Now that summer is almost here, it’s time for beach parties, picnics, and plenty of other places that are really better with some music. And whether your preferred sounds are soul or pop, you’ll need a speaker that offers plenty of volume and battery life while still providing you with the freedom to take your playlists on the go. And while a great sound system might be enough for the daytime, once that picnic becomes an after-hours bonfire and the dancing really begins, a little lighting goes a long way.
The Monster Superstar RAVEBOX Bluetooth Portable Boombox is a hefty, hearty, handy solution to your summer party preparations. Weighing in at sixteen pounds, it’s not the sort of portable that you’ll want to take on an airplane or with you while running- unless you really need some extra pounds to hold you down. And as you can’t help but notice, it’s not just a speaker- it’s a mobile dance party in a box, with a funky light-up crystal that responds to the music. Just pair it with your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, or you can connect via the 3.5mm input to other devices- even a cassette player if you want to truly feel old-school. And for Android users, it does support NFC easy pairing.
Last year, we checked out the similar predecessor- the Monster Blaster- and liked the upgrades but more importantly, the features it kept. The updated version still features about 12 hours between charges, both indoor and outdoor EQ modes, microphone-level input for turning this into a PA system and the 360-surround sound with multiple drivers to cover every direction. It’s weather- and splash-resistant and as you might expect from a Monster, it boasts a subwoofer with low-end response that will impress, highlighting every thump and shaking on every bass hit. Plus, the front panel has been redesigned with easily visible battery life indicators.
Available online and in stores for around $429, the Monster Superstar Ravebox is a little over-the-top, a Bluetooth speaker that is unmistakably Monster and will definitely draw the attention of everyone around- first because of the sound, and then because of the lights. We appreciated the light show, even if you don’t have much control, and the kaleidoscopic special effects will definitely help set the mood- and you can easily turn them off if you want. If you don’t mind the weight, this is the natural evolution of Monster’s reimagined boombox.