There’s a good chance that if you’re on a Tech Blog based around audio visual products you are probably interested in sound. But what if you couldn’t just hear sound but see it as well, that’d be cool right? Of course I’m not talking about the neurological disorder synesthesia where your brain processes data as alternative senses, but I am in fact talking about JBLs new Pulse 4 speaker!
So what do I mean when I say you can see sound? Well I mean just that…but more specifically, that the Pulse 4 is a Bluetooth speaker that also has a 360 degree LED display that pulses (now I get it!) in time with the beat. You can of course change the colours that you’ll see pulsing by changing settings via the JBL companion app.
While at first glance the whole light show idea might seem gimmicky, I’ll be honest and tell you that even I, a grizzled heavy metal veteran with a beard as long as Odin’s wrath, gave out a little squeal of delight as the glass looking display started bouncing in time with Cradle of Filth and Cannibal Corpse. It’s a cool design and definitely takes the idea of “Party Speaker” to a new level.
What would a party speaker be without quality sound though? I’m serious what would it be, like I’ve got a test in 5 mins and I didn’t study at all!
Fortunately, like practically every JBL product nowadays, the sound is just what you’d expect. Good clarity of sound with a depth of mid range but most importantly enough bass to power a Chase & Status reunion show. Now this does come with a caveat though! The pulse has absolutely no issue with power and can get to volumes that are frankly too loud, but as the volume increases the bass ability decreases, due to the battery focusing more on the power out than the sub. This can be alleviated though thanks to JBL’s Partyboost where you can link multiple JBL products to create an impenetrable wall of sound.
Next up on the list of attributes I need to talk about is the portability…..it is portable, perfect! With portable you of course need a battery and the Pulse 4 is no slouch coming in with a battery capable of around 12 hours of playback on a 3.5 hour charge. As it’s going to be outside in the elements, it also comes graded as IPX7 waterproof so get ready for some !!!HEAVY SPLASHING!!! whenever it’s around.
Well that was a good talk, I’m glad everyone came over, but if you’ll excuse me I’ve got some dancing to do: JBL LIGHTSHOW BEGINS!
Actually before I go, I’ll just remind you that the JBL Pulse 4 is in fact Bluetooth and produces sound in 360 degrees so no one gets left out of the party.
P.S. Please pop into your local Richer Sounds store and specifically ask for someone to show you exactly how the Pulse 4 works and refuse to leave until they describe it as “ like little dancing bees made of light in a jar.”
Author: Hal, Plymouth Store
