STACK #225 July 2023

TECH FEATURE

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JBL Boombox 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker If your key criteria – on top of massive sound – is portability, then JBL have

the answer with this compact yet powerful and sturdy box. Rocking classic ghetto blaster vibes, it boasts an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating, and when fully charged can keep the party going for a good 24 hours – which is longer than most

guests will likely keep going! Two smartphones can connect simultaneously, which is perfect for DJ battles, and you can even link another PartyBoost compatible speaker for a bigger sound blast. It’s all app-controllable, too.

It’s party time, and the music is easy. A dedicated party speaker is the go-to tech to get your shindig really rocking! Words Bec Summer M ost of us have a means of hearing our music, so why would you need a dedicated portable party speaker? Here are just a few great reasons to add one to your entertaining arsenal. Go anywhere! The latest party speakers are truly portable, with rechargeable battery life greater than that of most get-togethers. Usually featuring protection from dust and water, the term “take anywhere” has never been truer. Bright lights! Not content with blasting out your carefully selected playlists, many party speakers also feature inbuilt lights to happily brighten up your soiree to the beat of what’s playing. Sing! POWER YOUR PARTY WITH SOUND

JBL PartyBox Encore with 2 Wireless Mics Get your sound AND lights sorted in one neat little package with this

bass-pounding party monster that also delivers a wild light show synced to your music, and sports a convenient handle to move it about – either inside or out, thanks to its IPX4 splash-proof

rating. It rocks ten hours of wireless playtime – or simply plug it in and keep the party going indefinitely! Complete with two stylish mics, this one’s perfect for your next karaoke get-together – and it supports True Wireless Stereo to pair another PartyBox for added sonic oomph.

NEW

Sony SRS-XV800 Portable Party Speaker Elevate your party to the next level with this tower of power from Sony. Featuring pounding X-Balanced speaker units, high quality sound and powerful bass are guaranteed. In the practicality

Karaoke is always a fun party starter, and most party speakers feature microphone inputs, so just add Kenny ‘n’ Dolly to start those sing-alongs! Some even include mics as part of the package. C’mon get appy! As with most things, there’s almost always an app for that party speaker, to remote control your music, lighting, and general functionality.

stakes, we’re talking up to 25 hours from a single charge (or you can run it by AC), Bluetooth, both karaoke mic and guitar inputs, and IPX4 protection. Then there are the bells and whistles, like a built-in omnidirectional party light (with app control), the ability to boost your TV sound by connecting with the included optical cable, and Party Connect, allowing up to 100 (!) compatible speakers to work in unison.

The word “karaoke” is a portmanteau that combines parts of the Japanese terms “ karappo” (empty) and “okesutora” (orchestra). DYK?

TAKIN’ IT TO THE STREETS

I f busking is your thing, and it’s a great way to get your tunes heard (just ask Tones and I), then a capable party speaker is a quick and easy way to amplify your sound. The best units have a degree of waterproofing (check that IP rating), and enough battery life to outlast the longest setlist. Look for an AUX port and you’ll be up and busking in no time. Before you do though, check local bylaws where you intend to ply your trade, as you’ll likely need a permit.

26 JULY 2023

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