we tested the JBL PartyBox Encore

In The free Android We’ve talked about many smart speakers, but almost all of them had the same goal: to deliver a ‘smart’ experience rather than a music-centric experience.

[La apuesta de JBL y Harman: altavoces con sonido de calidad y componentes reciclados]

The last product I was able to test from JBL is different. The manufacturer, who recently renewed their range of devices for 2022, gave us the opportunity to test a device with which they think they can take the party elsewhere; literally speaking.

This is the JBL PartyBox Encore

The PartyBox Encore is a portable speaker, which focuses on providing the options needed to enhance any type of party; although it’s better if it’s one of those evenings with music, and even karaoke.

It’s a special device, as it’s unlike any other portable speaker I’ve tried; this one is much bigger and heavier, but with good reason. At first glance, it looks like a black cube, with an upper handle that does its job of making the 6.3 kilograms it weighs a bit more bearable. Indeed, it is only a portable speaker in the strict sense of the term, because of the handle, and because it has internal batteries, but it is clear that the priority has been on the music and experience.

At the top, there are all the commands you might need, including a volume wheel an improvable touch (it moves too easily for my taste) but at least I appreciate that it’s a wheel and not buttons. The rest of the controls are buttons, but again they fail a bit in contact, being those rubber-covered buttons; but that’s something I can accept, given that JBL brags about IPX4 splash resistancewhich allows us to take it to the pool or have a drink nearby without fear.

Because that’s where the key to PartyBox Encore lies: that it’s wireless. It has a huge internal battery (which is probably to blame for the weight) which allows it to last as long as the party lasts. Specifically, JBL promises up to 10 hours of use although obviously this largely depends on details such as volume and whether we use any of the special functions.

It’s also a karaoke machine

Apart from the ones I mentioned, at the top we find more controls, more dials that serve to control the PartyBox Encore’s second feature: it’s also a karaoke machine. In the same enclosure comes a wireless microphone, which connects to emit our voice with the music; and everyone knows that a good karaoke can do wonders at any party.

Speaking of the microphone, the first thing that definitely struck me was the high quality feel it offers; It is made of metal and has a good grip, although it can tire us a little after a long session.

We’re not dealing with one of those cheap party mics, this one could perfectly pass for a professional mic, saving distances, of course; When it comes to sound quality, the fact that it’s wireless is the big downside, but other than that, you should have no problem getting your voice heard. With the aforementioned controls you can vary aspects such as bass or treble, as well as add echo to your voice for those songs that wouldn’t be the same without that effect. Unfortunately, we no longer have voice-altering sound effects; I think it would have been ideal to make the audience laugh.

But for me, the big problem with this mic is that it has no internal batteries, relying on two AA batteries (included in the box); I would have liked to see a USB-C connection to recharge it in quiet moments.

Shocking sound and disco lights

But let’s get to the part that really stands out about the JBL PartyBox Encore: the sound. Perhaps I should have expected that from the brand, but the truth is that the sound quality surprised me in every way.

To start with, with a Power 100W, no matter where you use this speaker, you will hear it without a problem. This is surprising for a speaker which, let’s remember, is completely wireless; although if you have a socket nearby you can still plug it into the mains like any other, and it will fully recharge the battery in just over three hours.

Second, the sound is much more balanced than I expected. I was afraid it was one of those speakers that boosted the bass too much, destroying the rest of the sound spectrum, but it’s not like that; the highs and mids are not drowned out and remain in the foreground as they should, maintaining very pleasant bass. In fact, it may sound too “safe”, which may not surprise you at first.

But if what we really want is the loud sound of a disco, then our secret weapon is the “Bass Boost” button which, as its name suggests, improves the bass to the point that nearby objects will vibrate and we will feel the music in our body.

It’s the strongest bass I’ve ever heard from a wireless speaker, although it lags a little behind speakers with a dedicated subwoofer. When it comes to sound JBL has been up to the task, although it’s not the best you can get at this price and at high volumes you start to notice sonic artifacts which shouldn’t be the ; although it is unlikely that you will need such a volume.

But sound is only half the experience; vision is the other half. The PartyBox Encore has a set of lights that is able to change with the music, and it’s the feature that really changes the atmosphere. With a button we can switch between different effects and colors, although we can always leave it as default.

The internal elements of the enclosure are illuminated, obtaining a very striking effect; Additionally, on the top there are white lights that light up intermittently to enhance the effect.

Official app: personalize your experience

By default, the PartyBox Encore behaves like any other Bluetooth speaker, so we can associate it with our mobile the same way we would with headphones. There aren’t many options, other than changing the audio codec which is AAC by default (SBC is also available for compatibility).

If you really want to get the most out of it, this speaker is compatible with the official JBL PartyBox app which we can find on Google Play, and it is an easier way to control all the functions, in addition to some exclusive additions.

From the application we can control details such as playback and volume, but what is really interesting is that it offers us Better control over built-in sound and lights; Regarding the first, we have access to an equalizer to modify the sound as we wish.

We can also choose between the different light patterns preinstalled in the speaker, or directly control the lights, turning the ones we want on and off and selecting the color we want them to have.

Another feature I liked in the app is “DJ Sound”, a small sound library like claps, speakers or DJ decks that can liven up the party beyond just playing one song after another. Finally, a function to take into account is the one that allows us to connect a second Bluetooth speaker to the PartyBox Encore, so that they work in synchronization playing the same song.

The star of our evenings

The JBL PartyBox Encore is a wireless speaker like few others. Its sound is one of the strongest in its industry, and adding lights is one of those things that changes a party. It can be a perfect ally, and it will be everywhere thanks to its internal battery, even if it sacrifices a little portability.

It’s a speaker designed with a purpose in mind, and it does it well; Of course, this also means that if this objective is not your priority, it is not the most recommended JBL speaker, as it sacrifices aspects such as sound quality or smart functions.

But if you want to throw a party and you don’t have a speaker, this really is one of the best options right now.

You may be interested

Follow the topics that interest you