Portable acoustics Wave BOMBER. Wireless acoustics Wave Bomber Design and dimensions
The time for vacations and occasional outings into nature is in full swing, and the right music can be the key to any pleasant picnic. Correct in terms of sound quality. And here is an ambush. Our constant companions in the form of smartphones or tablets cannot yet compete with miniature speaker systems. When it comes to portable audio, names like Jawbone or Monster immediately pop up. However, solutions from these manufacturers are expensive, something around 3,000 - 4,000 rubles. Are you ready to shell out such an amount for a couple of musical evenings a year in nature? I am not, especially after testing the Wave Bomber, which will cost more than half the price!
Design and dimensions
The manufacturer under the Wave brand takes care of the buyer very much, so he decided not to be stingy and dress his mini-speaker in metal armor made of textured metal. By the way, the surface, although it looks great, is rather unpleasant to the touch. So I advise you to try to touch the device before buying, as it will be according to your feelings.
From the side of the bottom there is black glossy plastic, which has a terrible seam. Such protrusions are usually formed during the connection of plastics in production. Of course, this is not a critical moment and does not spoil the impression of the gadget, but still it is a minus in terms of design.
The column is well put together. There are no defects other than those described above.
On the front side, the one with the inscription "Wave", there is one single button that is responsible for connecting, accepting or hanging up incoming call, as well as for something else. To the left of the button is a microphone hole, and to the right is a multi-colored LED.
The dimensions of the device in comparison with similar models from competitors are clearly presented in the table below. Since we are talking about comparisons, let's also follow the order of prices and the possibilities for connecting similar speakers to sound sources.
| Height | Width | Thickness | The weight | Interface | Price | |
| wave bomber | 3.5 mm / Bluetooth / NFC | 1290 |
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| JBL Micro Wireless Blue | 3.5 mm / Bluetooth | 1990 |
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| JetBalance Golf | Bluetooth |
Obviously, Wave Bomber is a kind of golden mean in terms of versatility in terms of connections and in terms of price.
The kit includes a 3.5 cable for direct connection of a smartphone, tablet to the speaker, a special silicone mat (more on that later), detailed instructions and microUSB cable to recharge the gadget from the computer. The manufacturer recommends charging the audio system from a computer. About connecting to power outlet Through third-party adapters nothing is said.
Specifications
The audio system has the following technical characteristics:
- rated power 3 W
- frequency range 120 - 20,000 Hz
- signal-to-noise ratio 80 dB
- built-in microphone
- Bluetooth 3.0 (A2DP)
- NFC (for easy device pairing)
- battery 400 mAh
- 3.5 Line IN
- microUSB (for recharging)
Usage
Device pairing can only take place via a Bluetooth connection or via NFC. The latest technology only simplifies the first connection of a smartphone to the speaker, since it is impossible to constantly transmit sound using this protocol due to a too short range. In the future, the connection is maintained via the same Bluetooth.
The process of getting to know the devices is described in detail in the instructions, it is simple, so we will not dwell on this moment. Successful connection is confirmed by a blue indicator light and a corresponding beep.
Wave Bomber is able to receive and reject incoming calls, transmit voice through the built-in microphone, and also switch from the speaker to the earpiece of the smartphone.
One battery charge lasts for about 6 hours of sound playback when connected wirelessly. Quite good enough! The gadget is charged from the computer for about 2-3 hours.
The HadsFree feature works as expected. Talking through the built-in microphone is quite convenient even at arm's length from the speaker.
Sound
As we have already found out, Wave Bomber can be connected to a smartphone either via Bluetooth (with or without NFC) or via a cable via a 3.5 mm input.
There are problems with the wireless connection. Not with LG G Flex, not with iPhone 5, not with iPad mini the speaker could not really reproduce the sound without stuttering, disconnections, etc. With the Korean G2, the speaker refused to connect at all, both with NFC and without it. However, we still managed to check the quality of music transmission via Bluetooth! Came to the rescue Macbook Air 11'', who went through such a tough selection for sparring by the Wave Bomber.
The quality of the transmitted music was at a good level. The volume is enough to start a modest company in an apartment, but it is still quite comfortable next to the speaker - it does not deafen. You should not have big illusions about such devices, and, in my opinion, Bomber draws sound well for its form factor, including low frequencies as well. The latter are especially well felt if the speaker is installed on any flat resonating surface. Wood is the best, of course.
After I tried to connect the Wave Bomber with a cable to the iPhone through the 3.5 mm port, return to wireless communication no more desire. Wired sound is noticeably different for the better: the music plays louder, the sound becomes more legible, bass appears.
By the way, the low frequencies in the hero of today's article arise due to a special resonating silicone surface in interaction with anything that can resonate while the column is stationary on it. This technology is called the manufacturer Mini Bass Shaker.
They say that if you simply install it on a unique silicone mat from the kit, the speaker will get a more interesting sound. This is complete nonsense! This accessory has almost no effect on the playback quality, so you can safely forget about it, well, or put it under a pot of geraniums, for example. What good is lost?
Wave Bomber and STK SMC950
You could already read the review of the mini-speaker from STK earlier in our blog. As a result of a direct comparison, a draw came out, and here's why. Through Bluetooth, the Wave Bomber proved to be an order of magnitude worse, both in terms of volume and bass. The SMC950 sounded much more interesting in terms of sound clarity as well. So, we have 0:1 in favor of the speaker from STK.
Nevertheless, through the cable, the Bomber gave out a higher volume. Since the SMC950 does not have a 3.5 input at all, there is not much to compare with. We get a ratio of 1:1.
Luciously, I would prefer STK SMC950, since I use it more often Bluetooth connection, and the sound of this column produces an order of magnitude better. For the cable there is a home good acoustics and it is it that should be used for connecting by wire.
Outcome
Wave Bomber turned out to be a very dubious gadget, although everything looks just fine on paper.
Should I buy Wave Bomber?
I think no. The column has an excellent design, convenient dimensions and theoretical omnivorousness in terms of connectivity. However, in practice, the playback quality could be better, in addition, do not forget about incompatibility with many modern devices, even though the necessary Bluetooth profiles are supported. The same STK SMC950 looks much more attractive against the background of the Wave solution, since it costs about 1,000 rubles, is capable of producing better and deep sound Yes, and it connects to anything.
Ultra-compact, bass-heavy, in a rugged case, it seems to be one of the best miniature audio devices that you can throw in your bag and remember about it only when you need to unwind a little to your favorite music.
- Speaker: 3 watts
- Frequency response: 120-20000 Hz
- Wireless connection: with A2DP support
- Audio input: 3.5mm
- Battery: built-in, 400 mAh, up to 7 hours of work
- Dimensions: 62 x 62 x 50 mm
- Additionally: NFC, work as a speakerphone
Equipment and appearance
The packaging of the Wave Bomber is simple: a compact cardboard box containing the speaker itself, a string with a 3.5 mm jack on both sides and a special lining for a more stable position of the speaker on the table.
The metal cylinder of the speaker is very compact, the upper end is covered with a speaker mesh, the lower part of the body is made of plastic. No special frills, but the Wave Bomber looks pretty nice.
Management and connectivity
In fact, there are no control buttons on the column - only an on / off slider and a function button responsible for activating Bluetooth pairing mode or accepting / rejecting a call - after all, Bomber can also work as a speakerphone. If the sound source does not have the ability to connect without a wire, you can also use the cable from the kit. And if the smartphone has not only Bluetooth, but also NFC, then pairing a pocket sound source and a Wave speaker will be as easy as possible.
Device operation
As for the genres of music that would suit the column more - there were no such ones, Bomber coped equally well with both classics and noticeably heavier works. Of course, you will not be able to hear all the subtleties of the concert recording of the London Symphony conducted by Gergiev, but the goals of the column are different, do not forget this moment.
The capacity of the built-in battery may seem quite small, only 400 mAh, but the Wave Bomber is not a boombox with a pair of low-frequency speakers and half a table in size, which is why, in fact, the speaker is ready to please the user with a fairly decent sound for up to 7 hours. By the way, the bass is still there, and for the dimensions of the Bobmer it is quite decent. This is achieved by using a vibrating subwoofer, which uses flat hard surfaces as a resonator.
Well, traditionally already for Wave products, a device called Bomber is capable of performing the duties of a speakerphone, although, of course, in a noisy environment or from a distance of a meter or two, it will be very difficult to use this ability of the device.
Outcome
With the recommended retail price1290 rubles The Wave Bomber is almost the perfect pocket speaker. Maybe, of course, there are not enough playback control buttons, but for the tasks of announcing a small area around you in nature, in the office or at the kitchen table during breakfast, this accessory is quite enough.
In the winter of 2013, the Wave brand introduced the Wave BOMBER speaker - very compact and quite powerful. This wireless acoustics can work with any devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, players, PCs. She has a strong metal body, modest dimensions and a special base design that helps to provide normal bass.
Equipment
Wave BOMBER comes in a small white and blue box. The main market for Wave is Russia, therefore, both with the design and with the instructions, everything is in order, everything is Russified. The packaging describes the main advantages of the device: Bluetooth, mini-jack, tactile subwoofer, built-in battery. The user manual is quite thick, despite the fact that the Wave Bobmer does not require any tricks to use. There are no shock-absorbing materials, foamed plastics in the box - apparently, it is believed that the product itself will withstand transportation without any problems.
Under the speaker, in addition to the instructions, you can find an excellent dense black-and-white double-sided cable with 3.5 mm jacks for direct connection of the device to the player or smartphone, as well as a USB cable for recharging, a warranty and an interesting rubber mat. It can be placed under the speaker to make it more comfortable to sit on the table. This should improve the acoustic properties of the device and make sure that it does not collect dust on the surface. The length of the cable for the mini-jack is about a meter, so the device does not have to be held close to the smartphone.
Appearance, materials, connectors
The shape of the Wave Bomber is unusual: a cylinder. Moreover, if basically such elongated speakers lie horizontally on the table, then it is assumed that it will stand vertically, on the bottom. This design is not very common.
The Wave Bomber is mostly covered in metal. Apparently, aluminum - but with a characteristic "industrial", raw texture, which is so loved by the creators of various mobile devices. Not only the speaker grilles here are made of metal, but also almost the entire side of the cylinder - except for the area below, which houses the ports and buttons. Due to this amount of aluminum, the Wave Bomber looks solid and durable at the same time. In addition, fingerprints on its surface are not visible at all.
On top is a speaker, covered with a black glossy metal mesh.
On the bottom of the speaker are outputs for USB and mini-jack, a small hole for the built-in microphone, as well as a two-position On / Off switch and a button with a phone handset sign. The latter is useful in order to receive a call from a device connected by wire or Bluetooth. Thus, Wave Bomber is a conference background. Additionally, on plastic led indicator. It can be used to judge whether the device is turned on.
The gadget is very stable, helped by a dense rubber mat and the same slightly rubberized bottom of the column. Even on a smooth surface, the Wave BOMBER holds up well: the device can be laid horizontally and it still won’t roll away. The dimensions are also very, very pleasing: the diameter of the cylinder is 6.2 centimeters, the height is 5 centimeters. This is the smallest portable speaker system. The Wave Bomber takes up minimal space in your bag or backpack and is easy to carry around. Weight, despite the abundance of metal parts, is very modest: 180 grams.
The build appears to be pretty good. The buttons are firm and click nicely. There are no backlashes, no gaps, the paint does not peel off, no matter how hard you try. The metal is thick and does not flex when tapped or pressed.
Features of use
The device has Bluetooth 2.1 (with AVRCP and A2DP standards), but the sound through it, of course, is transmitted with interference - especially if the smartphone or tablet is in another room. Therefore, if possible, it is better to use the standard 3.5 mm mini-jack supplied with the speaker. So the sound quality will be higher, it will be cleaner, and the bass will be much better. It is desirable to transfer only background melodies via Bluetooth. The maximum range is about ten meters.
To switch to mode wireless connection, it's not enough to just turn on the Wave Bomber. The column, unlike many other portable devices, saves its own energy and by default works only through a cable. So if you launched the device, but it is not in the list of devices via Bluetooth, do not panic: hold down the call button and hold it for five to six seconds until the LED starts blinking blue and red. Next, the gadget should appear on your smartphone called "Wave".
If your smartphone is called, you can click on the same button with the handset once and answer the call from the speaker. The microphone is good, the subscriber will hear you normally, even if you move around the room. Well, you will generally distinguish your interlocutor in the smallest details: the speaker here, after all, is a hundred times better than in any phone. This function The Wave BOMBER works both via cable and via Bluetooth.
Sound quality
The surface on which the Wave Bomber is placed can be used as a source low frequencies. Responsible for this Mini technology Bass Shaker. Of course, there is no need to talk about any depth here, but there really is bass in the device. It turns out as if the speaker has a small vibrating subwoofer. For a six-centimeter device - excellent. In addition, the device sounds quite loud. The power of the speaker is 3 W, but the sound here easily overlaps the audio of any tablet or laptop (including Macbook Pro), which, judging by official data, have speakers of 8-15 watts.
Much depends on what surface you install the device on. Wood is best suited: the basses become deeper, stronger this way. Glass and metal perform worse. However, the audio level is still decent.
Battery
The device has a built-in battery, so you can freely take it with you to nature. The capacity is small, only 400 mAh. But the column does not require much, so for seven to eight hours of music playback this is enough. The device is charged as standard, via a USB cable. If you feed the Wave BOMBER from a PC, the pace is not impressive: it takes at least two and a half hours. But if you find the right one network adapter– The charging speed will increase several times.
