If you’re looking to bring serious party vibes anywhere you go, the Soundcore Rave 3S 200W Portable Bluetooth Speaker is definitely worth a closer look. This isn’t just another Bluetooth speaker. it’s an all-in-one entertainment powerhouse designed to turn any gathering into an unforgettable event. It comes loaded with booming 200W sound, a vibrant beat-synced light show, and a game-changing AI vocal removal feature that makes instant karaoke a reality. Plus, it includes two wireless microphones right in the box, which is a huge bonus compared to many competitors that charge extra for them. While it might not be perfect for audiophiles seeking clinical sound accuracy, and its battery life can vary with heavy usage, the Rave 3S delivers incredible value and fun, especially if you love karaoke and powerful, immersive audio.
First Impressions and Design – Built for the Bash
Right out of the box, the Soundcore Rave 3S gives off a clear “party animal” vibe. It’s a sizable speaker, measuring around 21.7 x 12.0 x 11.1 inches or 550 x 306 x 283 mm and weighing in at about 23.1 pounds 10.48 kg. Yeah, it’s not a tiny speaker you toss into a small backpack, but for its impressive power output, it’s surprisingly manageable. You’ll find a sturdy, integrated grab-and-go handle on top, which makes moving it around a lot easier. Some folks have mentioned wishing for wheels or more handles, especially given its weight, but it’s still portable enough to move from your living room to the backyard or load into the car for a trip.
The aesthetic is definitely eye-catching, with a prominent 6.5-inch woofer and three 2.5-inch full-range drivers visible behind the grill. Surrounding these drivers are customizable multicolored LED lights that are the star of the show when the podcast starts. They’re reasonably bright, even outdoors, though they truly shine in dimmer environments. The overall build feels solid, ready to handle the occasional bump or splash. Speaking of splashes, the Rave 3S boasts an IPX4 waterproof rating, meaning it’s splashproof and can handle light rain or accidental spills. So, poolside parties or a sudden drizzle won’t ruin your fun, but remember, it’s not designed for full submersion, unlike some more rugged, fully waterproof options like the Sony ULT Field 7 which has an IP67 rating.
A clever design touch is the built-in storage for the two included wireless microphones. They neatly slot into the sides of the speaker, so you’ll never have to search for them when the karaoke craving hits. The control panel on top is well-laid-out with big, tactile buttons for power, Bluetooth, BassUp, PartyCast, light show controls, and playback. There are also dedicated knobs for microphone volume and reverb, which are super handy during a karaoke session. On the back, you’ll find additional ports including a USB-C charging port, a 3.5mm AUX input, and a 1/4-inch input that can accommodate an extra wired microphone or even a guitar, complete with its own gain control. It’s thoughtful touches like these that make the Rave 3S feel like a complete entertainment system, not just a speaker.
Sound Quality – The Heart of the Rave
When it comes to getting the party started, the Soundcore Rave 3S delivers. This speaker pushes a massive 200 watts of power through its 6.5-inch woofer and three 2.5-inch full-range drivers. What does that mean for you? It means loud, room-filling sound. Reviewers consistently praise its impressive volume, noting it can easily fill spaces up to 1,076 square feet 100 square meters with podcast. For a backyard BBQ or a lively indoor gathering, this speaker definitely has enough oomph. Creative Stage Pro 2.1 Soundbar with Dolby Audio Review: Your Gateway to Better Sound
One of the standout features here is BassUp technology. When you hit that BassUp button, you’ll feel a significant boost in the low end. It provides a deep, thumping bass that gets people moving without audible distortion, even at higher volumes. Tracks with heavy bass, like those by Billie Eilish or Daft Punk, truly shine, maintaining clarity in the mids and highs so you can still pick out finer details. However, some reviews mention that while the bass is powerful, it might struggle a bit with the “low lows” sub-bass frequencies and “high highs,” especially at maximum volumes, where a slight distortion can creep in. It’s a party speaker, not an audiophile-grade studio monitor, so some trade-offs are expected for raw power and portability.
The sound of the Rave 3S can be tailored to your liking through the comprehensive Soundcore app more on that later. You get detailed equalizer settings, allowing you to fine-tune the sound profile. Many find the default “Soundcore Signature” EQ preset, especially with BassUp engaged, to be excellent right out of the box for most podcast genres. It covers a frequency range from 40Hz to 20kHz, ensuring a full spectrum of sound. The speaker also supports Bluetooth 5.3 for stable wireless connectivity and SBC and AAC codecs. While it doesn’t support higher-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, which some premium Bluetooth speakers do, for most party podcast and streaming, this isn’t a dealbreaker.
There’s also a cool Spatial Audio feature, which, when the speaker is laid horizontally, aims to make the audio sound more expansive, coming from “all directions”. While it might not truly be from “all directions,” many users find it makes the mids pop more, creating a richer, fuller, and more detailed sound profile. This versatility in sound, from thumping bass to a more nuanced spatial experience, makes the Rave 3S a solid performer for a variety of listening situations.
Features That Make It Party-Ready
The Soundcore Rave 3S isn’t just about sound. it’s about the full party experience. Soundcore has packed it with features that truly elevate any gathering. Photon Matrix Anti Mosquito Air Defense Review: The Laser Shield of Tomorrow?
AI Vocal Removal for Instant Karaoke
This is probably one of the most exciting and unique features of the Rave 3S. Imagine this: you’re at a party, someone requests a song, and with a single button press, the speaker uses AI to remove the vocals from any track playing through any app – Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, you name it. This isn’t perfect, as the AI works by adjusting the EQ to dampen vocals, so you might still hear them faintly in the background, and sometimes instruments in the same frequency range might get slightly affected. However, for on-the-fly karaoke, it’s impressively effective and a total game-changer, opening up a limitless library of karaoke songs without needing special instrumental versions. You can even adjust the vocal removal level from 0-100% directly from the microphones or the app.
Dual Wireless Microphones Included
Forget buying separate mics! The Rave 3S comes with two high-quality wireless microphones right in the box. These aren’t just flimsy add-ons. they’re well-built, have a nice weight to them, and conveniently store in dedicated slots on the speaker itself. Each mic has controls for its own volume and for adjusting the reverb effect, which helps your voice sound even better. Plus, if you want a third performer, there’s a 1/4-inch input on the back for another wired mic or even a guitar, complete with gain control. This makes the Rave 3S a genuine karaoke machine and a fantastic option for small performances or jam sessions.
Immersive Beat-Synced Light Show
What’s a party without lights? The Rave 3S features a dynamic, multicolored LED light show that synchronizes with the beat of your podcast. These HexaGlow lights surround the drivers and pulse, flash, and change color to match the rhythm, transforming your space into a vibrant dance floor. You have full control over these effects via the Soundcore app, where you can choose from various preset patterns, customize colors, brightness, and even create your own unique light sequences. Whether you want a subtle glow or a full-on rave, the lights add an extra layer of excitement to your audio experience.
Soundcore App Customization
The Soundcore app available for Android and iOS is incredibly powerful and user-friendly, setting it apart from many other speaker apps. It gives you full control over almost every aspect of the Rave 3S. You can:
- Adjust EQ settings with impressive granularity, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preference or the environment.
- Customize the light show with a broad color picker and numerous effects.
- Control AI vocal removal levels and activate vocal enhancement features.
- Manage microphone reverb and other vocal effects.
- Set auto-power-off times.
The app connection is generally fast and stable, ensuring a smooth user experience. This level of control means you can truly personalize your party speaker to match any mood or event.
PartyCast/Auracast Support
Need even more sound? The Rave 3S supports Auracast or PartyCast, as it’s sometimes called, allowing you to link up to 100 compatible Soundcore speakers for a synchronized audio experience. This is fantastic for larger venues or spreading sound across different areas, ensuring everyone hears the podcast loud and clear. It also supports True Wireless Stereo TWS pairing, so you can connect two Rave 3S speakers for a truly immersive stereo soundstage.
Portability and Durability – Ready for Adventure Mostly
When you’re dealing with a speaker that pumps out 200W of sound, “portable” takes on a slightly different meaning. The Soundcore Rave 3S, while not feather-light, is certainly designed to be moved. It weighs around 23.1 lbs 10.48 kg and has dimensions that make it manageable for one person to carry with its integrated handle. It’s a great companion for camping trips, backyard parties, or moving between rooms.
Its IPX4 water-resistant rating means it’s built to withstand the elements to a degree. Light rain, splashes from the pool, or spilled drinks won’t typically cause damage. However, it’s crucial to remember that IPX4 is splashproof, not fully waterproof, so don’t dunk it in the pool or leave it out in a heavy downpour. If you need something truly rugged for beach adventures or heavy rain, some competitors offer higher IP ratings.
Battery Life – Keeping the Party Going
Battery life is always a big question for portable speakers, and the Rave 3S offers respectable performance, though it varies significantly with usage. Soundcore officially claims up to 12 hours of continuous playtime on a full charge. But here’s the kicker: that’s usually at 50% volume with the BassUp feature and LED lights turned off. Birdweather puc portable birding device review
In real-world tests, expect closer to 8 hours of playtime if you have the lights and BassUp active, and the volume around 75%. If you crank it up to maximum volume with the strobe light mode, some tests show it lasting around 5 hours. This is a good timeframe for most parties, but if you’re planning an all-day event or extended use without access to power, you’ll want to manage your settings.
Charging the Rave 3S is done via a USB-C port, which is convenient as you can often use your phone charger. A full charge takes about 6 hours. A nice bonus is that the Rave 3S can double as a power bank via a USB-A port to charge your phone or other gadgets, which can be a lifesaver when you’re off the grid.
Connectivity and User Experience – Seamless Sound, Smart Controls
The Soundcore Rave 3S aims for a smooth and intuitive user experience, from connecting your devices to controlling your podcast and karaoke sessions.
Bluetooth 5.3 and Stable Connections
With Bluetooth 5.3, the Rave 3S offers a strong and stable wireless connection. Users report being able to maintain a stable connection over long distances, sometimes even up to 50 meters 164 feet. This means you don’t have to keep your phone right next to the speaker, giving you freedom to move around and mingle without interruptions. The included wireless microphones also maintain a reliable connection over similar distances, which is great for karaoke performances where you might be moving around the room or stage.
Physical Inputs for Versatility
Beyond Bluetooth, the Rave 3S is packed with useful physical inputs: Nothing Ear (1) Review: Still Worth It in 2025? A Deep Dive into Design, Sound, and Value
- 3.5mm AUX Input: For those older devices or if you prefer a wired connection for minimal latency.
- 1/4-inch Input: This is a major plus. You can plug in an additional wired microphone for a trio performance or even connect an electric guitar to use the speaker as an impromptu amp, complete with gain control.
- USB-C Charging Port: Modern and convenient for charging the speaker.
- USB-A Port: Functions as a power bank, allowing you to charge other devices from the speaker’s battery.
These multiple input options make the Rave 3S incredibly versatile, adapting to different entertainment needs beyond just playing podcast from your phone.
User-Friendly Controls
Both on the speaker itself and through the Soundcore app, controlling the Rave 3S is straightforward. The physical buttons on top are large and clearly labeled, allowing you to quickly adjust volume, skip tracks, toggle BassUp, or activate the light show without fumbling for your phone. Dedicated knobs for mic volume and reverb make karaoke adjustments quick and easy.
The Soundcore app is where the real customization happens, as mentioned earlier. Its intuitive interface lets you dive deep into EQ settings, personalize light patterns, fine-tune vocal effects, and manage the AI vocal removal. The app is responsive and generally praised for its comprehensive features, even surpassing apps for more expensive speakers.
Pros and Cons – A Balanced View
To give you the full picture, let’s break down what the Soundcore Rave 3S does well and where it could improve.
The Good Stuff Pros:
- Powerful 200W Sound with Deep Bass: Easily fills large rooms or outdoor spaces, especially with BassUp engaged, delivering a lively and engaging audio experience.
- Revolutionary AI Vocal Removal: A standout feature that transforms any song into a karaoke track on the fly, offering endless entertainment possibilities.
- Two Wireless Microphones Included: A significant value add, well-built and conveniently stored, making it ready for duets right out of the box.
- Vibrant Beat-Synced Light Show: Customizable LED lights add a dynamic visual element, enhancing the party atmosphere.
- Excellent Soundcore App: Offers extensive control over EQ, lighting, and vocal effects, making customization a breeze.
- Versatile Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, AUX input, 1/4-inch input for guitar/extra mic, USB-C charging, and a USB-A power bank.
- PartyCast/Auracast Support: Allows linking with up to 100 other Soundcore speakers for a massive sound setup.
- Durable Design with IPX4 Rating: Splashproof build means it can handle light outdoor conditions without worry.
- Great Value for Money: Many reviews highlight that it outperforms or offers more features than similarly priced or even more expensive competitors, particularly regarding karaoke functionality.
Things to Consider Cons:
- Average Battery Life with Features Activated: While rated for up to 12 hours, heavy use with lights and BassUp drops playtime to 5-8 hours, which might be short for all-day events.
- No High-Res Audio Codecs: Only supports SBC and AAC, so audiophiles looking for formats like LDAC will be disappointed.
- Sound Quality Can Be Imperfect at Max Volume: Some reports of struggling with extreme low or high frequencies and potential distortion when pushed to its absolute limit.
- No Wheels for Portability: Despite having a handle, its weight 23.1 lbs means it’s not as effortlessly transportable as some larger party speakers with built-in wheels.
- AI Vocal Removal Isn’t Always Perfect: While impressive, the AI might occasionally dampen instruments in the same frequency range as vocals, and faint original vocals can sometimes still be heard.
- Bluetooth Microphones Can Have Minor Issues: Some users report a faint airy background sound or occasional distortion with the wireless mics.
- No Performance Boost When Plugged In: Unlike some rivals like the JBL Boombox 3 and Sony ULT Field 7, the Rave 3S doesn’t get louder or have more bass when connected to AC power.
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How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
When you’re looking at portable party speakers, the Soundcore Rave 3S often finds itself compared to heavy hitters like the JBL PartyBox series e.g., PartyBox 110, PartyBox Club 120 and the Sony ULT Field 7. Here’s a quick rundown of how it generally compares:
- JBL PartyBox Rivals: The Rave 3S is frequently seen as a strong, budget-friendly alternative. While JBL speakers might offer a more rugged build some with higher IP ratings or a slightly different sound signature, the Rave 3S typically wins on value, largely due to its included dual wireless microphones and the innovative AI vocal removal feature – something JBL charges extra for or doesn’t offer. The Rave 3S can also get louder and offer more bass than the JBL Boombox 3, for instance. However, JBL speakers often get a performance boost when plugged into power, which the Rave 3S doesn’t.
- Sony ULT Field 7: The Sony ULT Field 7 is often praised for its superior sound quality, especially in terms of high-res audio support LDAC codec and durability IP67 rating. However, the Rave 3S offers a more comprehensive karaoke experience with its two included mics and AI vocal removal, while the Sony only supports a single microphone and doesn’t include one. The Rave 3S can also be significantly louder with more impactful bass than the Sony ULT Field 7 when both are running on battery.
Overall, if your priority is a feature-rich, high-value party speaker that excels at karaoke and provides powerful, engaging sound with a vibrant light show, the Soundcore Rave 3S is an incredibly compelling choice. If extreme ruggedness, high-res audio codecs, or maximum performance while plugged in are your absolute top priorities, then some alternatives might suit you better, often at a higher price point or with fewer karaoke-centric features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Soundcore Rave 3S battery last in real-world use?
While Soundcore claims up to 12 hours of playtime, that’s typically at 50% volume with the BassUp feature and LED lights turned off. In real-world scenarios, with the light show and BassUp active and volume at a moderate-to-high level around 75%, you can generally expect about 8 hours of playtime. If you crank it to max volume with strobe effects, it might last closer to 5 hours.
Is the Soundcore Rave 3S fully waterproof?
No, the Soundcore Rave 3S has an IPX4 water-resistant rating. This means it’s splashproof and can handle light rain, splashes from a pool, or accidental spills, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it’s not designed to be submerged in water. If you need a fully waterproof speaker, you’d need one with a higher IP rating, like IP67. Corsair doom the dark ages stream deck review
Does the Soundcore Rave 3S come with microphones?
Yes, and this is one of its best features! The Soundcore Rave 3S comes with two high-quality wireless microphones included in the box. These microphones even have dedicated storage slots on the side of the speaker, so they’re always ready for your next karaoke session. You also get controls for microphone volume and reverb directly on the speaker and through the app.
How does the AI vocal removal feature work, and is it effective?
The AI vocal removal feature on the Soundcore Rave 3S uses artificial intelligence to dampen the vocals from any song playing on any app like Spotify or YouTube in real-time. It works by intelligently adjusting the equalizer settings to lower the volume of the vocal frequencies while trying to preserve the rest of the track. While it’s not always 100% perfect you might faintly hear original vocals or notice slight changes to instruments in the same frequency range, it’s surprisingly effective and a fantastic way to turn almost any song into an instant karaoke track.
Can I connect multiple Soundcore Rave 3S speakers together?
Absolutely! The Soundcore Rave 3S supports Auracast also known as PartyCast technology, which allows you to link up to 100 compatible Soundcore speakers together for a synchronized audio experience. This is perfect for creating a massive sound system for larger parties or events. It also supports True Wireless Stereo TWS pairing for linking two speakers for a stereo setup.
What’s the difference between the Soundcore Rave 3 and the Rave 3S?
The main differences between the Rave 3 and the Rave 3S are typically the power output and some feature enhancements. The Rave 3S offers 200W of power compared to the Rave 3’s 160W, meaning the 3S is generally louder and has stronger bass. The Rave 3S also includes enhanced microphone vocal sweetening features and possibly improved build quality for the included microphones. Both feature AI vocal removal.
Can I use the Soundcore Rave 3S as a guitar amp?
Yes, you can! The Soundcore Rave 3S features a 1/4-inch input jack on the back panel that’s designed to accept either an additional wired microphone or an instrument like an electric guitar. It even includes a gain control specifically for the guitar input, allowing you to adjust the input level. This adds a cool layer of versatility for podcastians or impromptu jam sessions. Reolink home hub pro review
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