Braven BRV-X Review: Rugged, Weather-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker
The Current Landscape of Bluetooth Speakers
The market is saturated with new Bluetooth speakers, many prioritizing novel aesthetics over sound quality. Designs range from animal shapes to retro radios, prompting the question: are there truly worthwhile options available?
Our recent evaluation of the Braven BRV-X speaker revealed promising performance, though it came at a higher price point.
The Inevitable Shift to Wireless Audio
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that Bluetooth connectivity will become standard in nearly all consumer speakers.
While traditional wired connections will likely remain an option, the flexibility of wireless audio is rapidly gaining prominence, as evidenced by marketing campaigns like those for the Beats Pill.
Braven: A Focus on Integrated Audio Solutions
Among the numerous manufacturers, Braven has distinguished itself by focusing not only on individual Bluetooth speakers but also on creating interconnected audio systems.
These systems offer users comprehensive control over their audio experience, whether throughout their home or on a speaker-by-speaker basis.
Introducing the Braven BRV-X and Vibe
This review will delve into the specifics of the Braven BRV-X standalone Bluetooth speaker.
Following this, we will introduce Braven’s innovative distributed audio system, known as Vibe, and explore its capabilities.
Further Reading
Related: The Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2023
Discover our comprehensive guide to the top Bluetooth speakers currently available on the market.
Exploring the Braven BRV-X Speaker
The Braven BRV-X is a versatile speaker designed for everyday use. Its robust build and substantial feel – reminiscent of a small football – make it suitable for diverse environments, from tailgates to living rooms.
Featuring a thick, textured rubber exterior and a resilient, high-impact plastic shell, the BRV-X is built to withstand demanding conditions. Durable metal grilles and a secure, water-resistant screw cap further enhance its durability, ensuring reliable performance even when subjected to bumps and splashes.
Located on the speaker’s top surface are control buttons. The +/- buttons serve a dual purpose, enabling volume adjustment or track skipping when pressed and held.
The opposite side houses the power button and a multi-function arrow button, which facilitates device pairing, playback control (pause/resume), and call management (answer/end).
Metal posts are positioned at each end of the speaker, allowing the included nylon strap to be attached. This strap enables convenient portability, allowing you to carry it over your shoulder, hang it from a doorknob, or suspend it in the shower.
The BRV-X boasts water resistance. Braven markets it as the "first true outdoor speaker," meaning it can endure rainfall, water jets, and splashes. While full submersion should be avoided, the speaker is well-protected against typical outdoor elements.
Operational Experience
Pairing the BRV-X with various devices – including an Apple iPhone 5s, Nexus 7, and Nexus 4 – proved effortless. Switching connections between devices was a straightforward and seamless process.
For devices equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication), instant pairing is achieved simply by touching the device to the BRV-X speaker.
Removing the water-resistant cap reveals a comprehensive array of ports and battery status indicator lights.
The BRV-X offers two distinct audio modes: indoor and outdoor. The indoor mode prioritizes bass and richness, while the outdoor mode emphasizes loudness by reducing lower frequencies, ensuring clarity in noisy environments.
For non-Bluetooth devices like older iPods or laptops, an auxiliary port and included 3.5 mm stereo connector cable provide a wired connection option.
The speaker also features a USB port, enabling it to charge your tablet or phone. Alternatively, the BRV-X’s 5200 mAh battery can be used to replenish a device’s power when an outlet isn’t available.
Battery life is dependent on usage, including volume level and whether external devices are being charged. However, the manufacturer’s claim of 12+ hours of playback was readily achievable during testing.
Bluetooth connectivity remained stable and uninterrupted throughout testing, even as the connected tablet was moved around a room. A reliable range of approximately 33 feet can be expected, though the speaker’s portability minimizes the likelihood of exceeding this distance.
Sound Quality Assessment
The crucial aspect of any speaker is, of course, its sound quality.
The BRV-X delivers a well-balanced sound profile, particularly excelling in the mid-range frequencies. While bass is present, it lacks the intensity to produce significant vibrations. The speaker doesn’t prioritize extreme loudness, instead focusing on clear and pleasing audio reproduction.
It provides a combination of clean sound, robust construction, and convenient features. This makes it an excellent choice for users in dormitories, small apartments, or compact office spaces where music is desired without disturbing colleagues.
Furthermore, the ability to pair two BRV-X speakers enables true stereo sound for an enhanced listening experience. The integrated conferencing capabilities, activated by the "answer-end" button, provide a noise-cancelling speakerphone function, surpassing the audio quality of many smartphones.
Expanding Beyond Single Speakers: The Braven Vibe System
The BRV-X represents only a glimpse of Braven’s broader ambitions in the audio space.
At this year’s CES, the company showcased their "Vibe" distributed audio system, which offers exceptional versatility and convenience by allowing users to share music across multiple devices and platforms.
The Vibe system allows you to assign Braven speakers to operate independently, as a unified group, or in any combination thereof. It also supports the integration of existing Bluetooth speakers.
The core of the Vibe system is the "Vibe Station," an all-in-one hub and speaker that connects to your wireless network and Bluetooth-enabled devices.
“Vibe Replay” units are additional speakers (without the hub functionality) that can be added to your Vibe Station(s) to expand the audio coverage. The “Vibe Link” connects to the wireless hub, enabling control of your existing Bluetooth speakers within the system.
The Braven Vibe App – compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows – provides comprehensive control over your music and output. It allows you to manage devices, control sources, divide speakers into zones or groups, and stream different content to individual speakers, zones, or the entire network.
During a demonstration, a Braven technician seamlessly transitioned songs and playlists between zones, playing Madonna in one area and Jay-Z in another, or simultaneously broadcasting the same song throughout the entire system. This level of control over your listening experience, without the constraints of a desktop setup or rack unit, is remarkably impressive.
A Comprehensive Evaluation: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Final Assessment
Ultimately, the Braven BRV-X functions as a portable speaker. However, during my several weeks of use, it has demonstrated its value as a convenient addition to various setups.
Specifically, it enhances the audio experience while viewing videos on tablets and laptops, provides music playback in rooms separate from a desktop computer’s location, and facilitates clear conference calls.
Acknowledging the subjective nature of such assessments, a detailed breakdown is necessary. What aspects of the BRV-X are commendable? Where does it fall short? And what is the overall conclusion?
Positive Attributes
The portability of the Braven BRV-X is a significant advantage. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport.
Sound quality is surprisingly robust for its size. It delivers clear audio with adequate volume for personal listening.
The speaker’s build quality appears durable. It feels solid and capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.
Areas for Improvement
Battery life, while acceptable, could be extended. More prolonged usage between charges would be beneficial.
The bass response is somewhat limited. Users seeking a more pronounced low-end experience may find it lacking.
Connectivity options are relatively basic. The inclusion of additional input methods could broaden its versatility.
Final Ruling
The Braven BRV-X represents a solid value proposition. It effectively fulfills its role as a portable speaker.
While not without its limitations, its strengths – portability, sound quality, and build quality – outweigh its weaknesses for many users.
Therefore, it receives a positive recommendation, particularly for those prioritizing convenience and ease of use. It is a practical and reliable audio solution.
Key Advantages
These speakers are engineered for durability, capable of withstanding significant impact and harsh conditions. They also boast resistance to both water and various weather elements.
Sound Performance
The audio quality delivered is notably clear, particularly within the mid and upper frequency ranges. This ensures a pleasant listening experience across a variety of content.
Versatile Sound Profiles
Two distinct sound modes are incorporated, enabling seamless adaptation to different listening environments. Users can easily switch between settings optimized for indoor and outdoor use.
Clear Communication
A noise-cancelling speakerphone is included, facilitating clear voice calls even in noisy surroundings. This feature enhances communication quality during hands-free operation.
Extended Power
Battery life is exceptionally long, and a dedicated charging station is provided for convenient power replenishment. This ensures uninterrupted usage for extended periods.
The inclusion of a charging station further enhances usability, allowing for easy maintenance of power levels. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on consistent performance.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the speaker exhibits some drawbacks. Specifically, the lower frequencies appear somewhat subdued, and the bass response could benefit from greater impact.
Design Considerations
The speaker’s aesthetic, characterized by a robust and utilitarian form, might not resonate with users prioritizing stylistic elegance. Its construction evokes a more functional, rather than fashionable, sensibility.
Cost Analysis
The speaker’s price point is relatively high, particularly when considering its compact size and function as a single Bluetooth speaker. Potential buyers should weigh the cost against its performance and features.
Bass performance is an area where improvement could be made, as it currently lacks a certain level of dynamism. The overall sound profile, while clear, could be more full-bodied.
The industrial design, while durable, may not align with the preferences of all consumers. A more refined aesthetic could broaden its appeal.
The price represents a significant investment for a single, portable speaker. Consumers should carefully evaluate whether the features justify the expenditure.
BRV-X Speaker: A Comprehensive Review
Despite its compact dimensions and robust construction, the BRV-X represents a relatively sophisticated stereo system. Its suggested retail price is $229.99, positioning it as a premium product.
Consequently, while its portability encourages carefree use – easily fitting into a backpack or withstanding accidental bumps – its value necessitates careful safeguarding against loss or theft. This concern is comparable to that of other similarly priced portable speakers, such as the $199 Beats Pill.
Sound Quality and Features
The investment delivers a pleasing audio experience characterized by clarity and balance, avoiding excessive bass. This consistent sound profile is housed within a durable, weather-resistant enclosure, making it suitable for diverse environments.
Furthermore, the inclusion of two distinct sound modes ensures optimal audibility regardless of the setting. Beyond audio performance, the BRV-X offers substantial functionality.
It boasts a battery life exceeding 12 hours, the capacity to charge external devices, and integrated call conferencing features, collectively providing a strong value proposition.
Availability
According to the manufacturer, the BRV-X is scheduled for release between the middle and end of February. Detailed specifications and the complete product range from Braven can be explored on their official website.
Key features of the BRV-X include:
- Robust, weather-resistant design
- Clear and balanced audio
- Two sound modes for optimized listening
- Battery life of 12+ hours
- Power bank functionality
- Call conferencing capabilities