By Greg Schepers
Manufacturer: Microlab Electronics Co., Ltd
Product Name: Portable Speaker MD212
Model Number: MD212
UPC: 878294033475
Price As Tested: $32.24 (Amazon / Newegg)
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Microlab.
Microlab has been producing audio products since 1998 and has earned a solid reputation for quality and dependability in the process. Recently, Benchmark Reviews had the opportunity to take a closer look at one of the recent additions to its lineup, the Microlab MD212 Portable Speaker, which targets those individuals that are in need of a portable and lightweight Bluetooth solution. The Microlab MD212 is definitely portable and lightweight, yet it has a number of other attractive features that make it a serious contender among the other diminutive Bluetooth devices on the market.
It is not difficult to understand why the ultra-portable Bluetooth device is gaining more and more traction; it simply delivers better audio performance than the on-board speakers in our smartphones and our tablets. In addition to the quality audio experience generated by the MD212, it also has very good Bluetooth range, it is equipped with a built-in 3.5 mm auxiliary jack, it has a speakerphone option, and it has a pull-out tray for your smartphone or tablet. I encourage you to read on in order to find out everything that the Microlab MD212 has to offer.
The Microlab MD212 is a very clean device. In other words, it doesn’t have buttons sticking out all over the place and it is devoid of the lights found on some other devices; you know, the ones that look as if they belong in a 70’s disco. You’re not going to find multimedia controls on it, which was just fine with me since I control my tracks through my smartphone. Again it is clean and simple. However, it has the features you need from a portable Bluetooth speaker.
- Wireless music streaming from your smartphone or tablet
- Built-in Bluetooth. wireless technology with Bluetooth. 2.1 + EDR, HFP, A2DP profiles
- Quality stereo speaker system with built-in amplifier
- Portable speaker, ideal for both indoors and outdoors use
- Incoming call answering function when your smartphone is connected to the speaker
- Pull-out tray to support Smartphones and tablets
- Connects to any 3.5mm stereo jack easily e.g., tablet, PC, notebook, Mp3/Mp4, CD/DVD player, etc.
- Long-life rechargeable battery
- Output Power: 2 Watt RMS
- Power distribution: 1Watt x 2 RMS
- Speaker driver type: 1.5inch x 2
- Speaker rated power: 1.5 Watt x2, 4 ohm
- Power: USB 5 V, or 3.7 V / 1000 mA lithium rechargeable battery
- 2×1 alloy coating drivers to deliver rich and clear sound
- Two power modes – USB or rechargeable Lithium battery powered
- Power Distribution: 2x 1 Watt RMS
- Frequency Range: 150 Hz – 20 kHz
- Speakers: 2x 1.5-Inch Driver Type, 2x 1.5 Watt, 4 Ohm Rated Powe
- Interface: NIL (output), 3.5 mm Stereo Plug, Micro-USB (input), Bluethooth Wireless Technology with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, HFP and A2DP Profiles
- Dimensions: 7.67″ (W) x 2.34″ (H) x 2.24″ (D)
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
Here we will have an opportunity to look at what the Microlab MD212 Portable Speaker has to offer in more detail. This device is a great size and shape for portability. It is not going to fit well into pants or shirt pockets, but it is certainly able to fit nicely into a small purse or carry-on bag. No matter where you go, you will have a Bluetooth device with you that delivers great audio.
The box that the Microlab MD212 comes in is nothing extravagant, which is just fine with me. There are some manufacturers that like the display case-type packaging for their device, which is fine. Personally, I’d rather not pay for the marketing and merchandising efforts.
The contents are pretty simple; the Microlab MD212, the user manual, a rechargeable battery (not pictured), and a USB cable.
There are many different choices for consumers when it comes to the ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker nowadays. These devices come in all different shapes and colors. The Microlab MD212 is no different. It is available in three different colors; white, red and black.
However, some manufacturers seem to place more emphasis on form than on function. I certainly would not hang that label on the Microlab MD212. It is one of the devices in this class that have plenty of both. There was clearly plenty of thought that went into the design of the MD212. The result is not only a simple, attractive design, but also a subwoofer tube-like shape that generates high-quality audio.
The button pictured below allows you to answer an incoming call and utilize the Microlab MD212 as a speakerphone. It also is used to place the device back into pairing mode if pairing times out.
Another great feature is the pull-out tray that allows you to place your smartphone or tablet in an upright position. This really comes in handy when you are watching streaming video. The image below also shows the built-in microphone that helps the individual on the other end of the conversation hear you well.
On the bottom of the Microlab MD212 you will find feet that swivel out to provide better stability. The device was designed to slope to the back in order to give your device the perfect viewing angle when in the tray, so these feet, when placed in the below configuration, provide added stability.
Even though it overlaps the battery cover, the built-in auxiliary cable is a really cool feature. To the right of the USB cable port you will find a 3-position switch. When placed in the left position, the device is off. When the switch is moved to the center position, the device is ready for an auxiliary connection, and when the switch is in its third (right) and final position, the Microlab MD212 is in Bluetooth mode.
The Microlab MD212 was a well thought out device and I appreciated the features that were integrated into the device. It may not have some of the “bells and whistles” that can be found on other Bluetooth devices, but Microlab stuck to the essentials in order to keep the MD212 compact, highly portable, and user-friendly. Now, its time to see how it performed.
When it comes to testing the performance of a Bluetooth audio device, the audio performance is only one aspect and the results are subjective. The audio performance of the Microlab MD212 was based on streaming different types of music through music apps, such as Pandora, and by watching streaming video through programs like Netflix. I also placed focus on its battery life and its recharging capability. A number of different devices were both paired to and connected via auxiliary port with the Microlab MD212 during the testing phase, which lasted about 10 days. The test devices included a Motorola Razr Maxx, a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, an Asus Memopad HD, and an Apple iPod Touch.
The user manual recommends an initial charge of four hours before using the Microlab MD212. I ignored those instructions and put it to use immediately. I turned it off and started recharging it after about two and a half hours of streaming audio, yet, it could have played on. Even after no initial charge and using it for a pretty long music listening session, I experienced no degradation in audio quality, nor were there any other type of performance lapses.
The longest period of use for the Microlab MD212 was about five hours. During that timeframe, I streamed audio through both the apps Pandora and Tunein. Even after that amount of use without being recharged at all during that session, there was no indication that the battery was close to being drained. In addition, the BL-5C 1000 mAh lithium rechargeable battery is readily available at Amazon for around $10, so buying a backup or replacement battery is no problem.
As previously stated, the Microlab MD212 was both paired and used via the auxiliary connection with a Motorola Razr Maxx, a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, a Asus Memopad HD, and an Apple iPod Touch. In general, pairing was a simple task. After putting the switch on the Microlab MD212 in Bluetooth mode, it was immediately found by all of the devices and, with one exception, was paired and ready for use. The device that gave me a bit of a problem was the Motorola Razr Maxx. It recognized the MD212 immediately, but I received a message on my phone that indicated that pairing could not be completed. However, after holding the speakerphone button down for about five seconds, the Microlab MD212 made an audible beeping noise and pairing with the Razr Maxx was completed.
Using the Microlab MD212 as a speakerphone works very well. To receive an incoming call, all that needs to be done is to depress the speakerphone button. The quality of the calls that I experience were very clear, and the party on the other end confirmed that I came in loud and clear as well. Terminating the call is done by simply depressing the speakerphone button.
The Bluetooth range of the Microlab MD212 was quite good. There was no cutting out of the audio until I was beyond about 20 feet. Even when separated by a wall, the connection was maintained, but the range was a bit more limited.
Last but not least, the audio quality exceeded my expectations. Considering the size of the Microlab MD212, I did not expect it to deliver the level of quality that I experienced. Even though the bass may not rattle your pant legs, you can definitely hear it. If you’re looking for very good bass out of a smaller Bluetooth device, I would recommend the Microlab MD312, which is a bit larger than the MD212, but delivers the bass. Anyway, even at the highest volume, I did not notice any distortion out of the Microlab MD212. The bottom line in terms of audio quality from this device is that it delivers excellent clarity and sustains its quality at all levels of volume.
The performance of the Microlab MD212 makes up for the lack of “bells and whistles” found on other portable Bluetooth speakers. In fact, the simplicity of this device is a positive in my book. For example, it doesn’t have on-board volume buttons, which was no big deal to me because I typically control the audio volume with my smartphone or tablet anyway. The quality of audio, impressive battery life, ease of pairing devices, and the affordable price makes the Microlab MD212 a must-have for those individuals that are constantly on the move and are in the market for a portable Bluetooth device.
There are only a couple minor complaints to lodge when discussing the Microlab MD212 and they really have nothing to do with the main unit. Once complaint is that the USB cable provided for charging the device could be longer. The other is that the user manual could be more thorough. Individuals that haven’t had a whole lot of experience with Bluetooth devices would be better served with a bit more guidance.
The final mention I must make is that, even though pairing was very easy, I did have an issue when trying to pair my Motorola Razr Maxx. It did not pair immediately and I initially received a message that indicated the attempt to pair the devices failed. On the second attempt, I depressed the speakerphone button, which initiated the pairing sequence once again, and the pairing of the two devices was complete.
If you’ve been reading this review to this point, you know how I feel regarding the performance of the Microlab MD212; it far exceeded my expectations. The audio quality is fantastic for a Bluetooth device of this size. Its bass isn’t going to shake the foundation, but again, it is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker. Whether using the Microlab MD212 to listen to music, watch movies, or to talk via the speakerphone, you will be pleased with the audio performance. And, you’ll have hours to enjoy the audio, since the BL-5C 1000 mAh lithium rechargeable battery will power the device for at least six straight hours (and probably well beyond that).
The best way I can describe the shape of the Microlab MD212 is that it is similar to a subwoofer tube, but rather than being round, it is a rhombus. Overall, the clean appearance in any of the three available colors (red, white, black) is attractive. Also, I appreciate the textured surface, which gives the MD212 more of a matte finish.
The Microlab MD212 has a very solid feel to it and seems as if it will have no problem standing up to some wear and tear. Considering that it is a device its owners will take with them frequently due to its ultra-portable size, this is a very good quality for it to have. Yeah, it’s plastic, but the mesh guards for the speakers are metal and, again, it is solidly constructed.
As I stated earlier, I have to commend Microlab for the MD212 over the thought that was put into this ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker. What a smart design. It is the epitome of a device that has exactly what is necessary and is devoid of anything that is not. The pull-out tray is a great place to prop up your device and it has feet that swivel out for added stability. The built-in auxiliary cable is a great way to expand its versatility. The speakerphone button turns the Microlab MD212 into a speakerphone. It doesn’t have multimedia or volume buttons, but I’m not aware of many smartphones or tablets that do not already include that functionality.
Considering that the Microlab MD212 can be acquired for around $32.24 (Amazon / Newegg), I can only imagine that most people will consider it a bargain. It is easy to use, sounds great, and more than fills the requirement for an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker.
There are many options from which to choose when considering a portable Bluetooth speaker. If you are looking for one that has exactly what you need, leaves out what you don’t, sounds great and performs well, the Microlab MD212 should attract plenty of attention.
+ Overall audio quality
+ Ease of pairing devices
+ Pull-out tray
+ Speakerphone feature
+ On-board auxiliary cable
+ Aesthetics
+ Affordable price
+ Battery life
+ Swiveling feet for added stability
– Short USB cable
– Incomplete user manual
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Performance: 9.00
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Appearance: 9.00
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Construction: 9.50
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Functionality: 9.00
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Value: 10.00
