Why Some Consumer Speakers Are USELESS For DJing
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- čas přidán 9. 11. 2020
- We've been experimenting with "micro" DJ set-ups recently... but it turns out that many small speakers aimed at consumers are useless for portable DJs... and it isn't what you think! Join in the conversation with Phil Morse as he chats DJing speakers for this week's Tuesday Tips Live..
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I Highly recommend the anker soundcore motion + . I DJed all summer long at the park with 2 of them. awesome sound, powerful/ loud enough, 4-5 hours at max volume.
Thanks Max!
I had a couple of Soundcore flares for my Numark Mini setup, but totally outta sync (latency) 😒
I thought I was the only one who recommends that, it's amazing, but for now, I'm using my friend's PartyBox 310 from JBL
Yup aptX gives you no latency
@@bluetooth_speaker_junkie Low latency not no latency.
Phil...Thank you so much. This video saved me from returning my favorite new toy. I own about 6 or 7 controllers. From my huge, heavy at home set ups, to "pro" level gear to "throw in my back pack" for travel size set ups. I recently purchased the Numark Platinum FX...and liked it. But I was having severe latency issues. All my other controller set ups seemed fine. But my FX gave me problems. I wrote Numark and Serato for tips to fix it. No luck with any of their suggestions. I originally called myself "testing" the FX on small speakers (JBL Charge 3 and Tribox) and was so unhappy with the results I was about to return the controller. After this video I moved to to my better "mini studio" set ups and my big gig speaker set ups to try it out. PERFECT! For some weird reason I was able to use my other mini/starter controllers (SB3, Herc Starlight and Numark2go2) on the mini speakers and it was mostly doable. But on the FX was making me crazy. Great to know my gear works. I would have never tried moving to my better speaker systems to check, without this video. It goes to show you...even us old guys that started in the mid 80s are still learning from your site. It is really useful for ALL LEVELS of DJS. (Excuse me while I go play with my newest toy)
We never stop learning! Thanks for your kind words too...
I had an old JBL Flip4 that was fine when using line-in. I don't have it any more, so I went out of my way to find old stock of a Flip4 which has line-in (and stereo drivers to boot). I finally tried it with my DJ gear today and it just felt wrong. It took me a while to figure it out and it was LATENCY! So I went searching and found your video. Thanks so much for bringing this to everyone's attention. I wish I'd seen it sooner. Well anyway about the Flip4, I don't know if the newer ones are different than earlier ones, or if there was firmware differences but it's too annoying to use as-is.
I also have a Sony XB43 with line-in. I tried this too and it had delay. When switching it to "stamina" mode by long-pressing the LIVE button, the delay seems shorter but still there, maybe ok for some.
Now I'm on the search for portable DJ speakers that don't suck. Thanks for the tip on the Minirig speakers, though I don't know how to get them shipped to Canada.
Keep up the great work, love all your content.
I found that the JBL Flip4 did provide updates to firmware, but I don't know what my original one was.
There's also a bass boost mode that (is on by default) and can be disabled, which is also described as "DSP OFF" czcams.com/video/hUTPtUd4RPo/video.html
I tried disabling the bass boost mode on the Flip4 and it did make the delay go away. I lked the sound better in the bass boosted mode though.
As they add more powerful abilities to join up speakers via bluetooth, they seem to be introducing latency.
I already own a JBL Charge 4 and purchased a Minirig 3 off the back of this video. I then tested them both side by side and I could not notice any delay on either speaker when using my DDJ800 with Neo RCA to aux. I was impressed with how loud the Minirig could go but found the sound experienced an awful lot of clipping when going above 60% volume (both on high and low gain). Because I already have the JBL to hand I will continue to use this when I travel and use my ROKIT when I’m at home.
Thanks for weighing in George
Just had delivered a Soundcore Motion + today to use on my Prime Go and I have to say I’m very impressed. I’ve done the headphone test and any latency there is is very low In my opinion.
Cool, glad it's working for you :)
I highly recommend the logitech ultimate ear roll. It small, powerful, and no delay on Bluetooth. You can pair it with other ultimate ear speakers. The ur roll is louder than most car stereo.
Thanks for the suggestion, we'll check it out :)
Been using the JBL Flip 4 for about a year now and just upgraded to the Pioneer DM 40s for better sound. Never really had a problem with the lag on the JBL if I'm being completely honest.
It’s subtle but it’s there.
The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is a winner!!
Latency seems zero on the Aux in.
And what a beautiful speaker it is!! :D :D :D
Best i've found at this level. Great frequency cover, bass and sharpness.
If you get a second one, it connects via bluetooth to make a stereo pair. Not tried this angle..
If you get it from their special offer page on their site you get it £20 off!! £80 instead ;)
Fabulous reviews and mixes!!! Am really enjoying them.
Keep it up!! :)
Pairing them in stereo mode introduces latency. I use 2 of them connected with wires, DJed all summer at the park. People are really surprised at the sound coming out of those speakers. I got around 4-5 hours at max volume. Often on sale on Amazon.
@@Max_Mtl I suspected as much due to the bluetooth but at least you could connect them with wires. :)
How did you pan the signal L/W via wires? Was there an adapter to do this?
Do you have a link please?
@@HIMALAYER sorry my answer was confusing. There’s no stereo when connected with wires the same thing comes out of both. To DJ you don’t need stereo.
@@Max_Mtl i get you.
I bet you there is something out there that can split a 3.5 line out..! :P
Stereo is always a worthwhile luxury! :)
Nice one :)
Not only Dj's, but also producers. I use an (old) Sony SRS XB40 to great satisfaction. I use an audio interface and play guitar "through" abelton wiith software monitoring. Works a charm. Pity they don't make them any more. Would buy a second (spare) one in a heartbeat.
Yes, very good point!
I tested 3 differend speakers for my set up.
JBL Flip 4 - Has Delay
Ikea eneby 15x7.5cm - slight delay (u only hear it if you listen closely or with a song with a short kick/punch)
Anker A79080 - No delay
I use the Anker as my booth speaker and use Logitech Z623 as my master.
Sound quality of Anker is not the best. But ok for a small cheap speaker. Quality sounds bad if you put it at max volume.
Thanks for sharing!
I have ue hyperboom and thought my mixing was getting worse until I clicked there was a delay. I have to use headphones. This was the video I've been searching for. Thank you
Glad this has helped you.
I 100% agree with this video. I got a JBL flip 4 that I got for both bluetooth casual playback and, because it has a line in that I assumed was good, for using as a small monitor for a small outdoor gig where the speakers and dj booth would be far apart. I instantly noticed a very tiny delay from the cue mix in the headphones and the speaker. Enough to be offsync with the song, very annoying. Turned it off and used pure headphone mixing that night without monitors :\ So yes... do not get the JBL Flip4 for DJ-ing.
Annoying isn't it! Thanks for sharing
I can confirm the line in delay with the JBL Xtreme series; noticed it with my Xtreme 2. Very subtle, but definitely noticeable when trying to scratch.
Thanks for confirming that
I don't know the exact model, but an older Sonos unit that I attempted to use at a friends house had about 5 seconds of delay, and that was hard wired!
Ouch! Thanks for the heads up
Soundcore x600 worked really well when I tried using it to DJ at home. 0 latency in aux.
Thanks for the info, and no, because we couldn’t really find any!
thank you for this video!
You're so welcome!
I can highly recommend the Doss Traveler. No lag at all when wiring in through the aux, and really loud with strong bass.
Thanks MrFalk.
thank you for this video im going to college and want to make money with djing while there but i obviously cant bring huge speakers on the plane any suggestions for a portable dj speaker to buy? I have used the aux cord with a Y cable to dj with lap top and speaker that has an aux input but i feel a bluetooth speaker that's too small for anything id like to make money with
Hi Phil. Thanks for the posting. I never noticed the audio timing difference between my JBL Charge4 and headphone when I use it with my Prime Go. I always mix visually when using my Go.
No worries then! Unfortunately I can hear it very clearly and it takes all the joy out of it for me
I have a JBL Charge 4 and it works ok. I agree it's not ideal, but there is only a noticeable lag when you send the initial signal. After the speaker has read the signal the lag goes away. The lag doesn't return unless you completely stop the signal for a couple seconds. I've used a controller and a portable turntable with it 🤷🏽♂️. I can scratch and mix without any issues.
Glad they are working for you, but that is not my experience with this speaker sadly.
Bose Soundlink using Line-In has a delay when using my ddj400 and laptop. Not recommended
Thanks for the heads up Anthony
Hi guys, maybe late to the party but I've just come across this video looking for information. good news I have a speaker that has no delay, the speaker is a SONY SRS-XB41 its great for mixing and loud enough for the house.. I also have a speaker that's terrible for mixing with a huge delay, which is why I was searching for a video like this. I bought a more powerful party speaker recently for a friends house party and discovered when mixing that what I was hearing in the headphones was correct and a delay at the speaker.. PANASONIC SC-TMAX5 is no good for mixing, great loud speaker but not for dj'n.
Thanks for sharing
Hi, thank you for Minirig recommendation. Question: Does it also work with Minirig subwoofer w/o latency?
Also, how loud does this combo get (compared to let's say JBL Xtreme)? Because it's quite expensive...
We haven't tried the Minirig Subwoofer yet, soon though!
No DSP or latency on JBL GO 1st or 2nd gen when using the aux input.
Interesting, thanks Jon
Hi Phil, I know it's a bit late but thanks so much for this opportunity for this topic because I've been using my friend's PartyBox 1000 from JBL through it's auxiliary cable, and I'm always a bit concerned about input and output latency
No problem at all, glad it helped
If there is latency you can mix in the headphone but your mix will be sub-par even for your own standard because for EQ and Gain of the new track, it's best to do while listening from the main speaker. So speakers with latency are no-fly zone.
Agreed, its really annoying too.
But when I'm listening on the main speakers I'm in the middle of the dance floor. Kind of a no no. 🌈
Great, was thinking to buy a pair of minirigs to setup a mobile system. This validates that choice, thanks!
Can firmly recommend them
After commenting a couple of days ago about the Sony model, the Minirigs 3 & Sub landed today. Can confirm no latency at all using RCA to AUX from controller and they are unbelievably high quality units with good sound. Pricey but absolutely worth it. Well impressed.
Awesome, glad to hear it!
@@digitaldjtips I had multiple hardware issues both with the Minirig and it's Sub. The gear is not tested to the same standards INHO as JBL etc...As much as I want to support UK independent manufacturer with great customer support mini rig gear after a few months then just over a year to me just isn't durable and well manufactured enough internally. That has been my honest experience.
Great topic phil! I've been going through this with my denon prime go and jbl extreme 2 speaker.
Cool, good timing!
Hi I’ve been using the 2.1 minirigs for about 4 years and love them.
Nice one Mark, we're big fans of them
Hi Phil I'm happy to report that the Marshall Kilburn II bt speaker has no latency issues. I just got it and it's phenomenal. It has a brighter sound too so ppl who prefer less exaggerated bass in their monitor speaker will appreciate it
Glad to hear it :)
Agree the Sony SRS range have no/minimal lag with Aux In- I have the SRS XB-31
Thanks for the update Marcus!
Hi, just came acros your video. my problem is a delay between my wonder boom bluetooth speakers and Sony headphones.first noticed the delay listening to one song from my master output (wonder boom) playing the other one on my headphones..
You cannot DJ with Bluetooth
Just tested my JBL Xtreme 2 and there is a noticable delay when using the aux input. I also own a cheap Chinese BT speaker with aux input, and there is no delay at all on that one!
Thanks Bojan
I should have watched this video when I was looking for speakers. I got 2 LG 360 xboom with aux line in that works with no latency. But the Anker soundcore rave mini latency was so bad, even lined in I wasted money on that one.
Yeah, it's a common problem.
interesting topic, I use both the jbl xtreme 1 and flip 3 seperately when djing.. no noticeable lag when using them with a rca cable.
Thanks Todd
Phill, just in time. I figured aux was the only way but didn't think about dsp on line in. Was shopping for something portable to pair with my akai force and found by the time you get a big enough speaker for physical bass, it may as well be a regular powered speaker.
Sure, this is just for impromptu practicing etc
using the bose soundlink revolve plus with a xdj-xz, xlr out to mini jack, no delay or lag, audio is pretty amazing, if i go anywhere close to 50% on the master output, the lady below starts complaining about the noise.
Thanks for the insight! Good to note
One UE (Ultimate Ears) works with line in. But not when paired with other UE speakers using bluetooth.
Yeah, Bluetooth ganging of speakers will always introduce latency.
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 3 sounds awesome with NO delay but H/K Onyx Studio 5 has a BIG delay.
strange cause Studio 3 can link up to other speakers but doesnt have noticeable delay when DJ via aux and NOT linked up with another speaker.
Awesome, thanks for the insight
Hey Phil, did you ever get a chance to speak to the manufacturer's and obtain their guarantee of no lag so you could write your article with the green ticks next to each answer/product? You mentioned this in the video?
No we didn't Jac, though it was brought up on the livestream yesterday and Phil is talking about revisiting it
I can say I’ve noticed a delay with the Jbl xtreme 2 and the Bose revolve plus!
I also tried a Sony srs xb30 and it worked fine!
I hope this helps
Thanks Lee!
@@digitaldjtips I`ve just watched your video and checked my Sony SRS XB40 with a Numark Party mix and absolutely no delay. Hope this helps.
Sonos and echo studio definitely have that delay. I suspect depending on the software being used that the dj software may be compensating for the inherently delayed dropping of tracks (ie rekordbox) which may mask it, however the x fader will still have the delay
Has anyone tried the larger jbl? Boom box or xtreme?
Thanks for the insight Adrian
Has anyone tried bigger jbl, please I need to know as I intend buying one for my new dj controller.
Addon: I'd love to have a small mobile speaker without delay. It doesnt need bluetooth and battery is optional. Stereo is optional too (the JBL flip 4 I have is also "mono") I'm 99,9% of the times hooked up to some form of power anyway.
Would be good!
hi, i have jbl xtreme 1 & jbl charge essentiel. jbl charge essential 1 have delay, i can't mix with it , but jbl xtreme 1 don't have delay it's ok.
i have tested with my headphone on the same track
Thanks for the info!
Peace be with you. This channel is very informative for persons new to DJing. Can someone use a JBL PartyBox - PartyBox 100 - Speaker for DJing??? The speaker has a Line “IN” & “Out,” Microphone & 1/4in Guitar/instrumentals input. Thank you so much.
Thanks glad you like it :) Yep, sounds like you can in that case
Hi, thx for the cool vidz :)
Did you make a list of the portable speakers without lag?
Also, I read that you can avoid the latency problem on the JBL 310 (and maybe others with this feature) by using the daisy chain in as an aux in... Anyone tried this?
No, we haven;t made a list. Didn't know about that "hack", thanks for sharing.
Hey you forgot to mention the tribit stormbox. It got reviewed here, has AUX input.
We'll check it out :)
Sony SRS XB43 no good. Split second latency. Looks cool with the lights. Heavy unit. Sound is OK. Bit dull on bass. Sending it back to Amazon and going with Minirig.
Thanks for sharing Dave
so what's best consumer speakers with no latency?
We're big fans of the "Minirig"
A speaker that's 35cm away has a delay of roughly 1ms. So make sure that you're booth monitors are closer to your ears than 35cm to avoid the delay. :) 🌈
No need to be that extreme, apparently the human ear cannot tell delays that tiny. But if you're happier, no reason not to! (Most clubs the monitors are further than 35cm).
Was the list ever published?
No, as we couldn't find enough!
How about now?
Anker sound core great little speakers good sound and battery life. I think if you’re an amateur DJ and you can’t notice the delay the delay then It doesn’t really matter.
Thanks Mark :)
Well before I watch your video I wouldn't say that they're the worst I use to have a JBL Xtreme 2 I used to have I have a soundcore select pro Bluetooth speaker and it sounds magnificent during DJ scratching
Glad it works for you!
Great topic. I was thinking about this a few weeks ago. I ended up buying a bluetooth speakers giving up on the idea of using it to mobile dj.
The tribit stormbox is a good speaker. It got reviewed here a while back. It has a JBL type of design and it’s like 50 bucks.
Thanks Randle, thought it would be a useful one to cover!
Are the Minirig speakers water proof? I'm not seeing it on their website.
No I don’t think so
I've always mixed in my phones so not really an issue for me. The speaker is just there for my audience. 🙂
Sorry posted this before you mentioned laid back luke😂
You’re in good company!
How about the JBL EON Compact or the new SoundBok?
These are fine, they are designed for performance.
What about regular speakers for a room with no latency?
Any monitors/hi fi speakers with amp etc. will be fine. It is only multi-room audio/Bluetooth/Airplay etc that has this issue.
Hey guys new thought controll with built in 5.0 blue tooth no letency pairs with contrler with one button solution but for DJing as a deliberate dj target industry
You can fix the latency on the JBL Charge 4 if you have an iRig 2
Not sure how?
@@digitaldjtips If you have a cable (aux + adapter) that connects the JBL Charge 4 speaker to the 1/4” amplifier output and a RCA cable from the controller to the iRig 2 it fixes the latency
Teufel Rockster XS ==> small but annoying lag. Only tried once just for fun but will not do this again.
Thanks Rene
HARD WIRED mini rigs are OK. I used a ddj2go2 and a pair of them with the mini rig sub during 3 months in a tent in ibiza. The biggest JBL, the boombox, is AWFUL even if hard wired. I bought one to take to on holiday to ibiza last year and ended up buying a pair of dm40ws to take instead. I couldn't return the boombox back because I bought it in Kuwait. EXPENSIVE mistake. If you can, go the whole hog and buy a pair of alto tx208 as a minimum if power sources and portability aren't an issue. They go LOUD and sound GREAT......
Thanks for the feedback Ashley, it's sure to help others
Thanks for this. Been pulling my hair out with my new set up, with Bose SoundTouch 20/30 ( can confirm this has the same issue).
Very frustrating but glad to have found the issue!
Glad to have helped!
Now you've got me really curious about using the JBL Partybox 300 with the Denon Prime Go. I really hope you are able to test it please!!!!
The PB300 is hardly the easy portable speaker that is sought for here.
We'll see what we can do :)
Check the YT channel of Opaz. He's a dj and reviewed (trans)portable speakers for dj-ing, like the Bose S1 Pro and the PB100.
@@Wuppie62 true, you're right that the PB300 isn't that portable, but I'm just curious if it has the same delay that the Charge 4 has in this video. It definitely won't fit in a backpack, but im looking at getting the roller bag for it also if it works without delay.
@@Wuppie62 Thanks for the input! I watched the review and unfortunately he didn't go over the features that I'm interested in or mention if the speaker has a delay when using the aux in. (The PB300 has standard RCA inputs, so I'm hoping there's no delay)
Hi Phil, older versions of JBL Flip that do not have the link functionality work great, no delay at all. The problem started when they added the functionality that connects several speakers together
Interesting, thanks for that John!
Do the Pioneer DM40BT have lag when wired?
They don’t, they are made for djs
No
How far away can monitor speakers be for there no to be an issue?
I start noticing it at about 15ft
Just tested my DOCKIN 2 FINE + 2, on LineIn absolutly no latancy an has a little bit better Sound than Phils's MiniRig ;-) but is not cheap either..
Thanks for the info
Always use ipad headphone port to speaker via aux instead of master out with my wego3 and have no issues what so ever
That's interesting, thanks Peter
@@digitaldjtips just need amend audio out settings in djay
UE Mini Booms are great 👍🏾
Cool :)
I use my JBL Xtreme 2 on my two DJ controllers, the ddj-sb3 and the ddj-400 😎😎💯💯🥇🏆🎉
Cool :)
@@digitaldjtips I know right! It's so easy to pack up on the with the Jetpack, DJ controller, laptop, JBL Xtreme 2 with the shoulder strap, in all your important cables. 🏆🏆🏆🥇🥇🥇
Definitely, small and powerful :)
Would be good to test on a dual channel Oscilloscope.
For real accurate testing, beyond what ears can even hear !
I don’t know, for me I can tell instantly if the headphones and the speaker don’t match up, if I can’t hear anything wrong, that’s good enough for me!
what about jbl encore partybox? anyone tried?
We haven't, sorry
Sadly my Bose Revolve Sounlink has latency :c
Thanks for the heads up
UE Boom 2 doesn't work
Thanks for letting us know Xiran!
A 30 min video on a topic that can be explained in 30 sec
This is a recording of one of our weekly live shows, sorry if that wasn't clear.
Anker Soundcore-Flare is a great little speaker BUT....No Good For DJing!!
A lot of them don't seem to be unfortunately!
Bose soundlink works pretty good
Respectfully, my Bose Soundlink has delay when using my ddj400 and laptop with aux input. To clarify with the headphones plugged into the controller.
@@anthonybruce3482 I have same set up when I dj in my backyard for my family. I don’t hear a delay but I also have headphones on so maybe I can test it through the headphone jacks next time as a monitor thanks
Let us know :)
Anker delay noticable. With a keyboard you can see this perfectly:czcams.com/video/BSAaaIPbrjE/video.html
Indeed.
If I dj with a Bluetooth speaker I use strictly headphones for monitoring so my timing stays on
Also many Alexa speakers don't have an AUX input.
Makes sense :)
The reason why the Bluetooth speaker suck also is because most speakers only have one mono speaker stereo sounds better
Most club systems are mono, too. It's the latency that makes them non-starters.
I dj with Bluetooth but at home not at a real party
Yeah :)
Poor JBL bloody good speakers otherwise
Agreed, they definitely sound good
sony doesn't work, thanks for the info.
Thanks for watching Jason
The JBL Flip 3 works with no latency!
Phil, Leif from MN here. Thanks for doing a video on this. I encountered this problem this past summer, actually. A little background to qualify myself, I've been playing professionally in Minnesota clubs on Pioneer systems since 2013, trained on vinyl prior to that, so I'm a non-sync button beat matcher. I bought a Prime Go back in July, with the expressed purpose of creating a micro setup. I of course needed a battery powered speaker with an Aux port, my girlfriend had and Anker Soundcore 1, I thought "perfect, I'll get the Anker Soundcore 2". Sounded phenomenal out of the box, but then I experienced the latency monitoring issue in my headphones when I plugged it into the Prime Go. Great for straight listening, garbage for DJing. So I returned it. A friend of mine had a JBL Flip 3 from a few years ago, so I gave it a try, and it worked fine! No monitoring latency. I liked it so much I ordered my own, and I'm still enjoying no latency DJing on my micro setup. Interestingly enough, playing a house party last week at my girlfriend's house, my JBL Flip 3 was running out of battery life, so I had her bring out her Anker Soundcore 1... and no latency. So I can 100% confirm the Anker Soundcore 1 and the JBL Flip 3 will work on micro setups. Cheers!
Seems funny, I feel that the older models have better success!
Speaking of old technology solving a modern problem, I thought I'd throw in one more bonus tip I discovered in this whole process: So in Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," we do a lot of boating. This past summer a crew of friends and I rented a boat a few times from this one boat club that had very new pontoon boats with the ability to connect to the boat's stereo via bluetooth. I wanted to use my Prime Go on the boat, so I asked if they had an aux jack, and they did not! The boats were too new! Bluetooth only! I of course needed a direct line to the boat's speakers, and after about a week trying to solve this problem before one of our trips, I remembered that the boats had FM radio. So I ended up buying a simple FM Transmitter! (specifically the Scosche Universal FM Transmitter FMT4-XS.) I ran an RCA to 3.5mm female y-cable out of the Prime Go Master to accommodate the 3.5mm male end on the FM Transmitter. We hopped on the boat, the boat tender asked if wanted to connect to the boat's Bluetooth, I said no and he was shocked when he heard I wanted FM radio. We set the appropriate frequency, and BAM, total latency free, wireless, battery powered DJing on a beautiful Pontoon boat using a 2020 mixer with 1990s technology! So funny enough, it seems that if you get your hands on one of these FM Transmitters and run it from the master out, if you have a radio nearby with a decent speaker attached, you're in business!
Thanks for sharing Leif and thanks for the additional tip!
Love this!
Lol, no consumer speakers are good for djing
Well the Mini Rig is :)