A pocket speaker for all occasions.

So, I finally got my hands on a product that usually flies past at various speeds in the park, attached to a bicycle, or lying in the middle of a picnic by the lake. This is exactly the column that stormtroopers from Star Wars wear on their belts - JBL Flip3.

Personally, I wasn’t particularly interested in purchasing such a gadget - I almost never ride a bike, hikes happen extremely rarely, and I prefer to listen to music either on my home audio system or on my favorite ATH headphones.

After using the Flip3 for a week, I started thinking about purchasing it. Fortunately, it is quite inexpensive.

Sporty, durable design with vibrant colors

The first thing that comes to mind when you pick up this device is how pleasant it is to the touch. The rubberized body, which protects from water and light impacts, and the part with the speaker covered with synthetic fabric leave a very pleasant feeling. Much better than regular plastic.

TO appearance there are no complaints - minimalistic design, materials that are pleasant to the touch and look.

I got my hands on an orange copy (not my favorite color), but the choice is quite large - as many as eight options. So, everyone can choose to their taste.

The speaker has a speakerphone function - you can phone call accept and answer on Skype. The microphone with noise and echo suppression function works perfectly - the interlocutor hears you perfectly.

However, the logic of choosing exactly this sign for the button indicating play/pause is not entirely clear. In this case it is a telephone handset. Still, first of all, this is a speaker for music.

Plus there is a separate bluetooth button, the only task of which is to activate the connection mode. It seems to me that it would be quite possible to add this function to the power button.

One of major changes The third thing about the Flip model is that it is not afraid of splashes of water or dirt. The manufacturer does not recommend completely immersing it in water (neither do we), but practice has shown that if such an incident occurs, the speaker will most likely survive. The main thing is not to forget to close the flap under which the USB and audio inputs are hidden.

The built-in battery does its job perfectly. It is difficult to provide an absolutely accurate report on charge usage, but during the first two evenings of listening, only one of the five charge indicators went out. Which is significantly better than the stated ten hours.

The equipment is quite poor. It's just a lanyard and a micro-usb cable, which everyone seems to already have. I think a mini-jack cable for audio connection and a cover for the speaker itself would be equally useful in this case. But I won’t quibble too much - these are all minor things.

How does it connect and work wirelessly?

The speaker has Bluetooth version 4.1 installed, so there are no problems either when connecting or when listening to music. Communication is maintained at the promised distance of ten meters, and even more in open areas.

If you want to connect a device without Bluetooth to it, or for some reason your player does not have this module, you can do this via the aux input. This is how I, for example, connected my volca keys synthesizer - the sound, of course, is much better than the built-in speaker.

Sounds decent and even rocks

When you turn on such a small device, you don't expect such serious bass. Such powerful lows are provided by two passive radiators. And the sound is tuned in such a way that the feeling that there is a trembling, humming subwoofer lying on the table does not arise at all. You hear the real deep, rich bass and kick drum.

Even on maximum volume Flip3 continues to amaze with clear sound without overclocking (at least I couldn't overclock it to that level). And it sounds very loud!

Needless to say, this is not a device for listening to high-quality lossless music, but in its category, this speaker has very impressive sound.
Even when listening to tracks from soundcloud (which, as you know, are at 128 kbp/s), the sound is surprisingly rich and pleasant. What can we say about the “correct” transmission of aac at 256 kbp/s or about connecting via wire.

The speaker produces stereo sound, but unless it's right in front of you there's little point - the speakers are close together. If you happen to have two such devices and at a picnic you want to enjoy all the delights of the artistic use of stereo sound, say, Sergeant Pepper, you can use the JBL Connect function - each of the speakers will reproduce one of two audio channels.

There is also a very convenient opportunity to connect up to three devices to it at once and play tracks from them one by one. Ideal for a party!

What thoughts remain, will I take it or not?

After testing this speaker, I, a person who had never even thought about buying similar device, I wouldn’t mind purchasing not just one such speaker, but two at once (for full stereo sound). With such a thing you can use mobile workplace organize it and turn it on at a party or just put it in the kitchen instead of the radio.

At a more than pleasant price (5,990 rubles), this is an excellent device without obvious drawbacks, which can be useful in very different situations.

JBL was one of the first on the world market to produce speakers for open spaces. High quality wireless speaker systems designed for use in the most extreme conditions. In this review we look at the model JBL Flip 4, similar to the already known JBL Xtreme and JBL Charge. What’s special about the new product and what advantages it has – everything is detailed in the article.

The JBL Flip 4 mobile speaker has the following characteristics:

• Speaker power – 2×8 W.
• Sound – stereo.
• The range of reproduced frequencies is 70 - 20000 Hz.
• Signal to noise ratio – 80 dB.
• Number of AC bands – 1.
• Power supply: battery (lithium-ion 3000 mAh).
• Time battery life– 12 hours
• Interfaces – Bluetooth.
• Inputs – linear (mini jack connector).
• Additional features: built-in microphone, waterproof housing.
• Dimensions (WxHxD) – 68x175x70 mm.
• Weight – 510 g.

Design and construction

The portable model is available in a wide range of colors. Classic discreet shades, bright and cheerful colors, camouflage colors for a brutal style - users will be able to choose a design to suit every taste.

As in the models from the previous release, the JBL Flip 4 wireless speaker is cylindrical in shape.

The body is made of impact-resistant plastic and covered with fabric with a waterproof layer. The side parts are made of dense rubberized plastic, which reliably protects the speakers from damage.

Like everyone else mobile systems JBL, the Flip 4 has the brand logo in the center of the case. On one edge there is a cord by which you can hang the device or attach it to your hand.

The control panel is located on the top of the case and consists of several rubberized buttons. They do not have a backlight, which makes it a little difficult to control in the dark. Although, as we know, you can also configure the audio system through the mobile device to which it is connected.

The battery charge indicator will allow you to observe the residual power and set the speaker to recharge in advance. It is worth noting that all connectors and ports are located under a sealed rubber plug.

The dynamics are not afraid of moisture, low and high temperatures. Even if you completely immerse the gadget in water, not a single part of it will be damaged. The manufacturer claims that water protection lasts up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. With such a speaker you can safely go on a trip in any weather.

Equipment

JBL spares no resources on quality packaging. The Flip 4 music gadget is packaged in a high-quality box and carefully wrapped in a protective foam covering. All characteristics and parameters of the device are indicated on the outside.

The package includes a Micro-USB cable for charging the battery, a lanyard, a device passport and a warranty card. Each item is carefully placed in separate packaging.

In the instructions the user will find detailed description models and rules of its operation.

Sound quality

It’s worth saying right away that, despite its compact size, the sound of this device is very loud. The acoustics are designed for listening in open spaces. It is not recommended to use the audio speaker in a closed, especially small room. The volume of the device is quite enough to distribute clear sound within a radius of 200 meters.

At any power, the sound is reproduced clearly, without any distortion. Low frequencies are clearly audible. Of course, this mobile gadget cannot compare with the bass of a wired stationary audio system, but considering its autonomy and dimensions, the speaker “pumps” the low bass very well.

The speakers play pop music best. Complex instrumental and vocal compositions sound somewhat dry. Although only avid music lovers can find fault with the sound quality. In general, the balance of speaker frequencies is harmonious, which is not always possible to achieve in such technology.

Autonomous operation

Wireless acoustic JBL system Flip 4 has a powerful battery. The data sheet states that the speaker can work continuously for 12 hours. However, the manufacturer cheated a little here and did not indicate at what volume the battery will last the maximum time.

In fact, it turns out that 12 hours of battery life is only possible at medium volume. If you listen to the speaker at full power, you can count on a maximum of 7-8 hours. Although, even this time is quite enough for a party or a sleepless night in the forest by the fire. But at a quiet level, the gadget can work longer – 13-15 hours, which is pleasantly surprising.

The battery is fully charged within 3.5 hours.

Comparison of JBL Flip 3 and JBL JBL Flip

The JBL brand presents a whole line wireless speakers in the same style, and having some differences in parameters. Let's make a small comparison of two externally similar models - JBL Flip 3 and JBL Charge 3 with the JBL Flip 4 model.

	JBL Charge 3	JBL Flip 3
Speaker power	2×8 W	2×10 W	2×8 W
Sound	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo
Frequency range	70 - 20000 Hz	65 - 20000 Hz	85 - 20000 Hz
Signal to noise ratio	80 dB	80 dB	80 dB
Number of AC bands	1	1	1
Nutrition	On battery	On battery	On battery
Battery life	12 o'clock	20 o'clock	10 o'clock
Interfaces	Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Inputs	Linear	Linear	Linear
Additional features		Built-in microphone, waterproof housing	Built-in microphone, waterproof housing
Dimensions (WxHxD)	68x175x70 mm.	213x89x87 mm	169x64x64 mm
Weight	0.5 1 kg	0.80 kg	0.45 kg
Price	4000 rub.	6000 rub.	5000 rub.

As you can see, the significant differences between these models are only in battery power, price and dimensions. Otherwise, the audio systems are almost identical.

In conclusion

Let's not forget to mention that the device has a built-in microphone, allowing you to hold conferences or simply communicate hands-free. You can also connect 2 to it at once mobile devices. However, all models in the line have these characteristics.

Overall, this is a high-quality, solid and reliable accessory that definitely deserves attention and can be recommended for purchase. We hope that the review will help you make the right choice and enjoy your favorite music in the most unusual conditions.

JBL Flip 3 review | Introduction

Just a year ago, you would have had to pay about $200 for a high-quality portable Bluetooth speaker that would please your ears. But the current generation of $100 speakers have brought similar sound quality to the lower price segment. JBL Flip 3– just from this series. The updated acoustics sound much better than their predecessor and are also moisture resistant. As a result, it can be considered one of the most interesting solutions on the market in its price range.

JBL Flip 3 review | Device

Like previous models, JBL Flip 3 is a cylinder with dimensions of 17 x 6.4 cm with rounded edges, covered with mesh material. Inside there are two 1.5-inch speakers and a micro-subwoofer at each end. For such a compact size it has a very rich filling.

Exterior color options run the gamut from yellow, turquoise, red, pink, orange, grey, blue and black. And only the subwoofer plugs at the edges always remain black.

The control panel provides volume controls, Bluetooth connections, and a speakerphone button. But the panel is located on the reverse side, so access to it is not so convenient. The panel is painted in the same color as the body and looks harmonious.

Below the panel there is a battery charge indicator and a power button. Nearby, under the moisture-proof rubber cover, there are USB input and a 3.5mm AUX jack. You can also use a button that allows you to connect two devices. JBL Flip 3 or establish a connection with JBL Pulse 2 or JBL Xtreme.

JBL Flip 3 review | Strength tests

One of the features of the new model JBL Flip 3– moisture protection. You can safely place the speaker next to the pool or don’t be afraid to leave it in the rain during a hike.

As an experiment, we placed the column under running water for a few seconds and it continued to work normally. However JBL Flip 3 does not have full protection from water, while its $100 brother UE Roll has full IPX7 protection and can even work underwater for at least 30 minutes.

JBL Flip 3 review | Sound

JBL Flip 3 has noticeably better sound than the previous generation models, and may well compete for the title of best compact acoustics in the $100 range. Previous incarnations of the Flip lacked high-quality bass, but in the current version with two additional drivers, this problem is eliminated.

In terms of bass JBL Flip 3 sounds much better than the same UE Roll, but a little worse than Charge 2+. Mid frequencies are also reproduced quite well. We listened to a number of compositions, consisting mostly of modern pop. And I would like to note that in all cases the vocals sounded excellent.

In Miles Davids' "Round Midnight" JBL Flip 3 and UE Roll, the brass instruments sounded a little muffled, but the piano and drums JBL Flip 3 were reproduced much more fully. Likewise, Lindsey Buckingham's guitar and vocals on "Never Going Back Again" sounded equally clear on UE Roll and JBL Flip 3. But JBL had better bass, which made the sound richer.

With speakers rated at 8 watts each JBL Flip 3 Has good volume for such a baby. We measured 90 decibels at maximum volume, but the sound begins to distort at this level. At 85 decibels, the speaker sounds more decent, which will be quite enough for listening to music in a medium-sized room.

JBL Flip 3 review | Speakerphone

Play the voices of your interlocutors JBL Flip 3 It turns out better than other Bluetooth systems. The sound is quite rich. At the same time, the interlocutors noted that the author’s voice also sounded a little better than when using the speakerphone on the iPhone itself.

JBL Flip 3 review | Battery life

JBL says the system can last up to 10 hours of playback, which is average among Bluetooth speakers, but better than the UE Roll's claimed nine hours. However, after 10 hours of operation at low and medium volumes, the charge indicator on the system showed that only half of the energy had been used.

JBL Flip 3 review | Software and setup

The speaker connects quite easily to Android and iOS devices. The operating distance is also quite satisfactory. For example, at a distance of one and a half meters, devices show the maximum signal level.

JBL Connect software has limited functionality when working with a single speaker. It can be used to update the firmware, but it lacks equalizer settings and a number of other functions available with the UE Roll. If you have another speaker at your disposal JBL Flip 3, Pulse 2 or Xtreme, you can combine them into one system and thereby create a wide acoustic landscape.

JBL Flip 3 review | Conclusion

If you need high-quality and relatively inexpensive portable acoustics, then JBL Flip 3 should definitely be on your list. With good bass and high-quality sound, the acoustics also have protection from water and good battery life.

Compared to the UE Roll, the latter lacks high-quality bass and does not have a speakerphone mode. However, Roll has more functional software and it has an alarm clock and equalizers.

If you need acoustics for hiking or camping, then UE Roll will be preferable in this regard, although JBL Flip 3 sounds better than her. And if you value bass and need the speakerphone function, then in this case JBL Flip 3 would be a more suitable option.

Pros: good bass for a portable system, high-quality speaker, splash protection.

Cons: distortion at high volume.

• 1. Equipment
• 2. Specifications
• 3. Design and assembly
• 4. Sound
• 5. Autonomy
• 6. Where can I buy it?
• 7. Conclusion
• 8. Video review of JBL Flip 3

The first speaker models in the Flip line were quite budget-friendly. They were distinguished by a completely plastic body, limited functionality and mediocre sound. JBL tried to bring the latest copy as close as possible to the standards of the company’s more expensive acoustics.

The JBL Flip 3, which we have reviewed, can still be called an affordable portable audio system: its price varies between 4-5 thousand rubles. At the same time, the speaker is no longer afraid of water, can synchronize with other devices and significantly surpasses its predecessors in sound quality. Read about other innovations below.

Equipment

The packaging of the audio system is made in the classic JBL style. On the top cover there is an image of the speaker and the main advantages of the device; on the back are the main technical specifications Flip 3. The internal surfaces of the box are covered with foam rubber, so that the contents are reliably protected from damage during transportation.

• JBL Flip 3;
• MicroUSB cable;
• Documentation.

Specifications

• Number of channels: 2.0;
• Power: 16 W;
• Frequency range: 85Hz – 20000Hz;
• Signal to noise ratio: 80 dB;
• Battery: lithium-ion, 3000 mAh;
• Dimensions: 169 x 64 x 64 mm;
• Weight: 450 g.

Design and build

Compared to the previous two copies of the model line, Flip 3 has significantly advanced along the path of proper design. The device is shaped like a cylinder with slightly rounded edges on the top and bottom base. Unlike its predecessors, most of the device's outer surface is covered with a grippy textile surface.

The only place not covered by fabric chain mail is made of soft-touch plastic. There is also a button for activating the speaker, a button for pairing it with other portable audio systems (for example, you can combine several Flip3s together), an indication of the charge of the built-in battery and a plastic plug. Hidden under the flap is a microUSB connector and a 3.5 mm AUX input. Charging function external devices not available in power bank mode.

The icons of the remaining buttons are printed in the form of convex relief symbols on textiles. Among them are two volume keys, a search button affordable smartphone via Bluetooth and answer key for mobile phone calls. The functional elements are easy to find, but their response time is not very pleasing, since the column responds to some presses with a slight delay.

There is also no traditional play or pause button. Its functions are performed by the same key for activating the speakerphone. A single click stops the current track, two clicks in a row switch to a new track.

Flip 3 does not have any stands; the speaker can be mounted vertically on one of the passive radiators or placed horizontally. In the second case, it will not roll on a flat surface due to the strap being attached on top. Traditionally, JBL offers a wide range of audio system colors. There are eight Flip 3 body colors to choose from.

There are no complaints about the assembly and dimensions of the device. The chainmail-like textile surface that covers the speakers feels good in the hand, and the plastic inserts do not collect fingerprints. By the way, Flip 3 is protected only from splashes of water; it is not recommended to immerse it under water for a long time. Before use, be sure to ensure that the plastic plug on the wired interfaces is tightly closed.

Sound

During the first activation, the device immediately goes into synchronization mode with other speakers. To start pairing with your smartphone, just click on the Bluetooth audio system icon. Turning the Flip 3 on and off is accompanied by a fairly loud beep.

Two 40 mm speakers with a total power of 16 W are responsible for the acoustic performance of the device. In theory, the Flip 3's speakers operate in stereo mode. In practice, this effect is very difficult to distinguish if there is only one column. Stereo sound is heard much more clearly during synchronous operation with another JBL audio system.

You can connect up to three third-party devices to Flip 3. This could be a laptop, tablet or smartphone. This function is very convenient at a party, where everyone can play their favorite track directly from their phone.

Despite its rather small dimensions, the speaker is capable of producing fairly deep bass without compromising the high frequencies. The composition sounds smooth throughout its entire length frequency range, no distortion was noticed even at maximum volume. The Flip 3 handles almost any genre of music very well. The device does not claim to be at the Hi-Fi level, but it is capable of satisfying 90% of users.

Another advantage is the minimal difference in sound quality when playing from a computer and via Bluetooth. Wireless communication Flip3 maintains a distance of approximately 10 meters.

Autonomy

Inside the Flip 3 there is a non-removable 3000 mAh battery. The manufacturer promises about 10 hours of stable operation of the device at medium volume. In reality, we managed to squeeze out a couple more tens of minutes from the speaker before the final shutdown.

Battery discharge is indicated by a red LED on the plastic insert of the case. There is no sound notification, so annoying signals will not distract you from listening to music. Approximate charging time is 3.5 hours.

Where can I buy

Conclusion

• Compactness;
• Large selection of coloring pages;
• Excellent build;
• Protection against splashing water;
• Availability of speakerphone;
• Powerful bass.

• Not the fastest response time to button presses;
• Modest equipment.

The average cost of JBL Flip 3 in Russian online stores is approximately 5,000 rubles. For that kind of money, finding an alternative of suitable quality is quite difficult, since this audio system has practically no shortcomings.

The speaker is compact and easily fits into a bicycle cup holder or small bag. At the same time, its sound quality and autonomy deserve truly high praise. We recommend for purchase!

Video review of JBL Flip 3

It's a versatile, portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers unexpectedly powerful, room-filling stereo sound anywhere. This ultra-compact speaker is powered by a rechargeable 3000mAh Li-ion battery to deliver up to 10 hours of continuous high-quality stereo playback.

The speaker is designed with durable, splash-resistant fabric materials available in 8 vibrant colors, making it a versatile all-weather companion that fills your life with music anywhere and anytime - from your desk to the edge of the pool, sunny mornings or rainy nights. ..

In addition, Flip 3 features a noise-cancelling and echo-cancelling speakerphone for clear conference calls, while JBL Connect lets you combine wireless network multiple speakers that support this function, thereby enhancing the acoustic listening experience.

	Wireless streaming via Bluetooth Wirelessly connect up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker (one at a time) for unexpectedly powerful, room-filling stereo sound.
3000 mAh battery Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery Provides up to 10 hours of battery life.
	Speakerphone Take incoming calls on the speaker with the touch of a button, and the sound will be crystal clear thanks to the noise-cancelling and echo-cancelling speakerphone.
Splash protection Thanks to the splash protection, you don't have to worry about rain or spills - in fact, the speaker can even be washed under the tap. However, do not immerse it in water.
	JBL Connect Create your own sound system by combining multiple JBL Connect-enabled speakers to expand your listening experience.
Stylish materials Durable fabric and a rubberized casing will help the speaker withstand all the adventures you take on.
	JBL bass driver Hear the bass, feel the bass, see the bass... Paired external passive radiators will show everyone how powerful your speakers are.