Tribit Unveils Its New StormBox Mini Plus As An Alternative To Apple’s HomePod

Tribit’s new and affordable StormBox Mini Plus Bluetooth speaker has a similar form factor to Apple’s HomePod product. Two StormBox Mini Plus can be linked to create a wider and more immersive stereo soundstage.

TRIBIT

Tribit is one of those brands that keeps a low profile and yet produces genuinely capable speakers and earbuds with an accessible price. The latest launch from the brand is the StormBox Mini Plus, a compact Bluetooth speaker made for music lovers on the move.

Designed to deliver audio in a rugged and travel-sized format, the StormBox Mini Plus bears a passing resemblance to Apple’s HomePod Bluetooth speaker. The StormBox Mini Plus provides portability and personalisation in a compact package that’s available in black, blue and green.

Compact and Rugged

Measuring just 119 x 91 x 91mm and weighing less than 550g, the StormBox Mini Plus is small enough to pop rucksack and take on a long day’s hike. The speaker is customizable using the Tribit smartphone app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. Users can fine-tune the sound of the speaker to suit their personal preference with five audio presets or manual EQ adjustments.

As well as tailoring the sound of the speaker, two StormBox Mini Plus speakers can be linked wirelessly to produce a bigger sound with an immersive stereo soundstage. Described as having 360-degree surround sound, the Tribit Mini Plus can indeed create an immersive 360° stereo sound thanks to its left-right acoustic design.

Two Powerful Full-Range Drivers

Inside the speaker are two powerful 48mm full-range drivers and a passive radiator with a combined frequency response ranging from 80Hz to 20KHz. The total power output is 12W and features built-in 2+1 Band Dynamic Range Control, which enhances the clarity of the music and delivers dynamic 2.0 stereo sound. It won’t fill a large room with sound, but the power of the 12W output sounds surprisingly effective.

Built-in multicolour lights on the StormBox Mini Plus can pulse and fade in rhythm with the music being played. Whether it’s being used at a picnic, a festival or just for hanging out at the beach, the lights add a dynamic effect that can go well with the music. If that’s not your thing, you can turn the lightshow off.

The rechargeable battery inside the StormBox Mini Plus can play continuously for up to 12 hours at 50% volume and with those lights turned off. To completely recharge the battery takes around 2.5 hours via the speaker’s USB Type-C port.

When it comes to resilience, the StormBox Mini Plus is both rugged and waterproof, thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating. This means the speaker can be immersed in up to a meter of water for half an hour before it starts to object. This makes it suitable for pool parties, hiking and a certain amount of horseplay.

SBC and AAC Support

Tribit has used the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology in the StormBox Mini Plus to ensure a stable wireless range of up to 30 metres. There is support for AAC and SBC codecs, but none of your highfalutin aptX Adaptive or LDAC. AAC delivers a clearer and more detailed sound than the basic SBC and is supported by iOS and Android devices.

The StormBox Mini Plus has a 3.5mm AUX input, enabling the connection of analog sound sources like an old Sony Walkman or something like a transistor radio with a headphone jack. A built-in microphone turns the StormBox Mini Plus into a hands-free speaker phone and there is also compatibility with voice assistants, making it a useful device for home offices or vacations.

Finally, the Tribit StormBox Mini Plus is designed to go almost anywhere and its compact size means it can fit into a work bag or even an overcoat pocket. The speaker’s tough exterior is resistant to knocks and drops and the control panel on its exterior makes it easy to control volume, playback and the lightshow with just a few taps.

Pricing and Availability:

The Tribit StormBox Mini Plus Bluetooth speaker is shipping now and is available from Amazon priced at $39.99 / £29.99 / €32.99.

Tech Specs:

• Power: 12W.
• Sound: Enhanced 360° Surround.
• Tribit App: iOS, Android.
• Audio codecs: SBC, AAC.
• Bluetooth: Version 5.4.
• Playtime: 12 hours.
• Waterproof rating: IPX7.
• Driver size: 48mm.
• Frequency response: 80Hz – 20KHz.
• Charging: USB Type-C.
• Built-in mic: Yes.
• Aux input: 3.5mm stereo.