The Soundcore Rave 3S is a powerhouse party speaker promising a vibrant audio experience. This review dives deep into its features, exploring its robust build quality, impressive sound capabilities, and innovative AI karaoke functionality. We’ll examine its connectivity options, user-friendly app, and the performance of its integrated microphones, weighing the pros and cons to determine if this speaker truly lives up to the hype. From its hefty weight and durable construction to its surprisingly effective AI vocal removal, we'll leave no stone unturned in our assessment.This in-depth analysis will cover everything from the speaker's impressive 200-watt output and versatile controls to the nuances of its Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and the performance of its included microphones during karaoke sessions. We'll explore the Soundcore app's extensive customization options, examining its EQ settings, spatial audio, and the effectiveness of its AI vocal removal feature at various levels. Ultimately, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview, helping you decide if the Soundcore Rave 3S is the perfect addition to your next party.
Pros And Cons
- Solid plastic build, similar build quality to JBL or Sony
- Includes dual wireless microphones
- IPX4 water resistance rating
- Various controls including power button, pairing button, base/treble/light controls, track controls, and dual control knobs for volume and mic reverb
- AI vocal removal feature
- Easily paired with Android and iOS devices
- Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs
- Multipoint connectivity for up to two devices
- 3.5mm and 1/4 inch jacks for wired mics or guitar inputs
- Supports Rcast for pairing multiple speakers
- 12 hours of battery life (varies based on usage)
- USBC charging port
- Soundcore app support for Android and iOS
- App allows control over sound quality and lighting
- Big base and high volume
- Three 2.5-inch full-range speakers and a 6.5-inch woofer
- 200 watts of power
- Over 108dB of volume
- Strong, punchy bass response, especially with base up active
- Clear and precise vocals (slightly recessed)
- Balanced EQ preset improves mid-range
- Custom EQ presets available
- Spatial audio feature creates wider soundstage (when speaker is on its side)
- Included microphones have aggressive noise cancelling, requiring loud speaking and close proximity to the mic for clear voice pickup
- Included microphones have noticeable hiss when no music is playing
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Design and Build Quality
The Soundcore Rave 3S boasts a robust plastic build, similar to other Soundcore speakers like the Boom 2 and Rave series. This ensures durability and a consistent feel across the product line. It's comparable in build quality to competitors such as JBL or Sony, offering a premium feel without a premium price tag.
The speaker is substantial – weighing approximately 23 lbs with microphones included – but the integrated lift handle facilitates easy portability. The metal mesh grill protects the speaker and complements the overall design aesthetic. The size and weight reflect the powerful sound system it houses.
Features and Controls
The Rave 3S offers a comprehensive suite of controls located on its top panel. These include a power button, power level LEDs, a pairing button, and dedicated controls for bass boost, karaoke, and LED lighting. The intuitive layout makes it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
A notable feature is the large blue AI vocal removal button, a unique party trick that transforms any song into an instrumental. Track controls (previous, play/pause, next) are also conveniently positioned. Dual control knobs handle overall volume and microphone reverb, respectively.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Connectivity options are plentiful. The Rave 3S features Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs, enabling seamless pairing with Android and iOS devices. Multipoint connectivity supports up to two devices simultaneously. For wired connections, it includes a 3.5mm aux input and a 1/4-inch jack for microphones or guitars.
Soundcore claims a 12-hour battery life on a full charge. This varies depending on volume, lighting effects, and EQ settings. Expect 3-5 hours of playtime in a party setting with full features active and higher volume levels. Charging is via a USB-C port located on the back.
Soundcore App Integration
The Soundcore app enhances the Rave 3S experience. Accessible for Android and iOS, it provides control over various features such as volume, playback, AI vocal removal (adjustable from levels 1 to 4), and auto-guide vocals.
The app also offers karaoke settings (Reverb presets and a dial for customization), vocal enhancers, a 4-band EQ, a custom 9-band EQ, bass boost, and spatial audio (available when the speaker is laid on its side). The app allows fine-tuning of the audio experience to suit individual preferences.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Rave 3S delivers impressive sound with powerful bass and high volume. Three 2.5-inch full-range speakers handle mids and treble, while a 6.5-inch woofer produces deep bass. It boasts 200 watts of power, easily filling large spaces with sound. Soundcore claims over 108dB of volume, which is easily believable.
The Soundcore signature EQ provides punchy bass response, further enhanced with the bass up feature. However, the reviewer preferred the balanced EQ for a more refined sound, particularly with various genres. Spatial audio, activated when the speaker is on its side, creates a wider, more immersive soundscape.
Microphone Performance and AI Vocal Removal
The included microphones offer decent performance for karaoke, but with caveats. They incorporate aggressive noise cancellation, requiring users to speak loudly and close to the microphone. A noticeable hiss is present when no music is playing.
The AI vocal removal works surprisingly well, effectively removing vocals from songs, although a faint trace might remain at maximum level. This feature is very useful for karaoke purposes.
Overall Conclusion
The Soundcore Rave 3S is a powerful and feature-rich party speaker with impressive sound quality and volume. Its robust build, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly app integration make it a compelling choice. The AI vocal removal is a fun and unique feature, perfect for karaoke.
However, the included microphones have limitations, including aggressive noise cancellation and a noticeable hiss. Despite this, the Rave 3S offers exceptional value for its price point, delivering a fantastic party experience overall. Consider your microphone needs before purchasing.