JBL UB4100BLK Amplified Powersports Marine Soundbar Review

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The last product on our list of top marine soundbars is the JBL UB4100BLK active powersports soundbar. JBL is a pioneer in the sound gear industry and the UB4100BLK is one of its foremost ATV speaker systems. It is a rugged water-resistant soundbar with in-unit amplification, Bluetooth technology and universal mounting. It can be completely separated into two fully-functional tower speakers with the help of an optional separation kit. It has a detachable RF Bluetooth remote, a GoPro shoe and dual-level LED lights.

Let us take a closer look at the technology, usage and audio profile of the soundbar.

JBL UB4100BLK Active Powersports Soundbar Review :

Technology And Design :

The JBL UB4100BLK is built for adventure. It has a water-resistance rating of IPX6 which means it can withstand high-pressure water sprays from any direction. It is designed to function in heavy seas and is suitable for watersports applications. It is also great for land adventure sports like off-roading and dune bashing. It is, therefore, perfect for ATVs, UTVs, 4x4s, side-by-sides, jeeps, and other vehicles like trucks, RVs and golf carts.

The cool thing about the UB4100BLK is that it can be split into two individual tower speakers with the help of a separation kit (optional). The Harman SK-300 separation kit available separately has a 10-foot (3m) bridge umbilical cable and rear and bottom filler plates for hassle-free installation. If you do not want to separate the bar, you can use it as a single unit too. Depending on the type of vehicle, you can decide which placement option offers better sound and go for it.

The soundbar has Bluetooth for wireless audio input. It is compatible with all Bluetooth gadgets such as phones, tablets and laptops. You can listen to songs directly on app like Spotify and Pandora without wires. You can also plug your MP3 player into the 3.5mm AUX input jack and play songs via audio cable.  The AUX jack supports input from non-Bluetooth and Bluetooth media players.

The soundbar has a detachable Bluetooth remote. It has buttons for managing the playlist and adjusting the volume. It offers you complete control over your music.

The soundbar has an integrated Class D amplifier with multiple inputs. It has Bluetooth, 3.5mm AUX and RCA input with priority switching which eliminates manual source selection.

The bar has two levels of LED lights. It has a red light in front that pulsates in tune with the music. It has another dual-level LED lights that shine downwards and brighten up the dash area. It is perfect for reading maps and doing odd jobs at the wheel.

The soundbar has two full-range left and right outputs for adding more audio components. It has power/protection LED indicators that flash when the amp shuts down due to overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating or DC offset. It has a party mode which lets you connect up to 3 Bluetooth devices at the same time. A micro USB connection is also provided for software updates.

The speaker bar has a GoPro shoe for mounting an action camera. The cabinet of the bar measures 31.5 inches (width) x 6.12 inches (depth) x 5 inches (height). It weighs 22.7 lbs.    

Sound Quality :

The JBL UB4100BLK has outstanding 2-channel sound. Each channel consists of two 4-inch long-excursion mid-woofers and one 2-inch edge-driven dome tweeter. The speakers are driven by a Class D that supplies 80 watts RMS per channel. You enjoy loud and clear music minus distortions. Plus, there is the option of separating the soundbar for surround sound effect from two separate speakers. All in all, the UB4100BLK fulfils its audio expectations and delivers booming and highly pronounced sound.

Key Features :

  • IPX6 water-resistant ATV soundbar with built-in amplifier.
  • Four 4-inch long-excursion mid-woofers, two 2-inch edge-driven dome tweeters.
  • 160 watts RMS power, 2 channel sound, fully separable into two tower speakers.
  • Party mode, amp with multiple inputs and priority switching, flexible mounting.
  • Bluetooth, 3.5mm AUX input, 2 full-range RCA left and right outputs, micro USB for software updates.

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Read more on best motorcycle handlebar speakers & best UTV speakers here.

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