Microlab D22 Specifications
- Harmonic distortion: < 0.5% (1W 500Hz)
- Input: Bluetooth 4.0, 3.5 ST stereo, TF card
- Output power: 2 x 1.5 Watt RMS
- Frequency response: 80Hz - 20kHz
- Signal/Noise ratio: > 80dB
- Separation: > 60dB
- Speaker: 1.5", 4Ohm * 2
- Charging: DC5V-500mA
- Audio connectors: Stereo 3.5 mm
- Memory card support: microSD
- Battery: Li-Ion, 3,7 V, 1200 mAh
- Dimensions: 233x125x48 mm
- Weight: 282 grams
Product packaging and accessories
Microlab D22 is supplied in a white cardboard box with large "windows" through which you can see the speaker packed in blister.
On each side inside the box are flat audio cable is 0.6 meters long with 3.5mm plugs on both ends, micro-USB cable to recharge the battery, warranty card and user manual.
Appearance
By its dimensions loudspeaker Microlab D22 fits easily into a small mesh pocket, which is in some bags and backpacks.
Hull form is rounded and sleek, like a submarine. Along the perimeter there is an imitation of the connecting flanges. The outer silicone case with soft-touch effect protects the internal hard case from bumps, dust and moisture. The speaker is available in five colors: orange, pink, light blue, light green and black, which helps to choose the most suitable option for everyone.
There are holes in the silicone sheath in which is a thick cord impregnated with a polymer to maintain the circular shape. For decorative effect, case color combines with cord color. For the bright ones the cord is dark gray, for the dark ones - green.
Due to the configuration of holes, power cord can be routed in several ways, leaving a loose loop at the end. There is also a robust plastic clip fastening the cord ends. All this provides a variety of options for carrying the speaker on the wrist or the shoulder, as well as its attachment to clothing or gear, such as a bicycle.
There are perforated grilles with diamond-shaped holes on the sidewalls of the speaker. On the front side, where the cable is laid X-shape, the device has two 1.5-inch wideband stereo. An oblong passive radiator reinforcing bass frequencies is on the reverse side in the center.
On the front side of the device are placed a loudspeaker and four buttons. LEDs are located at the bottom (white is Bluetooth-connection indicator, and red is the battery charge indicator).
The reverse side of the envelope has a support in the shape of the letter V, which ensures an easy installation of speakers on a flat surface and a small gap needed for better sound.
At the bottom there is a tight-fitting cap, under which there is a compartment with three connectors: 3.5mm audio source for a wired connection, a slot for microSD (TransFlash), and micro-USB to recharge the internal battery.
Interfaces and functions
The main body of the speaker has four control buttons. The first (round) starts with a long battery pressing (2-3 seconds). With further short pressings switch modes: Bluetooth / Memory Card / FM-Receiver / Audio. The second button ("minus" sign) is used to lower the volume level (short press) or switch music tracks backwards playlist / radio station list (double-click). The third (triangle) button is responsible for the inclusion of playback, stop, answer an incoming call (short press) or dial the last incoming number (double tap). The last button ("plus" sign) serves to increase the volume (short press) or switch music tracks forward on the playlist / radio station list (double-click). Because of the relatively thick layer of silicone shell that protects the housing and buttons, the latter is not always correctly responds to pressing: The system sometimes confuses short single and double clicking. But this, of course, depends on how hard you play and manage user habits.
Microlab D22 is a wireless audio over Bluetooth, or using an audio cable. In the first case, "musical donors" may be smartphones. It provides for two ways of connecting to sources - tablets and other computers with Bluetooth technology. In the second, it will be added to the players and other audio devices equipped with a standard audio output. In addition, the speaker is able to operate completely independently, to use a microSD memory card slot to insert the appropriate media with recorded music.
Most independent speaker mode is as FM-radio. The embedded receiver turned to scan the FM-range and store all stations in the frequency range from 87.5 to 105.7 MHz. With good reception of a radio signal (depends on the FM-station) the sound quality was quite good.
Actions such as paired Bluetooth-enabled devices, switching modes and switching stations are accompanied by sound evidence.
Speaker in action
During the Bluetooth-connection tests, long press the corresponding button on the unit makes audible confirmation of activity, while the white LED light begins blinking rapidly. After that smartphones showed the device that appears in the list of available devices such as D22. After connecting the speaker produces sound proof once again, this time on a connection. When it is installed, the frequency of the pulses decreases LEDs.
In a classical city apartment, the signal was received with confidence at a distance of five meters, and only becomes unstable at a greater distance, as well as a couple of seconds could be interrupted (and then restore).
When receiving a call, the music playback is interrupted but the speakers will be playing a ringtone. You can answer the phone and talk hands-free by pressing the play button. After the call the music playback will be resumed with minimal delay.
Connect the speaker to the external device is more convenient using a cable because it eliminates interference from other Bluetooth-enabled devices, and audio interruptions during braking smart phone or tablet while performing any action. Staff flat audio cable is not too long - 0.6 meters. It is clearly designed for connection to the closely spaced mobile devices rather than desktop computers or audio equipment.
Sound
According to the maximum level (7 W) Speaker System Microlab D22 is quite suitable not only for personal entertainment or film scoring when viewed from a laptop or tablet, but also for the musical support of a family celebration, a country picnic, bike ride on a fairly noisy highways and other active outdoor activities.
The speaker sounds clearly. Even at maximum volume you will not hear any unusual sounds, vibrations caused by the body or overload the speakerismembrane. Frequency response is quite wide. The clean-sounding music has high and mid frequencies, and bass (top and middle). If the device is placed on a flat surface such as a wooden countertop, then a small gap on the device helps to further enrich the sound of low frequencies due to the emerging useful resonance. This reception is constantly used by developers of the speakers, especially the subwoofers. When you adjust the sound with the equalizer in the smart phone the effect is clearly audible: the voice sounds better, individual musical instruments differ better, high frequencies become clearer. However, if you listen to some audio in lossless format (FLAC or APE) through a player without the equalizer, the sound does not seem to be worse. During testing we have listened to the music of different genres. Classical, rock, jazz, pop and electronic music sounded great.
When comparing sound quality with wireless and wire connection, there were no significant differences. When the cable is connected, speaker sounded a little quieter, depending on the impedance matching of the input and output stages of devices connected.
Power management
Power Microlab D22 is provided by a removable lithium-ion battery 1200 mAh. Charged once, the speaker with the volume level of about 65-70% of the maximum (comfortable when listening to music at a distance of about one meter) was able to play for about seven hours in mixed mode (Bluetooth and FM-radio).
Before completely discharged, the device delivers the notification (voice) Low battery. Not every user will like it, but still it is effective.
However, it is really convenient that the device can be charged via a standard micro-USB (0.5 required). This allows charging the device from external batteries (Power bank) or other devices (laptop etc).
Summary
Microlab D22 is a very interesting outdoor speaker system with many additional features for users leading an active lifestyle. This is confirmed by the bright colors, the design with protection from external influences, the mount, and the strap.
The speaker is able to entertain the userisfavorite music from a mobile device or a memory card.
Besides, it has FM-radio and the ability to use the speakerphone. Also, the advantages of this speaker should definitely burn a universal power supply. In general, the device is really nice-looking, well-made and fully justifies its price.
Pros:
- high-quality sound;
- waterproof, shockproof and dust-proof functions;
- five color options;
- various options for carrying and mounting;
- english voice notification.
Minuses:
- annoys by regular warnings;
- not always accurate response when buttons are pressed.