JBL Boombox 3 vs Boombox 4 - indoor comparison with custom EQs for a more similar sound (Patreon)

Like shown before, the Boombox 3 sounds definitely better out of the box compared to the Boombox 4 with default JBL signature. In this video I am offering 2 custom EQs, one which simulates the response of the Boombox 3 better and makes both speakers sound more or less the same and another EQ which is supposed to offer an even more neutral response, as far as the included EQ allows for it. I also added the "universal EQ", which should offer the most stable sound from lowest to highest levels without getting into distortion that much.

I readjusted the neutral EQ after the video and rerecorded the last part comparing the BB3 EQ with the neutral one to make the difference better hearable. It should be closer to neutral now with the KH80 as reference in grey below:

I assume the Boombox 4 was rather tuned for ground placement, which would explain the strong mid-boost and upper bass reduction. I will try doing some outdoor measurements with the speaker placed at the ground to verify this.

So here all EQs again. The universal EQ maintains the original character of the speaker most, but improves on some aspects and allows for a higher maximum loudness with less distortion. This EQ is meant to be used with Bass Boost Deep enabled.

Neutral and BB3 EQ are also with bass boost, but the values without bass boost are shown below, although Neutral EQ would need even more boost at 250hz therefore there I would recommend to use the Bass Boost version instead.

Universal EQ:

Neutral EQ:

Without bass boost: 2 6 1.5 1 -1 2 1

Boombox 3 EQ:

Without bass boost: 2 5.5 0.5 0 -1.5 2 4

There is a catch though as I have noticed in the meantime:

The EQ variants without bass boost will distort at high levels, as they boost bass even more than JBL's default. The variants with bass boost will reduce bass more than the Boombox 3 at higher levels above 60-70%, so the only way would be to increase the lowest filter to -1.5 or -2.25 or to -3 which should of course remain cleanest up to maximum volume. But then at levels below half the EQs will appear too bassheavy compared to the Boombox 3.

If you are not after the most faithful reproduction I would simply go with the universal EQ and you won't need to fumble around with the EQ anymore.

I hope this helps to give your Boombox 4 some better listening experience.