Last week, I received a huge package from SOUNDBOKS, weighing nearly 21 kilograms. Inside was a gigantic Bluetooth speaker that seemed too good to be true. To truly understand its capabilities, I decided to take it for a test at a community bazaar happening in my town over the weekend. I ignored renting a PA system and opted to use this massive SOUNDBOKS 4 instead, which might have been a bold call on my part!
To give you an idea, 126 decibels is loud enough for an outdoor event with many people around, but I was a bit anxious since numbers on paper don’t always reflect reality. This speaker, priced at $999, is not the most affordable option out there, especially when compared to other brands like JBL and Ultimate Ears. However, it provides incredible features, such as a stunning 40-hour battery life and amazing sound that can reach up to 126 decibels due to its built-in amplifiers.
The SOUNDBOKS 4 has a special removable battery called the BATTERYBOKS, which charges using a regular USB-C charger. If you ever need an additional battery, you can purchase another one for $149, ensuring you never run out of power. You can also charge the speaker while using the battery, though this may affect its water-resistant features.
Now, could the SOUNDBOKS 4 take the place of a traditional PA system at events? The answer leans towards yes. PA systems, which combine mixers, amplifiers, and various speakers, can cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000 for good quality setups. Instead of shelling out for a rental, I utilized the SOUNDBOKS 4 for both music and announcements during the bazaar. However, having just one speaker limited the sound direction, meaning it wouldn’t deliver audio equally from all areas, but it still performed admirably.
Using the SOUNDBOKS 4, I realized how much money could be saved. After just two events, the speaker would pay for itself compared to renting a PA system. Plus, it can be connected to other SOUNDBOKS speakers or SKAA-enabled ones to create a stereo experience, which could fix the issue of sound directionality.
On the downside, this model uses Bluetooth 5.0 and is not compatible with the newer Auracast standard, making it less versatile for those without SKAA-enabled gear. It would be great if future versions adopted this enhancement for wider connectivity possibilities.
The SOUNDBOKS 4 also excels in terms of connections. You can plug in various audio devices through its AUX inputs and even set connection restrictions via its mobile app. Noteworthy is its IP65 water-resistant rating which truly holds up. During the bazaar, an unexpected downpour hit, but this sturdy speaker continued blasting music without missing a beat, uplifting our soggy spirits.
Despite its impressive performance, I found its heavy weight a bit challenging to manage. Although it has handles on the sides, carrying it can require a group effort, especially for those who struggle with heavy items.
As the event went on, the SOUNDBOKS 4 continued to function flawlessly through a very hot day without any technical issues. It proved to be sufficient for both music and shouting out small announcements.
For anyone who often organizes large gatherings, the SOUNDBOKS 4 is well worth considering. It is not only powerful enough to replace a PA system but also offers added benefits like portability and waterproofing. To get the most from it, purchasing two speakers would be ideal, allowing you to create a well-balanced sound system that would work perfectly for up to 200 people.