Jbl charge 2 with bluetooth support. JBL Charge - the sound that is always with you

The jbl charge 2 wireless speaker is the clear sales leader in the acoustic segment. Why does it attract buyers so much? The secret of success lies not only in the adequate price, but also in the technical capabilities of the speaker.

Specifications

A detailed acquaintance with the portable speaker charge 2 from the manufacturer jbl should start with studying its technical characteristics:

• wireless connection is carried out using bluetooth technology (version 3.0), protocols A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2 are supported;
• the presence of 3 connectors. The device is charged via Micro-USB, the sound source can also be connected via a 3.5 mm TRS port (not only via bluetooth). Through the USB input, the speaker can communicate with other devices - a phone or tablet;
• one of the main indicators of the capabilities of portable acoustics is the signal-to-noise ratio. In the description of the device, a figure of 80 decibels is declared - this is comparable to the sound of a started motorcycle or a loud scream;
• frequency range (this indicator characterizes the quality of the reproduced sound) ranges from 75 Hz to 20 kHz;
• built-in 6000 mAh battery - powerful enough for long work;
• column size - about 18.5 cm in length, diameter - 76 mm;
• device weight - just over 550 grams;
• the package also includes a cable for charging the device, a power supply, 2 replaceable plugs.

An interesting feature of the jbl charge 2 column is the Social Mode function - 2-3 users can connect to the device at the same time. Tracks from their devices will be played in turn, with a minimum pause between songs. You can turn on the Social Mode function by pressing one button on the top of the column - it shows three silhouettes of people. With the same button, you can switch tracks without waiting for their end.

While playing music, a call may come from the phone - in this case, the charge 2 column has a microphone. It is noteworthy that the sound of a ringtone will pour from the speaker. It is possible to answer a call through the speaker of the speaker, that is, it can be used as a speakerphone. When the conversation ends, the device will automatically continue playing audio files.

Another useful function cannot be bypassed in the review - with the help of the column, you can charge various gadgets, for example, a smartphone or tablet. This can be done using a USB cable connection. It is worth considering that the charging process will take a long time - up to several hours. If you use the column to recharge other devices, then its battery life will be significantly reduced.

The appearance of the acoustic device also deserves attention. The column is streamlined, vaguely reminiscent of a tin can, there are no prominent, distracting details. The buttons are flush with the top panel, the connectors are hidden almost at the very bottom. There is a button illumination, there is also a battery charge indicator - these are 5 dots, which are also highlighted. The speakers are decorated with steel membranes in colors with the manufacturer's logo, which effectively vibrate during low-frequency music reproduction.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any budget or amateur equipment, the charge 2 portable acoustics from the manufacturer JBL have their advantages and disadvantages. Even with a cursory study of the functionality, several advantages emerge at once.

1. High-quality sound - the device copes with its main task perfectly. In any situation, whether it be an apartment party, an outing in nature or a corporate office, loud and clear sound is guaranteed everywhere. Of course, it will be difficult to compete with professional charge 2 speaker systems, however, due to the modest price, you can close your eyes.
2. Acceptable price. You can buy acoustics from JBL for about 5,000 rubles, and if there are shares in the store, the cost will barely exceed 3,000 rubles. This favorably distinguishes charge 2 from its closest competitors - the price of similar speakers from other brands is about 20% higher;
3. Long working time. The wireless speaker can play music at medium volume for up to 17 hours without recharging! Increasing the volume will decrease the operating time by a couple of hours. But even at full volume, the speaker will work for at least 12 hours!
4. Stylish and ergonomic design. The elegant form of the speaker has already been mentioned above, now you should pay attention to the convenience of charge 2 in use. The device is pleasant to hold in your hands - the body is made of dense rubber with a velvety matte surface. Dust, small dirt and scratches are almost invisible. During operation, the column can be placed horizontally - there are several elevations at the end. In an upright position, the device is less stable, but this arrangement is also acceptable. The column is available not only in black, but also in blue, red, white and violet colors.
5. Compactness. Its light weight and size allow you to take the device on trips or just carry it in your pocket. Healthy lifestyle enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to attach the speaker to a bicycle bottle holder.
6. Practicality. In addition to the main function, the column in the "field" conditions will help to recharge a dead phone or tablet.

The disadvantages of the JBL bluetooth speaker are much less than the advantages. Insignificant shortcomings are found only when comparing the functionality of charge 2 with more expensive models.

1. Long charging time. We are talking about both the device itself (the column can be recharged for about 3-3.5 hours), and about charging other gadgets, for example, phones, by connecting to USB.
2. The column is not universal. In rooms that are too small or large, the sound may not be ideal, and errors may occur when playing chamber music.
3. The housing is not protected against moisture. This means that it is undesirable to use the speaker system outdoors in wet weather or in damp rooms.

Comparison with charge and charge 3

The popular charge 2 speaker has a predecessor - the charge model. Compared to the first version, there have been big changes in the appearance and filling of charge 2:

• the sporty two-tone body has been transformed into a plain one, with soft outlines;
• improved sound quality when the speaker is connected via bluetooth. In the first version, complaints were caused by the middle frequencies, the charge 2 model has no such problems;
• the function of accepting an incoming call from the phone was added, since there was no microphone before;
• the duration of work has increased from 8 hours to 14-18 hours. According to many consumers, this was the most anticipated change;
• the weight of the device has also changed - before the column weighed more than 650 grams.

According to the subjective feelings of individual users, even the quality of the plastic and rubber coating of the case has improved!

If we compare the charge 2 and charge 3 models, then the latest version also saw significant improvements:

• the case has become waterproof - the device is not afraid of rain, humidity and even full immersion in water;
• the sound quality has improved. If in the early versions of the JBL Charge line, picky music lovers were dissatisfied with the reproduction of low frequencies, now the sound is recognized as almost flawless;
• the design is dominated by recognizable features, but the color range of the speaker body has expanded to 11 shades. On sale you can find devices of an unusual turquoise or burgundy color;
• the battery capacity has also increased - up to 20 hours. Even if you use the column every day for several hours in a row, you will need to charge it every 8-10 days;
• the size and weight of the speaker became larger, but the ergonomics remained at the same comfortable level.

The changes in the Charge 3 device could not but affect the price. Now the cost of the column starts from 8,000 rubles and can range up to 12,500 rubles. But even this cost allows charge 3 to compete successfully in the market with other speaker systems.

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the JBL charge 2 column, we can conclude that this model successfully combines a full set of necessary functions and a reasonable price. A pleasant bonus for the buyer is the luxurious appearance of the speaker and the proven reputation of the JBL manufacturer.

Appearance

JBL Charge 2 has a cylindrical shape, which is familiar to us from the first model. It is worth noting that the new column is somewhat longer and wider.

It now has 2 full bass speakers visible on the sides of the device.

On the front, there are mid-range and tweeters hidden under a metal mesh.

Above there are additional buttons for controlling the column, which were not in the previous generation.

All connectors are now located at the back. These include a micro-usb connector, a 3.5mm jack and a USB connector.

If we talk about the quality of plastic, then it is at its best here! It is immediately evident that the designers and engineers have tried to create a really high-quality device.

All plastic parts have a rubberized surface.

The buttons are protected from moisture, which makes it possible to operate the device outdoors or, for example, in the bathroom.

The JBL Charge 2 is heavier than the first series speaker. Apparently this is due to the reinforced built-in battery.

Principle of operation

Let's take a look at how this thing works in order. For this we need a speaker and a sound source. This source can be any Bluetooth-enabled device or with a headphone output. The most common option is a smartphone. On the speaker, you must turn on the "Bluetooth" button. The column becomes available to all devices. The smartphone needs to connect to the JBL Charhe 2 device.

After successful pairing, all devices are ready for use. Now all sounds will be transmitted to the speaker.

Functional

In addition to sound reproduction, the JBL charger 2 is capable of charging other devices via a USB socket. Hence the name “Charge” - charge. Thanks to a capacious 10000 mAh battery, the speaker can make sound and charge the device at the same time.

In technical terms, the difference between the first and second model, in addition to size and appearance, is a whole set of new features. Among the main ones, one can single out the reception of a phone call directly from the speaker, i.e. Hands-Free. Plus, in addition to volume control, you can now pause music. Also, it became possible to connect to three devices at once.

Autonomy

There are no complaints about autonomy. Thanks again for the powerful battery. JBL Charge 2 works quietly for 8-10 hours at medium volume. For charging, a complete 2.4 A charger is used.

Conclusion

After using the speaker for a long time, I got an ambivalent impression. On the one hand, you are holding a high-quality thing in your hands that makes a great sound. But on the other hand, there is one fat minus to this sound. Dear readers, carefully look at the production date of the column, it is indicated on the box! The fact is that when playing bass, the sound starts to wheeze. All 2014 speakers will be defective!

Agree, it will become very offensive, buying such an expensive thing, to hear the wheezing of the speakers. Therefore, it is worth carefully looking at the date. In the new 2015, this problem was solved, so take the devices released since 2015!

The device I'm reviewing was released in 2014 and it wheezes. There is a lot of information on the Internet about this problem. And if you are faced with this defect, then you should contact the service center, where everything will be fixed for free.

In conclusion, I want to add, despite this controversial drawback, I was delighted with the JBL Charge 2. I have not heard even better quality portable sound.

This speaker was presented at IFA, but I have been using a serial sample for about two months now and will be happy to tell you what is the difference between the second version of one of the most popular portable speakers on our market.

Design, construction

Most importantly, there are holes on the left and right, something like bass reflexes, and they are designed in the same way as a number of Harman / Kardon products. The metal circle with the logo is fixed on a movable rubber membrane, the vibration of the speakers makes the membrane vibrate. You can watch this for hours, it looks very cool. Moreover, it also affects the sound quality - everything is just fine with low frequencies.

The speaker is available in five colors: blue, red, white, purple and black. The selection is unusual, white looks great. All colors are matte, since the main body material is very hard rubber, it is pleasant to hold it in your hand. Dust does not accumulate on the surface. The grilles are made of metal, at the bottom there is a rubber stand, even when playing at full volume, the speaker does not slip. On the bottom there are USB connectors, 3.5 mm, microUSB input for charging.

During playback, the speaker is best placed on a stand, but if you want, you can put it on the end, although I would not do that. On the upper part there are control buttons and light indicators, this is the power button, activation of Bluetooth (it is also responsible for pairing), volume control, and answering a call. The hole next to the handset is a microphone, the JBL Charge 2 can be used as a speakerphone. Icon with figures of people - Social Mode, three people can connect their smartphones and tablets and start their tracks in turn. It turns out a kind of mix, one includes Sinatra, the second house, the third Igor Nikolaev. And all of them almost without pauses, stutters, interruptions, without the need for painful pairing - they tried, everything quickly and clearly. For young people and parties, the function is just great.

Column dimensions - 79 x 184 x 75 mm, weight - 540 grams. It does not take up much space in a suitcase and does not particularly affect the weight, if anything, you can put it in your hand luggage. But in the hotel you will have great music, in Berlin it was very important, because you had to sit in your room for a long time and prepare materials - without music it would be completely boring.

On the upper part there are light indicators - dots, they will tell you what is happening with the column battery. Please note that it takes a long time to charge, since a capacious battery is used here.

Connection methods

You can connect any device to JBL Charge 2 via Bluetooth or using a 3.5 mm cable, it's a pity that this is not included in the kit, the user will have to look for a cable on his own. Bluetooth 3.0 profile, no problems with connection.

Features:

This is the already mentioned Social Mode, well, let's not forget that the name itself suggests the purpose of the device, it is charging other gadgets. Take any USB cable, connect the speakers to the connector and charge any smartphones, you can even charge the tablet. The function is very good and will come in handy for a picnic, during gatherings in a hotel room or on the street near the entrance.

Supported protocols A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2.

Nutrition

The claimed operating time is about 12 hours in sound playback mode at full volume, in reality these figures are approximately the same as stated. Just keep in mind that if you connect other devices to Charge 2 for charging, the operating time will decrease.

The battery capacity is 6,000 mAh, if you're wondering.

Sound quality

Let me remind you that the column can be used as a speakerphone, the quality of speech transmission is not bad, the interlocutors did not particularly complain, but I spoke in quiet places - I don’t know how it will be in noisy ones.

In terms of music, here are some of the official specs:

• Transducer: 2 x 45mm
• Rated power input: 2 x 7.5W
• Frequency response: 75Hz - 20kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio:\u003e 80dB

In principle, there is no sense from these numbers - the column sounds great. JBL put some great speakers here and did some serious work on the internals. Rounds at the ends are needed not only for beauty, low frequencies are perceived completely differently compared to the first generation speaker - in general, the Charge has changed. If you don't see what exactly is playing, you can think of some kind of large column. But in fact, this is the little Charge 2.

Like any other portable device, JBL Charge 2 cannot be called universal, it is more suitable for electronic music - due to the specifics, everything is not bad here with low and high frequencies, but this cannot be said about the middle. However, it doesn't matter for the target audience. The first Charge was chosen for “Oh, how loud it is! It also charges the smartphone. " The second is even louder and can charge even longer.

conclusions

The column is already on sale in Europe, the price is about $ 150, the first version in Russia costs about 4,000 rubles, for JBL Charge 2 they will ask about 5,500 rubles, while these are just my guesses, the official price tag has not been announced. What to say? The design is better and the movable membranes at the ends look very cool, I think all the owners will periodically throw a glance at them while the music is playing, this is a cool feature. Very good body materials, recognizable design. Anyway, a nice combination, metal and rubber. Convenient control, excellent Social Mode function, built-in microphone, excellent sound quality, the ability to charge any smartphones via the USB port, long operating time, as much as 12 hours of playback.

JBL Charge has become a household name for any portable speaker system for many. This is not surprising, since JBL portable speakers combine great sound quality in a small footprint, add water protection and a large battery to that, and you have an almost ideal speaker for outdoor recreation. In this review, you will learn about one of the most popular portable speakers in the JBL range, the Charge 2+.

Charge 2+ specifications

• Dimensions: 79 x 184 x 75 mm
• Weight: 540 grams
• Sound power: 2 x 7.5 W
• Signal to noise ratio: 80 db
• Frequency Response Range: 75Hz - 20kHz
• Emitters: 2 x 45 mm
• Battery capacity: 6000mAh
• Battery life: 12 hours

Equipment

• Portable speaker
• MicroUSB cable
• Instructions
• Charger box with replaceable plugs

JBL have already released Charge and Charge 2, the third version with the + prefix received protection from water ingress and became a laconic continuation of the line.

Appearance

As I already said, the main difference between the Charge 2+ and other models in the line is its protection against water, which allows not only using it in the rain or in the shower, but also washing it with running water. For a wearable device, the function is really useful.

And, although the speaker can be washed, it cannot be immersed in water, so you will hardly be able to listen to music under water.

Despite all the tests under running water, the column plays great. It is not clear only what will happen to the connectors, since they are not covered by anything - time will tell.

At the ends of the column there are two bass reflexes, covered with a metal plate with the logo of the company, which vibrates in time with the music. It looks very cool.

There are a total of 8 different JBL Charge 2+ colors available.

Vibrant colors and a matte rubberized surface that does not leave fingerprints leave only a pleasant feeling.

Connectors for charging and connecting external sound sources are located at the bottom, control buttons are on top.

Autonomy

The column confidently fulfills the 12 hours of continuous playback declared by the manufacturer. The acoustics can also be used as an external power source for recharging other devices, but keep in mind that this will shorten the operating time.

Connection

There are two ways to connect a portable speaker:

1. Through a 3.5 mm jack using an aux cable, which unfortunately is not included in the package.
2. Using bluetooth. The column supports bluetooth 3.0, with the ability to simultaneously connect up to 3 devices thanks to the Social Mode technology.

Sound quality

JBL Charge 2+ is loud, you don't even expect a strong sound from this size, but the speaker is quite capable of filling a room with sound - just what you need at a party. Moreover, the sound is dense with enough bass. The only thing missing is the midrange, but for the music that this device focuses on, this is not critical.

Dance and electronic music sounds great.

Thanks to the built-in microphone, the speaker can be used as a speakerphone, and the built-in SoundClear noise cancellation system improves the sound quality in noisy places.

conclusions

Take or not take, it's up to you, but for me the column is worth its money (at the time of this writing, you can buy it for 7190 rubles on the website of the connected JBL Charge 2+). Which manufacturer will offer you excellent sound in a water- and dirt-resistant case, and even a powerful battery with a powerbank function.

Now there are many analogs from Chinese manufacturers that offer identical options at a fraction of the price. An example in the screenshot below (the picture is clickable, the description is on the link).

One of the most popular brands of audio equipment in the world markets is the JBL brand, created in 1946 and owned by Harman International. The company manufactures a variety of devices, ranging from car subwoofers to headphones and portable speakers. The latest model in the lineup is the JBL Charge 2 portable speaker.

Specifications

• Uses Bluetooth 3.0 protocol to wirelessly connect up to three devices simultaneously.
• 3.5mm TRS jack for wired connection.
• Ability to work in wireless headset mode.
• Two passive emitters.
• Two wide-range speakers.
• The maximum noise level is 80 dB.
• The frequency range is from 75 to 20 thousand Hz.
• Integrated 6000 mAh battery.
• The ability to charge third-party gadgets via the USB connector.
• Low weight - 602 grams.
• Compact dimensions - 184x76x76 mm.

Contents of delivery

Together with the portable speaker JBL Charge 2, only the power supply, replaceable plugs and operating instructions are supplied. No additional accessories are implied.

Charge 2 design

The appearance of the Charge 2 is practically no different from the previous model and is focused only on mobile and general use. The original JBL Charge 2 looks like a cylinder, making it easy to attach, for example, to a bicycle frame using a standard holder.

The large battery negatively affected the column's weight: it exceeded half a kilogram. Perhaps, this characteristic of JBL Charge 2 is the only one that can cause inconvenience to the user.

The body is mostly made of rubberized plastic. One of the distinctive features of the JBL Charge 2 is the well-thought-out shape of the case, in which the speakers are covered with plastic grilles recessed into the base material. The full-range loudspeakers are on the side of the manufacturer's logo, while the second grille is installed only for symmetry in the design.

At the top, the grilles are separated by a control panel equipped with backlit keys. The buttons are not touch-sensitive, as is customary on modern devices, but are depressed. Such characteristic of JBL Cherge 2, as the absence of protruding parts, is a good advantage, especially if the acoustics are used in extreme conditions. You can distinguish the buttons tactilely, blindly, the volume swing is embossed. There is a small hole next to the tube - a microphone.

Passive radiators are placed at the ends of the column. They are not protected by anything, but at the same time they are deeply recessed into the case, thanks to which, as users especially note in their reviews on JBL Charge 2, they are not affected. During operation, the emitters vibrate very noticeably.

On the right side of the case, there are small legs that allow you to set the speaker upright. In the JBL Charge 2 acoustics, the characteristic that marks it is a special indicator located under the volume buttons.

Three connectors are hidden under the grill located on the back of the speaker: for charging third-party devices - a high-current USB-input, for connecting sound sources - TRS 3.5 mm and for charging a gadget - microUSB.

Due to the elongated base, the column does not have sufficient stability, which makes it easy to tip over. Despite this, in the reviews, users note that this does not threaten the acoustics, since after several shakes, its speakers remain upward.

Column measurements

Many users in their reviews carried out various tests of the characteristics of JBL Charge 2. For this class of acoustics, the uniformity of the frequency response graph is acceptable at intervals from 75 Hz and 2 kHz and from 5 kHz to 12 kHz. It should be noted separately that the schedule reaches an acceptable level quite early.

The maximum sound pressure, which is often measured by specialists, is one of the important parameters of loudspeaker systems. The check is simple: the column is placed on a chipboard table in such a way that the main speakers are directed towards the measuring microphone. At a distance of one meter from, a measuring microphone is attached at the same height and connected to a spectrum analyzer.

Synchronized with a smartphone with setting the maximum volume level. During the test, the average dBA readings are recorded for half a minute of sounding in any player of the so-called pink noise.

According to the results of the tests carried out, we can say that the portable acoustics of JBL Charge 2 are practically not inferior to their counterparts in terms of sound quality and volume.

Sound

JBL speakers are distinguished by excellent sound quality: even the fake JBL Charge 2 sounds more open and louder than their original competitors - for example, the Sound Blaster Roar. The lower and upper registers are more detailed, which allows you to convey the nuances of the sound of various musical instruments.

The JBL Charge 2 manual mentions such a function as simultaneous synchronization of up to three third-party devices. The gadget that was connected first remains the priority: the rest do not enter until the playback on it is finished. When you press the corresponding key, priority is transferred to the device that is currently connected to the speaker.

The disadvantage of the JBL speaker as a wireless headset is the reduced microphone sensitivity: in order for the interlocutor to hear at least something, it is necessary to move close to the speaker. Despite the fact that the maximum volume is not high, the timbre of the voice is broadcast without any distortion.

The maximum volume level is sufficient for sounding a room with an area of \u200b\u200b20 square meters. The JBL speaker at a volume of 50-70% copes well with any genres and compositions, delighting listeners with clear high notes, detailed bass and a good middle. This gadget is ideal for both background sounding and creating a working atmosphere.

JBL Charge 2 is almost the first speaker on the acoustics market, capable of playing heavy compositions at a fairly high volume level. In detail and depth of low frequencies, losses occur only at maximum volume. Despite its compact size, the speaker accurately and efficiently reproduces many genres of music. Controversial compositions are best played out at an average volume level.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a feature of the Charge 2 as a fast Bluetooth connection - a pair is created in almost a second, while analogs need five to seven seconds to connect. The JBL Charge 2 manual indicates a battery life of 12 hours, during which music playback is smooth. The mentioned time can be reduced by several times if portable acoustics are used as a charger for a tablet or smartphone.

Acoustics from Harman were not only improved by the manufacturer, but completely redesigned, which made it possible to create one of the best speakers in their class and at such a price on the JBL Charge 2. The gadget has good bass, plays music very well for its category at the maximum volume level and comes with a capacious battery that allows you to charge third-party devices. The average price of JBL Charge 2 is 7 thousand rubles.

Autonomous work of the column

At an average volume level, when connected to a tablet, the JBL speaker can work for 18 hours, after which the battery is completely discharged. The large battery of high power allows the JBL Charge 2 to show good battery life in comparison with similar devices in the same price category, slightly inferior in this indicator to some other portable speaker systems.

Connection options

You can synchronize the JBL Charge 2 portable speaker with any devices and gadgets using a Bluetooth connection or using a 3.5 mm cable. Unfortunately, such a cable is not included in the kit - you will have to purchase it separately. The connection uses the Bluetooth 3.0 profile - high-speed high-quality connection.

Distinctive features of acoustics

As mentioned above, the main feature of JBL Charge 2 is the mentioned Social Mode, that is, the ability to charge third-party gadgets. Using a standard USB cable, you can connect any device to a portable speaker - smartphone, tablet, player - and charge it while listening to music. This function is very beneficial and useful and will play a good service in situations where it is difficult to access the network to fully charge the gadget.

Review results

Throughout the years of its existence, portable acoustics of the JBL brand have made a good impression on users, striking with their quality and excellent sound. Coupled with an original and unique design, the Charge 2 significantly outperforms its main competitors in the same class and price range. The ability to charge third-party devices can help the user out during travel or long walks, which has been repeatedly noted in numerous reviews on JBL Charge 2. The cost of Charge 2 with such a set of functions and characteristics does not look so high: the column may well compete with the expensive products of famous brands, bypassing many of them.