Bose took a chance and changed the sound. I touched the saint.

Last year I called the column best in class. This is not just my opinion: no matter where you look, observers and experts, and ordinary owners are going crazy about sound quality aluminum baby.

Today, the old Mini has several worthy rivals. I still don’t think that any of them plays better, but there are already similar ones. Bose looked at the market and took a deep breath. updated SoundLink Mini before second versions.

What's new, what's old and what's changed

In two years, Mini has not lost its advantages. A few little things were missing to achieve the title of objectively ideal small-sized Bluetooth acoustics. Now there is nowhere to point your finger - everything you need is there and even a little more.

Style you can choose

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 does not change form. The strict, industrial style with an abundance of metal has not gone away. Only one little thing has changed: instead of one color scheme, two are now available.

Silver model strongly reminiscent of the first generation Mini, but uses a slightly different shade of plastic body elements and speaker grilles. As a result, the model became almost monochromatic. Those who still haven't seen old version, they are unlikely to notice the difference. This change is more likely for new buyers, a kind of enticement.

Black model- unexpected guest. Previously, it was not in the lineup, and if you saw a black Mini on the Internet or on the counter, it was always . The body is painted in a curious color: I can’t call it truly black; The “stealth” shade comes to mind, which can be explained by the banal properties of the aluminum body. The official name of the color is "carbon".

The buttons and speaker grille are also painted, and the only bright detail against their background is the light rubber insulation along the edges of the front panel. The combination is no less stylish, even more austere - it will appeal to owners of dark furniture.

Having compared both speakers live, I came to the conclusion: I like the silver one a little more. There is something warm and familiar about her: maybe the poppy plant lover of the noble shade of aluminum is playing in her soul again. But in the end, for comparison and testing, I took the black version - it demonstrates the difference with the previous generation much better. And, to be honest, it looks more organic on my dark shelves.

Features that were missing

I never denied it: functionality was the weakest point of the first generation Bose SoundLink Mini. Two factors had an impact: the start date of production and the transition period at Bose itself, where they were just beginning to see the future of the acoustics market, but were still betting on classic products like PC speakers. Mini was a milestone, ahead of everyone else in terms of sound. The rest could be nitpicked.

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 is now available maybe much more. No, not like that: now the column everything is possible, what the average owner will require of her.

1. Keys for switching tracks. My old dream came true. In every second review I wrote: portable acoustics must have not only a volume control, but also buttons for switching songs. The prayers were heard first in, and then in Mini 2.

I think you noticed that the body has new button. Responsible for switching tracks multifunction key, replacing Mute and Aux on the old model. By default, it simply pauses tracks and resumes them. To switch a song, you need to hold down the button and also click on the “plus” or “minus” - for the next or previous track.

A bit of a compromise solution, but during testing I never noticed any discomfort. The buttons are easy to press, you can even feel them blindly. iOS 8/9 and Apple Music work without problems, everything here is predictable in a good way.

A small detail: now the volume control on the speaker matches the volume of the connected device, and is not adjusted independently (as on the first Mini). In my opinion, it makes more sense.

2. Built-in microphone for speakerphone. It was not enough when using the speaker on trips and outdoors. When there is an incoming call, iOS gives priority to the new microphone in SoundLink Mini 2, and you can talk to the other person directly through the speakers. You look funny chatting with the column, and the experience itself is strange, but it is what it is :)

I tested the microphone itself, calling to friends and to myself. The voice quality is satisfactory, you can walk indoors and you will be heard normally. On outdoors It’s better to keep the speaker nearby, or speak louder. By the way, if you hold down the multifunction key, Siri will work! And then you can give her a task through the microphone - for example, tell her the weather or play a specific song.

3. Simultaneous connection of 2 devices. Great help for families or owners of two mobile gadgets. Previously, to switch the sound source, you had to go to the speaker, press the Bluetooth button to start searching for a new device, and hope that the Mini would pick it up. It's easier now.

After pairing two devices at once, the speaker plays sound from the first active source. As soon as it goes silent for at least a couple of seconds, the acoustics will switch to the second stream (and second source) if something is playing there. To the system you get used to it instantly: Essentially, you just press pause to switch sources.

Bose SoundLink Mini II stores up to 8 devices. You can reset it if you exceed it.

4. Voice assistant. We haven't had enough robot voices in our lives :) Bose SoundLink Mini 2 has acquired the same assistant as in the Color headphones and speaker. A synthesized voice speaks out absolutely everything that happens: the battery level when turned on, the start of pairing, the connection of new devices and their name. Even announces incoming call, including the caller's name in the phone book.

Yes, and before you ask, there is Russian language support right out of the box. If desired, you can return to English. Or disable the feature altogether.

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL: ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. CONNECTION WITH IPHONE TWO IS ESTABLISHED.

I’ll be honest: if I was happy about it in On-Ear, I turned it off in the column after two days. Well, a very talkative assistant. And when someone calls, especially with a long name in the address book... At the same time, thanks to the assistant, you can confidently answer calls without an iPhone at hand, already knowing who is trying to call.

Having a feature is always better than not having one. Anyone who doesn't like it will be turned off and that's it.

5. Supports charging via micro-USB. We've waited! Down with chargers and proprietary standards. On the side of the new Mini there is a USB port through which it can charge from any source, either portable accumulator, “plug” from the iPhone or laptop kit.

Now you don’t need to take a charger when traveling, or even depend on sockets. I connected it to the laptop and there it was. The kit includes a thick (well, really, I haven’t seen one like this in a hundred years) proprietary micro-USB cable with manufacturer’s markings, but, of course, any analogue will do.

A USB plug was also included. It charges about a third faster than when connected to a laptop. But I’ve never had a situation where the speaker wasn’t charged 100 percent overnight. There is still a docking station complete with a charging dock: I put a speaker on it and that’s it. The new dock is not compatible with the old Mini and vice versa. It is for information only.

6. Autonomous operation a third longer. Previously it was 7 hours, which was enough for many. But you won’t be able to take me into some forest for the whole day if you only listen intermittently. The Bose SoundLink Mini 2 lasts for 10 hours on a single charge, and we're talking about continuous music playback or conversations.

I noticed that I feel more comfortable taking the speaker with me, most often even without a cable. I’ve never completely discharged the first “mini” to zero, but it’s just nice to know that the new model will definitely withstand several days of work “in the field”.

A sound you didn't expect

Am I the only one like this? Every time something good is updated, I feel distrust of the manufacturer and compare them at the first opportunity. Businessmen love to cut costs and simplify, spoil products under the pretext of releasing updated versions - as the owner of several generations of Sony consoles, I have personally encountered this.

So when the new SoundLink Mini was announced, I began to suspect something's wrong. God forbid they touch it and ruin the sound. This is a failure that will make the column simply “one of many.” I tore the film off the box of the new model, as if it had been rude to me and insulted my entire family. It was interesting.

What's up with the sound in Mini 2?

The first thing I did was start comparing new version with the previous one generation Mini. One volume level, set at the same time both there and there from scratch. The same sound source – iPhone 6. The same tracks, which I have already listened to thoroughly and know all the details. And the speakers themselves stand in the same place - on a shelf opposite the wall. Ideal conditions.

Bose SoundLink Mini it was hard not to like, but some people didn't like it because of the powerful (in their opinion) bass. In fact, it wasn’t the bass that was straining, but the slightly blurry, suppressed high frequencies in comparison with other portable speakers (especially inexpensive ones, where everything crunches and rustles). These same people liked the model much more: in it the sound seemed a little more balanced due to improved speakers and a weakened low-frequency radiator.

So, SoundLink Mini 2 is the son of SoundLink Mini and SoundLink Color. From the first she inherited the legendary design, stylish design, powerful bass and rich mids. From the second - advanced functionality. And yes, a bit of balanced sound was lost.

Compared to old model, Mini 2 sounds brighter and richer: There is an increase in high frequencies. The difference in direct comparison is instantly noticeable - this was confirmed by four different people who I blindly tested. The vocals have become richer and significantly more noticeable, especially in powerful, multifaceted compositions.

At the same time, the average and, in particular, low frequencies remained at the same level. I compared them separately through a special website and did not notice a difference at all. Due to more detailed reproduction of highs, the stereo effect of the speaker has also improved: before it was rather nominal, but now it has become more noticeable. It is worth making a reservation here that

Having tested a dozen portable speakers, we learned to predict their advantages and disadvantages - even before we take the new device out of the box. Looking back, nothing could not prepare us for meeting Bose SoundLink Mini.

Here is the most amazing portable speaker we've ever reviewed. Possibilities SoundLink Mini many times larger than its size. And it's not about the features, but about the stunning sound quality. This minimalist, small oval thing plays in such a way that the pupils of those around you dilate, your pulse quickens, and the required amount instantly pours out of your wallet. Verified.

They did not expect

Bose– one of the synonyms for high-quality sound. The brand name comes to mind every time someone searches good acoustics for home. Still on the pages website their mobile speakers did not appear, and it was decided to start getting acquainted with them with SoundLink Mini.

SoundLink Mini forever changed our ideas about mobile sound and the capabilities of portable speakers. And not only ours. The entire RuNet is replete with similar reviews from buyers of the device. Shock, surprise, love from the first track - this is how you can describe the first minutes of owning a speaker. In this regard, there is a question addressed to Bose's competitors: how can you even compete with this?

Equipment and design

The speaker's delivery package is almost predictable, with a small but very important surprise. In addition to the device itself, lying on a plastic pedestal, the box stores network cable, a micro-USB cable and a docking station with an inductive charging port. We'll talk about it and how much it means to the owner a little later. And now about the highlight of the program, sharp and aluminum.

Every second portable speaker on the market has a strictly rectangular shape. SoundLink Mini stands out against their background: instead of perfectly straight lines, it has curved, rounded dimensions. The case makes us draw a parallel with the front speaker from an expensive home theater set. The parallel, by the way, is not far from the truth. Comparing this speaker with portable speakers, even large ones, is almost pointless. There will be a beating of a person lying down, but not with hands, but with the force of sound.

All controls on the column are located at the top, in the center. Opposite the logo are all the typical keys familiar to owners portable speakers. Power off, mute, volume control, Bluetooth controller and input source switch. All extreme buttons are recessed into the body. This is done in order to adjust the volume blindly. Or maybe just to brighten up the design.

The dark gray stripe between the logo and the keys hides the operation status LEDs. There are four of them in total. By the way, the speaker, given its size, is not a light one - 670 grams is still felt in the hands, at the same time instinctively arousing respect and confidence in the quality. Gadget lovers have this weakness: heavier means cooler. Old habits are difficult to overcome, also because of such little things that strongly confirm the correctness of the judgment.

The bottom is covered with a dense rubber stand, which successfully dampens the vibrations of the speaker at maximum volume and completes the picture that is typical of front speakers, but not portable ones. This plate also acts as a mount for the docking station.

The Bose SoundLink Mini comes with a plastic docking station with a plug for inductive charging. The latter connects to the corresponding port in the speaker every time you install the acoustics on the “pedestal”. By connecting power to the dock, the owner receives an incredibly convenient charger that continues the best visual features of the speaker.

Instead of having to deal with cords every time, you can simply place the speaker in the dock, and then remove it and move it just as easily. Very comfortably. This approach allows you to hide the unsightly power cable away, behind furniture and other objects, leaving only the cradle in a visible place. It will turn out very nice:

Sound

Remember what the last one sounded like? portable speaker, which you listened to. And forget about it forever. Bose SoundLink Mini plays as if its speakers are three to four times larger, and there are at least five of them themselves. I think that the engineers who first assembled the prototype of this model felt the same way as Gagarin did at the time of his flight into space.

A small and austere speaker from Bose, as expected, reproduces high frequencies well without affecting the brightness of vocals or the presence of instruments. But then the real magic begins: we have never heard such detailed, varied midrange frequencies from mobile speakers. It’s generally scary about the lows: there is no separate low-frequency speaker, but the bass sounds amazingly decent.

Bose is in no hurry to expand on how they managed to achieve such sound quality. Most likely, the miracles come from the use of a proprietary dual passive radiator design. Thanks to it, SoundLink Mini reproduces low frequencies with unexpected detail, filling music with depth and variety that is unusual for mobile speakers.

This is exactly the speaker you need to listen to before jumping to any conclusions. Otherwise, there is simply nothing to argue and discuss about. Hats off to Bose.

Additional accessories and price

Bose's minimalist design can be customized with one of five colorful cases. The format is known to every iPhone owner: essentially, these are silicone bumpers with colored stripes on the edges and a transparent protective wall. By choosing a bumper to match the color of the room, you can fit SoundLink Mini into any interior. And at the same time protect against falls from the shelf.

In addition to bumpers, Bose sells a branded survival-style case that will definitely appeal to the Tracer.ru audience. Really high quality and dense, with a pocket for cables and the softest inside, this case is perfect for transporting the SoundLink Mini over long distances.

The column is removed and inserted with force, clearly adjusted to the millimeter.

The SoundLink Revolve+ is larger, louder, and delivers more spacious sound than the SoundLink Revolve. In addition, the SoundLink Revolve+ system features a comfortable handle for easy portability in your hand. The battery life on a single charge is 16 hours for SoundLink Revolve+ and 12 hours for SoundLink Revolve. The remaining characteristics are identical.

What devices can connect to SoundLink Revolve+?

The SoundLink Revolve+ mini system can connect to any device that supports Bluetooth®, as well as those that can be connected using a cable - via a 3.5 mm jack. Bluetooth® connections can be accelerated using NFC.

Does SoundLink Revolve+ support wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi® or WiDi?

No, SoundLink Revolve+ only supports Bluetooth® wireless connectivity.

What is the range of the SoundLink Revolve+ wireless connection?

Radius of action wireless connection SoundLink Revolve+ is up to 9 meters. The range of reliable reception depends on the Bluetooth® implementation of the connected device, and may also be reduced in the presence of obstacles (walls and metal structures), interference from Wi-Fi and other wireless devices.

How many devices can be connected to SoundLink Revolve+ at the same time?

SoundLink Revolve+ remembers the last eight devices connected, and when a new one is connected, it deletes information about the oldest one from memory.

Can two SoundLink Revolve+ mini systems connect simultaneously in Party mode?

Yes, Party mode is available when using the Bose Connect app and two systems: SoundLink Revolve+ or SoundLink Revolve.

Is it possible to stream music from online services (Deezer, Spotify and others) from my computer to SoundLink Revolve+?

Yes, as long as your computer is Bluetooth enabled and within 10m of the SoundLink Revolve+.

What happens when the SoundLink Revolve+ system is playing music from a connected smartphone and receives an incoming call?

When a call arrives, music playback will pause and a ringing sound will ring. The call is answered by pressing the multifunction button; the system will operate in hands-free mode, thanks to the built-in microphone. When the call ends, music will continue to play.

How long does the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve systems last on battery?

System battery life depends on volume, source used, and other playback settings. On average, battery life on a single full charge is up to 16 hours for SoundLink Revolve+ and up to 12 hours for SoundLink Revolve.

How long does it take to charge the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve battery?

When using the included charger Without playing music at the same time, the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve battery is fully charged in 4 hours. Charging from other devices via USB cable may take longer.

What is the purpose of voice prompts?

Voice prompts make connecting Bluetooth® devices easier by providing the user with feedback. They also announce the names of connected devices, which simplifies simultaneous work with several devices.

Is it possible to turn off voice prompts?

Can the Bluetooth® mini system be used as a speaker system to accompany video audio (for example, when watching a movie on a tablet)?

Yes. Please note that due to the nature of Bluetooth® audio transmission, there may be audio delays. For the most precise synchronization video and audio, place the mini-system as close as possible to the device playing video - in direct line of sight, at a distance of no more than 2 meters.

What does IPX4 waterproof rating mean for SoundLink Revolve+ mini systems?

The IPX4 rating determines the degree to which the device is protected from solid objects (including body parts such as hands and fingers), dust, and splashes. electrical circuits water in the form of drops. The level of security of SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve meets IPX4 requirements with some reserve and can withstand prolonged exposure to water splashes. This means you can use the SoundLink Revolve+ and Revolve in places where there may be direct contact with water (on the side of a pool, at a sink) without worrying about the device getting wet (from pool splashes, in the rain, while washing a car, in the kitchen) . In this case, the system must not be immersed in water.

Currently, portable speaker systems are becoming increasingly popular. They are compact, convenient and can provide quite high quality sound. One of these products is. A review of this speaker will help identify its strengths and weaknesses.

“Smart” speakers appeared about 4 years ago and became very popular among users. When going out into nature or to the countryside, these are indispensable devices. They are practical and good sound. But only BOSE came up with an almost perfect device.

Review technical characteristics and features of Revolve and Revolve+

The main feature of these portable speakers is their design. It is thanks to this that they are able to produce surround and high-quality sound. But the characteristics of BOSE Soundlink Revolve and Revolve+ also play an important role.

The basic characteristics of these two speakers are not very different. And although there is no data on power, it is reliably known that Revolve+ is much more powerful than a conventional speaker. And there is nothing surprising in this. It is much larger in size.

Now it’s worth talking about the speaker design. A review of all its features is unthinkable without an evaluation appearance product.

Design and appearance

The appearance of these portable speakers is a separate issue. BOSE designers managed to come up with a unique shape and make it attractive. In general, this form of column is due to the need to send sound signal in all directions.

But the design itself is pure fantasy of the designers. BOSE Soundlink Revolve and Revolve+ are made in a minimalist style and have a cylindrical body. The material used is high quality plastic with a matte finish.

There are several color options: black and gray. This speaker also comes with an IPx4 waterproof housing. The speaker is not afraid of splashes, but dropping it into water is not recommended. The advantages of such protection are obvious: you can use acoustics near a pool or in a bathroom without any problems.

The compactness of BOSE speakers also plays a positive role. The speaker can be easily moved to any place in the house, and it will fit perfectly almost anywhere. The Revolve+ model is also equipped with a carrying handle, as it weighs decently.

On the top of both speakers there is a control panel made of plastic. There are all the necessary buttons and a microphone grille. The bottom is equipped with a tripod mount (which is quite unusual). There is also a contact for charging via the docking station.

There is perforation around the body (at the location of the speakers). This is done to distribute sound throughout 360 degrees. The pattern is the same for both models of BOSE acoustics. Now let's talk about the sound of these speakers.

Sound quality

This is a very important parameter for almost all users. It is worth noting that the sound of these speakers is fine. The design of the speakers and the type of speaker have an impact. Both use a passive radiator with two membranes, operating on the principle of antiphase.

This approach helped achieve high-quality omnidirectional sound in the BOSE Soundlink Revolver and Revolver+. With help wireless connection You can achieve very balanced frequencies when listening to rock, metal and other instrumental music.

Low frequencies are quite clearly defined, there is a full range of mid frequencies, there is no dip in the frequency response. But best quality can only be achieved with a wired connection. And only with a high quality sound source.

For playback on these speakers, it is best to use studio recordings in FLAC format. Only then can you truly hear clear sound. The power of BOSE speakers is quite sufficient even for outdoor use. Moreover, Plus versions There is more power reserve.

Connecting speakers

You can connect the speakers to your smartphone in three ways at once: using an NFC chip, a Bluetooth transmitter, or a wired connection (via a 3.5 mm jack). For the first two, it is possible to use the BOSE Connect application.

Connection via Bluetooth

This very application allows you not only to connect a speaker to your smartphone, but also to control playback through it. It is possible to use different modes. In the event that there are 2 or more columns.

Party mode. If you enable this mode, two BOSE Soundlink Revolve or Revolve+ speakers will play music at maximum volume, located at a distance from each other in order to fill the entire room with sound.

Stereo mode. When stereo mode is turned on, the application will distribute the channels between two speakers and you will get full stereo. The instruments in the compositions will immediately sound spacious.

Connecting Bluetooth speakers to a smartphone is intuitive and will not cause any problems even for novice users. No instructions needed. Everything happens by pressing just one button on the speaker control panel.

Connection via NFC

In the case of an NFC module, it will be enough for the smartphone to be in close proximity to the speaker itself. This connection method, by the way, is much faster and safer than using a Bluetooth adapter.

To connect, just bring the device close to the speaker and turn on the NFC option on your smartphone. Then you just need to allow the connection by clicking on the appropriate button in the request window.

In general, the NFC connection process may differ depending on the type of smartphone or tablet used to play files. For example, iPhone owners will not be able to connect the speaker using this method, since they only have NFC for payment.

Wired connection

Everything here is extremely simple. You need to connect the smartphone and the speaker to each other using a cable, at both ends of which there is a 3.5 mm connector (mini jack). This is an analog type connection. It can provide more high quality sound.

Working with voice assistants

By the way, the portable speaker BOSE Soundlink Revolve or Revolve+ can work perfectly with voice assistants on smartphones. There is an opportunity to communicate with Google Assistant, Siri and Alice. Google and Siri work fine. But sometimes problems arise with Alice.

The speaker can also be used to organize a conference via speakerphone.

Nutrition

Inside the BOSE Soundlink Revolve and Revolve+ portable speakers there is quite a capacious battery Li-Ion type. According to the manufacturer, Revolve can operate for 12 hours on a single charge.

The Revolve+ version offers as much as 16 hours of battery life on a single charge. And this is absolutely true. The autonomy of this acoustic system is excellent. A full battery charge lasts for a whole day.

Equipment

The delivery package for these speakers is truly spartan. It includes the BOSE Soundlink Revolve portable acoustics itself, an adapter USB power supply, USB cable, network block power supply, user manual different languages and a warranty card.

The review would be incomplete without a description of the instructions. Oddly enough, it is written in simple and understandable language. With its help, even a person ignorant of technology can easily set up a connection and start using the portable instructions.

And the best thing is that the Russian language in the instructions is correct. There is no machine translation touch.

Advantages of portable acoustics

Each product has its own advantages. You just need to know how to highlight them correctly. The pros and cons outlined in the review help consumers make the right choice.

Advantages:

Excellent design;

High quality materials;

Unique design;

High sound quality;

Good battery life;

Possibility of sound propagation 360 degrees;

Special carrying handle (in the Revolve+ version);

Possibility of connecting via NFC;

There is an option to connect using a wire;

There is an official application for smartphone;

There are several operating modes;

Can be used to make calls;

There is protection from moisture;

There is a built-in microphone.

Conclusion

So what can we say about the BOSE Soundlink Revolve and Revolve+ portable speakers? These are excellent speakers for use outdoors, at a party, in the country and in other places where full sound system very difficult to deliver.

These speakers have rich functionality, excellent sound quality, excellent build quality and can provide high-quality surround sound.

A very compact and very heavy audio system with amazing sound for its size. Dock station included Mini body made of metal, it was not possible to find competitors.

Design, construction

It seems that Bose looked at what was happening in the market for a very long time, studied trends, demand, and studied competitors’ products before releasing their solution in the portable speaker segment. The company already had a relatively portable speaker, it was called Bose Soundlink Wireless, I will quote my conclusions regarding that device: “The average cost of this system in the USA is about three hundred and fifty dollars, in Russia it is twelve to thirteen thousand rubles. As always, Bose is quite expensive, and the company has no plans to move down from the selective segment. No exceptions for compact systems, nor for the big ones. Is it worth buying? Excellent design and materials, very suitable for Apple devices, good time work offline, the ability to use with any gadgets, from iPhone, iPad to devices on Android based. Decoration for your desktop, a wonderful gift, sound for your office or bedroom. In general, I strongly recommend purchasing."

After the material, several friends and acquaintances immediately purchased this gadget, everyone is happy, but Lately I increasingly heard the question, when will Bose show something even smaller. Something that you can throw in your bag and take with you out of town or on a trip. I didn't know the answer. But, as I have written more than once, there is a trend, and it will continue in the near future. You know, it’s one thing to write about it, and quite another to see with your own eyes how it happens. In March I was in Bulgaria, in Bansko, skiing in a large group. Once we were having a party right in the hotel, and a friend brought a small speaker, connected it to a smartphone, and here’s the music. Everything is more fun than a smartphone speaker. A week ago I was on vacation, lying on the beach, at a Jambox company nearby. I saw such things in Gorky Park so many times. Certainly more often than I see people with Bluetooth headsets now. And I understand why people vote with rubles for such gadgets; the effect is immediately visible. You can play on the iPad with normal sound (or watch a movie), you can office computer It’s okay to listen to music when everyone is gone, you can take it on a picnic - there are a lot of use cases.

So what did the wizards from Bose come up with? In my opinion, they have created the best portable speaker in its class. It is customary to praise in conclusions, but I can’t resist, this is truly an outstanding product on all fronts. Let's talk about design first. Don't be fooled by the large box and official photos, this is a miniature device in real life. The dimensions are 5.1 x 18 x 5.8 cm. But the weight is very good, the Mini weighs a lot, 670 grams. But I'm willing to forgive that because the Mini is made of metal. Thing. The thick aluminum body is reminiscent of Apple products, check out the thickness. On the front and back there are perforated inserts, as far as I can tell, made of plastic. At the bottom there is a massive rubber foot, at the end there is an input for connecting the power supply, an AUX connector, at the bottom there is a microUSB connector (probably for service) and a connector for connecting a docking station. It is included in the kit, which is a huge plus. You can simply put the speaker in the cradle, and it will charge, this is very convenient. If you don't want to, use a power supply.

You can connect devices via Bluetooth or using the AUX connector, there were no problems with either. To activate pairing mode, you need to press and hold the button with the Bluetooth logo until the indicator flashes blue.

Accessories

Bose has repeatedly presented special accessories for its devices; for example, the company has produced carrying bags for some speakers. They also did something special for Mini, it’s like bumpers in three colors, it looks great. There is also a car charger, which is also a useful thing.

Control

On the top there are control buttons, made of rubber, very reminiscent of control panels for large Bose audio systems, this applies to both material and designations. There are light indicators above the buttons, they are made cool, very clearly, beautifully, I’m used to seeing such solutions from Sony. When you select Bluetooth or AUX connection, the white lights above the buttons light up. The set of controls is standard: a power button, a mute button, volume control buttons and sound source selection buttons.

Working hours

The claimed run time is around 7 hours of playback, which is not bad, especially when you listen to the Mini.

Sound

I don't know how long it took to set up the tiny speakers, to develop the cabinet and resonators - it's a fact, but the Mini sounds like a Big Jambox. At the same time, the system is two or even three times smaller. The sound is truly amazing and you won't find a speaker this size with the same sound quality. Bright bass, huge, truly huge volume reserve, the sound is clear, interesting, so to speak, groovy. I was lucky, because on the very first evening when I turned on the Mini, there was company at home, everyone had only positive reviews. This is truly an ideal device in its class - once again I am convinced that in the world of consumer portable acoustics Only a few companies manage to create truly amazing things, Bose being one of them. You're always expecting a surprise. And there are more than enough surprises here.

A few words about the design, there are two speakers and a clever system of passive resonators, they are located between the speakers. The resonators, in turn, are located on both the front and rear parts. It is clear why such a massive body was needed - but I will not write this down as a disadvantage, the sound justifies everything.

conclusions

The cost of the device is about 9,000 rubles, a simple Jambox is cheaper, it has a microphone, the ability to install voice applications, but the Mini better design and, most importantly, sound. Another competitor is Beats Pill, which is also an interesting thing, but even here, in terms of sound, the Mini seems to me the best option.

There is no point in comparing with other devices at all; the Mini has a better design (and materials), convenient controls, and sound... The sound here can be compared with other systems price category, for example, this is the Jawbone Big Jambox.

I really liked the device, Bose did a tremendous job. The device is positioned as a youth device, but, in my opinion, it will appeal more to middle-aged people, those who are already familiar with the brand’s products. These are those gentlemen and ladies who use Bose QC during frequent flights, use Bose speakers in the car and an audio system at home - they will like the Mini. Metal, classic design, great sound, no unnecessary features. Young people need more chips and whistles, older people need quality.

P.S. The cradle is a brilliant accessory, I used it constantly during the test. Very comfortably.

Sergey Kuzmin ()