JBL Xtreme - compact and dynamic power in a speaker system

When the power of a portable speaker is not enough, but you want to enjoy music, heavy artillery comes to the rescue. JBL has long assembled a collection of portable acoustics: from the laconic Flip to the brutal Xtreme. Most recently, JBL introduced a new design for its “extreme” speaker, while maintaining sound, portability and stylish appearance. In the third version, the sound became even louder, and additional improvements appeared. What else do you remember about JBL Xtreme 3 and whether it’s worth your attention? I’ll tell you in the review.

Model parameters

Table 1. Main technical characteristics of JBL Xtreme.

Unpacking and packaging

Already from the branded box of the gadget, you can see the work of the designers who created the speaker system - although the box with the handle will be used only once, in order to bring the gadget home after purchasing it in a store (or delivering it to the post office).

Inside the package you can find:

• column;
• two power cords with different sockets – American and European;
• power unit;
• strap for carrying the speaker system.

Rice. 2. Device components.

The included power supply resembles a similar device for a laptop in appearance and weight.

This is done in order to reduce the charging time of the speaker system - a regular low-current adapter will charge it for at least 10 hours.

Design

The acoustics are available in 4 colors - although the sides of all options are the same gray.

The simplest and most popular option is black, suitable for all users and conditions.

Khaki-style colors may seem more original, and red and blue speakers are intended for a youth audience.

Rice. 3. Color design of the column.

Thanks to its original design, the gadget attracted attention at the IFA exhibition.

Although its popularity came not only because of the colors (which are repeated in different models of portable acoustics from the company), but also due to the unique demonstration of the product.

At the stand it was periodically watered, showing a high level of protection.

Looking at the gadget up close, you can note the following:

• The “barrel” shape of the speaker is combined with massive dimensions - holding it in one hand is quite difficult (especially considering its weight of more than two kilograms);
• in the lower part there are rubber feet, on which acoustics are usually installed;
• the body is completely covered with black or colored cellular fabric;
• at the back there is an orange (for all versions) lightning, behind which there are two USB ports (with which you can charge other gadgets - but you cannot connect a flash drive), a headphone input, a service connector and a power connector;
• On the back of the device there is also information about it, including logos of the technologies used in the development.

Rice. 4. Acoustic connectors hidden behind the cladding.

The sides of the speaker have a rather original look, on which the membranes of low-frequency emitters with large brand logos are located.

Rubber on the protruding edges of the case reliably protects these elements from damage during a fall.

Although you should still be very careful when using the column - the membranes can be called its most fragile part.

Another characteristic detail of the speaker system is the orange metal nameplate on which the company logo is located.

Apart from this element, there are no identifying marks or signs of the presence of speakers (which are located under the cover) on the front of the device.

But at the top you can see two rings to which the carrying strap is attached; there are also buttons with which you can control the sound volume, turn on wireless communication and switch tracks.

Rice. 5. Location of controls.

You should know: Switching the speaker operating modes is accompanied by a corresponding signal. For example, when turned on, the device makes a sound similar to starting a car engine.

Sound

The device specification alone ( range 70–20,000 Hz, noise-to-signal ratio of 80 dB ) shows that the sound will be quite loud and of high quality.

Testing the sound in practice has confirmed the power of 63-mm membranes, the sound of which is so powerful that listening to them at full volume in a small enclosed space (an apartment or, even more so, a room) is not recommended.

Although at an average level the system is quite capable of replacing a conventional 2.1 audio system.

Rice. 6. Using the speaker at home.

Sometimes when listening to music you may notice that the sound is too “dry” - especially if a classical melody is being played.

However, rock music, hip-hop or jazz (the main genres for which the system is intended) are reproduced at the highest level. Sometimes you can even hear tones that regular speakers cannot produce.

A small disadvantage of the audio system is the not very effective selection of individual instruments.

Sometimes the notes just blur together, which may not be very pleasant for a true music lover.

However, all these problems disappear when the speaker plays outdoors - much less distortion is observed, the volume increases and can even be set at the maximum level (at least in nature or a sports field it will look more natural than in an apartment).

Rice. 7. Using the device outdoors.

Functional

The speaker in camouflage and other colors copes with its main task - playing music - at 5+, but in addition it can also:

1. Pair with other gadgets via Bluetooth 5.1 - supports “Multipoint” if you need to simultaneously connect to 2 devices in order to stream music, for example, from a smart phone and a laptop without reconnecting.
2. Act as a power bank - you can use the speaker to recharge a smart phone or tablet by connecting it to the Xtreme 3 USB connector.
3. Combine with other JBL speakers that support the “Patiboost” function. Such a connection will help synchronize music and provide a powerful boost to any party. The tracks will sound even louder and more voluminous.

What the third wireless Xtreme can't do is answer calls. There is no microphone here.

Useful information: Detailed 4-point instructions on how to connect wireless and wired speakers to a laptop

Battery

Considering the autonomy of the gadget, we can draw conclusions about a slight exaggeration made by the manufacturer when indicating the characteristics of the JBL Xtreme.

In fact, it is possible to achieve the figure of 14-15 hours of sound only at the very beginning of use - over time, the capacity decreases, and after some time the speaker is able to work without recharging for only 7-10 hours.
Table 2. Autonomy of operation in various modes.

However, even a previously used battery ensures the operation of the acoustics longer than almost any other analogue.

In addition, its owner does not have to worry about the need to recharge the speaker throughout the whole day (it is enough to do it in the morning).

Moreover, the gadget does not support charging from a power bank - although you can do the opposite, that is, charge a portable charger from JBL Xtreme.

Rice. 8. Gadget battery.

The device requires only 3.5 hours to replenish the battery charge.

However, its owner should be aware that the battery is not protected from overcharging (this, by the way, is one of the reasons for the rapid decrease in its capacity over time).

Therefore, when connecting the speaker to the network, it should be turned off after exactly 3.5 hours.

Video review from YouTube

You can get more information about the speaker system using videos on YouTube:

Comparing the speaker with other gadgets in this price category, we can conclude that it is a worthy option to choose.

If we consider individual parameters, we can distinguish 5 main ones: design, for which the speaker system can be given 10 points; sound quality – quite good, but not the best (that’s why only 8 points); sound volume – for a gadget of this size it is quite possible to set it to nine; Ease of use. On the one hand, the control keys are quite convenient, on the other hand, the speaker is difficult to carry. 8 points; The autonomy of the speaker system is at a high level - it could be given 10 points if it were not for the decrease in capacity after 2-3 months of operation and the absence of a charge control system.

Young people and those who like to travel should buy the speaker. At the same time, it is not recommended for those who do not need either portability or high volume - the sound quality of the speaker is slightly worse than that of stationary models.

Functionality

The number of functions the speaker has is quite consistent with its price (not too high, but far from low).

Among them are:

• the ability to be placed in any position - the acoustics work great when placed vertically or horizontally, when installed on a surface or suspended);
• charging other devices - for example, smartphones, mp3 players, regular phones (with a suitable adapter) and even power banks, although, for example, tablets cannot be charged from acoustics;
• connecting 3 other devices via Bluetooth at once - for example, 3 phones or a computer, laptop and tablet;
• audio playback using a wired connection (without the sound quality getting any better or worse);
• combining two identical speakers using the JBL Connect function - this allows you not only to get higher volume, but also to provide additional sound effects;
• use as a speakerphone for a smartphone - using such a speaker and almost any phone that supports Bluetooth technology, you can, for example, hold conferences.

You should know: The presence of two USB ports allows you to charge two gadgets at the same time. However, it is worth considering that charging other devices reduces the operating time of the speaker itself.

Rice. 9. Connecting a smartphone to JBL Xtreme speakers.

When connecting other gadgets or another speaker wirelessly, it is worth considering the possibility of the acoustics operating only with the Bluetooth 4.1 standard.

The model does not support earlier versions, and you will not be able to connect.

It is also advisable to know about the maximum distance - in a room with walls it should not exceed 10–15 m; in open areas the figure increases to 50–100 m.

Another important feature is the splash-proof design, thanks to which the speaker is not afraid of water ingress. Tests of the device have shown that you can even dive with it to a depth of 30 m - however, the manufacturer does not recommend this. Moreover, if the service center detects liquid inside the JBL Xtreme, the standard 12-month warranty will be removed from the acoustics.

Rice. 10. The speaker is completely splash-proof.

Sound

Inside the speaker there are two amplifiers, the total power of which is 40 W. A special feature of this acoustics is the bi-amping mode. When a track is played, low and high frequencies are processed by separate speakers.

The first advantage of Xtreme is powerful, clean and expressive low frequencies. The audio system is great for electronic music; it can handle other genres too. During operation, it can rattle a lot, so it must be installed on a hard, flat surface.

The Xtreme's volume reserve is quite enough for the speaker to be heard in a room of 100-150 square meters. m. The device also sounds good on the street within a radius of 10 meters, which is quite enough for a small noisy party. During the test, no significant dips or distortions in the sound were noticed, even at maximum. The only complaint is that there are sudden disconnects in connection with the smartphone, which is why synchronization has to be done again. Most likely this is due to bugs in the firmware.

There is still a difference between a wired connection and working via Bluetooth. It's not that significant, but as a stationary audio system for a laptop, the Xtreme still sounds a little better. The difference also shows up in the format of the audio files played, so FLAC is recommended for best results.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of the gadget are:

Positive:

• volume comparable to much larger speaker systems;
• large charge, ensuring operation for 10–15 hours;
• stylish design and choice of colors;
• resistance to mechanical stress and water ingress.

Negative:

• lack of mid and high frequencies - basically, when playing music, the low frequency range predominates.
• The speaker weighs too much for some users - including women and teenagers.
• The model is more intended for men - although you can make it more convenient to carry by throwing the strap over your shoulder.

User reviews

I believe that good equipment cannot be cheap - so the cost of the Xtreme speaker completely suits me. I used it for more than a year - at home, as acoustics for the computer, and at parties and picnics. Moreover, I will say that the speaker plays even better than my stereo system. Although it weighs quite a lot, and carrying such a weight in one hand is inconvenient, - Vladimir, 32 years old.

I bought it and don’t regret it. I spent a long time choosing in online stores, looking at reviews and comparing, then I bought it and was simply stunned by the quality and volume. I use them to play music from my phone and laptop. However, in order for the sound to be clear, I recommend downloading music not in .mp3 format, but in .avi. The large mass does not bother you at all - especially since you usually have to carry it close, a few meters - Nikolai, 21 years old.

I recommend this model to anyone who needs a good and loud portable speaker. Although I don’t recommend choosing it for your home, you can purchase a stationary version for the same amount. but for walking down the street, you won’t be able to find more suitable acoustics – and the large weight is compensated by a strap with which you can carry it on your shoulder. I like the good battery and the ability to listen to music for up to 10 hours without having to recharge the speaker - Anatoly, 26 years old.

Video review of JBL Xtreme

For more interesting models of compact acoustics, see our rating “TOP best portable speakers of 2022”

The JBL Xtreme speaker is the flagship speaker system of its brand, presented in 2015 at the EISA consumer electronics exhibition.

The model is equipped with 4 speakers and allows you to get quite loud and high-quality sound.

And, thanks to the special case, it is perfect for use at home, outdoors, and in extreme conditions, without fear of dirt and water.

Content:

According to representatives of the manufacturer, HARMAN, JBL Xtreme is a worthy continuation of the brand’s powerful portable speakers, suitable for picnics and noisy parties.

At the same time, the sound quality should not disappoint even true music connoisseurs (although for this you should listen to music with a high bitrate).

An additional advantage is the ability of the acoustics to operate autonomously for 12–15 hours.