Review: Rockbox Bold X, the latest from Fresh ´N Rebel, alternative to Ultimate Ears?

Wireless speakers have practically become one more accessory of our day to day, and it is that the musical content in streaming and the improvement of this type of products have caused a lot that taking these speakers to the street with us is increasingly easier . In this range of products we have many alternatives but a clear position, however, Fresh ´N Rebel has decided join the party. We have in our hands the new Rockbox X from Fresh ´N Rebel and we analyze it to tell you what this wireless speaker brings to the market and off-road.

Design and materials: A breath of fresh air

We start with the design, something where most ultra-resistant speakers seem not to want to innovate too much, establishing that tubular style that we are seeing so much lately. However, this time Fresh ´N Rebel brings us an elongated oval device that does not take up too much space on a table and that will avoid constant falls. To start we have six base colors, common for the brand: Ice Gray, Misty Mint, Dusty Pink, Petrol Blue, Ruby Red, and Storm Gray. Regarding the materials, we have rubber for the chassis that will protect against falls, as well as in the small area of ​​the lower base to give it a little more stability.

• Weight: 320 grams
• Size: 160 x 95 x 38 mm

We have three front buttons also made of rubber that allow us to control the multimedia content. On the right side we have the tab that reveals the microUSB charging port (Why microUSB at this point…?) and the jack entrance 3,5mm in case we want to play music directly from the cable. On this side is where the power button and the Bluetooth sync button are also located. As for the speaker, it is covered with a nylon fabric that protects against dirt, seems quite resistant and allows a clear sound.

Technical characteristics

We move on to the purely technical data, which you don't want to miss either. We are facing a speaker for which we do not have exact data regarding the battery, we know that it is an input port classic 5V / 1A microUSB and the load is taking us two hours in its entirety. This provides (depending on the brand) 8 hours of uninterrupted playback, which according to our tests has been met almost exactly. We must not forget that this Bold X also has a built-in microphone that allows us to get out of trouble and take a call, with the performance that can be expected from such a product. The fact of having a microUSB port instead of the widespread and universal USB-C seems to me its least favorable feature.

The connection Bluetooth along with the 3,5mm Jack they are the two ways we have to send audio to the speaker. We have not appreciated any type of cut in the Bluetooth, the configuration has been fast and we have obtained a standard result at distances of between five and seven meters maximum (without barriers). Also, as a good "off-road" loudspeaker, we have IPX7 protection that allows us to wet it, throw it away and almost smear it on the ground without problems, the result has been satisfactory in all these cases, since the humidity shoots out as soon as we increase the volume of the speaker.

Sound quality and power

Fresh ´N Rebel, as is the case with other brands, decides to bet on not giving us technical data regarding their speakers and power, as has happened with the mAh of the battery. However, regardless of this data, we thoroughly tested the speakers to see if they really lived up to expectations. ANDIn terms of bass, trying commercial music, this Bold X complies, it does not distort too much the content in high volumes nor do the typical "cracks" appear. so common for small speakers.

When we move to less commercial music, some Rock & Roll for example, we find that the bottoms and the final power continue to defend themselves, and some means appear that although they do not stand out, meet expectations. Now is the time to play around with the EQ, something many are not used to. In this sense, it is an "off-road" speaker also for listening to music and physically.

Editor's opinion

The speaker includes a transport clip in the package, not a transport bag, but taking into account its ruggedness I do not think it necessary. It has an advantage, or at least one differential point according to the rest, and that is that its flattened and oval design makes it go unnoticed on any outdoor table, without interrupting the hustle and bustle between users and without constantly tripping over it. something that has always seemed peculiar to me about this type of speaker, which usually opts for a tubular design. This is definitely a point that I really liked.

On the other hand we have the handle and a small hook that is included so that we can transport it wherever we want. The buttons are also well placed and this is appreciated in these circumstances. The lower part is also slightly padded and the reality is that it accompanies when it comes to putting it in the backpack. I would also like to highlight the ability to listen to music in stereo by syncing two Bold Xs according to the firm, although we have not been able to verify this characteristic.

We are faced with a fairly easy-to-use product that offers a clear and powerful sound, but that nevertheless falls halfway, sIt sounds strong and has good EQ, but that one lacks perhaps a higher quality mids. 

On the other hand we have a price that is in line with what other brands offer, from 79,99 euros you can get one and take advantage of all its advantages. Is at least a breath of fresh air in a market perhaps saturated with low-quality products, where devices like this Bold X from Fresh ´N Rebel stand out with sovereign ease. That is why I recommend that if you are thinking of getting it, take advantage THIS LINK and you buy it with all the guarantees.