Tech Review: Big Sound in a Compact Design

A Compact and Powerful Speaker for Busy Educators

As a preschool music teacher, my wife relies heavily on music to engage her young students. In the past, she used a small boombox to play CDs, but now she carries all her music on her phone and uses a wireless speaker to fill the classroom with sound. As the wife of a tech reviewer, she often tests new Bluetooth speakers, and one of her favorites has been the Tribit StormBox 2. Recently, she had the chance to try out a newer model from Tribit called the StormBox Mini+.

The StormBox Mini+ is slightly larger than the original StormBox, measuring 3.58 inches around and 4.68 inches tall. It weighs just over 19 ounces, the same as its predecessor. Despite being a bit bigger, it’s still compact enough to fit in a school bag without adding too much weight. For someone like my wife, who needs to carry everything during the day, size and weight are crucial factors.

Key Features of the StormBox Mini+

The StormBox Mini+ boasts two 48-millimeter full-range drivers and one passive radiator, delivering 12 watts of power and providing 360-degree stereo sound. This ensures that the audio is clear and evenly distributed throughout the room, making it ideal for a classroom setting.

It supports Bluetooth 5.4, allowing for a stable connection up to 100 feet away. The speaker also features a 2,600 milliamp-hour battery that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge. Charging via USB-C takes only 2.5 hours, which is convenient for quick recharges between classes.

The Mini+ is IPX7 rated, meaning it can survive being submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. This makes it durable enough for use in various environments, including outdoor activities or unexpected spills.

One of the standout features is the color-changing LED lights on top of the speaker. These lights can either cycle through colors slowly or sync with the beat of the music. However, many users might prefer to turn them off if they find them distracting.

Controls and Additional Functions

The front of the speaker has three large buttons for adjusting volume and a central button for play/pause or answering calls. On the back, there are three additional buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and light mode settings. The Mini+ also includes a built-in microphone, which allows it to function as a speakerphone when paired with a phone.

For those looking to enhance their listening experience, the Mini+ can be paired with another Mini+ speaker in Stereo mode, creating a more immersive sound. This feature is great for larger spaces or when extra volume is needed.

App Control and Customization

Tribit offers a companion app that connects to the speaker once it's paired with a phone. The app displays the current battery level and volume, and allows users to change light modes and adjust equalizer settings. There are five preset EQ options, such as classical, rock, and jazz, along with customizable sliders for fine-tuning the sound to personal preferences.

Out of the box, the Mini+ delivers decent sound quality, but with some adjustments using the EQ sliders, the audio can be tailored to suit different tastes.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the StormBox Mini+ was straightforward. It connected quickly to my phone and automatically reconnected each time I turned it on. The sound was loud and clear, and while the light show was visually appealing, I found it easier to turn it off for a more focused listening experience.

The Mini+ is about the size of a coffee mug, making it easy to carry in a school bag. It weighs the same as my wife’s previous speaker but offers improved sound quality, which earned it a thumbs-up from both of us. Whether for a classroom, a picnic, or a casual listen at home, the StormBox Mini+ is a versatile and reliable choice.