We’re fast approaching party season so now is probably a good time to consider the entertainment options for your festive get-together. All good parties benefit from music and maybe even a bit of karaoke after a few beverages have been taken. The new TRIBIT StormBox Blast 2 sounds like the kind of boombox that could easily get a party started.
The new and upgraded TRIBIT StormBox Blast 2 is a portable Bluetooth boombox that builds on the success of the brand’s original StormBox Blast. This latest version of the mammoth wireless speaker has been significantly upgraded and now has an IP67 waterproof rating, making it ideal for pool parties or simply singing in the rain.
With support for the latest Bluetooth 5.4, the StormBox Blast 2 has an output of 200W when powered by mains electricity. When running on battery power, that figure dips to 180W to conserve power. The output is divided with 80W going to the subwoofer, while two mid-range drivers get 45W and the two tweeters get 15W each. The 2.1 channel design is powered by two Ti amplifiers for a balanced and dynamic sound, while two large passive radiators boost the bass for more low-level grunt.
As if all that audio muscle wasn’t enough, the StormBox Blast 2 also includes a customizable dynamic lighting effect that can put on an impressive light show and will even pulsate in time to the beat of the music. There is a TRIBIT smartphone app for fine-tuning the light and sound show.
The speaker can be powered by mains electricity ranging from 100 to 240V or with a USB-C power source, although that takes longer to get a full charge of the massive rechargeable battery. A full charge of the battery provides up to 30 hours of playtime to keep the party going right through the night and well into the next day. The battery has sufficient spare capacity for it to be used to charge phones or other USB-powered gadgets at the same time.
One of the best party features of the TRIBIT StormBox Blast 2 is its karaoke function which has a built-in and adjustable Reverb effect. There is support for two wired or wireless microphone connections, letting you perform solo or as a duet with your bestie. The microphone volume can be adjusted independently to the main sound, making it easy to balance the overall sound. As well as being great for karaoke, the speaker could also double as a PA unit for all kinds of occasions or even business use.
The StormBox Blast 2 has an impressive LED light show that can be synced to the pulse with the rhythm of the music playing or you can choose a favorite color using the TRIBIT App to add a creative look to parties, weddings, festivals or whatever.
The light show can be easily switched off by pressing the lighting button on the StormBox Blast 2’s fascia. As well as the lighting switch, there are also buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume levels, play/pause, XBass expansion or linking two StormBox Blast 2s together for even more sound or a wider stereo soundstage.
At the rear of the speaker is a large waterproof flap made from silicone rubber that hides the inputs and outputs of the StormBox Blast 2. There are two 6.35mm TRS microphone inputs, each with a volume level knob. Next, there is a 3.5mm TRRS AUX input with an independent volume control which could be used for feeding in a karaoke source.
Alternatively, you can stream the music via Bluetooth from a smartphone or computer. Finally, there is a USB-C power input for charging the battery from a power bank and there’s a USB-A output that you can be used to recharge a smartphone or any other gadget that needs topping up.
Another unusual feature of the StormBox Blast 2 is its X3D algorithm, which processes audio to create an immersive sound that injects a concert or auditorium effect into the music. Surround sound isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but some people like the sense of excitement it can add to music and live performances.
The speaker is made of incredibly robust and hard-impact plastic and includes an integral carrying handle, which is just as well as this is a heavy beast. It could do with some anchor points for a shoulder strap as I wouldn’t want to be the one lugging this monster to the beach considering it weighs almost 9kg. And speaking of beaches, the StormBox Blast 2’s improved IP67 waterproof rating makes it fine for lounging next to the pool or laying out at the beach without the worry that stray water splashes will destroy the party vibe.
The sound from this beast of a boombox is colossal. It’s loud and wild with an incredible amount of bass from the subwoofer. There’s enough sonic muscle in the StormBox Blast 2 for running a small disco and kids will love the karaoke function.
This versatile speaker would also make a great tool for buskers thanks to its dual mic input and up to 30 hours of battery life. It’s a versatile tool that delivers a lot for the money. The sound quality isn’t audiophile quality but that’s not what most people are looking for in a boombox like this.
Verdict: The TRIBIT StormBox Blast 2 is a capable and effective boombox with lots of extras and handy features. It’s ideal for karaoke and the light show can be customized to do almost anything you want thanks to the excellent TRIBIT smartphone app. If you are looking for a boombox that has all the chops for the party season and will also work as a busker’s sound system or a PA for office meetings, the StormBox Blast 2 is hard to beat. Excellent value for money and well worth an audition.
Pricing & Availability: The TRIBIT StormBox Blast 2 is available now from TRIBIT and Amazon priced at $299.
Tech Specs:
- Bluetooth: Version V5.4.
- Bluetooth protocol: A2DP, AVRCP.
- Output power: 200W (AC mode); 180W (battery mode).
- Frequency response: 40 – 20KHz.
- Battery: 79.92AWh
- Playtime: Up to 30 hours (at 50% volume with XBass and lights off).
- Charging time: 5 hours (AC charging) / 12 hours (USB-C charging).
- Waterproof rating: IP67.
- Voice Assistant: No.
- Range: 30m.
- Weight: 8.7kg.
