JBL EON Compact Unboxing/Initial Review

AeroUSA · #1 11-20-2019, 06:39 PM

Here you go!

necrome · #2 11-20-2019, 07:39 PM

Just finished watching it, thanks a lot for the hard work! Does it sound any better or worse than the Bose S1 so far in your opinion?

AeroUSA · #3 11-20-2019, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by necrome

Just finished watching it, thanks a lot for the hard work! Does it sound any better or worse than the Bose S1 so far in your opinion?

Initial impressions are that it sounds better and of course it has more processing options.

Ken Carr · #4 11-20-2019, 08:33 PM

Hi Aaron. I watched your review and subscribed. Very good info demo on the JBL. I have been thinking about getting the Bose s1 pro, but now I am not sure. The JBL eon one compact seems mighty tempting. I am curious about the horizontal sound dispersion of the JBL. When you do your comparison video, maybe you can compare both units with the speakers angled off side of you and compare what you hear. Thank you for being the guinea pig test subject for all of us acoustic nerds who are scared to lead the way.

BoneDigger · #5 11-20-2019, 09:02 PM

Great review! Very thorough and informative. I'm thinking of selling my Loudbox Mini and applying the funds to this. It seems like a pretty good unit from what I can tell.

Shredmaster007 · #6 11-20-2019, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

Great review! Very thorough and informative. I'm thinking of selling my Loudbox Mini and applying the funds to this. It seems like a pretty good unit from what I can tell.

I've been holding off to choose between this, a Loudbox Mini or QSC k8.2 for practice and maybe playing out. Difficult to choose!

Loudbox Mini - controls on the front, guitar sounds nice, seems 'small' when playing bluetooth. Haven't done vocals through one yet. Inexpensive.

JBL - addresses all my problems with the S1 (limited eq, hard to reach controls) Having to use an app could be a blessing and or a curse

QSC - overkill but absolute power and fidelity? probably need a mixer.

Cuki79 · #7 11-20-2019, 09:46 PM

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for this great video! When you were using the K&K into channel 3, the gain-volume pot was set at +5dB ... when you were using the preamp into channel 1, it was set to -5dB. So it means that your preamp only added +10dB. Since the JBL app allows to go up to +26dB. Do you think, going into the Hi-Z channel 3 and maxing out the volume pot would enable the user to be loud enough?

For me the problem is the fixed gain.

On a proper mixer, you can tune the gain so that your just above clipping, in this case your volume pot needs to be around 0dB. Then your volume pot enable to fine tune the volume by attenuating between -80dB to 0dB.

In the JBL case, since the fixed gain is weak, the volume pot usable range should be in the very top of its “course” (french word). What I mean is the usable range of the JBL pot is between 5dB and +26dB. If one is able to clip in this range it means an external preamp is not needed.... however the pot is then only usable in the upper part of its range which makes fine tuning more difficult.

So do you think the JBL could hi-Z channel 3 input can be clipped when the gain/volume pot is pushed to 26dB?

BoneDigger · #8 11-20-2019, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shredmaster007

I've been holding off to choose between this, a Loudbox Mini or QSC k8.2 for practice and maybe playing out. Difficult to choose!

Loudbox Mini - controls on the front, guitar sounds nice, seems 'small' when playing bluetooth. Haven't done vocals through one yet. Inexpensive.

JBL - addresses all my problems with the S1 (limited eq, hard to reach controls) Having to use an app could be a blessing and or a curse

QSC - overkill but absolute power and fidelity? probably need a mixer.

It's a tough call. I'm actually thinking I may keep the Loudbox mini (charge) and buy the JBL too. Probably wouldn't get nearly enough for the Mini anyway.

BoneDigger · #9 11-20-2019, 09:49 PM

Anyone heard if they plan to come out with a pack or bag for carrying this, similar to the Bose backpack? Even my Loudbox mini has a case/bag with a strap.

AeroUSA · #10 11-20-2019, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

Anyone heard if they plan to come out with a pack or bag for carrying this, similar to the Bose backpack? Even my Loudbox mini has a case/bag with a strap.

Yes it’s in the user guide but the Bose S1 bag looks better. I love that top compartment it has.

AeroUSA · #11 11-20-2019, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuki79

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for this great video! When you were using the K&K into channel 3, the gain-volume pot was set at +5dB ... when you were using the preamp into channel 1, it was set to -5dB. So it means that your preamp only added +10dB. Since the JBL app allows to go up to +26dB. Do you think, going into the Hi-Z channel 3 and maxing out the volume pot would enable the user to be loud enough?

For me the problem is the fixed gain.

On a proper mixer, you can tune the gain so that your just above clipping, in this case your volume pot needs to be around 0dB. Then your volume pot enable to fine tune the volume by attenuating between -80dB to 0dB.

In the JBL case, since the fixed gain is weak, the volume pot usable range should be in the very top of its “course” (french word). What I mean is the usable range of the JBL pot is between 5dB and +26dB. If one is able to clip in this range it means an external preamp is not needed.... however the pot is then only usable in the upper part of its range which makes fine tuning more difficult.

So do you think the JBL could hi-Z channel 3 input can be clipped when the gain/volume pot is pushed to 26dB?

Initial impressions are that channel 3 does not have enough gain. I don’t know why they did this. It sets the impedance but does not add gain. The best way around this is to use a wireless system into the mic setting but why didn’t they add more gain to the hi-z channel? It’s so good in every other way. It’s a shame.

Cuki79 · #12 11-21-2019, 01:32 AM

If the mic setting is just gainy enough for K&K (which is pretty hot pickup), it might not be enough for a weak dynamic mic... Did you try a SM-58? Is it weak?

necrome · #13 11-21-2019, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroUSA

Yes it’s in the user guide but the Bose S1 bag looks better. I love that top compartment it has.

The backpack in the guide doesn't look terribly impressive! Wonder if there are other options out there, maybe a small haversack or something

lpa53 · #14 11-21-2019, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroUSA

Initial impressions are that channel 3 does not have enough gain. I don’t know why they did this. It sets the impedance but does not add gain. The best way around this is to use a wireless system into the mic setting but why didn’t they add more gain to the hi-z channel? It’s so good in every other way. It’s a shame.

I'm clueless about electrical issues, but would using a 1/4-to-XLR adapter into a Mic channel solve the gain problem if one didn't go wireless?

lpa53 · #15 11-21-2019, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuki79

If the mic setting is just gainy enough for K&K (which is pretty hot pickup), it might not be enough for a weak dynamic mic... Did you try a SM-58? Is it weak?

This would concern me, too, as my SM58 into my SA220 requires a pretty high gain setting. And I just sold my Cloudliftermic preamp because wanted to reduce gear to haul.