At a Glance
- JBL introduces the BandBox Solo and BandBox Trio, speakers that use AI to isolate instrument tracks.
- The devices can remove vocals, drums, guitars, or other elements, letting users play along or mute parts.
- They ship on March 1, retail prices are $250 for Solo and $600 for Trio.
- Why it matters: Musicians can practice with isolated stems without needing complex audio software.
JBL has just launched two new speakers that promise to simplify music practice by letting users isolate individual tracks from a song. The BandBox Solo and BandBox Trio use AI to pull out stems-vocals, drums, guitars-and can be used for play-along or mute-along sessions.
Introducing BandBox Solo and Trio
The new speakers are designed to automate the process of pulling out stems from a song. By pressing an on-device button, the isolation process starts, and the JBL companion app lets users choose which element to isolate and by how much. The AI, called Stem AI, works offline, so no internet connection is required.
Key differences between the two models:
- BandBox Solo: 18 W speaker, one input, battery life up to 6 hours, priced at $250.
- BandBox Trio: 135 W speaker, four inputs, LCD screen, battery life up to 10 hours, replaceable battery, priced at $600.
Both models include built-in effects such as chorus and reverb, amp modeling for modern or vintage tones, and can be used with Bluetooth or wired connections.
How Stem AI Works
The isolation feature is triggered by a simple button press on the speaker. Once activated, the AI processes the audio track locally. Users then use the companion app to select which instrument or vocal track to isolate and the level of isolation. Because the processing happens on the device, the user never has to upload files to the cloud.
The technology aims to provide a plug-and-play experience for musicians, especially those learning to play along with recordings. The author notes that having such a feature built into an amp would have been beneficial during their own guitar learning journey.
Product Specs and Battery Life
| Feature | BandBox Solo | BandBox Trio |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 18 W | 135 W |
| Inputs | 1 | 4 |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Battery Type | Built-in | Replaceable |
| Built-in Effects | Chorus, reverb, amp modeling | Chorus, reverb, amp modeling |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, wired | Bluetooth, wired |
Both speakers are battery powered and designed for portable use. The Solo’s smaller size makes it suitable for individual practice, while the Trio’s larger power and multiple inputs cater to group sessions.
Pricing and Availability
The BandBox Solo is available for pre-order at $250, and the BandBox Trio at $600. Both are available for pre-order from JBL’s website starting today. Shipping is expected to begin on March 1, with retail availability on the same date.
- Pre-order link: JBL website (not provided in the article)
- Shipping start: March 1
- Retail launch: March 1
Key Takeaways
- JBL’s BandBox Solo and Trio use AI to isolate stems from songs, enabling play-along or mute-along sessions.
- The Solo is a compact 18 W speaker with a single input and 6-hour battery life; the Trio is a 135 W speaker with four inputs and 10-hour battery life.
- Both devices feature built-in effects, amp modeling, and can connect via Bluetooth or wired.
- Stem AI runs offline, so no internet connection is needed.
- Prices are $250 for Solo and $600 for Trio, with shipping and retail starting on March 1.
