In today’s world of music lovers and audiophiles, portable speakers have become an essential part of our daily lives. When you think of portable speakers, one name that is likely to pop up is JBL. They offer a range of speakers for various purposes, and the JBL Clip 4 stands out as a compact, versatile, and popular choice. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the JBL Clip 4, from its design to sound quality, and most importantly, how to turn it on.
Getting to Know the JBL Clip 4
The JBL Clip 4 Speaker Design
The JBL Clip 4 boasts a design that significantly departs from its predecessor while retaining the characteristics you’d expect from a JBL Clip product. It’s a compact speaker, measuring a bit over 5 inches tall, around 3.5 inches wide, and weighing just over a half-pound. The fabric wrap on the front and back feels both durable and aesthetically pleasing, with the added bonus of coming in nine different color options. On the backside, you’ll find rubberized grooves that help keep the speaker in place when lying on its back.
One notable feature of the Clip 4 is its carabiner hook, which also serves as the speaker’s frame, making it more durable and resistant to breaking along the hinge. However, it’s worth noting that some users might find it a bit challenging to fit over certain objects like handles or car rearview mirrors.
Enhanced Durability: IP67 Rating
The JBL Clip 4 earns another feather in its cap by being the first dustproof JBL Clip, thanks to its IP67 rating, as opposed to the IPX7 rating featured on the JBL Clip 3. This upgrade makes it more resilient in various environmental conditions, a significant advantage for those who take their music on outdoor adventures.
Onboard Controls and Set Up
Onboard Controls
The front of the JBL Clip 4 has a simple control layout with a central “Play” button flanked by volume controls. These buttons are not only tactile but also easy to press, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Set Up and Pairing
Turning on the JBL Clip 4 is a straightforward process. It involves a long button press on the right side of the speaker’s back. Below the power button, you’ll find the familiar Bluetooth button, which you need to hold to pair the speaker with a new device. It’s important to note that the JBL Clip 4 only allows one connected device at a time, meaning you’ll need to re-pair if you switch phones for playback. This is a limitation compared to some portable speakers that offer multipoint Bluetooth pairing, a feature we hope to see in future models.
Connections, Ports, and Sound Quality
Connections and Ports
The JBL Clip 4 introduces a notable connectivity upgrade with its USB-C charging port. While fast charging is not yet supported, this change is a welcome one, especially for those who were still carrying micro-USB cables for their speakers. However, it does come at the cost of removing the 3.5mm jack, which might be considered a niche feature in 2022 due to the prevalence of smartphones and tablets with robust wireless connectivity.
Sound Quality: What to Expect
When it comes to sound quality, the JBL Clip 4 offers a noteworthy improvement. It delivers crisp podcasts and music in the medium to upper-level volume ranges. While it doesn’t work miracles in the low-end, it surprises with its volume and punchiness, especially when compared to its predecessor.
For music enthusiasts, the speaker may have a lean toward the higher end of the sound spectrum, and the bass might be on the thinner side. However, considering its size and portability, it performs admirably. If you’re looking for more power and depth, other larger JBL speakers are better suited for that purpose. The JBL Clip 4 shines when it comes to providing on-the-go music, securely clipped to your backpack or bag during activities like hiking or walking the dog.
Can You Connect the JBL Clip 4 to Other Speakers?
JBL’s proprietary Connect+ and PartyBoost features, which allow you to pair multiple JBL speakers, are absent in the JBL Clip 4. This decision aligns with JBL’s positioning of the Clip 4 as a rugged travel speaker. However, one can’t help but imagine the possibilities of syncing multiple speakers for a broader soundstage while on outdoor adventures.
Battery Life and Charging
The JBL Clip 4 offers the same 10-hour playback rating as its predecessor. Thanks to the increased power efficiency of Bluetooth 5.1, it can indeed achieve this 10-hour claim, even at moderate volume levels. Charging the speaker takes approximately 3 hours, which some might find a bit lengthy, especially in a world where fast-charging is becoming the norm. However, for a speaker of its size and price point, the charging time is acceptable. To ensure all-day battery life without sacrificing portability, you can bring along a small power bank.
Final Verdict: Is the JBL Clip 4 Worth It?
In summary, the JBL Clip 4 is a commendable travel speaker that offers a blend of portability, durability, and improved sound quality. Its carabiner hook sets it apart in the world of portable rugged Bluetooth speakers, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities. However, it’s not without its limitations, including the absence of faster charging and multi-device pairing, which could disappoint some music enthusiasts.
The JBL Clip 4 is a great little speaker for campers, hikers, dog walkers, or anyone in need of a compact portable speaker. With a price point of about $79 USD or $99 CAD, it’s a reasonable investment for those seeking quality audio on the go.
How to Turn On the JBL Clip 4
Now that we’ve explored the features and benefits of the JBL Clip 4, let’s dive into the specifics of how to turn on this portable speaker.
Locating the Power Button
To turn on the JBL Clip 4, you’ll need to locate the Power button. This button is typically positioned prominently on portable speakers, making it easy to find. In the case of the JBL Clip 4, you can find the Power button on the left side of the button panel.
Understanding the Status Lamp
The JBL Clip 4 also features a status lamp on the top of the unit. This lamp plays a crucial role in indicating the speaker’s status. When the speaker is turned off, the lamp remains dark.
However, when the unit is powered on, the status lamp comes to life, glowing either white or red or flashing, depending on the speaker’s status.
Steps to Turn On the JBL Clip 4
To power up your JBL Clip 4, follow these simple steps:
- Press the Power button.
- Release the button after a brief press, typically around a quarter of a second.
You don’t need to hold the button for an extended period; a quick press is sufficient to activate the speaker. When the speaker turns on, you’ll notice the status lamp beginning to glow or blink, and the unit will emit the signature JBL startup sound, letting you know that it’s ready to play your favorite music.
Troubleshooting If the Speaker Doesn’t Turn On
If pressing the Power button doesn’t result in the speaker turning on, or if the status light blinks red, it might indicate the need for charging. In such cases, try connecting a USB-C charger to the speaker. The good news is that you can still use the speaker while it’s charging.
With a charger connected, your JBL Clip 4 should reliably power on when you press the Power button. If it doesn’t, you should check several potential issues, such as ensuring that the power adapter is connected to a live AC outlet, the charger and cable are working correctly, and the charger plug is securely seated in the speaker’s USB port. Additionally, it’s possible that you’ve accidentally set the speaker to service mode, in which case it won’t power on unless it’s connected to power. If that’s the case, make sure to disable service mode.
However, if after all these checks, the speaker still doesn’t turn on, it might indicate that the unit itself is damaged. In such cases, you may need to consider getting a replacement.
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Conclusion
The JBL Clip 4 is a remarkable portable speaker that offers a combination of impressive features, including its design, sound quality, and durability. Knowing how to turn it on and troubleshoot any issues is essential to make the most of this portable audio companion. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys music on the go, the JBL Clip 4 is a reliable choice that delivers quality sound in a compact package.
In this guide, we’ve explored the ins and outs of the JBL Clip 4, ensuring that you can confidently power it on and enjoy your music wherever you go. With its easy setup and dependable performance, it’s a speaker that’s sure to enhance your audio experience.
So, get ready to clip it to your bag, head out into the great outdoors, and enjoy your favorite tunes with the JBL Clip 4.
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