I will admit that I often work in silence in my "indoor job site" – at the keyboard – because I think it's easier for such words to come up after the test is done. But I think I'm in the minority, because many of us, no matter the type of workplace, prefer some kind of music or conversation while we're at work. We find ourselves more productive at work. Modern options like the Milwaukee M18/M12 Wireless Workplace Speakers make time go by faster.
Now, don't get me wrong, the rest of the time I'm Sonicsurfing, whether I'm getting ready for the gym, tinkering in the workshop, or just relaxing before bed. But with the handsome Milwaukee M18/M12 Wireless Worksite Speakers (which also includes an AC adapter), how could I refuse to break the silence on the jobsite and take the speakers with me?
I turn it up to see if it hits the right notes.
first impression
The Milwaukee M18/M12 Wireless Worksite Speaker is a hexagonal box with a distinctive design. The eye is drawn to the matching hexagonal frame reinforcement behind the honeycomb that covers half the exterior. A decorative strip of Milwaukee red flows from the front of the speaker and runs up, before becoming the functional handle on the right side of the speaker.
While many users may think that Milwaukee must have a very impressive team designing tools and speakers like this, they actually turn to an outside source – Anvil Studios. Editor-in-Chief Kenny Koehler pointed out that Anvil's deep research in the field of cycling is also of interest to this field. Top-tier bikes need to be lightweight, strong and aerodynamic. It's not an easy trio to put together. Anvil used the knowledge gained to help Milwaukee design a speaker that maximized the performance of a premium speaker in an enclosure that was still durable and functional.
Five control buttons sit on top of the device: the power button, Bluetooth button, and secondary button all light up when powered on, while the two volume buttons don't. A Milwaukee 18V or 12V battery is installed on the back of the speaker. Beneath a small rectangular cover (secured with a rubber band to keep it from getting lost) are an AC adapter jack, a headphone jack, and a USB port for connecting auxiliary devices.
Whether you're running on battery or AC power, the speaker's 2.1-amp USB port can charge your phone or other electronic devices. Charging ports have come standard with these devices, but 2.1 amps will let you charge even faster.
Just as impressive as the speaker's power and input capabilities is its output capabilities. It has six speakers: two high-definition mid-woofers, two tweeters, two passive radiators, and a 40-watt digital amplifier. The entire package is IP54 rated, which means it's protected from dust and water. With what Milwaukee calls a roll cage protecting it, it's clear the speaker can take some abuse.
Is it eleven?
when metaphors go bad
I inserted a freshly charged M18 4.0Ah battery, powered on the speaker, and pressed the Bluetooth button until it blinked, indicating it was in pairing mode. At the same time, I let the phone search for nearby Bluetooth devices. The two found each other in seconds, like Bluetooth-enabled electronics and wireless speakers in the dark. I immediately searched for a podcast on improving metaphor writing.
make beautiful music
Anyway, I started using the speaker at work and let it play the "cold" channel suggested by Google Play Music. I was absolutely amazed at the clarity and clarity of what I heard. The sound is crisp and the music is balanced. I turn it up to push the speaker a bit and see where it distorts. Perhaps surprisingly, I didn't hear any distortion. But I haven't pushed it to the top yet.
I moved the test outside for a project in the backyard. I turned the volume up so high that it would disturb any hearing neighbors, and the crisp sound filled my property.
bluetooth range
Sometimes I'm at least 40 feet away from the speakers and the sound doesn't drop out. Milwaukee claims the speaker has a range of 100 feet, and I tested it. I take the phone and speaker to the front, dial the phone to my dedicated line, and walk down my street with the speaker.
Turns out I was testing it correctly – I consistently found the range to be around 70 feet. Of course, there are no obstacles between the devices. It's not a deal breaker by any means—some speakers only go up to about 30 feet—but that's why we test the limits as much as possible.
keep control
I've found the easiest way to do this is to turn the volume on the speakers all the way up and use your phone to control the overall volume. The speaker beeps pleasingly at each volume level until it reaches its highest point, where it emits a higher-pitched beep to let you know there's no higher volume.
Even if you're not an audiophile, hear it for yourself The Milwaukee M18/M12 Wireless Workplace Speakers are no Bose replacement. Someone rightly pointed out that the low end of the sound is a bit light.
You can certainly find more powerful speakers and more bass, but the sound has a solid balance and has acceptable low end—at least to me. Again, I was in a band, but that was a long time ago. It goes without saying (but I never let that stop me) that this is just a speaker, and audio lovers will want something with a receiver and more fine-tuning. For the vast majority of us, however, the sound quality of this speaker will be a vast improvement over other current job site options.
little room for improvement
I'd really like to see some rubber covers on the ends of this speaker. With a roll cage design, reinforced frame and IP54 rating, it seems like the icing on the cake is the cushion between the composite plastic material and the concrete.
As it turns out, radios are prone to scuffing on masonry. I'm sure functionality isn't compromised by the impact, but Milwaukee could really ensure that by adding some overmolding to future generations of speakers.
the bottom line
The Milwaukee M18/M12 wireless workplace speakers can be powered by M18 and M12 batteries and the AC power adapter. It's Bluetooth-enabled and has a USB input to plug directly into electronic devices that can charge whether the speaker is powered by AC or DC power. It's a nice touch. The unit has six speakers, a 40-watt digital amplifier, a frame reinforced with a roll cage and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
Speaker pairing is quick and easy. The sound is very crisp and clear, and the music is well balanced in this class. Even with loud speakers, the sound doesn't distort . The mid and high frequencies are very good, and while some question the intensity of the bass, I found it to be more than adequate.
Despite its solid build, it lacks some overmolding around the end caps. The impact resistance of the speaker may be enough to protect it from harm, but the composite plastic is prone to scuffing on concrete. Further protection in the form of certain bumper materials not only ensures impact resistance, but also prolongs the life of the exterior.
Price
It might be on the higher end of the $179 price range, as you can get a full live radio for less, but the sound quality and clarity are well worth the extra few bones, especially since the premium speakers are well received inside the reel The protective shell design is waterproof and dustproof. If you're already on the Milwaukee M12 or M18 platform, I highly recommend it!
- The loudest, cleanest sound system in the industry
- Stream HD music wirelessly via Bluetooth from over 100 feet
- Compatible with M18 and M12 systems with over 200 tools, or powered by AC adapter
- Two passive radiators maximize bass clarity and volume
- Dual HD mid-woofers maximize clarity at maximum volume
- Two high-range tweeters drive a wider range of highs
- IP54 waterproof and dustproof
- Shock-resistant roll cage
- Protected 2.1A USB power socket and 3.5mm aux input
Milwaukee M18/M12 Wireless Jobsite Speaker Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 2891-20
- Power source: Milwaukee M18 battery, M12 battery or AC
- Bluetooth range: 100 feet
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.28%
- Amplifier: 40W, (2) 20W channels
- USB Charger Output: 2.1 Amps
- Length: 7.5 inches
- Height: 6.5 inches
- Width: 13.75 inches
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
- Price: $179