Walter Shillington However, although this speaker is portable it is not meant to be carried down to the beach or perched alongside a campfire. Today I am examining the StormBox Pro’s younger but much bigger brother.
Description
The StormBox Blast presents a distinctly retro-like boombox appearance, is rectangular in shape, and colored dark gray and black. This Bluetooth-capable device weighs 12 pounds. It is 8.9 inches tall, 15.9 inches wide, and 6.4 inches deep. This speaker’s case is composed of black plastic. Its heavy-duty carrying handle hovers protectively over the buttons that control the StormBox Blast’s operation. A perforated grill at the back of the device centers around a rubber gasket that conceals the speaker’s inputs and outputs. These consist of the charging input, a USB-C port used to charge other devices, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. Two sets of LED lights run up the front left and right edges of the StormBox Blast. Another pair of lights highlight two of its speakers. These LEDs can be set to flash to the music or, if not required, turned off. Ninety watts of power are fed to a pair of 30W woofers and two 15W tweeters. The sides of this device incorporate passive radiators.
Specifications
Brand: Tribit Name: StormBox Blast Model: BTS52 Bluetooth Version: 5.3 Output power: 90W Speakers: Two 30.5mm (1.2 inches) tweeters and two 107mm (4.2 inches) woofers Frequency range: 50Hz – 20KHz Frequency band: 2402MHz – 2480MHz Maximum transmission power: ≤6dBm Power source: Nine 3.6V 2200mAh lithium batteries Charging time: 3.5 hour Dimensions: 22.6 x 40.4 x 16.3 centimeters (8.9 x 15.9 x 6.4 inches) Weight: 5.45 kilograms (12 pounds) Playtime: 20 – 40 hours depending on usage LED lighting: Yes, 32 LEDs Water resistance: IPX7
Visual Appeal
The StormBox Blast appears quite similar to an old-fashioned boombox minus the cassette deck, AM radio, and chrome trim. While not my favorite style, design options are limited when manufacturing a waterproof, portable unit fitted with multiple speakers that must produce great sound at high volume levels. Walter Shillington I’m not a fan of flashing lights, but Tribit did a good job producing an LED light set that brightens the mood at a party without becoming overly intrusive or gaudy. They can be turned off if not required.
Power Output and Speakers
Fifteen watts of power are directed to each of the 1.2-inch tweeters. The remaining 60 watts of power are fed to a pair of 4.2-inch woofers. Two passive radiators add additional life to this device’s output.
Battery Power
The StormBox Blast is fitted with nine 3.6V 2200mAh lithium batteries. Depending on the volume level, these batteries provide enough power to run the speaker for 20 – 40 hours. With the volume set at a comfortable level of 60%, my speaker lasted 30 hours. It takes 3.5 hours to recharge this unit fully. Walter Shillington
Portability
Excellent water resistance and long battery life ensure the StormBox Blast can be used practically anywhere. However, because this Bluetooth speaker is quite heavy, it is unsuitable for carrying on long hikes. Walter Shillington
The Projector Test
I tested the StormBox Blast in conjunction with my new Vankyo mini projector. Since the projector is not Bluetooth capable, I connected the two devices using an audio cable. Walter Shillington As expected, the StormBox Blast performed far better than the projector’s built-in 3-watt speaker. The volume was loud enough to fill the room, the voices were distinct, and the background music presented in high fidelity. The bass was excellent but, while competitive, could not out-perform the subwoofer-equipped soundbar normally used with the projector.
The Smartphone Test
Walter Shillington Walter Shillington When the volume is set high, I recommend you avoid boosting the bass. The added bass is not required at this point and will override the high and middle range frequencies. At all volume levels, this speaker faithfully reproduced music. The sound produced by the various instruments could be distinctly heard, resulting in a pleasant listening experience.
The Tribit Application
The StormBox Blast is supported by the Tribit application, which I downloaded using Google Play. An iOS version is also available. This application displays the battery level of the StormBox Blast and allows the operator to choose between two different LED light configurations. One of seven EQ variations may also be selected.
Bluetooth Operation
This speaker features Bluetooth 5.3. It functions effectively, although thick walls and buildings will cause interference and reduce its operating distance. The Wi-Fi range of my smartphone, combined with the speaker’s Bluetooth system, allowed me to position the StormBox Blast anywhere within my property.
Overall Impression
While I really like my StormBox Pro, the StormBox Blast does boast a couple of advantages. Its larger speakers provide a slightly wider frequency range, resulting in more faithful music reproduction. Walter Shillington The StormBox Pro outputs 40 watts. This is enough to fill my dining and living rooms. The StormBox Blast, with 90 watts of power, can do the same job even when these rooms are crowded with a rowdy group of partiers. It can also reach a volume loud enough to attract your neighbor’s attention during the traditional backyard barbecue. If you are looking for a Bluetooth boombox suitable for indoor and outdoor parties, The Tribit StormBox Blast is precisely what you need. This content reflects the personal opinions of the author. It is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters. © 2022 Walter Shillington
