Michael Dixon 
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- Release date: January 4, 2022
- Price: [amazon fields=”B09VMPBBY5″ value=”price” link_icon=”amazon” /]
- Waterproof: IPx4
- Output power: 100 W
- Bluetooth: V5.1
- Model number: JBLPBENCOREESSAM
[amazon link=”B09VMPBBY5″ title=”See All Reviews” value=”star_rating” /]
Table of Contents
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential: SPECS
Name | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential |
Price | |
SOUND QUALITY | |
Frequency Response Range | 50 Hz – 20 kHz |
Maximum playing time (hrs) | 6 |
Output Power | 100 W RMS |
BUILD QUALITY | |
Waterproof | IPx4 |
BATTERY | |
Battery Life | Up to 6 hrs |
Charge Time | 3.5 hrs |
Power Saving | |
Changing Port | |
Battery Type | Li-ion polymer 17.76 Wh |
VOICE ASSISTANT | |
Alexa | |
Google Assistant | |
Siri | |
Voice Activation | |
APP | |
App Name | JBL PartyBox |
iOS | |
Android | |
EQ | |
Stereo Pair Mode | |
Party Mode | |
JBL PartyBoost | |
BLUETOOTH | |
Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6 |
Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 – 2.4835 GHz |
Bluetooth Transmitted modulation | GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
Bluetooth Transmitting Power | <15 dBm |
PORTABILITY | |
Dimensions (cm) | 27.6 x 32.7 x 29.3 |
Dimensions (in) | 10.87 x 12.87 x 11.54 |
Weight (kgs) | 5.9 |
Weight (lbs) | 13 |
WHAT'S IN THE BOX | |
 | |
Design and Build
So, guys, let’s quickly see what this portable JBL PartyBox Encore Essential Bluetooth speaker can propose to us on the market of incredible JBL acoustic systems.
The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
Easy transportable
The Encore Essential is almost 6 kilos which is equal to 13 pounds. This is just a fine number for the weight of the speaker to be carried and transported to another spot. Oh, we are going a bit ahead… Yes, it has a carrying handle which is built-in the device so it nicely assists during transportation.
Square design
A square design is just the cherry on the cake. Imagine, you bought a speaker and wanted to test it out of the home. So, you dropped it in the car… and it’s peacefully sitting on the seat and not rolling unlike the Boombox 3.
IPx4 rating – splashproof
The Encore Essential is a durable speaker which withstands unsuitable weather conditions like mild rain or high humidity, even minor drops of water aren’t an issue. However, we wouldn’t recommend taking it to the beach if there’s another option. No worries in case of taking it, the job will be well done.
All-black exterior
The Encore’s facing is the same as the PartyBox 110’s. Our advice is to take good care of it as the speaker can be easily scratched especially while often transporting.
There’s also no stand mount on the bottom of the Encore Essential, but it’s not something that impacts the convenience of its use considering the dimensions and performance.
There’s a panel underneath behind the speaker which has a mic line input (for karaoke), a volume knob, and a gain knob.
Light mode
It’s one of the most fascinating features that brings an atmosphere of a nightclub to your party. Perfectly fits in dark indoor use. While outdoors, the light is slightly dissipated but still seen and bright.
So, the colorful rings of light are arranged around the woofer and synced with the beat of the music making the event more energetic and active. Take into account, that the light mode consumes the battery life.
Sound
Sound producers: tweeters, woofer, and exhaust port
The JBL ParyBox Encore Essential speaker review shows that it has a single frontward firing woofer (1 x 5.25”) and dual frontward firing tweeters (2 x 1.75”). Moreover, we know how to make it sound even greater and deeper: just place a speaker next to the wall. Having a firing exhaust port on the side is a real advantage, compared to some other speakers which do not have it (Soundboks Go).
2 Levels of a BassBoost
Using the PartyBox app, you can adjust key features of the bass to your needs and set it to “Deep” having a neutral sound profile, or even an extended low bass with “Punchy”. The app will do that automatically for you.
Graphic EQ
Yes! A customizable graphic EQ allows you to set your preferences in sound. It is a real advantage to have this feature. Many speakers, like the PartyBox 110, 310, and 710 do not have it. We hope that a manufacturer will add it soon in future models.
Our sound test results:
- The speaker is more balanced to play mids and highs (remember: no subwoofer in contrast to the PartyBox 110)
- Bass Boost “Punchy” feature makes the Encore Essential compete with the PartyBox 110 for the bass output
- Sounds loud at 75% of max volume. We used it while plugged in and received even louder audio than on its internal battery. It sounded even stronger than the Boombox 2 or PartyBox 110, however, keep in mind that it won’t produce that much bass due to the lack of a subwoofer
Battery Life
See our recommendations for saving battery life for the JBL Encore Essential:
- Turn off the light feature. Instead of the speaker’s light mode use external lights or simple LED strips
- Turn off the bass boost feature. Instead of this option try placing your speaker next to the wall, so the coming out sound from the rear exhaust port is reflected back to the room space
- Lower the volume to 50%, which is already loud for indoor use. Instead of max volume, pair more speakers
We tested these actions, and they kept the battery alive for 6 hours in a row. By raising the volume up to 70%, with lights and bass boost off, the speaker stayed alive for 5 hours, which is pretty good for its size.
The PartyBox Application
The overview:
- Echo, treble, bass adjustment
- EQ customization
- 9 DJ effect buttons
- Light show control
The updated PartyBox app allows switching from Stereo to Party mode while TWS pairing happens. Also, it can change echo, trebles, and bass, however, these will not untie your hands tremendously as adjustments aren’t accurate enough but still give the feel of control compared to other Bluetooth speakers. So, adjusting a graphic EQ sounds like a good plan.
The app also brings some fun if you try any of the 9 DJ effects to create an old-school mode with a clap, horn, thumbs up, dog bark, ready, boo, or scratch sounds.
There’s a nice light show mode and you can choose between six of them: cross, flash, rock, ripple, flow, and off on the main control panel. The Encore Essential has two LED light rings, which have movement patterns depending on the type of beat of your music.
Connectivity
The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential can be connected to the same kind of speakers and the JBL PartyBox 710, 310, and 110 wirelessly pair two speakers together. To get a more extended soundstage performance, we recommend connecting two Encore Essential speakers to let the left and right stereo sound release and hear sound effects from shifting from one side to another. Just press the Bluetooth pairing button and find the preferred speaker to enjoy the powerful audio quality.
Important clarification: you can’t link the JBL Encore Essential to other JBL speakers like a big-sized JBL Boombox 2 and 3, or any small-sized PartyBoost speakers, for instance, the JBL Xtreme 3, Pulse 5, Charge 5, or Flip 6. Would it be a good solution to the issue if the JBL manufacturer sets PartyBoost to the PartyBox speakers?
The Encore Essential speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1 which allows being connected to two devices at the same time with zero latency as music and video will be in sync.
Ports
Availability of ports:
- Aux input
- USB A port
- Mic input
This JBL speaker has an aux port which is pretty standard for gadgets to be connected through wire. With a USB A port, you can charge the external device if there’s no other option. However, the Encore Essential lacks a USB C port. So, it’s one of the next upgrades that we expect to happen within this model.
The speaker has a microphone input, so the sound of it can be adjusted through the app, but not the music.
Get the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential or not?
This portable speaker is an easy grab’n’carry device with six hours of non-stop music play. With an emphasis on great sound, waterproof design, and sturdy handle allow you to bring it to the pool party, beach dances, or elsewhere indoors to create a club mode. With the light mode control, you’ll let the room shine and set the mood of the event.
When it comes to audio play… it has the JBL Original Pro Sound with nice bass for its dimensions which can be adjusted with a graphic EQ. You can fill out the space with favorite tunes. Anything to meet your needs and gather more people around by punchy presentation feature. Furthermore, try using True Wireless Stereo technology to link the second device and extend the sound of your music. The JBL PartyBox app will assist you with music customization and light mode control to make unforgettable memories.
So, it should be clear at this point that getting this speaker is the right choice.
Very good article.
Thanks a lot from Italy.
Very, very helpful for people who are in need of thorough reviews before purchasing. Salamat! from Philippines