Stereo Guide Rating
The JBL Partybox 310 is a heavy but still mobile, battery-powered compact PA with light show, a bargain for plenty of powerful music.
Pros
- offers enormous SPL and sonic clarity
- powerful and accurate bass
- easy-to-use app
- long battery life, wheels make it easy to move it
Cons
- somewhat unwieldy when lifting and loading
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Tonal Balance / Transparency7.8
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Bass / Dynamics10
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Ease-of-use / Connectivity9.8
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Price / Performance9
The JBL Partybox 310 is the successor of the Partybox 300 and has gained some centimetres in all dimensions. Since a 17.5 kilogram speaker is rarely just lifted, JBL has chosen a trolley-like cabinet design offering two large wheels on the back. So this compact PA is quite easy to move even if one might find 17.5 kg a bit heavy.
The battery is promised to last for 18 hours, but despite the manufacturer’s usually down-to-earth specifications, this does not really apply if operated at max SPLs. The shape of the cabinet resembles somewhat of smaller portable Bluetooth speakers and remains decent compared to many competitors. Thanks to splash water protection meeting the IPX 4 standard, the Partybox 310 can also be used outdoors.
Lights on for a lot of power
The built-in light effects actually replace a compact light show, at least in small rooms. The illuminated rings around the woofers pulsate, and 4 strobes positioned on the rims of the grille create a real party atmosphere, but without really being able to light up a room.
JBL promises an enormous 240 watts RMS of power output from this rolling case concept. Most of this is probably due to the two 18 centimetre woofers, which are arranged one above another. Two large midrange/treble drivers of 6.5 centimetres each provide present voices and glittering treble. They are also promised to give party people a minimum of spatial effect, provided the speaker is operated in an upright position. Horizontal operation is also possible without such effect, though, small rubber feet are integrated on both sides.
Practical use and connections of the JBL Partybox 310
Operating the rubber keys is intuitive and no problem even in dimmed light. In addition to volume control, you can also change the lighting effects and choose one of the various inputs.
In addition to Bluetooth, there is an analogue AUX input as well as a USB, and the two jacks can also be used to connect a microphone and an instrument such as electric guitar. For the latter, an echo/reverb can also be applied.
Three additional buttons can also be individually assigned to playback sampled sound effects. The JBL Partybox App for iOS and Android is required for this, so that the DJ can then spontaneously play applause or a flourish without further use of the phone.
More cool features
As the partybox is now certified to IPX4 standard, the rear terminal has been fitted with a rubber cover. So the system can withstand even a short rain shower.
The power supply is integrated, so the only thing you need is a power cable. As an interesting alternative 12 volts of supply voltage are also accepted, for example from a car or mobile home. The battery is promised to be fully charged in just 3.5 hours.
A standard jack cable can be used to daisy-chain multiple party speakers together to provide sound for larger rooms or open air areas.
A true but compact PA in terms of sound
The fact that JBL has decades of experience in sound reinforcement systems is audible from the first beat on. The Partybox 310 doesn’t just play loud. Its performance is full of punch, presence and comes with incredible speed. This is especially true for the bass, which is by no means boomy, or wobbly but kicks the diaphragm with clean impulses, contour and plenty of subjective power. Fans of hip-hop, house or techno crying for even more bass might find the boost function useful, even if some punch and maximum SPL gets lost in case this boost is activated.
The trebles sound clear and present without offering too much of resolution, the mids and voices are remarkably balanced and present. This is especially true when the microphone input is also used for singing or playing music with emphasis on the voice.
Verdict and alternatives: JBL Partybox 310
The review reveals: From the technical specifications there are some cheaper alternatives among the party speakers, but as an overall concept with a balanced and powerful sound, the Partybox 310 remains unbeaten.
Specifications JBL PartyBox 310
- Price: approx. 550 $
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 42.5 x 78.4 x 3.67 cm
- Weight: 17.4 g
- Battery life up to 18 hours
- Features: splashwater-proof according to class IPX4, bass boost, 240V and 12V power supply, 2 jack inputs (microphone/instrument)
- More at: www.jbl.com
