is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid.
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Karaoke is more fun for everyone when the person holding the mic sounds as good as a song’s original performer. So the latest addition to JBL’s PartyBox Bluetooth speaker line, the On-the-Go 2 Plus, comes with one of the company’s new EasySing wireless microphones, which use an algorithm to silence a song’s vocals while also helping a karaoke singer stay on pitch and hit more challenging high notes.
The On-The-Go 2 Plus is now available for preorder from the company’s website for $419.95, with availability expected to start on April 5th. It’s an update to JBL’s original PartyBox On-The-Go speaker, and while it still delivers up to 100W of sound, there are some notable improvements. The newer model pairs a 5.25-inch woofer with two upgraded 20mm silk-dome tweeters, and its replaceable battery can now deliver up to 15 hours of playtime — more than double that of the previous model.
The On-the-Go 2 Plus is available in black or white with a matching wireless microphone. Image: JBL
The speaker’s portability has also been improved, with a flexible handle on top that’s more comfortable and a wider shoulder strap. It comes with Auracast support for syncing multiple units — a Bluetooth feature JBL has included for a while — and as with most party speakers (and the previous model), you’ll find interactive RGB LED lighting on the front that responds to the music being played.
The EasySing wireless mic is available separately and works with older versions of JBL’s party speakers. Image: JBL
But it’s the included EasySing wireless microphone that’s the On-the-Go 2 Plus’ most interesting feature. It connects to the speaker using a USB-C dongle and uses JBL’s EasySing Algorithm to reduce vocals from a song by 25 percent, 50 percent, or remove them entirely. The algorithm also enhances live vocals using a feature called Voice Boost that reduces echo and noise, adds reverb, and adjusts, corrects, and boosts a performer’s pitch in real time. Battery life is expected to be up to 10 hours.
The benefits of the EasySing Algorithm and Voice Boost aren’t limited to the On-the-Go 2 Plus speaker, either. JBL’s EasySing microphones can also be purchased separately in a two-pack and used with many of the company’s other party speakers, including the towering JBL PartyBox 720 that debuted in September. The two-pack is available for preorder starting today for $199.95, with availability starting on April 12th. JBL will also offer a wearable mini version of the EasySing Mic for $179.95. Preorders are open today, but the mini isn’t expected to ship until May 10th.