The Soundboks 4 has arrived‚ and it’s making waves – sonic waves‚ that is. Forget polite background music; this portable Bluetooth speaker is engineered for sheer‚ unadulterated volume. We’re talking “annoy your neighbors from two streets over” loud. This review dives deep into whether the Soundboks 4 lives up to its reputation as the king (or queen) of portable party audio‚ exploring its sound quality‚ durability‚ and overall value for those who crave immense sound. Get ready to experience the power of Soundboks 4.
Unboxing and Design: Built to Last
The Soundboks 4 isn’t exactly sleek or understated. It’s a rugged beast‚ designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The boxy design prioritizes durability over aesthetics‚ featuring a robust polypropylene cabinet that can handle bumps‚ scrapes‚ and even light rain. The iconic honeycomb grill protects the drivers from accidental damage. It’s clear this speaker is built to be used and abused‚ a quality that many will appreciate.
- Weight: A hefty 34 pounds (15.4 kg). This isn’t something you’ll want to carry long distances without assistance.
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 19.7 x 15.7 inches (80 x 50 x 40 cm). It takes up a significant amount of space.
- Materials: Polypropylene cabinet‚ steel grill. Built for durability.
Sound Quality: Prepare to Be Blown Away
While the Soundboks 4 prioritizes volume‚ it doesn’t completely sacrifice sound quality. The speaker delivers a surprisingly balanced sound signature‚ with punchy bass‚ clear mids‚ and crisp highs. While audiophiles might find the sound a bit lacking in nuance compared to high-end studio monitors‚ the overall listening experience is enjoyable‚ especially at moderate volumes. However‚ at maximum volume‚ distortion can become noticeable‚ particularly in the bass frequencies.
Key Sound Features:
- Frequency Response: 40Hz ౼ 20kHz
- Amplifier: 3 x 72W Class D amplifiers
- Drivers: 2 x 10″ woofers‚ 1 x 1″ compression driver tweeter
Battery Life and Connectivity: Party All Night
The Soundboks 4 boasts impressive battery life‚ allowing you to keep the party going for hours on end. The included battery pack provides up to 40 hours of playback at moderate volume‚ or around 6 hours at maximum volume. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0‚ a 3.5mm AUX input‚ and two XLR/TRS combo inputs for connecting microphones or instruments.
A table comparing the Soundboks 4 to some of its competitors is shown below:
| Speaker | Max Volume (dB) | Battery Life (Hours) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundboks 4 | 126 | 40 (Moderate Volume) | 34 |
| JBL PartyBox 310 | 110 | 18 | 38.4 |
| Sony SRS-XG500 | N/A (Lower than Soundboks 4) | 30 | 12.1 |
My Experience: Living with the Loudest Speaker
Okay‚ let me preface this by saying I live in a semi-rural area. My neighbors aren’t exactly thrilled with loud noises‚ but they’re generally understanding. That being said‚ testing the Soundboks 4 was…an experience. The first time I cranked it up to full volume in my backyard‚ I swear I saw squirrels diving for cover. My dog‚ Barnaby‚ usually loves music‚ but he just whimpered and ran inside. I immediately understood the “city block” claim. It’s not just loud; it feels loud. The vibrations are intense.
I experimented with different genres of music. Electronic dance music (EDM) sounded fantastic‚ the bass thumping in my chest. Rock music also fared well‚ with the guitars and vocals cutting through the mix. Classical music‚ however‚ was a bit less impressive. The nuances were somewhat lost in the sheer volume. I found that dialing it back to around 70% volume was the sweet spot for most genres‚ offering a good balance between loudness and clarity.
I also tested the battery life extensively. I took it camping with some friends‚ and it lasted the entire weekend on a single charge‚ playing at moderate volume for several hours each day. We used it for everything from background music while we cooked to powering a late-night dance party under the stars. It handled everything we threw at it‚ even a sudden downpour (thankfully‚ it’s water resistant!). I even used the XLR inputs to plug in my electric guitar and jam out – a surprisingly fun feature I didn’t initially expect to use much.
Durability Test: Pushing the Limits (Slightly)
I wouldn’t exactly say I abused the Soundboks 4‚ but I definitely put it through its paces. I didn’t intentionally drop it from a great height‚ but it did get knocked over a few times during transport. The rugged construction held up remarkably well. There were a few minor scratches‚ but nothing that affected its performance. I even accidentally spilled a beer on it (don’t judge!)‚ and it wiped clean with no lasting damage. This thing is genuinely built to withstand the elements and the occasional mishap.
One thing I did find a bit cumbersome was the weight. Lugging it around solo can be tiring‚ especially over uneven terrain. I definitely recommend having a friend help you carry it if you’re going any significant distance. Also‚ while the Bluetooth connection was generally reliable‚ I did experience occasional dropouts when my phone was too far away from the speaker. I found that keeping my phone within about 20 feet of the Soundboks 4 minimized these issues.
For me‚ someone named Alex who enjoys throwing outdoor gatherings and appreciates powerful sound‚ the Soundboks 4 has been a game-changer. The sheer volume and durability are unmatched.
Final Verdict: Is the Soundboks 4 Right for You?
Ultimately‚ the Soundboks 4 isn’t for everyone. It’s big‚ it’s loud‚ and it’s relatively expensive. However‚ if you prioritize sheer volume and durability above all else‚ and you frequently find yourself needing a speaker that can fill a large space with sound‚ then it’s hard to beat. I’ve used other portable speakers before‚ but none have come close to the sheer power of this thing. I also discovered that it’s great for movie nights outside‚ when I connected it to my projector. The sound was so immersive that I felt like I was in a real theater!
For smaller gatherings or situations where subtlety is required‚ the Soundboks 4 might be overkill; But for outdoor parties‚ tailgates‚ construction sites (ear protection recommended!)‚ or any other scenario where you need maximum volume and ruggedness‚ it’s a fantastic choice. I’ve even used it for band practice when we needed a portable PA system. The two XLR inputs came in handy for connecting microphones and instruments. It’s a surprisingly versatile speaker‚ despite its primary focus on loudness.
The price is certainly a factor. It’s a significant investment. However‚ considering the build quality‚ battery life‚ and sheer power‚ I believe it’s worth the money for those who will truly utilize its capabilities; It’s not just a speaker; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration that you’re serious about your music and that you’re not afraid to turn it up to eleven. And I‚ Alex‚ am definitely not afraid to do just that. From my experience‚ if you are looking for portable power‚ then the Soundboks 4 is definitely the speaker for you.
Okay‚ here’s the continuation‚ keeping in mind all your instructions:
Beyond the Volume: Unexpected Uses and Surprises
After living with the Soundboks 4 for a few weeks‚ I started finding more and more unexpected uses for it. One afternoon‚ I was working on a home improvement project in my garage. I had the Soundboks 4 blasting some classic rock while I was cutting wood and hammering nails. Suddenly‚ my power went out! I was left in the dark‚ with no music and no way to finish my project. Then it occurred to me ⎯ the Soundboks 4 has a battery! I used it to power my work light and keep the tunes going until the power came back on. It was a lifesaver!
Another time‚ my friend Sarah was having a small outdoor wedding in her backyard; She had planned to hire a DJ‚ but at the last minute‚ he cancelled. She was panicked! I offered to bring my Soundboks 4 and create a playlist for the ceremony and reception. I was a little nervous at first‚ but it turned out to be a huge success! The Soundboks 4 provided plenty of volume for the outdoor space‚ and I was able to control the music easily from my phone. Sarah was thrilled‚ and I felt like a hero.
I even started using the Soundboks 4 for fitness. I would take it to the park and blast high-energy music while I worked out. It definitely helped me push myself harder and stay motivated. Plus‚ I got some curious looks from other park-goers! It’s a great way to add some excitement to your workout routine. I also used the Soundboks 4 when I was coaching my son’s soccer team. I played music during warm-ups and practices‚ which helped create a fun and energetic atmosphere.
The Bass Test: Can it Shake the House?
I had to find out just how powerful the bass on this thing really was. I put on a track with incredibly deep bass and turned the volume up. My whole house started vibrating! Pictures were rattling on the walls‚ and I could feel the bass in my chest. It was intense! I wouldn’t recommend doing this regularly (unless you want to annoy your neighbors)‚ but it was definitely an impressive demonstration of the Soundboks 4’s capabilities. I even noticed some fine cracks appear in the plaster of my living room after the “bass test.” I might have gotten a little carried away.
My Final Thoughts‚ After Living with the Beast:
Living with the Soundboks 4 has been an adventure. It’s not just a speaker; it’s a conversation starter‚ a party machine‚ and a surprisingly versatile tool. It’s a portable behemoth that delivers on its promise of powerful sound. I found that I used it for things I never even imagined. It’s transformed my backyard barbecues‚ camping trips‚ and even my home improvement projects. The Soundboks 4 is a beast‚ plain and simple.
Yes‚ it’s expensive. And yes‚ it’s big and heavy. But for me‚ the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re looking for a speaker that can handle anything you throw at it‚ both literally and figuratively‚ then the Soundboks 4 is worth considering. Just be prepared to turn some heads (and maybe rattle some windows) along the way. I’ve really appreciated the Soundboks 4‚ and I do recommend it to everyone.
The only thing I wish it had was a built-in handle on the sides for easier lifting with two people‚ but the overall design is still excellent. I can’t wait to see what Soundboks comes up with next. As for me‚ I’ll be over here‚ blasting my music and enjoying the pure‚ unadulterated power of the Soundboks 4.
