Matt HallowesWe recently put together the Loudest Bluetooth Speakers which we named The SOUNDBOKS 2, this year’s winner… So far. That might change after we found this powerhouse out of Berlin, Germany, the Teufel Rockster. The Teufel Rockster is a large Bluetooth speaker built tough, very loud and ready to party. The speaker has loads of features and some big sounds. Let’s take a look at why you might want to consider the Teufel Rockster as your next party speaker.
Teufel Rockster Specs
- Low-Frequency Drivers: 1x 15″ Woofer
- High-Frequency Drivers: 1x 1″ tweeter
- Power Output: 440W
- Inputs: 3x XLR, 1x 1/4″ Jack, Aux, Stereo RCA, 2x Bluetooth V4.0
- Outputs: 2x XLR, 1/8″ Headphone
- Battery: 30 Hours
- Weight: 70 lbs
The Design
Unlike most options you’ll find on the market today, the Teufel Rockster resembles something closer to a PA speaker as opposed to a regular portable Bluetooth speaker. The Rockster stands nearly 3 feet high and weighs a blistering 70 lbs. Certainly not the portable Bluetooth speaker you’d throw in a backpack! The Rockster is a two-man carry, and Teufel has been kind enough to provide a handle on either side.
Even better, Teufel provides you with four detachable wheels so you can roll your ROCKSTER speaker into the party in style.
The speaker enclosure comprises rugged plastic, while the speaker grille is surrounded by steel for protection against big parties. The Teufel logo is embossed on the front of the speaker grille in red giving the ROCKSTER a badass look.
The Features
Where the SOUNDBOKS 2 is pretty basic with a focus on big sound, the Teufel ROCKSTER is feature-packed with just as big a sound. The best feature of the ROCKSTER is the integrated DJ mixer built into the top of the speaker.
This is the first Bluetooth speaker we have seen with two Bluetooth channels! Each channel is connected to the DJ mixer, which allows you to mix music or have a battle with your mates. There’s even a crossfader, so you can switch between tracks like a pro. Each channel features a 3-band EQ with bass, mid, and treble controls for better mixing or tweaking the sound of a track. There is a lid on top of the mixer, so you can close it up and keep things protected when not in use.
There are three ways to power the ROCKSTER via a power socket, the 30-hour built-in battery, or even using a 12V car battery. The power cable is included, but the car battery cable is an added extra so make sure to include it in your cart at checkout.
On the back of the speaker, you can switch between these three power sources and also monitor the built-in battery life with an LED indicator. A USB output is provided for charging your mobile devices so you can keep the party going longer.
Inputs and Outputs
One thing the ROCKSTER has over most Bluetooth speakers on the market is inputs. The input panel is located at the rear of the speaker, where you’ll find all the inputs and outputs. There are two primary channels that connect to the DJ mixer and then a stereo XLR master input for an external DJ mixer or other stereo audio device.
The first channel allows for Bluetooth, ¼-inch jack, and stereo RCA inputs. The ¼-inch jack could be used for an instrument or microphone. The second channel has a ⅛-inch AUX and XLR input. There is a switch below the channels, so you can choose whether you want to use channels one and two or the stereo XLR channel. There’s also a master volume control and separate volume for the headphone output.
There is a stereo XLR output on the back of the speaker, so you can connect a Teufel ROCKSTER. You can even switch them to mono or stereo, depending on how you want to play your music.
What Does The Teufel ROCKSTER Sound Like?
The ROCKSTER features a single 15-inch low-frequency driver with a single horn-loaded 1” tweeter. The speaker produces a banging 440W of power which is enough to hit you in the chest and burst your eardrums if you stand too close!
The sound this speaker produces is exceptional. The ROCKSTER sounds more like a professional PA rather than a portable Bluetooth speaker. The bass is solid with a well-defined punchy sound. The SOUNDBOKS 2 does have slightly more bass, but the ROCKSTER’s low-end seems a little more refined.
The mid-range and treble are where the ROCKSTER leaves the competition in the dust. The mids are forward with excellent clarity. The treble is bright without sounding harsh or brittle at high volume. It’s perhaps not audiophile quality but certainly better than most Bluetooth speakers for sure!
When played side-by-side with the SOUNDBOKS 2, the ROCKSTER had slightly less bass, but the SOUNDBOKS 2 sounded a little muted and dull in the mids and treble. This is primarily down to the ROCKSTER’s horn-loaded tweeter, which helps throw sound a lot further than the SOUNDBOKS 2. In saying this, the SOUNDBOKS 2 isn’t a bad-sounding speaker, the ROCKSTER is just a really good-sounding speaker.
What’s In The Box?
- 440W Teufel ROCKSTER speaker
- Power cable
- Wheelset (4 wheels)
- Removable battery
Recommended optional extra: Cable to connect the speaker to a 12V car battery
Conclusion
While the ROCKSTER may be better than the SOUNDBOKS 2, at $1,100, it costs $200 more! If you’re serious about making a noise, the extra 200 bucks is certainly worth it. The ROCKSTER has everything you need to get a party going, and the DJ mixer is a superb touch from Teufel.
With three options to power your speaker, including a 30-hour built-in battery, the Teufel ROCKSTER is built to keep the party going all night… or all weekend.
