appropriate code indicated in the user manual or on the label of the device.

If a desired code not on the box, you can try to enter the password "0000" or "1111". This works in cases where the manufacturer installs the code on the devices themselves. Pairing occurs only after authorization. After connecting the speakers, they will be available in the "Settings" section menu, and then "Devices".

How to connect to a phone or tablet

Connect bluetooth speakers to mobile devices easier than a laptop, and even more so a stationary PC, which requires a wired connection or the installation of a Bluetooth module. To pair the speaker with your phone or tablet, you need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Go to the "Settings" menu section of the phone.
2. Open the Bluetooth tab.
3. Select the "Turn on Bluetooth" option.

After completing the above steps, a list of devices available for pairing will open. If the name of the portable audio device does not appear in the list, you can search for it. After the equipment is connected, the smartphone will save its name in the list of available devices, and the next time you connect, you will not need to search.

How to connect to TV

The first thing to do when connecting a Bluetooth speaker to a TV is to check if it supports such a connection. Many modern TVs support function wireless connection, which eliminates the need to purchase an external module. To pair with speakers, select the "Connected devices" item in the main menu and find the "Bluetooth" section. After that, you need to activate the function and search for devices to connect.

If the TV does not support the wireless connection function, you need to inspect the back of the TV, where the 3.5 mm jacks are located. The presence and type of audio jacks determines which type of external Bluetooth module is needed. The external module is connected to the corresponding connector and switched to pairing mode by holding the connection button on the speaker.

The TV automatically recognizes that a device is connected to one of its audio outputs, so the user does not need to do anything. advanced settings. If this is not the case, you need to refer to the user manual and find a way to change the audio output.

If you need to use two Bluetooth speakers, you need to find a transmitter that is compatible with multiple outputs. Good example such device is Avantree Priva or Miccus Mini Jack TX4.

How to connect speakers to each other

To connect two speakers to one gadget, you will need devices of the same model or brand. The type of connection depends on the device, OS used by the phone, computer or tablet. In most cases, Bluetooth speaker pairing goes like this:

• two speakers are interconnected by a 3.5 mm jack cord with an adapter;
• one of the devices connects to the gadget.

There are several apps that can be used to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers. These are the AmpMe, Bose Connect, and Ultimate Ears apps that have a PartyUp mode. AmpMe is the most versatile as it is brand-agnostic, while the Bose and Ultimate Ears apps only require the respective brand's device.

AmpMe is an application that can sync smartphones and Bluetooth speakers to stream audio from SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube, or users' own media library.

Some systems require an app connection, but others, such as JBL, can use multiple speakers without the need for third-party software.

Setting up a JBL bluetooth speaker

JBL is one of the popular brands of audio equipment, whose website contains detailed description connection of Bluetooth speakers of all models of the manufacturer. To pair devices, follow these steps:

1. Put your speakers into discoverable mode by following the steps in the user manual. The Bluetooth feature may remain available for 60 seconds, after which it will need to be reactivated.
2. Enable Bluetooth discovery mode on laptop, tablet or smartphone depending on operating system(Windows, Mac, Linux).

After activating the system, the name of the audio speaker will appear in the list of devices available for pairing. To connect several speakers to a laptop or smartphone at once, you need to perform several steps:

1. Turn on your JBL speaker. The device must be put into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for 3 seconds.
2. Play music on your first device. To play music, you can use any cloud service or your own media library.
3. Press the Connect button on all columns. The button is designed in the form of an hourglass, and before pressing it, you need to place all the speakers next to each other.
4. Wait for the connection. The speakers will be connected within 30 seconds. Once this is done, the music will start playing through both speakers.

If you need to break the connection with any of the speakers, you need to click the "Connect" button again opposite the name of the desired device.

How to turn on the bass

To turn the bass on JBL speakers you need to simultaneously press the buttons to activate the bluetooth function and reduce the volume. It is not recommended to listen to music in this mode all the time - this can damage the speaker.

How to turn on the radio

To set up the radio on the speaker, you need to insert a USB cable into it, which acts as an antenna. After that, you need to press the power button and the adjacent button with the hourglass sign to turn on the radio. It is configured using the Play / Stop buttons, and the search for radio stations is carried out with the plus and minus buttons.

How to connect a flash drive

In some models of JBL portable speakers, it is not possible to connect a USB flash drive: they play music only via Bluetooth, Wi / Fi or via a wire with a 3.5 Jack connector. The new models are equipped USB connector, which is located on the side panel of the device under a tight rubber cover. After connecting the flash drive, the device will automatically play the audio tracks that are on it.

Charging bluetooth speakers

The device is charged by connecting it to a computer, laptop or network adapter with micro USB connector.

Basic connection errors and measures to eliminate them

Connecting a wireless speaker does not require special knowledge and takes no more than 5 minutes. But sometimes users are faced with the fact that the bluetooth column does not work and there are a variety of reasons for this.

Speaker too far from playback device

Each Bluetooth device has its own operating range. A small speaker works smoothly at a distance of up to 10 meters, and some even at a distance of 25 meters from the device. But cheaper models often have problems receiving a signal after moving a few meters away from the playback device. In addition, the connection may be broken by a natural obstacle such as a concrete wall. You can check if the distance between the devices is too large or if there are obstacles on their route, you can read the instructions.

Frequency interference

Wi-Fi, mobile phone, microwave oven are devices operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band and may therefore adversely affect operation bluetooth speaker. To identify this negative factor, you need to turn on the speaker and place it next to one of the potential jamming devices. If the music plays with noise, you need to change the frequency settings for sending and receiving data on the playback device and speaker so that they do not operate at the same frequencies.

Incorrectly connected column

If the device is paired with a computer or laptop, it may periodically lose connection with it due to wrong connection. Updating the connection is simple - you need to uncheck the headset in the connected devices window and instead click on the sound settings of the wireless speaker, choosing the desired configuration.

Full cache

If there are problems in the operation of the bluetooth column when it is connected to mobile phone or tablet, the reason is probably overcrowded random access memory devices. Everything needs to be removed junk files and programs that interfere with the operation of the phone and its wireless connection to the speaker.

Legacy Software

The speaker may be outdated software, unsuitable for connecting to a new model of smartphone, tablet, or laptop. To fix the problem, you need to check the drivers on the manufacturer's website, install the necessary updates and reconnect to the playback device.

Portable Bluetooth speakers are suitable for listening to music anytime and anywhere, and their advantage is their compact size and lightness. They connect to any gadget with an existing bluetooth function, a USB connector or a 3.5mm jack. They do not require a wired connection, and they can be charged via a cable by connecting a power supply or a rechargeable battery.

A modern portable speaker is a relatively simple gadget that can produce high-quality sound and has won a lot of fans among users. The acoustics of this budget class are as compact as possible, convenient, suitable for entertainment and solving some problems almost anywhere.

What is a portable speaker?

This device actually consists of the same nodes as the classical acoustic system, but has a significantly smaller compact size and has its own battery. portable audio the speaker in one case has a built-in amplifier, speakers, a device for reading music tracks from a memory card and broadcasting information from other devices. In the latter case, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module is activated. In addition, acoustics can be connected to another carrier using a 3.5 mm mini-jack.

A portable modern speaker can be equipped in different ways, but always pay the main attention to sound quality, power and the number of emitters:

What is a portable speaker for?

MP3 players and smartphones do not allow you to normally enjoy your favorite music through external speakers. You can listen to songs alone through headphones, but there are many moments when using this device is inconvenient. The best option is to purchase a special compact portable type acoustics. A stand-alone portable speaker with backlight will help you have a fun evening in the company. Placed in a corner, it will not interfere with enjoying selected melodies when a person is busy with some business.

Advantages of portable speakers:

1. Autonomous power supply allows you to play tracks for several hours.
2. Light weight of the product.
3. This device has handles or a cord and is easy to transport.
4. Various ways to connect to external devices.
5. Play music of all digital formats.
6. Huge selection of models of any size and design.

What are the disadvantages of portable acoustics:

How does a portable speaker work?

Now all gadgets in this category have a Bluetooth module and connect to smartphones without any problems even without a wire. Music control is carried out both from the storage medium and from the panel of your own case. Top Models in addition to the battery, they are able to work from the network, so inside the house the operating time does not depend on the battery capacity. A portable speaker with a flash drive makes acoustics a completely autonomous player with its own database.

How to choose a portable speaker?

If you want to buy a quality gadget, try to understand the main characteristics of the models you like. In the question of how to choose a portable speaker with good sound, in addition to cost, the following factors are important:

1. Appliance power- the higher this indicator, the louder and better the sound. Remember that turning the volume to the maximum increases battery consumption at times.
2. Radiator dimensions- as the size of the speaker increases, the sound improves, but the weight of the speaker increases and the compactness deteriorates, so a compromise solution should be chosen.
3. Frequency range- for standard models, the range of reproducible frequencies is within 20-20000 Hz, for simple purposes, small discrepancies are not critical.
4. Number of speakers– for cycling and background music, a mono speaker is suitable, but if you want to enjoy great sound, it is better to buy stereo models or with a subwoofer (2.1 format)
5. Battery power- the parameter affects autonomy, a portable speaker for long hikes must have a good battery capacity.
6. Ways to connect to sources- the presence of wireless modules allows you not to use USB connectors and forget about the occasions with adapters, connecting to gadgets faster.

Portable speaker with radio

Flash drives and memory cards allow you to create your own playlists and enjoy the sound of tracks downloaded from the network. The ability of modern gadgets to reproduce sounds does not end there, because there is still a radio broadcast filled with a huge number of interesting radio channels. If you like to listen to news or the best hits on music channels, then you need a portable bluetooth speaker with a radio module that can work in the FM band. Remember that devices with an external antenna differ in the most stable reception.

Popular models are devices with a microphone and a speaker in a single housing. So portable speaker has the necessary USB connectors, slots for drives and a control panel directly from the case. The mobile karaoke microphone is able to communicate with smartphones via Bluetooth, it has a setting for various sound effects. With a device that allows you to simultaneously sing and play musical compositions, you can quickly create a cheerful mood at any party.

Waterproof portable speaker

Dust and moisture protection is the most important characteristic for devices that are often used outside the apartment. IPX3 class devices are not afraid of small splashes, IPX6 class acoustics can withstand water jets from any direction. For the most sloppy people, it makes sense to buy models of the IPX7 category, they survive even with a short-term immersion in liquid. If there is a risk that the wireless portable speaker may be exposed to rain or directly plunge into the water, then you should purchase a gadget with a high degree protection.

Portable speaker with display

It is much more interesting when gadgets have a small screen that expands their functionality. These portable speakers are easy to use. The display shows the number and name of the track being played, radio frequency, current time. There are devices with an LED screen that completely occupies one of the outer faces. Original pixel art can be programmed or created by yourself. The most expensive speakers are equipped with a full touch screen, when synchronized with a smartphone, you can browse the Internet and make calls from it.

Rating of portable speakers

hard to get good acoustics without looking in the catalogs for new items from the best manufacturers for the last period. Traditionally, the best portable speakers are produced by JBL, Xiaomi, Sony, Marshall Amplification, Harman/Kardon. We offer a small TOP of these devices for 2018:

The most powerful portable speaker

The desire to purchase a device with loud speakers is understandable, but the pursuit of decibels often comes at the expense of compactness and battery life. For example, consider JBL Boombox - a real monster in this class. Powerful portable speaker weighs more than 5 kg with dimensions of 495x195x254 mm. The gadget produces 60 W sound without distortion, but due to the presence of an excellent 20,000 mAh battery, it remains autonomous and can work up to 24 hours.

How to use a portable speaker?

Design and set of connectors different models may differ, so there is no single instruction. Many manufacturers release their own proprietary programs that help you synchronize gadgets in a couple of clicks, turning the entire setup into a matter of seconds. Here is a description of how a portable music speaker is connected to a smartphone:

1. Using the AUX cable. We insert the ends of the cord into the connectors on the devices, after the notification appears on the display about the connection, we listen to music.
2. Connecting a Bluetooth speaker to phones. We have devices nearby, on the column we activate the search mode. We search for devices on the smartphone, when the column name appears in the list, click connect.

How to connect a portable speaker to a computer?

Required for desktop PC USB Bluetooth adapter or you have to use a cable. Most laptops have their own bluetooth module, so if you have drivers, there are no problems. Any tiny or large portable speaker, regardless of manufacturer, is synchronized according to the following scheme:

1. Turn on the speaker and press the Bluetooth key.
2. On the PC, open the control panel.
3. Select the "Hardware and Sound" tab.
4. Next, click "Devices and Printers".
5. We are looking for the "Bluetooth Devices" tab.
6. Let's add our device.
7. When the pairing is completed successfully, in the "Manage audio devices" section, select our speaker to play the "default" sound.