The Bottom Line
Introduction
With Bluetooth speakers from numerous manufacturers finding their way onto my review shelf, HIS has sent me its MusiX Air wireless Bluetooth speaker in order to see how it competes with the best.
This little egg-like speaker provides a waterproof experience, some cool LED's, and even a clip to hang it where you wish - like in the shower or on a watercraft.
Specifications
Providing a single 8w output, this Bluetooth 3.0 ready speaker will function for a reported 5-7 hours depending on volume and after a 1.5 hour charging period.
Connectible to your device through Bluetooth 3.0 only, this product measures a small 95(H) x70(W) (mm) and weighs in at a tiny 105 grams. The 600mAh internal battery is charged through a DC 5v input via a supplied micro USB cable.
The IPX7 waterproof grading is defined as "ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1m of submersion)."
Pricing & Availability
Unable to be found on Amazon, you can purchase this product direct from HIS for $29.99 plus shipping costs. Coming in at a low-mid-range price point, especially when compared to our highly-regarded $35 Etekcity T12 speaker, this device has a lot to prove. We also found it listed over at Newegg for a more reasonable $19.99 including shipping.
What's in the box?
Inside the package, you will find a disappointingly-short micro USB charging cable, a clip, the product itself, the quick-start guide/manual, and apparently a suction cup. I say "apparently" because it's listed in the manual, but I didn't receive one with my edition.
There's no carry pouch, but it's not really a necessity given the size and IPX rating of the device, alongside the rubber built-in loop at the top making for a handy addition for anyone looking to use it for hanging purposes. The charging cable is extremely short and quite annoying to use, something that is becoming a staple for many brands and something that needs to be fixed in my opinion.
Let's dig deeper
It feels great to the touch, the buttons are responsive and extremely large, the LED looks great through the clear rubber top, and the USB port is covered well by the plug.
The metal clip included is strong and well built, meaning money and time has been spend in the design and structure of this product. The speaker is of reasonable volume, making it as a little less than most products I've reviewed so far, but fine for a small gathering of people.
Flume's remix of Disclosure and Eliza Doolittle's song You & Me was the first song I tried out and unfortunately what came out made me want to make it the last too.
Bass is something that's lacking in most of these speakers. Often companies will crank up the volume to maximum levels and provide under-performing drivers to be left to rattle, distort, wash out and ruin the music you love. There are hints of bass, but speakers such as this provide no punch whatsoever and the boring bass often overrides any treble quality that may be present.
Take two
As mentioned previously, the bass adds to the overall 'wishy-washy' sound experience.
Loading up 'Don't Wanna Fight' by Alabama Shakes saw a similar experience, the bass was virtually non-existent and the clarity was lacking in the earlier stages. When the beat drops and the chorus hits, you're left a little disappointed at what could have been.
Other songs used to test this product include Duke Dumont's 'Wont Look Back' and 'The End of Heartache' by Killswitch Engage.
What's Hot
The feel: It's feels great to touch, soft rubber and great sturdy accessories are a big plus.
The structure: It's design shows that it may almost never break on you - it can also withstand being submerged under 1m of water!
What's Not
The sound: I've said it numerous times throughout the review. It's washy and the bass is non-existent.
Final Thoughts
This speaker looks awesome, but the sound does not match - it needs a complete driver overhaul before it'll be considered for any kind of reward, unfortunately.
The included clip is great, the LEDs light up and look great and the IXP rating is great, but all of this means nothing when the sound is not good.