Hello!
The West comes up with it, China copies and produces.
This phrase characterizes a lot of Chinese goods.
Another confirmation of this is the hero of today's review – the Pulse X2 wireless speaker, which is a variation on the JBL Pulse theme. The Chinese did not even bother coming up with a name, they copied it too.
Unfortunately, I could not find the manufacturer's name on the box. But for such a product, this is not particularly important.
Appearance and materials
The device is delivered in a simple cardboard box, in which, in addition to the speaker itself, there were two cables – microUSB and a Jack 3.5 audio cable.
I was surprised by the absence of any accompanying papers. Only a device and two cables.
The box does not indicate any characteristics other than a description of the main functions, so some possibilities had to be reached by a scientific poke.
There are three main functions declared.
- Loudspeaker (using the speaker for telephone conversations)
- Music playback time – 10 hours.
- Protection against rain and water jets (no indication of protection standard).
That's all.
Judging by the abundance of Spanish on the box, it was intended for the Spanish market.
There are 6 colors in total.
The speaker feels very light in the hands, although direct comparison with speakers from other manufacturers makes it clear that this is just a feeling. The body itself is also made of matte plastic with a slight soft-touch effect, which in this case is rather a minus than a plus – the column very easily collects fingerprints, which are not easy to wipe off.
The ends are covered with rubber. On one end there are controls in the form of three buttons, on the other side there are ports and connectors, which, judging by their design, are not protected from moisture in any way. It is for this reason that I did not test the speaker for splash resistance.
It is clearly seen that when water gets on the connectors, it will easily get inside.
The front of the speaker is covered with a black painted metal mesh. Black mesh for all body colors. Under the mesh is some kind of sound-permeable fabric behind which the LEDs are hidden.
On the surface, the column can be placed both vertically – with any end, and horizontally – with only one side. Rubber feet are provided for horizontal placement on the side surface.
In general, the appearance does not boggle the imagination, but it does not repel either. Calm design without any frills.
The main 'feature' becomes visible after turning on the column.
Functional
LED lights.
The backlight is made in the form of rows of diodes of four colors. The backlight has four colors. which are located each in its place. Yes, this is not JBL with its tints, everything is strict here – four colors in two rows.
During switching on and off, the speaker emits a rather loud sound signal, illuminating it with flickering diodes, and immediately enters pairing mode. Moreover, she is constantly in this mode. You do not need to press any separate key combinations. Included and match.
Pulse X2 cannot connect to multiple devices at once.
The control is implemented using the method familiar to other devices.
To change the volume, you must hold down the corresponding button to the required level. Pressing once changes the track.
The middle key, besides turning the speaker on and off, starting or stopping music, music, has two more functions. This is the acceptance of an incoming call and a change in the operating modes of the backlight.
There are six modes, including two types of graphic equalizers that flicker to the beat of the music. The rest of the modes are variations on the theme of running lights.
This is perhaps the most striking feature of the speaker.
In addition, the column can play music directly from a memory card. There is a separate slot for this. Of the tested formats, mp3, wma, wav are supported.
Flac didn’t even try it, since it makes no sense on such a product.
The device 'sees' the music on the card not only 'from the root' but also in the folder one level down. But he can't switch between folders, playing everything in a row, apparently in alphabetical order.
Phone calls
Of the unpleasant features, I should note the function of the external speaker for calls that did not work for me. Answering and ending the call worked, but the sound continued to go through the phone, and I still could not get the speaker to be an external speaker and microphone. I don't even know if the speaker has a microphone.
Sound
By this parameter, everything is not easy.
First, the speaker is pretty loud. The volume is enough to serve a room with an area of 70-80 m². At the same time, the column noticeably lacks bass. It's not that it's not there, but you catch yourself thinking that the sound seems to be constantly on neutral equalizer settings. From time to time, there is a desire to add bottoms.
In general, the sound of the speaker is dominated by high and middle frequencies. At maximum volume, the sound becomes shrill.
However, I was pleased that even at maximum volume the speaker does not wheeze, there is no rattling or sand.
As for the purity of the sound, it is debatable. On the one hand, there is nothing to complain about, but there is no sense of joy from listening. Neutral. Plays and plays, well, okay.
In other words, the sound did not catch on.
Conclusion
The stated operating time is true. The column plays all 10 hours, plus or minus half an hour. Sound without zest. It is suitable for scoring a small picnic in nature or in the country (take it with you to barbecue), or as background music at work. I would definitely not use it in order to seriously listen to music and enjoy my favorite songs.
On AliExpress, a column can be found for an average of 1200 rubles.
Of the features, I can single out, well, perhaps the LED backlight with six operating modes, the declared splash protection (not tested), and a considerable operating time from a single charge. Of the minuses, do not forget the easily soiled case, which will have to be constantly put in order, and the headset function that has not worked.
This sample is not remarkable for anything else.
Despite the LEDs, the cost seemed to me not small. However, among external acoustics with light and music, nothing at a lower cost could be found.
I cannot advise her for purchase, but I will not dissuade her either.