Matt HallowesThe SOUNDBOKS 2 certainly lives up to its name as the self-proclaimed “loudest battery-powered speaker in the world.” Whether or not that’s true, there is no doubt the SOUNDBOKS 2 is seriously loud! So loud, in fact, it topped our Loudest Bluetooth Speakers of 2020 list. So, what makes this speaker so popular – even at its $900 price point?
SOUNDBOKS 2 Specs
- Low-Frequency Drivers: 2 x 10” drivers with 2 x bass radiators
- High Frequency Drivers: 1” tweeter
- Power Output: 216W
- Battery Life: 40 hours
- Inputs: ⅛-inch AUX
- Dimensions: 17” x 25.6” x 13”
- Weight: 33 lbs
What’s Changed From the Original SOUNDBOKS?
SOUNDBOKS 2 Features
The best thing about the SOUNDBOKS 2 is its simplicity. The speaker doesn’t have an array of fancy buttons or features. It has a volume control, which goes to 11, and an environmental preset selector. On the original SOUNDBOKS, there was a switch to adjust the bass output. SOUNDBOKS has now made the bass feature automatic based on the audio signal it receives and replaced the functionality with Indoor and Outdoor modes.
With indoor mode, the speaker sounds fuller and richer to adjust to the surrounding environment, while the outdoor mode delivers better throw and power so you can project more sound over a greater distance. If you have ever used a speaker outside, you’ll know it generally sounds less powerful. The Outdoor mode helps adjust the speaker so it sounds the same outdoors as it does indoors.
Another great feature of the SOUNDBOKS 2 is the awesome 40-hour battery life. Now, it has to be said the 40-hour life will only be achieved by using the AUX input and operating the speaker at 50% volume. For most circumstances, this level is more than sufficient. If you run the speaker at full power and via the Bluetooth connection, you’ll probably get closer to 10 hours of playing time. Still very impressive, given the power this speaker produces.
Of course, you can purchase additional battery packs, and the battery will recharge from flat in around 4 hours. So with just two packs, you can keep the party going all weekend. You can also operate the speaker while plugged into a power outlet.
SOUNDBOKS 2 Inputs
The SOUNDBOKS 2 allows for ⅛-inch AUX and Bluetooth for audio inputs. If you’re planning to use this speaker with a DJ setup, you might want to go with the AUX input for better sound and connectivity. The speaker features Bluetooth 3.0. This isn’t the most up-to-date version of Bluetooth. However, it does provide 60 ft of range, and we haven’t heard of any issues or complaints.
SOUNDBOKS BACKPACK
At 33 lbs, the SOUNDBOKS 2 is a little awkward to carry around if you want music on the go. So, the people at SOUNDBOKS designed the BACKPACK. The SOUNDBOKS BACKPACK allows you to carry a SOUNDBOKS 2 on your back with straps to keep the speaker comfortably in place. If you do choose to purchase this accessory, make sure you pick up some earplugs, too!
What Does The SOUNDBOKS 2 Sound Like?
The SOUNDBOKS 2 is rated to deliver 122 dB of sound. To put that into perspective, a military jet aircraft take-off from an aircraft carrier with an afterburner at 50 ft is 130 dB. So, no need to worry about sound levels.
The speaker features 2 x 10-inch drivers, which do an outstanding job with the low-end response. For urban genres and dance music, this speaker will not disappoint with a nice well-defined, chunky bass sound. The mid-range and high-frequency responses are surprisingly clean and clear. Vocals are upfront and present, while snares and claps in hip-hop and EDM come through with a nice tight snap. If you have an emcee rapping over beats, their voice will come through bright and clear.
What’s In The Box?
Included with the SOUNDBOKS 2:
- BATTERYBOKS 2 (battery pack)
- Charger
- AUX cable
Conclusion
While the SOUNDBOKS 2 is an incredible speaker, it does come with a high price tag of $900. If you have the money to spend, don’t think twice and buy this speaker. The SOUNDBOKS 2 is not just a loud Bluetooth speaker; it’s closer to a PA system in terms of sound level and quality. The speaker is incredibly durable and has one of the most solid speaker grilles we’ve ever seen on a consumer speaker. It’s built to last and make a lot of noise.
If you’re looking to drown out the surrounding vehicles at your next tailgate party, you’ll likely have no competition to this powerful speaker. This speaker is the ultimate in power and sound.
The only downside to the SOUNDBOKS 2 is its inability to pair with at least one other SOUNDBOKS 2. There is, however a way around this. If you have a mixer with stereo outputs, you can send the left to one speaker and the right channel to another. This will give you a stereo PA system with 432W of sound!
