If you like the outdoors with company, active sports and fun events, then wireless speakers from JBL will undoubtedly be a good companion for your positive pastime.
Today we are reviewing the new portable speaker JBL Charge 4, its characteristics and comparison with the previous generation - Charge 3. External characteristics of the JBL Charge 4
Battery capacity of the portable speaker
Power and sound quality of wireless speakers
Using Charge 4 as a speaker via JBL Connect
Comparison of JBL Charge 4 and Charge 3: pros and cons of wireless speakers
External characteristics of JBL Charge 4
Dimensions and design
The review of the speaker should start with the most noticeable characteristic that has changed - the size. Now the dimensions of the new device have become larger compared to the previous generation and are: height 22 cm, width 9.5 cm and depth 9.3 cm. The acoustic fabric that covers the device is much denser, which adds an additional percentage to the acoustics’ moisture resistance characteristics. The passive radiators have become noticeably larger, their diameter has also increased compared to the Charge 3. The design of the speaker has also changed: now the company logo is stamped on one radiator, and the initials JBL on the other. The model is sold in nine color variations:
- black;
- Navy blue;
- dark green;
- grey;
- red
- brown;
- turquoise;
- silver;
- yellow.
Buttons and connectors
JBL Charge 4 has all the ports to make the speaker convenient to use in everyday life. The USB-C port is used for charging, which increases the comfort of connection: now, without hesitation, you can connect the power cord and no matter how you turn it, it will be correct. Next comes the AUX port, standard for portable speakers. And the last connector is the USB-A output port, to which you can connect a wire and charge your smartphone or other gadget.
The control buttons remain virtually unchanged from the third-generation portable speaker, but now the two middle buttons have a border that lights up when JBL Connect is activated. This button has been swapped with the Bluetooth button compared to the previous model. All connectors and buttons are waterproof according to the IPX7 standard.
Training
During the development process, shortly before the launch of the plant, we conducted a two-day training for personnel in the theory of constraints approach to production management - the theoretical foundations of how management will be built. This helped employees understand how to act in certain situations, and why the program suggests doing it this way and not otherwise.
In addition to training, we held the first presentation of the production management program. By that time, the program was not yet ready, but we showed a model of the future program, how it would look and work, and a data flow diagram.
During the discussion after the demonstration of the model, everyone together found a solution to an important problem. The result was the creation of a chain of processes that now makes it possible to produce clubs with individual inscriptions according to orders from the website in just three days.
Portable speaker battery capacity
For wireless acoustics, such a characteristic as autonomous operation without connecting to a charger is very important. It is worth noting here that the new model’s battery capacity has been increased by 1500 mAh and now amounts to as much as 7500 mAh. As the battery capacity has increased, so has the charging time: it is now 5.5 hours, which is an hour more than the JBL Charge 3. The total operating time at 50 percent volume is approximately 20 hours.
Note that the added battery capacity can charge the iPhone battery to almost 100%, which means that, as before, you can use the portable speaker as a portable powerbank.
The station provides:
- Additional discharge of the battery to the minimum discharge voltage (only for Ni-Ca batteries);
- Automatic switching to “Charge” mode;
- Possibility of adjusting the discharge current and charging current of each battery;
- Possibility to disable the pre-discharge mode, which significantly reduces the total charging cycle time;
- Combined charge:
- initial charge with voltage until the battery capacity reaches 80% of CH.
- switching to current stabilization mode and recharging up to 120% Сn.
- automatic switching to low current charging mode depending on the type of batteries used and charge voltage
Power and sound quality of wireless speakers
Sound quality is the most important feature for a portable speaker. To ensure the proper sound level, some changes were made to the fourth generation of JBL speakers: now the acoustics have only one speaker. The difference is that it was increased in size, and this made it possible to maintain high operating frequency ranges and sensitivity.
During a subjective comparative test of the sound of Charge 4 and Charge 3, the new speaker at 50% volume setting showed louder sound, but at 100% the difference was not noticeable. We recommend listening to the speaker yourself before purchasing and forming your own impression.
Maximum usage limit
We calculated the functionality of the control program for different situations, for example, for maximum production load, when we would be faced with a capacity limitation. By simulating this situation, we determined that the pressing area would become a bottleneck that would not be easy to expand. This is a physical limitation, the throughput of which can only be increased by purchasing new presses and molds, which is very expensive.
In fact, the limit has been moved many times over time. It happened that for some models we observed a market limitation, for others - a capacity limitation.
In this situation, it is necessary to find solutions to make maximum use of our limitations, that is, to produce only what is really necessary in the first place, only in the quantity required, while minimizing the changeover time (in our case, changing molds, their warming up). And, of course, avoid downtime.
Here we need to dwell in more detail on the limitations imposed by technology in this area. One press can simultaneously contain 4 molds, each with 2 future clubs. Each mold goes through 2 stages of processing - first heating, then gradual cooling in a special cooler. Considering that each type of stick has its own mold and their quantity is limited, we cannot produce many identical clubs at the same time.
Processing time at each stage is strictly regulated. We can only control the composition of the molds in each insert into the press, that is, when to make readjustments, change this or that mold during the next loading into the press. To solve the problem of what exactly to press now, we divide all incoming production orders into virtual flows according to the molds used. The number of threads is determined by the number of molds used simultaneously. Next, we arrange all production orders within each flow according to priority, which determines how well we satisfy the needs of our customers. For MTA orders (production to ensure availability) - the status of the stock buffer in the warehouse of this semi-finished product, for MTO (production to order) - the date of delivery of the order.
For the staff, it looks simple - the program, based on the existing queue of production orders and what is already in production, sets priorities and the pace of launching the production of club blanks to the shaping area. It also generates a task for the next pressing cycle from those blanks that are already ready.
The program provides a certain amount of stock of workpieces in each flow and signals if the stock in the flow becomes less or more than optimal. This reserve is necessary to ensure uninterrupted operation of the flow, and therefore maximum use of the limitation if any of the workpieces is late.
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Using Charge 4 as a speaker via JBL Connect
A proven life hack - the speaker can be used as a loudspeaker, and if you connect several wireless speakers using the JBL Connect function, you can broadcast sound to them simultaneously. And this is convenient for those who hold large events: instead of bulky and expensive speakers, you can put several Charge 4 or 3 in a small suitcase.
Connecting JBL Charge 4 is quite simple, like other Bluetooth devices: just turn on the speakers, start Bluetooth and select the speaker from the list of connected devices on your smartphone.
The best JBL speakers for premium sound
Boombox
The next powerful unit from the brand with incredible volume is the Boombox. If the user wants to throw a fun party not only for himself, but also for his neighbors, this nominee will cope with this task. In a durable case with a weight of 5 kg you can see 4 active transducers at once; they provide powerful sound of techno, disco, rock, pop and other genres. The bass here is elastic and deep, making all objects in the room tremble. The design is laconic, bold, and has a handle for easy use. This means that the music source can accompany the owner anywhere. The 20,000 mAh battery will provide up to 24 hours of continuous sound, and the waterproof case is suitable for use on the beach.
Pros:
- Stable body;
- The most powerful clear sound;
- Maximum autonomy;
- Comfortable handle;
- Crazy bass;
- High build quality.
Minuses:
- Price;
- Speaker resonance with loud bass.
PartyBox 1000
If you need a really powerful device, choose the JBL Partybox 1000 portable speaker. This is a powerful speaker with high sound quality in 2.1 format. The total power of the speaker is 1.1 kW. It is controlled using a remote control and is powered from the electrical network. The capabilities of the device allow you to produce sound at a level from 30 to 20,000 Hz. It is better to buy this model if you need many interfaces, namely Bluetooth, USB, linear. There is a Power Bank mode. The dimensions of the device are 39.7x105x39 cm.
pros
- High power;
- Incredible sound;
- Can be used for a party;
- Modern design;
- USB support;
Minuses
- Large weight and dimensions;
- Plastic scratches easily;
Partybox 310
A popular portable speaker that is considered one of the most powerful in the JBL line. The device weighs a lot - more than 17 kg, so the manufacturer has provided a retractable vertical handle, like in a suitcase, and wheels for ease of transportation. The sound is so loud that you can organize a massive party right in the open space on the street. The sound quality is close to ideal - as they say in the reviews. The battery life is amazing - you can party for almost a day with a break for sleep. Also pleased is the ability to work from a power outlet. The bass feels powerful – fans of booming tracks will love it. What's important: when the volume is turned up to maximum, but no music is playing, there is no background noise coming from the speaker.
pros
- Excellent sound quality;
- Good build;
- High volume;
- Compactness;
- Battery;
- Stylish design;
- Possibility of connecting a microphone.;
Minuses
- There is no cable included for charging from the cigarette lighter;
- Slight play in the handle;
- Heavy weight;
Comparison of JBL Charge 4 and Charge 3: pros and cons of wireless speakers
And finally, you can familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each model.
Which wireless speakers to choose is up to you, but the selection criteria are in front of you: JBL Charge 4.
Buy JBL Charge 4 speaker
- It has a denser fabric and a rubberized body.
- There are 9 options in the color line.
- The battery is 1500 mAh larger.
- Produces high-quality bass.
- Works 20 hours on one charge.
- Quickly connect to devices via bluetooth.
- Costs more than Charge 3.
- It has a larger size and weight.
- There is no microphone for speakerphone use.
- Charging time is 1 hour longer than the third generation model.
- At 100% volume it sounds the same as the previous generation device.
JBL Charge 3.
Buy JBL Charge 3 speaker
- Costs less than Charge 4.
- At 100% volume it sounds the same as the older model.
- It also works 20 hours on a single charge.
- Quickly connects to devices via bluetooth.
- Has a microphone for taking calls.
- At 50% volume it sounds quieter.
- The quality of the upholstery fabric is lower.
- Has a smaller battery.
Did you know that JBL Charge can be connected via Bluetooth to MacBook, iMac and other Mac devices? Learn additional 35 simple ways to use MacBook and iMac , which in a 1-hour master class will increase your efficiency tomorrow.
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Continuous Improvement Process
During operation, the program collects and stores all events that occur in production and in the distribution system. During the year of work, several million of them accumulated. Their analysis ensures a process of continuous improvement.
One example is working with marriage. Production at Zaryad uses manual labor. For example, the formation of a club from prepreg. At this stage, a significant part of the marriage is laid, which will inevitably always be, so much attention is paid to it. Moreover, this marriage is not always the result of the inept hands of the employee. This defect appears much later, when nothing can be corrected - after pressing.
At the initial stages of production, characteristic manifestations of defects associated with the actions of workers were identified and a special report was compiled.
Rice. 1. Marriage statistics for employees
In the formation of the stick handle, 2 “winders,” as they are called, are involved, each of which is encrypted with its own number. They are presented horizontally, the columns are the winders that form the club blade.
The sum sign shows how many joint clubs this combination of “winders” made during the selected period. A series of numbers in each cell shows the number and types of defects in this total quantity. For example, in the 16th, 3rd and 1st - the last digit (type of marriage “breakdown in transition”) appears quite consistently. Others do not have this type of marriage, which means that the first three are doing something wrong. This is a reason to pay attention to their actions, observe what and how they do, and conduct corrective training.
This is just one example. Analysis and corrective actions are carried out continuously. This made it possible to reduce the percentage of defects over 8 months by more than 5 times! At the same time, the production start area is not shown here, when the share of defects could be more than 50% of the output volume.
Rice. 2. Statistics on the share of internal defects
An increase in the percentage of defects in one month is associated with the transition to new technology and materials, which inevitably leads to an increase in defects and the removal of a large number of samples for testing, including destructive ones.
The collection of information about clubs does not stop after the sale. Each club return warranty case is reviewed in detail and changes are made if necessary.
Another example is the analysis of the buffer value of completed orders; this report allows you to analyze processes in production, identify bottlenecks and continuously improve them. This made it possible to ensure a stable reduction in production time, despite the fact that production volume increased.
Rice. 3. Production cycle time by month
In addition to a set of specialized reports, the program also generates a summary report on the main production and distribution metrics for the manager in graphical form.
Rice. 4. Reports for the manager
