Portable bose soundlink mini bluetooth speaker. Portable acoustics Bose SoundLink Mini II buy with delivery. What's changed in the Bose SoundLink Mini II

I'll be the first :-)
I purchased this device today. I was choosing between the Bose soundlink mini and this one, and still chose this one. Firstly, the price difference. Secondly, I didn’t notice a very big difference between the mini and Color. Of course it exists, but I compare it with the mini only because the mini today is considered, in fact, almost the standard of such technology. Now, more specifically... The sound is very good. The mids and highs are quite well balanced, and the bass is also present. Compared to most similar speakers... the Color's sound is not like a can, but quite decent. I repeat...balanced and quite soft. That is, it is really pleasant to listen to. Personally, I need the speaker mainly for watching movies at low volume. And she is doing this well so far. Oddly enough for such a device... there is no cacaphony of sounds. Everything sounds quite clear and crisp. Of course it also depends on the quality of the audio. Compared to the mini, the sound here lacks volume, and the bass is certainly less. But I’m not a big fan of very big bass, the main thing is that it’s there and doesn’t drown out other frequencies. Just as they don’t blend in with them and don’t drone on. Some films sound a little muffled, but I repeat, this depends on the quality of the audio. Overall I expected the worst. There has been no desire to take the speaker to the store yet. For me, the advantages are its greater mobility and stated operating time. But it’s too early to judge this. Overall a good balanced sound. With bass and everything. Sometimes it’s a little dull, but I haven’t noticed a big “canning” effect yet. Everything sounds very good for such a speaker.
I also like the appearance. I got it in blue and it looks pretty good. Slightly retro, perhaps. voice notifications, which can be turned off, but they do not interfere. You can connect two devices at once and use them alternately, which is also convenient. You can also connect a player, but I have not tested this. For my purposes, watching a movie, sometimes music or radio, is fine for now.

Advantages:

Sound, compactness, ease of use, appearance.

Flaws:

Haven't noticed it yet.

Period of use:

less than a month

The SoundLink Revolve+ is larger, louder, and creates more spacious sound than the SoundLink Revolve. Additionally, the SoundLink Revolve+ system features a comfortable handle for easy portability in your hand. The battery life on a single charge is 16 hours for SoundLink Revolve+ and 12 hours for SoundLink Revolve. The remaining characteristics are identical.

What devices can connect to SoundLink Revolve+?

The SoundLink Revolve+ mini system can be connected to any device that supports Bluetooth®, as well as having the ability to connect using a cable - via a 3.5 mm jack. Bluetooth® connections can be accelerated using NFC.

Does SoundLink Revolve+ support wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi® or WiDi?

No, SoundLink Revolve+ only supports Bluetooth® wireless connectivity.

What is the range of the SoundLink Revolve+ wireless connection?

The wireless range of SoundLink Revolve+ is up to 9 meters. The range of reliable reception depends on the Bluetooth® implementation of the connected device, and may also be reduced in the presence of obstacles (walls and metal structures), interference from Wi-Fi and other wireless devices.

How many devices can be connected to SoundLink Revolve+ at the same time?

SoundLink Revolve+ remembers the last eight connected devices, removing information about the oldest one from memory when connecting a new one.

Can two SoundLink Revolve+ mini systems connect simultaneously in Party mode?

Yes, Party mode is available when using the Bose Connect app and two systems: SoundLink Revolve+ or SoundLink Revolve.

Is it possible to stream music from online services (Deezer, Spotify and others) from my computer to SoundLink Revolve+?

Yes, as long as your computer is Bluetooth enabled and within 10m of the SoundLink Revolve+.

What happens when the SoundLink Revolve+ system is playing music from a connected smartphone and receives an incoming call?

When a call arrives, music playback will pause and a ringing sound will sound. The call is answered by pressing the multifunction button; the system will operate in hands-free mode, thanks to the built-in microphone. When the call ends, music will continue to play.

What is the battery life of the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve systems?

System battery life depends on volume, source used, and other playback settings. On average, battery life on a single full charge is up to 16 hours for SoundLink Revolve+ and up to 12 hours for SoundLink Revolve.

How long does it take to charge the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve battery?

When using the included charger without simultaneously playing music, the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve battery will be fully charged in 4 hours. Charging from other devices via USB cable may take longer.

What is the purpose of voice prompts?

Voice prompts make connecting Bluetooth® devices easier by providing feedback to the user. They also announce the names of connected devices, which simplifies simultaneous work with several devices.

Is it possible to turn off voice prompts?

Can the Bluetooth® mini system be used as a speaker system to accompany video audio (for example, when watching a movie on a tablet)?

Yes. Please note that due to the nature of Bluetooth® audio transmission, audio delays may occur. For the most accurate synchronization of video and audio, place the mini-system as close as possible to the device playing video - in direct line of sight, at a distance of no more than 2 meters.

What does IPX4 waterproof rating mean for SoundLink Revolve+ mini systems?

The IPX4 rating determines the degree to which the device is protected from impact from solid objects (including body parts such as hands and fingers), dust, and from dripping water entering electrical circuits. The level of security of SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve meets IPX4 requirements with some margin and can withstand prolonged exposure to water splashes. This means you can use the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve in places where there may be direct contact with water (on the side of a pool, at a sink) without worrying about the device getting wet (from pool splashes, in the rain, while washing a car, in the kitchen) . In this case, the system must not be immersed in water.

A portable speaker with an unusual layout that can help you have fun in a variety of situations; The strength of the Bose SoundLink Revolve is its sociality, which is achieved through surround sound, but there are other tricks, for example, a pair of Revolves can work together...

Scope of delivery

• USB cable
• power unit
• Documentation
• Bose Connect app for iOS/Android devices
• Charging cradle available as a separate accessory

Design, construction

The popularity of the Bose SoundLink Mini has pushed the entire category of small Bluetooth speakers into space - now it seems to many that portable speakers have always been on the market, but in fact, only four years have passed since the introduction of the first Mini. At first, the speaker was tested in the USA and Europe, even those who did not believe in the possibility of high-quality sound at such a size were surprised and placed an order, then fame spread to Russia.

I remember how I convinced my friend to try the Bose SoundLink Mini and even went with him to the store to dispel all doubts, he listened, was surprised and immediately laid out the money. The most interesting thing is that before the Bose SoundLink Mini there were many different small speakers on the market, serious efforts were made by a variety of companies - Nokia tried to get people hooked on such things ten years ago, portable speakers were made by Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Jawbone. But, people should be convinced of the need and capabilities of the device before paying - at some point a turning point occurs and sales reports skyrocket before saturation occurs. By the way, now is a strange moment when all self-respecting companies have portable acoustics, five or six positions each, speakers for business trips and get-togethers in the garden, protected or unprotected, ultra-compact ones for running and huge systems with Bluetooth that can help organize a small concert. And there seems to be no saturation yet, companies are quietly updating their lines, new names are appearing. Apparently, this situation will continue for another couple of years, together with Bluetooth headphones, the category is quietly growing, blooming and everything is fine - but for the consumer it is very important to choose the right thing in the sea of ​​​​portables.

Here we should immediately note that in the case of portable acoustics, price and the name of the manufacturer always matter and, even without hearing, it is easy to notice the difference. Therefore, I will not fail to repeat an important thought - before you pay, go to the store and listen for yourself with your tracks. Or listen when the courier from the online store arrives. They don’t charge you money for it, but you won’t be disappointed.

Bose carefully prepared for the spring-summer season of 2017, presenting three portable speakers at once: Bose SoundLink Revolve, Bose SoundLink Revolve + and Bose SoundLink Color II. The most expensive among them is Bose SoundLink Revolve +, the most affordable Bose SoundLink Color II. I’ll say in advance that I personally liked the Bose SoundLink Revolve + the most, but the usual Revolve, a summer hit, will sell with all its might. There will be separate texts about all columns for greater convenience for you, but I decided to start with Revolve. Another important note: Mini II remains on the shelf; the speakers are not discontinued. Nothing is known yet about the continuation. So, Revolve is simply an extension of Bose's "portable" line.

Just like in the Mini, and in many other Bose devices, good sound quality here is achieved through the use of a fantastic circuit - only one (!) wide-range speaker is installed in the case, working with passive membranes directed in opposite directions.

A similar scheme is used in Mini, only there the elements are located differently, there are speakers on the left and right, with passive membranes between them - the scheme in Revolve made it possible to obtain “surround sound”. The sound really surrounds the Revolve, creating a dense acoustic field, an incredible sensation, especially considering the size of the device. This is precisely the difference between Bose devices and gadgets from other companies - due to special design, it is possible to achieve not only some more or less high-quality sound for a small speaker. No, here we are talking about special experiences, sensations from the track - I think any SoundLink Mini owner will agree with me. Even if you have floor-standing speakers and a complete set of equipment worth several million rubles, in a number of situations SoundLink will please you, be it a trip, a trip out of town, or anything like that. So Revolve continues the portable Bose story, just in a slightly different format. During the holidays we gathered around the table and Revolve showed itself perfectly, put it in the center, turned on a quiet radio, everyone was happy. He took it and moved it to a table in the garden. Then, when everyone went to drink tea, he took it with him. Together you can watch some videos on your smartphone with good sound, turn on music and let others do it. And everyone around can hear it perfectly! If SoundLink Mini is a device for an egoist (by and large), then Revolve is a social thing, for companies, for families, maybe even for a small cafe or office. Place it closer to the center, turn it on, enjoy.

Now let's talk more about the design. The body is made of aluminum, with perforations closer to the middle. There are currently two speaker options, black and silver. I think black is very boring, I would choose silver. The speaker is weighty, about 660 grams, dimensions 15.2 x 8.2 x 8.2 cm. It will not take up much space in luggage; branded cases have not yet been shown.

On the top there is a traditional set of controls, selecting a sound source (Bluetooth or 3.5 mm), a power button, volume buttons, and a multifunction button. With its help you can answer a call or start a track. As a speakerphone, the speaker works without problems; at a short distance it is quite possible to talk. The Bluetooth button allows you to select already connected devices and quickly enter pairing mode. There is a voice notification system, including in Russian - the names of connected devices are spoken, the remaining charge time, there is contact synchronization. Now, when you call, Revolve pronounces the subscriber’s number if the contact is recorded in Russian. If written in Latin, then the subscriber’s name is announced, without a number. If voice prompts are annoying, you can turn them off. In general, the speaker can work well as a hands-free negotiation device or even as a device for impromptu meetings.

The device body is protected from splashes according to the IPx4 standard; there is no need to throw it into water, the speaker will withstand splashes. If the scenario with a swimming pool seems somehow exotic, let me remind you of the possibilities of using Bose SoundLink Revolve in the kitchen, in the bathroom, on a sports ground near the house, on the street near a country house - there are hundreds of places where, in theory, splashes could get on the device. So, Revolve is ready for water.

Finally, more details about the materials. In addition to aluminum, which is immune to the blows of fate, hard rubber is used, the top and bottom are velvety, and Revolve stands on a massive soft leg. Interestingly, there is a thread for mounting on a tripod or other stand; this is not often found in portable speakers. Why is this done? Since sound travels around, you can buy a stand, attach Revolve, connect it to power and place it on the veranda for the summer to delight your family with good music. It seems like a small thing, but someone will probably like it.

Although, Revolve has no small details, Bose engineers have screwed up so many things here - you’re amazed. Moreover, this applies to both hardware and software.

Bose Connect

Like some other Bose Bluetooth devices, the speaker works with the Bose Connect program, and there are versions of the utility for iOS/Android. Using the program, you can update the speaker software, select Party mode, two devices work in stereo mode - for now Party only works with Bose SoundLink Revolve and Bose SoundLink Revolve +. I tried it, it’s a smart thing, the operating range is about ten meters, the sound is transmitted without delay. An interesting mode for companies where there are Revolve owners, you can voice a large area. Two Revolve + are generally more than enough for a hundred-meter apartment, especially if there is little overlap.

Using the app, you can change the device name, select a language, and quickly switch between your Bose devices. In general, you definitely need to install it - at least to update the software.

Opening hours

The stated operating time is 12 hours, there are two ways to charge, microUSB on the back and an optional cradle, the contacts are at the bottom, to charge you just need to put the speaker in place. Charging takes about two hours.

Sound

As I said above, we're talking about emotion here - the Revolve has a very special sound for a portable speaker. If the gadget is playing in a large room and is hidden out of sight, it is difficult to understand where exactly the sound is coming from. Huge volume reserve, gorgeous low frequencies, great for electronic music, interesting to listen to jazz. There are no major losses, only positive vibrations. It should be taken into account that the speaker constantly receives updates, during a short test I downloaded new software once for both speakers, I did not feel a clear difference in the sound, but who knows, maybe the next firmware will improve the performance of the hardware.

Keep in mind, Revolve works great with streaming services, be it SoundCloud, Spotify, any internet radio, but if you want better sound, try FLAC, good quality recordings in different programs. The device is capable of a lot. In addition to music, don’t forget that with an iPad Pro or other tablet, Revolve will help boost the sound in movies, and if you connect it with a cable to the Nintendo Switch, you’ll get a unique “Zelda” experience.

Conclusions

Pre-order for Bose SoundLink Revolve is already open, the cost is 14,990 rubles, on sale in Russia starting in June - the first owners will receive an excellent toy for the whole summer and the first months of autumn. Bose has come up with a wonderful “social” portable speaker with a great sound that just begs to go on the veranda, in the garden, on the street, thanks to the design it will not interfere with your suitcase when you go on vacation, there is nothing to cling to, the body is not afraid of impacts. Great sound in the hotel is guaranteed. Among the rough edges, I would like to note the strange behavior of the Bose Connect program with Revolve, but this happened at first with the QC35/QC30 headphones, then everything was fixed - now the program crashes in a number of cases on both iOS and Android. I would also like to determine the names written in Russian for an incoming call.

Otherwise, it’s a unique thing that can please the owner for many years; in terms of sound, Bose knows how to make long-lived things. Well, if after three years Revolve seems too heavy to carry around in a suitcase, then it can be screwed onto a tripod and assigned to a permanent place of residence in the country house or in the gym.

Wherever you go, take your favorite music with you. The SoundLink ® Mini II system delivers rich, natural sound with much deeper bass than you'd expect from an ultra-compact system that fits in the palm of your hand. It connects wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth ® device, allowing you to listen to music, movies, games - anywhere, anytime. In addition, SoundLink ® Mini II can operate in hands-free mode.

• Loud sound with rich bass - full sound of your favorite music, games and movies
• Wireless connectivity and ultra-compact size - take SoundLink ® Mini II with you wherever you go
• Phone calls in hands-free mode
• Voice prompts - easy Bluetooth pairing
• Supports Bluetooth pairing with two devices simultaneously
• The battery provides up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge

Works when you are resting

Bose SoundLink ® Mini II is an ultra-compact and lightweight mini system that fits easily into even a small bag. The compact size allows you to place the system anywhere, providing stability due to the low center of gravity. The lithium-ion battery allows you to use the device for up to 10 hours without recharging and can be charged from almost any USB connector. At home, you can install the SoundLink ® Mini II on the included charging cradle, so your device is always ready to travel with you.

Wireless connection

The range of the SoundLink ® Mini II wireless connection is about 9 meters. Voice prompts in Russian make connecting the system via Bluetooth ® to a tablet, smartphone or other device extremely simple. The system remembers the last eight devices connected, making it easier to reconnect.

Powerful sound in a small size

Ultra-compact systems aren't usually expected to deliver miracles when it comes to sound quality, but SoundLink ® Mini II means you don't have to compromise between portability and sound quality. Proprietary technologies and thoughtful design made it possible to obtain powerful surround sound, rich in low frequencies, in a small size.

Simple controls and elegant design

Ease of use is another advantage of SoundLink ® Mini II. The unibody aluminum body is both durable and beautiful. On the body there are power and volume buttons, other functions are controlled from your Bluetooth ® device.

A very compact and very heavy audio system with amazing sound for its size. Included is a docking station, a Mini case made of metal, we couldn’t find any competitors.

Design, construction

It seems that Bose looked at what was happening on the market for a very long time, studied trends, demand, and studied competitors’ products before releasing their solution in the portable speaker segment. The company already had a relatively portable speaker, it was called Bose Soundlink Wireless, I will quote my conclusions regarding that device: “The average cost of this system in the USA is about three hundred and fifty dollars, in Russia it is twelve to thirteen thousand rubles. As always, Bose is quite expensive, and the company has no plans to move down from the selective segment. There are no exceptions for either compact or large systems. Is it worth buying? Excellent design and materials, very suitable for Apple technology, good battery life, can be used with any gadgets, from iPhone, iPad to Android devices. Decoration for your desktop, a wonderful gift, sound for your office or bedroom. In general, I strongly recommend purchasing.”

After the article, several friends and acquaintances immediately purchased this gadget, everyone is happy, but lately I have increasingly heard the question, when will Bose show something even smaller. Something that you can throw in your bag and take with you out of town or on a trip. I didn't know the answer. But, as I have written more than once, there is a trend, and it will continue in the near future. You know, it’s one thing to write about it, and quite another to see with your own eyes how it happens. In March I was in Bulgaria, in Bansko, skiing in a large group. Once we were having a party right in the hotel, and a friend brought a small speaker, connected it to a smartphone, and here’s the music. Everything is more fun than a smartphone speaker. A week ago I was on vacation, lying on the beach, at a Jambox company nearby. I've seen such things so many times in Gorky Park. Certainly more often than I see people with Bluetooth headsets now. And I understand why people vote with rubles for such gadgets, the effect is immediately visible. You can play on an iPad with normal sound (or watch a movie), you can listen to normal music on your office computer when everyone is gone, you can take it on a picnic - there are a lot of use cases.

So what did the wizards from Bose come up with? In my opinion, they have created the best portable speaker in its class. It is customary to praise in conclusions, but I can’t resist, this is truly an outstanding product on all fronts. Let's talk about design first. Don't be fooled by the large box and official photos, this is a miniature device in real life. The dimensions are 5.1 x 18 x 5.8 cm. But the weight is very good, the Mini weighs a lot, 670 grams. But I'm willing to forgive that because the Mini is made of metal. Thing. The thick aluminum body is reminiscent of Apple products, check out the thickness. On the front and back there are perforated inserts, as far as I can tell, made of plastic. At the bottom there is a massive rubber foot, at the end there is an input for connecting the power supply, an AUX connector, at the bottom there is a microUSB connector (probably for service) and a connector for connecting a docking station. It is included in the kit, which is a huge plus. You can simply put the speaker in the cradle, and it will charge, this is very convenient. If you don't want to, use a power supply.

You can connect devices via Bluetooth or using the AUX connector, there were no problems with either. To activate pairing mode, you need to press and hold the button with the Bluetooth logo until the indicator flashes blue.

Accessories

Bose has repeatedly presented special accessories for its devices; for example, the company produced carrying bags for some speakers. They also did something special for Mini, it’s like bumpers in three colors, it looks great. There is also a car charger, which is also a useful thing.

Control

On the top there are control buttons, made of rubber, very reminiscent of control panels for large Bose audio systems, this applies to both material and designations. There are light indicators above the buttons, they are made cool, very clearly, beautifully, I’m used to seeing such solutions from Sony. When you select Bluetooth or AUX connection, the white lights above the buttons light up. The set of controls is standard: a power button, a mute button, volume control buttons and sound source selection buttons.

Opening hours

The claimed run time is around 7 hours of playback, which is not bad, especially when you listen to the Mini.

Sound

I don't know how long it took to set up the tiny speakers, to develop the cabinet and resonators - it's a fact, but the Mini sounds like a Big Jambox. At the same time, the system is two or even three times smaller. The sound is truly amazing and you won't find a speaker this size with the same sound quality. Bright bass, huge, truly huge volume reserve, the sound is clear, interesting, so to speak, groovy. I was lucky, because on the very first evening when I turned on the Mini, there was company at home, everyone had only positive reviews. This is truly an ideal device in its class - once again I am convinced that in the world of consumer portable speakers, only a few companies manage to create truly amazing things, Bose among them. You're always expecting a surprise. And there are more than enough surprises here.

A few words about the design, there are two speakers and a clever system of passive resonators, they are located between the speakers. The resonators, in turn, are located on both the front and rear parts. It is clear why such a massive body was needed - but I will not write this down as a disadvantage, the sound justifies everything.

Conclusions

The cost of the device is about 9,000 rubles, a simple Jambox is cheaper, it has a microphone, the ability to install voice applications, but the Mini has a better design and, most importantly, sound. Another competitor is Beats Pill, which is also an interesting thing, but even here the Mini seems to me the best option in terms of sound.

There is no point in comparing with other devices at all; the Mini has a better design (and materials), convenient controls, and sound... The sound here can be compared with systems of a different price category, for example, the Jawbone Big Jambox.

I really liked the device, Bose did a tremendous job. The device is positioned as a youth device, but, in my opinion, it will appeal more to middle-aged people, those who are already familiar with the brand’s products. These are those gentlemen and ladies who use Bose QC during frequent flights, use Bose speakers in the car and an audio system at home - they will like the Mini. Metal, classic design, great sound, no unnecessary features. Young people need more chips and whistles, older people need quality.

P.S. The cradle is a brilliant accessory, I used it constantly during the test. Very convenient.

Sergey Kuzmin ()