Microlab MD312 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Review

By Greg Schepers

Manufacturer: Microlab Electronics Co., Ltd
Product Name: Portable Speaker System
Model Number: MD312
UPC: 878294033413
Price As Tested: $55.27 (Amazon / Newegg)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Microlab.

Even thought Microlab has only been developing devices with Bluetooth wireless technology since 2011, it has been in business since 1998 and, since then, has earned a reputation for developing outstanding audio products. In other words, there is no reason to shy away from the Microlab MD312, a new Bluetooth portable speaker recently added to the company’s product line. Benchmark Reviews has taken a closer look at this device, so you are encouraged to read on in order to see how the Microlab MD312 performed while being used extensively.

It isn’t difficult to find a portable speaker with Bluetooth technology nowadays; the influx of smartphones and tablets has solidified the future of these devices. The challenges that face consumers in the market for a Bluetooth portable speaker is finding one that delivers quality audio, has a strong battery life, and has great features… all at a reasonable price. The Microlab MD312 may just be the solution that you are looking for. It is a 2.1 speaker system that is packing a 1000 mAh rechargeable battery to ensure that you can enjoy great sounding music or video for an extended period of time.

Features & Specifications

Even though the Microlab MD312 is a small Bluetooth portable speaker, it has some really great features. However, if it can’t deliver some great sound, what’s the point? Well, if you read the features & specification below, you will probably come to the same assumption that I came up with, which is that the MD312 should not dissapoint from a standpoint of audio quality.

• 2.1 speaker system for full range music production
• Wireless music with Bluetooth® technology
• Generous bass effects and clear treble
• Front panel controls for playback and Bluetooth® pairing functions
• Comes with alternative 3.5mm stereo connection to most media players and computer
• Rechargeable battery powered for portable use; carry it with you

Items	Test items	specifications
Amplifier	Total power	4 Watt RMS
	Power distribution	1.25 Watt x 2 + 1.5 Watt
	Harmonic distortion	＜0.5 %　( 1W 1KHz)
	Frequence response	40Hz – 18KHz
	Signal/Noise ratio	＞65 dB
	Seperation	＞45 dB
Speakers	Tweeter type	2”x 2
	Tweeter impedance	4 Ohm
	Woofer type	3”
	Woofer impedane	2 Ohm
Interfaces	Input	3.5 mm stereo jackMini USB charging port
	Wireless	Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, and A2DP

 

Items	Package Items	Details
Package Info	Product dimension(W x H x D)	175(W) x 175 (H) x 109(D) mm
	Giftbox dimension(L x W x H)	250(L) x 214(W) x 118(H) mm
	Carton dimension(L x W x H)	514(L) x 442(W) x 488(H) mm
	Product net weight	1.0 Kg
	Giftbox gross weight	1.4 Kg
	Carton gross weight	23.5 Kg
	Package units	16 sets
	Accessories	3.5mm – 3.5mm audio cable 1pcCharging adaptor 1pcRechargable battery, BL-5C 1pcUser manual 1pc

 

The Microlab MD312 is a great size for a Bluetooth portable speaker, since it allows for its use anywhere in the house and remains small enough to justify taking with you. In this section we will take a more in-depth look at the features of this device.

I’ve come to expect and appreciate the simplistic packaging that Microlab uses on its merchandise. It does exactly what it needs to do; it protects the item, yet informs the potential owner what features the product has to offer. Anything beyond that, well, we end up paying for as consumers.

The contents of the box includes the Microlab MD312, the charging adapter, a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable, a BL-5C 1000 mAh rechargeable battery, and the user manual. The 3.5 mm auxiliary cable could be a bit longer, and it would be nice to have a USB cable for charging the device.

It’s worth mentioning that the Microlab MD312 was outfitted with a BL-5C 1000 mAh 3.7V rechargeable battery, which is a great choice by Microlab. Some devices have built-in rechargeable batteries, which pretty much makes the entire unit disposable. Microlab provides a battery that can be replaced rather than forcing you to go shopping for a new Bluetooth speaker.

The controls on the front of the Microlab MD312 are pretty simple making the device very user-friendly, which makes it a great gift for even those technologically-challenged family member or friends. As you can see below, it has volume up, volume down, and a dual-function button for mute and Bluetooth pairing. There is a indicator light (not visible) above the Microlab logo. The following is a quick status guide regarding the aforementioned indicator lights:

• Power on/off – Power ON- Blue light will blink slowly for 20 seconds searching for paired devices; after 20 seconds, it will start new pairing sequence for three minutes.
• Aux in – When the auxiliary cable is in use, a green light will blink in five second intervals.
• Bluetooth pairing – When Bluetooth pairing is initiated, a blue light will blink rapidly when searching for devices.
• Successful pairing – When pairing is completed, a blue light will blink slowly for two seconds in five second intervals.
• Volume adjust – A green light will come on when a volume button is depressed.
• Battery charging – The light will be bright red when charging and will be dim when fully charged.

On the back of the Microlab MD312, you will find a number of different features. Starting at the top, you will notice an opening that works well as a carrying handle. Working our way down the backside, the next item is the battery door. Finally, at the bottom is the auxiliary port, the port for the charger, and the on/off button.

The entire bottom of the Microlab MD312 is covered by a rubber pad (not pictured), which keeps the speaker from slipping around on a table top or other smooth surface. This certainly works better than merely a few little rubber grommets. Now, it is time to move forward and see the results of the device’s testing phase.

Clearly, one of the main areas of focus during the testing phase of the Microlab MD212 was the quality of the speaker’s audio. Keep in mind that the results are subjective. Anyway, listening to streaming audio through apps like Pandora and listeing to music downloaded on the paired device was one portion of the testing. Another was utilizing it while watching TV shows and movies streamed from Netflix and stored on the paired device. During these phases, the tests were performed both while in Bluetooth mode and while connected via auxiliary cable. The testing phase lasted for approximately 12 days while paired with a variety of devices, which included a Motorola Razr Maxx, an Asus Memopad HD, a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, and an Apple iPod Touch.

What has become standard procedure during my battery testing phase, I ignored the manufacturer’s recommendation that the device be fully charged before putting it to work. That initial session consisted of streaming music through the app Tunein for around three hours. I would, however, recommend that you follow Microlab’s instructions and fully charge the Microlab MD312 before use.

On Microlab’s website, it states that the, “MD312 comes with one 1000 mAh rechargeable battery that stands for up to 4 hours.” That is a very conservative estimate, considering that I listed to music through this speaker connect via Bluetooth for over six hours. The BL-5C 1000 mAh 3.7V rechargeable battery is obviously far more capable than the credit given to it by Microlab. In any event, my expectations in this area were far exceeded. In addition, battery replacements can be acquired through Amazon.

Pairing the Microlab MD312 with all of the aforementioned devices was a breeze. The process was very simple; turn the speaker on, put the other device in searching for device mode, and the connection was almost immediate. I only had one situation that resulted in some frustration while pairing and it was my fault. After turning the MD312 on, I didn’t realize that it immediately paired with a device on another floor, so pairing with the desired device was not working. Once I ran upstairs and turned Bluetooth off on the other device, it paired right up with the device I wanted to use.

The Bluetooth range of the Microlab MD312 is very good. As I just stated, I turned the speaker on, and it connected with a device on another floor of the house. In fact, I walked all the way around the house (three floors, 3800 sq. ft.) with a device in hand, leaving the speaker stationary. At no time did I lose a connection.

Obviously, one of the main reasons for acquiring a portable Bluetooth speaker is for its sound quality. The Microlab MD312 delivers audio quality that is far beyond its price range. The bass is deep and rich, and the treble is clear and crisp. The best results were when it was placed on the floor near a wall, similar to the placement of a subwoofer. It still sounded great when standing alone on the kitchen island, but the bass is far more apparent on the floor. The bottom line regarding sound quality is that you will have to search high and low in order to find a better sounding Bluetooth portable speaker at this price range.

It looks good, it sounds great, and it has excellent battery life. Isn’t that the description of the Bluetooth portable speaker we are all looking for? The Microlab MD312 is one of the portable speakers that should be seriously considered when someone is in the market for such a device. Sure, there are others that may look cooler or may have more features, but this one has it where it counts.

One item I found curiously missing from the Microlab MD312 is a small microphone so it could be utilized as a speakerphone. Well, it can be used in that capacity, but not without deploying the paired smartphone for microphone duty. Obviously, this is not that big of a deal, but considering that the lower-end MD212 has a microphone, I think that Microlab could have thrown one on the MD312. I guess the focus was more on overall audio quality, which is apparent.

Another item that I would urge Microlab to consider is providing consumers with either a better user manual or more online information regarding its products. The included user manual for the MD312 provides a very basic overview of the device. Individuals that are new to Bluetooth technology or are just not that technologically savvy may have some unanswered questions due to the lack of information in the user manual.

While testing the Microlab MD312, I focused on audio quality, battery life, and Bluetooth range when considering the performance of this portable speaker. In all three aspects, the MD312 performed beyond expectations. The audio quality is what you’d expect to find from a device twice it’s price, having clear, crisp treble and thumping bass. The battery life of the BL-5C 1000 mAh 3.7V rechargeable battery will extend well past Microlab’s estimate of four hours, plus it is easy to track down inexpensive replacement/backup BL-5C’s. Finally, the Bluetooth range of the MD312 is very impressive, maintaining clear audio and without volume degradation when the separation between it and the paired device remained within a floor in a 3800 sq. ft. home.

I would describe the Microlab MD312 as simple, clean and elegant. Of course, everyone has an opinion, but I think the round shape, glossy exterior, and single-color design is very aesthetically pleasing. Currently, the MD312 appears to be available in only two colors (black and white) through Amazon and Newegg.

The Microlab MD312 is clearly well-made and will hold up to the abuse it is sure to experience while traveling with you. Even though it is relatively light, it still maintains a solid feel; nothing shakes or rattles. I also appreciated the fact that the entire bottom is covered by a rubber surface, which eliminates slipping and sliding on a smooth surface.

Whether the MD312 is in Bluetooth mode or utilized via auxiliary connection, it functioned very well. Pairing the Microlab MD312 with another device is very simple and is almost immediate. Also, this speaker has volume controls and a convenient dual-role button that can mute the speaker or put it into pairing mode. It might not be exactly feature-rich, but it has the features you need from a portable Bluetooth speaker.

If we were to consider the audio quality alone, the Microlab MD312 would be worth every penny of the sub $60 asking price. Couple that with the impressive battery life of the rechargeable/replaceable BL-5C, the ease and simplicity of Bluetooth pairing, and the range of the Bluetooth, then the MD 312 is an absolute steal.

As of October 2013, the Microlab MD312 Bluetooth wireless portable speaker system was available online for $55.27 (Amazon / Newegg). Microlab might not yet be a premium brand here in the U.S.; emphasis on the “yet.” I can assure you that the Microlab MD312 is a high-quality Bluetooth portable speaker that will not disappoint. If you only plan on having one Bluetooth speaker, this might just be it. It is small and portable, yet it produces fantastic sound.

+ Sound quality
+ Deep bass
+ Ease of pairing
+ Bluetooth range
+ Battery life
+ Aesthetics
+ Rubber-coated bottom
+ Affordable price

– No microphone
– User manual

• Performance: 9.50
• Appearance: 8.50
• Construction: 9.50
• Functionality: 9.00
• Value: 10.00

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

COMMENT QUESTION: Do you prefer to play mobile audio through the device, or a wireless speaker?