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JBL Pulse: Wireless Bluetooth Speaker LED Light Show
I got to spend some time with the JBL Pulse. I have to admit that the first speaker I owned for my old LCD click-wheel iPod was the round JBL On Stage, and then I added the JBL On Tour later. They both served me well and one of my kids still uses the On Tour.
I love music and have some playing whenever I can. I own a few different speakers to use with my iPhone, iPad or MacBook Pro. Even though I am a music lover, I am not a producer or a musician, and some of the reviews I read about speakers or headphones leave me shaking my head; there are lots of people who seem to have much “better” ears than me. It reminds me of wine snobs discussing the mossy undertones of a particular vintage. I can tell if something sounds bad or good to me, that’s the scale I use.
The Good/Cool: The Pulse is covered with LEDs that move with the music, you can control the color scheme, the mode, and the intensity. It is like nothing else I’ve seen — when you walk in a room it instantly catches your attention. It is plenty powerful to fill a large room and outdoors is plenty loud for those in the vicinity. I ran it for 4 hours with the LEDs at full strength no problem, its stated battery life is 5 hours with LEDs, 10 without. It charges via micro USB, but it also includes an adapter to connect the USB to a wall outlet. I love the USB, I hate proprietary adapters that in my house always disappear. The range on the Bluetooth is strong, I went all over the first floor and never lost the connection. You can also download a free app to manage the lights from your phone.
The Bad/Un-cool: Not much here – I will say that if you like window vibrating low-end bass, this isn’t for you. I enjoyed some Van Morrison, Avett Brothers, Allman Brothers and Carolina Chocolate Drops and they all sounded very good, but when I switched to some heavier sounds in rock and hip-hop you do miss the bass. If you are running the LEDs then a 5 hour run time isn’t great, but it should get you through most parties.
The Scoop: If you have a trained ear that anything less than perfect tonality is unacceptable then there is probably some hipster brand that I’ve never heard of at three times the price that will serve you better. If you want something that will make your friends OOOOOH & AHHHHH and will fill your place with really good sounding music then you have to consider The Pulse. Let me add, that this would make a great Christmas present for any music lover with a smartphone or tablet!
Stay Connected:
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Lily Kwan says
I love Erasure!
Lisa Williams says
I listen to and like many different types and styles of music from Rock to Country to Jazz. I also have many favorite songs but over the years one of my all time favorites has been Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.
Rita Spratlen says
I love take me to church by Hosier. I was watching a rerun and heard him singing this song. I had to find out who he was. He has been around a while too. I don’t care for the meaning of the words though!!
Kim Holsapple says
My favorite all time group is Journey. I just love Steve Perry.
Megan Zuchowski says
Country is my favorite kind of music!
Amanda Sakovitz says
I love EDM and doowop music.
Daniel M says
My favorite type of music is classic rock from the 60s-late 80s, stuff i grew up with..
toddy says
I like a variety of music. Right now I would say my favorite song is blank space by Taylor Swift.
Robyn Donnelly says
I love anything from Def Leppard or Devil Makes Three.
Denise E. says
I like all genres of music EXCEPT hiphop, rap and country. Other than those, I’ll listen to anything, even opera!
Lynn R says
My favorite type of music is country music. Right now I don’t have a favorite song.
Carrie Conley says
I am old school…One of my favorite singers is Gladys Knight…
Cheryll Shubert says
This is a really hard question because I love so many different types of music and a million different singers and bands!! If I had to pick, I have always loved the Counting Crows! Every song they sing is amazing!!
Thomas Murphy says
My favorite band is Tool.
crystle tellerday says
I love taylor swift
Kathleen S. says
I love most rock from classic to today! Guns and Roses to Def Lep, to Soundgarden & STP to Three Days Grace & Avenged Sevenfold… 🙂
Shannon K says
I love all of David Bowie’s albums.
Kari says
I like all kinds of music. One of my favorite groups is Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Robyn Norris says
Ben Folds is my favorite musician.
debbie campbell says
I like so many different types of music. I love Switchfoot and Train. I would love to see James Taylor and Jackson Browne in concert, too.
desiree grubbs says
My favorite kind of music is either Texas Country or Contemporary Christian. One is a cultural love and the other is a love for my Savior!
Candie L says
I love Fade To Grey by Casting Crowns. Thank you
Trista says
Love that you said full, complete sentences! At the moment we are on a Frozen kick in my class while the students are working, so ‘Let It Go’ Is my choice.
Corey Olomon says
My favorite song is John Lennon’s Imagine.
Tamra Phelps says
I love lots of different styles of music, from 30s & 40s crooners to modern stuff like Adele. But I can always turn on Motown from the 60s and be happy!
Sara Wood says
I don’t have a favorite type of music but something I can dance to is always nice.
Mary Songer says
I like a lot of types of music. Including a lot of 70’s stuff, even disco!
Jessica Lewis says
My favorite brand of music is rock and country. I am very eclectic.
Anita Kennett says
There is so much great music.I have never been able to say any particular one is the best.I love almost all of it.thanks
Amy Z. says
I love listening to The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac.
Lesley F says
My favorite band is Theory of a Deadman!
joe bond says
My Favorite music is jazz. I love the music of Charlie Parker.
Lantana H. says
My favorite band is Sublime, but since Brad died, I found a couple (very similar) “new” bands to follow – Pepper and Slightly Stoopid. I’m sure they fall into some type of genre but imo they are in a genre all their own!
rebretta says
My favorite band of all time is Bon Jovi, although these days I listen to Train and Matchbox 20.
Laurie Nykaza says
Queen is my favorite band saw them this year with Adam so good.
steven weber says
My favorite band is Dave Matthews Band
Mandala says
I enjoy different kinds of music depending on the season and my mood. Right now, it’s Christmas songs. Thanks & Happy Holidays!
Pattie Salter says
Van Morrison – Moondance.
Kimberly Schotz says
We enjoy listening to anything by the Grateful Dead.
Kamilah Berry says
I’m pretty much into all kinds of music. I grew up on Motown, so I guess that is my most favorite.
Lindsey says
My favorite band is A-ha!
Linda Poplees says
I have always loved Earth, Wind and Fire. There music is timeless and my favorite song is September. They are still around and still sound fantastic
Diana. C says
I love all types of music. I think my favorite is Latin music. I like everything from classical, pop and dub step. 🙂
Diana C
Cristy Ridey says
I listen to mostly Christian or Country. My favorite artist is Mandisa because her songs are uplifting.
Katrina says
I love Earth Wind and fire.
Michelle C says
Christmas music is my favorite, but at other times of the year I listen to Top 40. Thanks for the chance to win!
ELOISE W says
My favorite music is song by Mary J Blige…
Brandon says
Love music
Kristen Cantwell says
Beck!
Clayton C. says
I listen to a lot of indie rock, folk, alternative, and metal
velder dixon says
i like sam smith.he have a beautiful voice
polly says
I really like Sam Smith…great songs!
Cheryl says
My favorite music is Classic Rock.
Wendy R. says
I listen to mostly 80’s new wave and heavy metal, and 70’s music including disco.
Mia H says
I like everything from Tupac to Kenny Chesney. What I absolutely refuse to listen to is Taylor Swift. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of 90s hip hop and R&B, plus a lot of early 20th century blues, jazz, and standards on Pandora.
Tyrone Macedon Sr says
I listen to the Music that happens to go along with the mood that I am in. I don’t have a favorite band or artists.
Carol Nine says
My favorite music is all the oldies by Queen and most oldies from the 60’s and 70’s.
Linda G. says
My favorite music is the oldies from the 60’s!!
Kelly Nicholson says
Please use full complete sentences and tell me what your favorite music, band or song is.
i likt the beatle and bob dylan,and me favorite is hey jude..thanks
jose benavides says
My favorite type of music is pop music and trance.
Darlene Carbajal says
My favorite song at the moment is Baby Don’t Lie by Gwen Stefani.
Clayton C. says
I listen to a lot of independent bands – everything from folk to rock and metalcore
jek11 says
That looks a lot better than the Beats Pill for sure!
Denise Welch says
I like anything Kid Rock.
Travis P says
I’ve always had a love for music, and at times have even tried to compose it on my own. However, while I may find the latter more pleasing, I’ve always enjoyed listening to the professionals more. I enjoy just about any genre you can think of (except for rap), and fall asleep every night to it. I rely on the speakers of my phone, and I’ve never invested a substantial amount of money into any sort of speakers, and in-turn have always relied upon built-in speakers on a device, or a pair of headphones. I’d truly love to be able to enjoy this device, as it seems both functional, and exciting to look at.
Melissa Shirley says
I really do not have a certain band that is my favorite. I love all sorts of genres of music, But I guess my favorite of all time is Janis Joplin and my favorite song is Bobby Magee.
Fawn H says
My favorite music is Classic Rock from the 70’s. I also love music from Kid Rock, Bad Company, and Jethro Tull to name a few others.
Dawn Monroe says
Im an 80s girl! A couple of favorites are Journey and REO.
Debra S says
Arrrrgh why did it erase my reply cause I got the captcha wrong?? arrrgh! LOL I LOVE alternative music. All the way from the sixties… Bowie.. to now… Jack White, Modest Mouse, M. Ward, Avant Gardener.. endless endless good music. I have the best radio stations here in MN, kvsc and 89.3, The Current. All alt.
Sharon Kaminski says
My favorite song is tupelo honey by van morrison.
sandra says
I am currently enthralled by taylor swift’s new album.
Candice says
I love the Foo Fighters.
Dana Rodriguez says
We like a lot of different bands.On of my favorites is Apocalyptica.
ashcat1022 says
My favorite band is The Doors!
kelly tupick says
My favorite is the 80’s music. I love Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Journey. There are so many good ones out there.
Barbara Adams says
My son’s a DJ/producer, so our music is what he is working on presently…I’m ok with most, loke some, but if I don’t like it everyone knows
Mercedes Cassity says
My tastes run rather eclectic. I love death metal to pop. Dubstep and club sounds can also frequently be heard in my house. Its fun not to commit to a single style and band.
I think my daughter’s YouTube singers are the only music I can’t stand.
Shakeia Rieux says
My favorite song is Young Love by Teena Marie.I love all of her music
mrsshukra says
Love the Carpenters forever!
Sarah Matos says
I dont really favor one genre over the other. I kinda just go what catches my attention. I really like Hozier-Take me to church, right now.
Natalie says
I love to listen to listen to Christian music and I really like 10th Avenue North.
Chrystal J. says
My favorite band would be The Beatles, but I love all different kinds of music.
Heather in VA says
I have to admit to liking Taylor Swift both her country and pop.
christopher sorel says
Smashing pumpkins and alternative rock along with some girl rockers like hole or VEruca Salt
Sandra Watts says
I personally like a variety of music depending on my mood I guess. Mostly 80’s music I guess. Styx I’ve seen in concert a couple times.
Julie says
My fave music is 80s music the best ever..Fave band Whitesnake and Journey and well all those metal rockers..
jessica z says
I love fireball by pit bull for workouts right now
Nicole Dz says
My favorite music right now is Christmas music, any of the old classic songs are on my playlist.
Michelle Washburn says
My favorite band is such a hard question. There are so many great bands. I would have to say Black Label Society is the band I love the most right now.
Lisa Brown says
my favorite music is classical and country, my favorite group is Foster the People
Missie Freeman says
I love to listen to listen to so many different kinds of music, from Guns ‘n Roses to Bing Crosby to Soundgarden to The Ray Conniff Singers to AC/Dc to Lawrence Welk. Anything but today’s country and most rap.