One of the most popular brands of audio equipment in world markets is the JBL brand, created in 1946 and owned by the Harman International concern. The company produces various devices, ranging from car subwoofers to headphones and portable speakers. The latest model in the line is the JBL Charge 2 portable speaker.
Specifications
- Uses Bluetooth 3.0 protocol to wirelessly connect up to three devices simultaneously.
- TRS 3.5 mm connector for wired connection.
- Possibility of working in wireless headset mode.
- Two passive radiators.
- Two wide range speakers.
- The maximum noise level is 80 dB.
- Frequency range - from 75 to 20 thousand Hz.
- Integrated 6000 mAh battery.
- Ability to charge third-party gadgets via USB connector.
- Small weight - 602 grams.
- Compact dimensions - 184x76x76 mm.
JBL Charge 2 wireless speaker design
The appearance of 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 had a negative impact on the weight of the speaker: it exceeded half a kilogram. Perhaps this characteristic of the 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 characteristics of JBL Charge 2 is the thoughtful shape of the case, in which the speakers are covered with plastic grilles recessed into the base material. The full-range speakers are located on the manufacturer's logo side, while the second grille is installed only for symmetry in the design.
The grilles are separated at the top by a control panel equipped with backlit keys. The buttons are not touch-sensitive, as is common on modern devices, but pressable. This characteristic of JBL Cherge 2, such 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 swings are embossed. Next to the tube there is a small hole - a microphone.
Passive radiators are located at the ends of the column. They are not protected by anything, but at the same time they are recessed quite deeply into the body, due to which, as users especially note in their reviews of the JBL Charge 2, there is no impact on them. During operation, the emitters vibrate quite noticeably.
On the right side of the case there are small legs that allow you to install the speaker in a vertical position. In the JBL Charge 2 acoustics, a characteristic indicating the battery charge level is a special indicator located under the volume buttons.
Under the grille located on the back of the speaker, three connectors are hidden: for charging third-party devices - a high-ampere 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 is why it easily tips over. Despite this, in the reviews, users note that this does not threaten the acoustics, since after several swings its speakers remain pointed upward.
Battery life and management
On a single charge, JBL Wind 2 can work up to 10 hours - this is longer than most compact counterparts. This time is clearly stated for medium volume. I just listened to the speaker in exactly this mode and it really lasted for 10 hours, plus or minus an hour.
JBL Wind 2 charging
The charge level is conveniently displayed on the display: 5 sections, obviously 20% each . On an Android smartphone, information about the remaining charge is displayed in a standard place (in the top status bar). The speaker charges in about 2-3 hours. You can listen to it while charging.
Do not forget that at high volumes, portable speakers work much less than the time stated in the specifications, and this model is no exception. But it will last 4 hours at maximum. In this mode, it will probably “shout out” the city traffic around a cyclist, for example.
