JBL has presented a new product in the acclaimed Pulse series, featuring an omni-directional backlight design.
A generation one step below produced a stunning light effect, but in this case it is truly an extravaganza: 4 models illuminate the entire body at once. However, whether this transformation was so necessary – we will consider in the article.
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Appearance, design, dimensions
Let’s start our review of JBL Pulse 4 with a design that has a wow effect. In this version, the manufacturers abandoned the boring circular arrangement of the illumination, and endowed the device with the maximum number of sources around the entire perimeter. The control keys are located on the upper edges. In the deactivated version, the column looks ordinary, but looks futuristic. These are several RGB diode strips, which are enclosed in a white case and covered with a tinted plastic overlay. The LED screen is installed at the full height of the device, and the glow is scattered in different directions.
Below and above are woofers that provide excellent sound. Some manufacturers put emphasis on bass, while JBL designers chose to balance all frequencies.
Despite the abandonment of the lower ring, the dimensions of the device remained the same: 9.6 cm wide and 20.7 cm long. However, the weight of the speaker has increased by 300 grams and now stands at 1.26 kg, which can be heavy for transporting with one hand or listening to music on weight. Also included with the device you will find a USB-C charging cable, a rectangular Type-A connector and a manual with recommendations for use.
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Battery and autonomy
As for the technical side of the battery in the review of the JBL Pulse 4 speaker. The audio equipment has a 7260 mAh rechargeable battery, which provides:
- the duration of the device is up to 12 hours;
- when several parameters are activated simultaneously, the duration can be reduced to 8 hours.
The charging time is 3.5 hours.
Sound
The fourth-generation Pulse speaker modification unconditionally delivers more powerful notes. Each individual instrument sounds distinctly here, in contrast to the mixing in the previous version.
The jbl pulse 4 review would be incomplete without the characteristics of the sound of the device.
- The column has a large bass index (not less than 70 Hz).
- In the equalizer, you can increase the bass sound. Due to this, notes of sabbas will appear – a rumble will appear and the sound will be blurry.
- The passive emitter of sound frequencies in this case looks down, and therefore the bass sound is not bad.
To understand how the speaker still plays, you need to familiarize yourself with the brief characteristics of the JBL Pulse 4. There is only one dynamic head with a peak power of 20 W and a standard size of 57.2 mm. This is enough for a distinct perception of highs and mids with many shades, and questions arise about the bass.
The sound propagation source is directed upwards and is located just below the label. Users who have already tested the speaker note that the sound quality largely depends on the position of the device. But, as soon as the speaker starts to work on weight, the bass becomes flat and the sound is muffled.
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Functional
Due to the change in the column configuration, the functionality has undergone changes. A toggle switch for turning on and Bluetooth is located along the ring , followed by a color scheme control key and a mode activator.
With its massive and medium weight, the control does not hinder the user and is intuitive. For easy access and pressing with one hand, the power button and PartyBoost are located on the side panel. The final interface element allows the speaker to connect to mobile devices and speakers. At the same time, the ability to connect with the JBL Pulse 3, which supports JBL Connect + mode, is completely absent.
From the opposite side panel, the manufacturers installed music on / off keys, volume controls. Below is an indicator for quickly determining the charge level and a USB Type-C port through which you can charge the battery. The developers have updated the content and made several changes. More details about transformations in the table:
| Peculiarity | JBL Pulse 3 | JBL Pulse 4 |
| Bluetooth | version 4.2 | version 4.2 |
| AUX input | + | – |
| Output for 3.5 mm “jack” | + | – |
| Microphones | + | – |
| Frequency range | 60 Hz | 70 Hz |
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Price and quality
You can buy JBL Pulse 4 for 6500-7000 UAH. This is 1500 thousand more expensive than the previous model. With this amount, you can buy the Sony SRS-XB501G, which operates without recharging for 16 hours, and is also controlled by a voice assistant. You can also consider a more massive option in the form of LG PK 7 . The expediency of this purchase directly depends on the purpose of the purchase: sound or special effects. However, the column corresponds to the declared value.
In conclusion of the review, it can be noted that the JBL Pulse 4 is an improved model. To increase the brightness of the LED backlight, it was necessary to remove the microphone, 3.5 mm jack and AUX from the device. This allowed us to create a truly unique product.
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