Review: Braven BRV-X/2

Braven is known in the USA for building outdoor speakers that are tested in the wilderness. After being acquired by the accessory brand Zagg, they have now spread better in Scandinavia as well. We have previously tested their monster speaker Braven XXL and the somewhat more portable Braven BRV-XL with good results. Now the turn has come for the Braven BRV-X/2, the second smallest model in the range, and the question is whether their tank construction also works in pocket format.

Construction and handling

The first impression is definitely that this is a Braven speaker. There is a lot of metal, rubber and proper controls. The cabinet feels completely dumb, and you get the feeling that the speaker could easily handle a melee with a bear. How it is with that case, we do not dare to test, but the speaker is IPX7-classified, which means that it manages underwater. Something you do not have to worry about, as it actually floats!

Thanks to a large battery which is fortunately charged with USB-C, you get a very good battery life. You can even borrow power from the speaker to charge your mobile. And if it rings, it’s fine to use it as a speakerphone. If you prefer a larger sound image instead, you can connect two BRV-X / 2 as a stereo pair. Unfortunately, there is no mobile app to make settings.

Sound quality

The sound in Braven BRV-X / 2 is, not surprisingly, so flattering that it appeals to many. Which is ok, as this is after all a speaker for the swimming pool or picnic more than listening. It goes relatively deep into the bass, but feels quite weak considering the speaker’s image. On the other hand, you can turn up quite a lot of volume, which may be necessary outdoors, without getting any distortion.

Conclusion

Even the little Braven BRV-X / 2 holds its own like a wilderness speaker. It’s the speaker in the test that we would not be worried about having to break on a trip in the wilderness. And the battery also lasts all weekend, and can emergency charge the mobile. The sound is relatively good for such a small and robust speaker, and it is possible to turn up the volume without it starting to rattle.

 

https://youtu.be/tQtrseiwgNA