We’ve been a bit of a fan of the Ultimate Ears (UE) speakers since their launch of the BOOM and MINI BOOM models back in 2014. Both of those speakers proved to be quite popular in their day and since then, UE (a Logitech brand) has launched a number of new models to keep that ball rolling with. Their largest speaker, the MEGABOOM, can fill a large room with sound easily. Like the BOOM, it offers 360 degrees of sound, allowing you to put it virtually anywhere in the room to pull it all off. Of course, that isn’t good enough as UE is now launching their HYPERBOOM speaker which is targeted for large groups and parties.
Available in March, the new speaker offers three times the volume of the latest version of their MEGABOOM speaker and a rechargeable battery that they claim will last up to 24 hours. The speaker is quite large by design so that it can contribute to a party atmosphere
On the inside, it features two 4.5” woofers, two 1” tweeters, two 3.5” x 7.5” passive radiators, making for quite the package. It looks huge in comparison to the other speakers in the lineup.
Given, based on the layout, I couldn’t quite say how well it is going to perform as a 360-degree solution as it would a two-directional speaker (two sides, side by side, with bass focused on the other two). Bass (the lower frequencies) is omnidirectional, so those two sides might be a little moot for quality. So it might be best close to a corner of a room with the two sides facing outward. Regardless, you are probably going to get a lot of sound out of this.
You get multiple options for driving it, including 3.5mm aux input (wired analog devices) as well as an optical input for wired digital sources. It also supports up to two different Bluetooth devices connected to it at the same time.
It also has an IPX4 waterproof rating that protects it from basic splashes. It won’t protect it from a good rain hitting it, but it will protect it from basic spills and splashes in case things get a little rowdy. You can use the provided USB port to charge your phone with, in case your battery isn’t going to last the length of the party. So splashes and power worries aren’t a concern this round.
It launches next month (March), which is right around the corner. It will retail for $399, making it the most expensive of the UE lineup of speakers yet. This may continue as the flagship unless they venture into small PA solutions.
Specifications:
POWER
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 24 hours of battery life**
Charge time: 2.6 hrs (with Ultimate Ears power supply)
AUDIO
Max SPL (sound pressure level): 100 dBC
Frequency range: 45 Hz – 20 KHz
Drivers: 2 x 4.5” (114 mm) woofers + 2 x 1” (25 mm) tweeters + 2 x 3.5” (89 mm) x 7.5”(190 mm) passive radiators
WIRELESS CAPABILITIES
Remembers up to 8 paired devices. Bluetooth 4.2 – 5.0
WIRELESS RANGE
Mobile range of music play is up to 150 ft (45 m)
COMPATIBILITY
For audio playback: smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart wireless audio profile [Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)]
DIMENSIONS
H 14.33” (364 mm) x D 7.5” (190 mm) x W 7.5” (190 mm) (speaker only)
Weight 13 lbs (5.9 kg)
WARRANTY
2-YEAR Limited Hardware warranty
