Test: JBL Pulse

Portable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen these days. What do you to one-up the competition? Add a bit of flash. It worked for the JBL Pulse.

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• The Pulse is like cross between a modern-day lava lamp and an oversized soda can. It is wrapped in metallic wire mesh that displays multi-LED lights that work as a visualizer for your music. Yes, it is very gimmicky but we like that it creates this groovy sort of ambiance. If you don’t like it, you can turn it off as well.

• Since it is just a bit wider than a soda can, it is portable enough to carry on trips with you. It feels solid and sturdy enough to handle a few bumps while in your luggage but we wish it still came with a carrying case.

• It is loud for a Bluetooth speaker. Around 50 percent, it can already fill up a medium- to large-sized room. And we think that is the sweet spot for the sound to not sound too harsh and unbalanced. You do have to remember that Bluetooth speakers aren’t known to be representative of best audio experience.

• The Pulse works well in the mid-range and generally has a balanced, natural sound. It is great with acoustic and rock tunes but it lacks a bit of that extra oomph in the lows. Bass is good enough but we were hoping there was a bit more of it. If you aren’t too critical a listener though, this speaker will suit you fine. You can even use it while you stream shows or movies on your mobile devices.

• Pairing via NFC or Bluetooth is an easy affair with this speaker. If you want to connect it with your old school iPod or other media players you can do so with the 3.5 mm audio port. It doesn’t come with speakerphone capability though.

• Controlling the Pulse is uncomplicated business. You still control your music through your device but on the Pulse you can adjust the volume, whether the visualizer is on or off, and what the visualizer will look like down to what color you want to be dominant.

• With the LED lights on and volume at around 50 percent, battery lasts around five hours or so, which should be enough for a dinner party or small gathering. You’ll get around nine hours or so with the lights off. You can check battery life from the five small LED lights behind the device.

• It is on the expensive side though, which makes us wish they added features like water- and dust-proof capabilities.

The verdict:

If you aren’t a fan of the lights, we suggest you look elsewhere. Otherwise, the JBL Pulse is a great conversation piece and a good way to stream your tunes either with a small gathering or even if you want to party it up on your own.

Spec sheet:

Frequency response: 105 – 20 kHz

Signal-to-noise ratio: 80 dB

Audio jack: 3.5mm

Connectivity: Bluetooth (2.402 – 2.480 GHz frequency range), NFC

Special feature: 64 LEDs with 5 pre-programmed light patterns

Battery: Li-Po 4000 mAh

Power output: 2 x 6 watts

Dimensions & weight: 79 x 182 mm, 0.5 kg

Price: P8,995