Desk of Contents
Tribit isn’t a family title like Beats, JBL or Sony. Nonetheless, the discount audio model has grown in recognition previously two years with its assortment of cheap moveable audio system and true wi-fi earbuds. Reception has ranged from acceptable to surprisingly nice, and the accolades proceed to develop with each new launch.
Living proof: the all-new StormBox Lava. Whereas the most recent entry in Tribit’s speaker lineup is geared towards out of doors lovers (e.g., yard homeowners, campers, poolgoers) with an affinity for bass, it has the sonic prowess to fulfill large indoor crowds as nicely. It’s a mid-range possibility that serves up sturdy audio output and serviceable options in a strong, waterproof bundle. Battery life can also be up there with among the class’s prime entries.
Not all the things runs easily, however for the worth, the StormBox Lava gives sufficient efficiency to warrant the acquisition, relying in your way of life.
Tribit StormBox Lava moveable speaker setup and specs
Organising the StormBox Lava may be very easy. Press the facility button, then the Bluetooth button, and choose the speaker from the Out there Units checklist within the Bluetooth settings in your media system. That’s it. This speaker does help multipoint know-how (extra on that later).
This mid-range speaker homes some spectacular options.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
All controls are positioned on the highest and produce stable tactile suggestions when pressed. The rear homes three inputs: AUX, USB-A, and USB-C. Solely the latter works to recharge the speaker.
Noteworthy specs embrace:
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Woofer Unit: 30 watts
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Tweeter Models: 10 watts
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Frequency Response: 43Hz to 20KHz
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Output energy: 80 watts
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Customizable EQ with 10 frequency bands
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Get together Mode pairing (as much as 160 audio system)
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IP67 dustproof and waterproof
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As much as 24 hours
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Speaker dimensions: 12.2 x 5.78 x 5.98 inches
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Speaker weight: 6.13 kilos
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Removable strap
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Shade: Black
The Tribit app is out there for obtain within the Apple App Retailer or Google Play without cost. It’s fundamental in each look and performance. You achieve entry to some options, which I’ll break down additional within the evaluate.
Rocking sound that you could tweak on the fly
Tribit outfitted the StormBox Lava with two 30-watt woofers and two 10-watt tweeters. These parts create loud, emphatic sound with booming bass that may fulfill essentially the most hardcore headbanger.
The adrenaline-inducing bass ranges on Kaytranada’s “Drip Sweat” had been sonorous and didn’t veil manufacturing components just like the jingling tambourines and muttered vocals. It was a well-balanced mixture of lows, mids, and highs. James Brown’s “The Boss” delivered the thump I desired from the funky mellow basic. The thick double-bass guitar was accentuated and demonstrated excellent reverberation that merged and decayed easily with each strum.
Layered synth basslines just like the one on Snow Spouse’s “Wet Dream” sounded first rate and had a pleasant bop to it. Enjoying the observe at excessive quantity created some distortion, however it wasn’t a bloated mess that ruined the soundstage.
The 1975’s “This Must Be My Dream” carried out equally, which made me query the speaker’s means to deal with bottom-heavy lows. Then I turned on the XBass function and seen an enormous change. Tribit’s proprietary EQ eradicated the undesirable bloat and refined the midrange.
The XBass function makes bass-heavy tracks sounds higher.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
4 different EQs can be found within the Tribit app: Audiobook, Classical, Rock, and Jazz. Rock is the one one value testing. It offers different rock and EDM tracks a bit extra oomph. The app comes with a customizable 10-band EQ to personalize sound, although the educational curve might be troublesome for these unfamiliar with frequencies and unit measurements. Save your self the headache and keep on with both the usual or XBass EQ.
Different media codecs sounded nice. Motion pictures and sports activities clips on YouTube had been partaking. I used to be additionally bowled over by the vocal readability on podcasts. Spoiler alert: It was on level.
When in comparison with different in-class rivals just like the Beats Capsule (2024) and JBL Cost 5, this speaker doesn’t match their dynamic frequency vary or streaming high quality. These fashions supply lossless audio.
As well as, the StormBox Lava fails as knowledgeable speakerphone. Suggestions from callers was disappointing because of the microphone’s weak vocal seize. My spouse seen an echo impact on my finish as nicely.
Tribit charges battery life at 24 hours. Take options and excessive quantity under consideration, and playtimes fall between 18 to twenty hours, which remains to be greater than ample for a weekend of leisure. You’ll be able to even play music when the speaker is recharging. I used to be left with 20 % battery after utilizing the speaker three hours day by day for a whole week.
Be happy to depart your Anker energy financial institution at dwelling as a result of the StormBox Lava additionally doubles as a transportable charger. Oddly, solely the USB-C port works for recharging the speaker, however the USB-A port can be utilized to totally cost different moveable gadgets.
Transportable and party-ready
The StormBox Lava is nowhere close to as enticing because the Beats Capsule, however it makes up for the dearth of fashion with a sensible design that blends measurement, weight, and safety very nicely. It’s lighter and smaller than different mid-range cylindrical-shaped audio system. You gained’t pressure a muscle lugging it to the pool space. The bundled removable deal with is dependable for carrying in-hand, although the shoulder strap is stronger and retains your thoughts comfortable over unintentional drops.
The Tribit StormBox Lava has two carrying choices: a deal with or a shoulder strap.
Credit score: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Tribit used sturdy plastic and a thick woven materials to construct the speaker. The rear has a rubberized cowl that hides and protects all three inputs. And IP67 certification means the StormBox Lava can stave off mud and survive one-meter submersion for as much as half-hour.
Seamless wi-fi efficiency is to be anticipated. Bluetooth 5.4 stays steady inside a 40-foot vary of your related system. Tribit threw in multipoint know-how for good measure, letting you pair the speaker to 2 media gadgets concurrently. I might play Spotify on my iPhone and change to YouTube on my MacBook Professional with ease. No lag or stutter.
Then we now have the speaker’s flagship function: Get together Mode. Enabling it lets you pair the unit with as much as 160 audio system on the identical time. That is good for model loyalists who need to adorn every room of their dwelling with a StormBox Lava for immersive stereo sound. I can’t communicate on its efficiency since I used to be solely despatched one speaker, although the evaluations from different audio critics have been optimistic.
Is the Tribit StormBox Lava moveable speaker value it?
For $129 (and sometimes on sale for $109 on Amazon), the Tribit StormBox Lava is well worth the consideration in the event you worth aesthetics, bass efficiency, and playtimes. The near-impenetrable exterior will survive excessive situations. Music is given a vibrant enhance that’s satisfying in all settings, lounge or mountain prime. And also you gained’t have to fret concerning the speaker dying as a result of there’s sufficient energy to final a full day.
If none of this entices you, search out different mid-range opponents with extra options and refined sound. Check out our rankings of the greatest Bluetooth audio system for ideas.
