ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The BlueAnt Soundblade is offered now for $199 on Amazon.
- This under-monitor speaker provides booming, room-filling sound and connects to most sources through Bluetooth, USB-A, or 3.5mm cable.
- If audio tuning is your factor, the EQ choices for the Soundblade go away one thing to be desired.
Desks can develop into cluttered with know-how, keyboards, mice, trackpads, screens, and different fine details. Audio system are sometimes the final consideration, which leaves folks with one choice — headphones.
Headphones are nice, however carrying them for prolonged durations is not all the time simple. There’s additionally the likelihood that you would be able to’t put on headphones as a result of you might want to hear ambient sounds, akin to a child crying or a telephone ringing.
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If that state of affairs sounds acquainted, you may be glad to know BlueAnt has an answer — the Soundblade under-monitor soundbar. Place the gadget in your desk, set your monitor on prime of it, and you’ve got an out-of-the-way sound system you need to use along with your desktop, laptop computer, and even your telephone.
After a fast unboxing, establishing the soundbar took me simply two minutes. Though I did not use the tech on my desk (as a result of my monitor is connected and my turntable sits beneath it), I did use the soundbar with my MacBook Pro and was impressed.
Let’s dig in.
The specs
As all the time, let’s check out the specs first:
- 120W energy
- 80mm neodymium subwoofer, twin neodymium drivers, twin voice coils, and single cone ractrack drivers
- 2.1 channel sound
- AC energy
- Three EQ settings (Film, Music, Sport)
- Connectivity – Bluetooth, USB-A, 3.5 mm
- 7.43 lbs
- $199 on Amazon
My expertise
Essentially the most spectacular factor in regards to the Soundblade is how a lot sound it produces, given its footprint. It is roughly the dimensions and form of an upside-down, very quick skateboard and solely 2.13 inches excessive. That mentioned, this factor can rock. After connecting my MacBook Professional, I opened Spotify and hit play on my go-to sound take a look at, “Analog Child” by Rush.
I used to be significantly impressed with how a lot sound the gadget pushed out. And due to the soundbar’s low top, I may simply (with the suitable chair) work from my laptop computer because it sat on the Soundblade. I may additionally transfer the speaker again, join through Bluetooth, and proceed working. It is a versatile gadget.
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For enjoyable, I linked my Nintendo Swap through the included 3.5mm cable to the Soundblade and rejoiced on the high-quality sound of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.”
Okay, now for a actuality verify.
The BlueAnt Soundblade is nowhere close to audiophile high quality. Though it has loads of punch on the low finish, the mids are too pronounced, and the highs are considerably boring. These points are to be anticipated in a sub-$200 soundbar. And that blend of points doesn’t suggest the sound is dangerous. Though not one of the three EQs happy my ears for music, I discovered the sound was good for video games and video. And if I used to be prepared to miss the marginally pronounced midrange, I may do worse than use this gadget.
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Listening to music via the Film setting supplied a greater sound profile for the genres I favor. In fact, your mileage might fluctuate, relying in your musical style. That being mentioned, the BlueAnt Soundblade makes up for its lack of EQ with the quantity of sound it produces. Should you’re used to laptop computer or tiny desktop audio system, this gadget shall be a deal with. And do not take my criticism of the midrange too harshly. For the typical listener, the Soundblade will sound wonderful.
One factor that by no means didn’t make me snort is that once you begin the Soundblade and join a tool, it produces a didgeridoo sound. The primary time it occurred, I assumed how I might positioned the speaker had brought about suggestions or resonance points. However I do love a great didgeridoo.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Should you lack area in your desk however lengthy for higher sound, the BlueAnt Soundblade is a superb choice. Though it won’t appease audiophiles, everybody else will discover this slim speaker greater than able to having you bopping in your chair or glued to the display screen. And once you wish to crank up the amount, the Soundblade will comply.
As a bonus, Bluetooth 5.3 means that you can join a number of units, that means switching to your desktop, laptop computer, or telephone is a seamless expertise.
