One of the main criteria for choosing an acoustic system at the amateur level is still size. Massive speakers will certainly fill the large room with sound, withstanding the frequency-amplitude transitions throughout the spectrum. However, such equipment can not be taken with you for a walk, on a trip or to the country. The concept of mobile analogues of music systems has not existed for the first year, but it is precisely recently that this segment has gained unprecedented popularity.
At the same time, users are looking for not just speakers, but models with a wide functional content. A fairly common option today is portable acoustics with a radio and a flash drive, supplemented by good power. Such systems are present in the lines of many manufacturers, but for a start it is worth considering the features and operational capabilities of portable devices.
Features portable acoustics
Musical equipment of this type is created with an emphasis on two characteristic differences. First of all, this is the possibility of battery life. Such models are calculated not just for use in another room, but for listening to music without connecting to an outlet. Accordingly, portable acoustics with a radio and a USB flash drive works either from batteries or from batteries. The presence of USB will be beneficial not only the ability to connect a USB flash drive, but also power from a computer. There are also devices that combine both methods of power supply.
The second characteristic difference is due to the fact that mobile systems have small dimensions compared to stationary speakers. Of course, this affects the sound quality. There is no question of any transfer of the possibilities of classical acoustics outside the house. However, against the background of ordinary headphones and compact MP3 players, portable speakers stand out noticeably for the better. As for the other parameters and characteristics, they are slightly different from traditional models.
Main characteristics
The range of reproducible frequencies will largely determine the basic acoustics. The upper limit can vary from 10 to 55 kHz. Accurate signal processing as close to natural sound as possible requires this indicator to be as high as possible. The playback quality in this section also depends on the number of bands - the best choice involves the presence of three speakers. The lower frequency level is responsible for the bass.
In the case of portable models, the speakers can reproduce from 20 to 500 Hz. The lower this indicator, the richer the sound will be. Among the primary characteristics of any music system is power. Already in the basic configuration, portable speakers with a radio and a USB flash drive can contain a subwoofer - bass reproduction is also implemented on this channel. To determine the power, you should take into account the RMS indicator, that is, the rms value. The range varies from 1 to 150 watts.
Specialists pay attention to the ratio of signal to noise indicators. If you turn on the volume setting to the maximum, but without sound, you can hear the noise background. It should increase with increasing signal strength. This value varies from 50 to 100 dB, and the larger it is, the better the sound.
Radio and flash drive support
In this case, the presence of a radio tuner and support for a flash drive are prerequisites, although not all manufacturers provide acoustics with such functionality. It should be noted that radio in mobile systems is limited only to work in the FM band. If a wider playback format is required, then you should consider the possibility of synchronizing equipment with another device that supports the required range.
Now it’s worth moving on to other devices that this kind of speaker system can work with. So, portable speakers with a USB flash drive provide the ability to play files directly from a removable drive. Actually this opportunity turns equipment almost into a music center. In addition to a flash drive, a hard drive can be connected to the system, and in some models there is also a slot for an SD memory card.
Additional functionality
Bluetooth is commonly used to communicate with other devices. The module is easy to manage and convenient if you need to connect the device without using wires. The only thing to consider when buying models with this technology is the number of supported tags. This number determines how many devices can be connected with acoustics and quickly switch from one to another during operation. To facilitate synchronization, the acoustics with Bluetooth are also equipped with NFC-type modules, thanks to which the pairing is realized by holding the device to a special mark.
The Wi-Fi channel performs similar functions, at the same time opening up Internet access. Through this option, the user can directly stream music from a smartphone through the speaker system. Or you can configure the radio using the web service. Especially for fans of Apple gadgets, some manufacturers offer AirPlay technology, which increases convenience when organizing the interaction of two devices.
What else to consider when choosing?
It would seem that the usual parameters of choice during operation can bring surprises. For example, many do not correlate the weight of the columns with the nature of further operation. If you need a model for use in the office or at the cottage, then you should not make discounts on mass - large speakers will provide better sound quality. If you plan to use the system in nature or in the process of walking, then compact Sven speakers with small dimensions and weight are suitable. For comfortable listening, it is worthwhile to foresee the noise protection that modern models are equipped with - such an addition will not spoil the impression of listening to your favorite tracks, even if cell phones and other signal receivers work nearby.
It will not be superfluous to foresee the possibility of passive operation - that is, without its own power source. Already noted the possibility of charging from the USB interface when connected to a computer. In addition, portable speakers with a flash drive are able to perform their function when connected to mobile devices.
Sven Model
Manufacturer Sven implemented the idea of compact and easy-to-use acoustics in the Boogie Ball model. The shape of the system resembles a flattened multi-colored ball, which is small in size and light - by the way, its mass is 600 g. The spectrum of reproduced frequencies varies from 100 to 20 000 Hz, and the power of single-band equipment is 2.4 watts. In terms of functionality, the Sven acoustics is endowed with almost all the features characteristic of a modern model. But there is another advantage to this version of the mobile speaker - it's a price tag. The manufacturer implements this acoustics for only 400 rubles. Obviously, you can’t find a high-quality system at this price, so you should get ready to work with a flimsy cable and a weak plastic case. The rest of the device is an optimal entry-level solution with USB support for a flash drive.
Offer from Supra
A more serious version offers the company Supra in the performance of the Pas-6255. Although the outwardly single-band device resembles car speakers, it can also be used as a universal system. The list of options contains: USB with the ability to connect a USB flash drive, an FM tuner, a slot for CD cards, as well as a clock with an alarm clock and a voice recorder. As for operational parameters, the model is a 5 W stereo system powered by batteries, a battery or the same USB interface.
It is also possible to work with headphones through the standard Supra mini-jack. Acoustics in this version is estimated at 1200 rubles. In terms of data, this is not bad, but you should also prepare for a number of shortcomings. For example, a blinding display under the sun and an inconvenient menu navigation are noted. Compensates for these flaws decent sound, in particular, you can hear bright and clear bass.
Model by JBL
The company once offered a very decent portable speakers Charge. With balanced functionality and tolerable sound, the model was inexpensive, which ensured its success in the market. Today, the portable JBL speakers are represented by the Pulse version, which continues the Charge concept. The features of this system include dynamic backlighting, in which many colors are involved. There are plenty of such options on the market, however, Pulse feels a responsible approach both to the implementation of the backlight modes and to the characteristics of the light supply itself, which does not tire the eye.
The advantages of the device, users also include overall workmanship, optimal sound settings and 5-hour battery life. Unfortunately, the JBL portable speakers in the Pulse series are not cheap deals. Its price tag is 8000 rubles, but models with an original design and extremely competent illumination are always in demand.
Sony speakers
The Sony brand offers portable speakers in the SRS-X5 modification, which have an impressive arsenal of capabilities. The device weighs more than a kilogram, but it is compact in size. Immediately it should be noted the quality materials of which this portable speaker is made. Reviews note that the attractive appearance of the system and the soiled surfaces of the case make it necessary to handle the equipment with care. Inside contains 3 speakers with a total power of 20 watts. Actually, sound quality is the main advantage of this system, not counting the possibilities of connecting to a computer, playing audio disks and radio, as well as synchronizing with mobile devices.
Acoustics from Yamaha
The Japanese manufacturer has considerable experience in the development of music projectors, so the speakers with a flash drive in the performance of the NX-P100 received well-balanced characteristics. The model has a compact multi-colored case weighing 1.5 kg, which contains two broadband speakers. Acoustics provides the ability to use the USB interface for a variety of purposes, has wireless modules and NFC technology.
It should be noted that this is one of the few options that, in addition to functionality and sound quality, offers good protection against external influences. These are speakers with a flash drive, which are isolated from water from different sides, that is, speakers can be safely used on the beach.
Philips Version
Philips is also known for portable devices, including the base model P9. On its platform, the continuation of the line in the form of the Fidelio P9X speakers has recently been released. Compared with the previous version, the novelty got rid of the stand, which made the case more concise and generally more attractive. In terms of sound quality, the model should be considered as one of the best in the class. The fact is that this is not just portable acoustics with a radio and a flash drive, but a music system with two broadband speakers and a couple of tweeters. Of course, there is a downside to this configuration - size and weight. This representative of the Fidelio line cannot be taken with you for an easy walk, although outdoor recreation may be optimal for using this model.
Conclusion
As you can see, the segment of mobile speakers is quite diverse. Almost all modern models support working with USB-interface, have FM-receivers and many other useful additions. But the best portable speakers also combine optimal sound performance and practicality in operation. The presence of powerful multiband speakers will provide a decent musical background, and reliable and resistant to damage materials of decoration will protect the technical stuffing from external influences. Unfortunately, these and other little things are not always implemented by manufacturers in one model, but a certain balance can still be found.