JBL Unveils New JBL Live Headphones and New Portable Speakers and PartyBox
In an event held at its headquarters in Amsterdam to celebrate its 80th anniversary, JBL showcased a renewed range of headphones and portable party speakers, as well as its first karaoke microphones.
JBL Introduces the New JBL Live 780NC, 680NC, and Live 4 Headphones
The first novelty presented by JBL pertains to the headphones: the company announced the JBL Live 780NC and 680NC, which replace the previous 770NC and 670NC models. One of the main new features of the new range is the availability in seven colors (black, white, blue, orange, beige, green, and purple), as well as the use of more premium materials, such as metal in the headband.
The main difference between the two models lies in the size of the ear cups: the Live 680NC are smaller and rest on the ear (on ear), while the Live 780NC completely envelop the ear (over ear).
The headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation, compatibility with Auracast (to share the Bluetooth signal among multiple headphones), two beamforming microphones for noise cancellation and calls, JBL Spatial Sound, and a battery able to ensure up to 80 hours of autonomy. The headphones are also compatible with the LDAC codec for high-quality audio even in wireless mode.
Both models are already available on the market, priced at €149.99 for the Live 680NC and €179.99 for the Live 780NC.
New JBL Live 4 Earbuds
On the earbud front, the new JBL Live 4 introduces an upgrade in the case: like previous models, the case features a screen through which users can interact with the headphones and modify settings; the Live 4 case is equipped with JBL Smart OS 3.0, offering new settings and customizations without needing to use a smartphone application.
The earbuds come in three versions: Buds, Beam, and Flex. There are no significant differences among the three, except for battery life (32 hours for the Buds, 40 hours for the Beam, and 35 hours for the Flex) and colors (black, blue, silver, and sand for all models, plus green, purple, and orange for Beam and Flex). They are available on the market at €179.99.
JBL Go 5 and Xtreme 5 Enhance Audio Quality and Ease of Use
The JBL Go 5 is the latest version of the well-known compact portable speaker and brings several novelties. The first is the logo on the front of the device: unlike previous generations, it consists solely of the border instead of being solid. This has allowed for a significant improvement in acoustic performance and a 10% increase in bass volume, as it nearly eliminates reflections caused by a solid structure in front of the diaphragm.
Another novelty is the ability to pair two Go 5s simply by bringing them close together, facilitating an easy stereo setup. There are also LEDs that communicate the speaker's status and offer light shows.
The JBL Xtreme 5 introduces the AI Sound Boost feature, which analyzes the audio being played and alters the equalization in real-time to minimize distortion. Smart EQ Mode, on the other hand, automatically equalizes the audio to maximize the listening experience: for example, if listening to a podcast, it will apply a profile that emphasizes the voice.
The JBL Xtreme 5 is available for €349.99, while the JBL Go 5 can be purchased for €49.99.
Party Speakers: Introducing the PartyBox 130 and 330 and EasySing Microphones
The main news from JBL's new party speakers, the PartyBox 130 and PartyBox 330, is a new lighting system: the LEDs placed on the front have been arranged to form an 8 shape and light up in response to the audio being played in real-time. Both devices come equipped with the same AI Sound Boost and Smart EQ features seen on the Xtreme 5 model.
The JBL PartyBox 330 offers a total power of 280 W, distributed across two 6.5-inch woofers and two 2.8-inch dome tweeters, the same used in the company's professional range of speakers for concerts. The speaker provides an 18-hour autonomy and the battery is easily replaceable. On the back, there are ports for two 6.3 mm jacks for microphones and guitars, as well as an optical input and a USB-C port. Thanks to Auracast, it’s possible to connect multiple speakers.
The PartyBox 130 is smaller, featuring two 5.25-inch woofers and two 25 mm silk dome tweeters with a total power of 200 W. Its autonomy is estimated at 15 hours, and it has an IPX4 certification against water splashes; it also features Auracast to connect multiple speakers. The PartyBox 130 is already available at €409.99, while the PartyBox 330 will be available from July for €599.99.
Both devices are compatible with the new EasySing microphones. Their standout feature is the AI Vocal Removal technology, which allows real-time removal of vocals from the songs being played. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the volume to 25% or 50%, providing accompaniment or reference while singing. The effect proved to be truly remarkable in demonstrations given by JBL, as it is difficult to notice the processing in the final sound.
Connection is established via a transmitter inserted into the USB-C port. The JBL One application for smartphones allows users to modify settings such as the equalizer and access effects like echo and reverb. The battery duration is estimated at 10 hours.
Alongside the larger model, JBL also presented the EasySing Mic Mini, designed to be used as a 360° microphone: not only for karaoke but also for recording voices, for example during interviews. The Mini model also features Vocal Removal and connects via a USB-C adapter (compatible with JBL Xtreme 5 as well).
It comes with a case that allows it to be charged and has a 6-hour autonomy. Its compact size allows it to be used by inserting it into the designated magnetic handle or attaching it to clothing.
The JBL EasyMic is sold as a pair of microphones for €159.99, while the EasyMic Mini will be available from June for €149.99.