As a media professional, having high quality audio equipment is essential. Whether you’re a podcaster, music producer, videographer or work in any other media role, you need speakers that can accurately reproduce sound and provide plenty of volume when needed. Bluetooth speakers offer the perfect balance of great sound, portability and wireless connectivity. Here’s a look at some of the top Bluetooth speaker options for media pros today.
Sound Quality
The most important factor for any speaker is sound quality. You want crisp highs, full mids and deep lows that accurately convey the audio content. Media professionals require speakers that can handle everything from podcast voices to music playback flawlessly. Look for speakers that support hi-res audio codecs like aptX and AAC for CD-like quality over Bluetooth. Large drivers, tweeters and passive radiators also help deliver fuller sound.
Portability
Many media pros need to take their speakers on the go for content creation, so portable Bluetooth models are ideal. Compact speakers with built-in rechargeable batteries allow you to easily transport them anywhere and use them wirelessly. Durability is also key – rugged housing and water/dust resistance ensures the speakers can withstand active use indoors and outdoors. Models like UE Boom 3 and JBL Charge 4 offer portable designs perfect for media work.
Volume Output
Being able to fill larger spaces with audio is often necessary for media professionals. When recording videos on location or hosting podcasts/presentations for groups, you need speakers that can get plenty loud. Look for speakers with higher wattage amplifiers and large drivers to provide booming volume for gatherings and outdoor use. The Sonos Move and Bose S1 Pro have excellent maximum volume levels.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream audio from any smartphone, tablet or computer which is essential for media pros. Longer Bluetooth range allows you to roam freely while connected. NFC makes pairing devices incredibly simple. Speakers with WiFi and multi-host connectivity allow you to toggle between multiple source devices easily. Models like the Marshall Stanmore II and JBL Xtreme 3 offer great wireless tech.
I/O Options
While Bluetooth handles most wireless streaming needs, having auxiliary inputs allows you to connect other source devices. Speakers with RCA, 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch inputs, often with included cables, give you wired connectivity options. Some higher-end speakers also include USB ports for direct media file playback from flash drives. Models like the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio have versatile input support.
Smart Assistants
For maximum voice control flexibility, look for speakers with integrated smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can then use voice commands to adjust volume, play/pause, skip tracks, set alarms, get information and much more hands-free. Speakers like the Sonos One have Alexa built-in.
Battery Life
For portable Bluetooth speakers, battery life is crucial to ensure you can keep the music going all day. Eight to 24 hours of continuous playback per charge is ideal. Fast charging support helps minimize downtime. The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom serves up to 24 hours of battery life.
Durability
When using speakers professionally on location for media productions, they’ll inevitably get some bumps and dings. Look for speakers with rugged casing that can absorb drops and dents. Water/dust/shock resistance ratings (IPX) also indicate how well they’ll hold up in the elements. The JBL Charge 5 is designed to handle adventurous use.
Budget
As with any professional gear purchase, you’ll want to find the best speaker you can afford within your budget constraints. You can find solid Bluetooth speakers for media use ranging from $50 portable models to $1000 premium speakers, with tons of excellent options in between. Determine how much you can spend, then get the best combination of sound, features and durability for the price. Brands like Anker, OontZ and Tribit make great budget Bluetooth speakers starting around $50.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right Bluetooth speaker is crucial for media professionals who need portable audio with excellent fidelity. Focus on sound quality, volume, wireless performance, durability and smart features when shopping. There are many fantastic speaker options available today that can capably handle any media workload while fitting within most budgets. With a little research, you’ll be able to find the perfect Bluetooth speaker model to become an indispensable part of your media production toolkit.
