JBL On Stage Micro Portable Speaker Dock for iPod (Black)

by JBL

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 8.2 x 8.8 inches ; 1.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0016BI0TA
• Item model number: JBLONSTMBLK2P
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (144 customer reviews)

Product Description

Color: Black

Amazon.com Product Description -- Posted May 22, 2008

The JBL On Stage Micro portable docking sound system is the perfect travel partner for your iPod. Imagine the convenience of taking the JBL On Stage Micro system on the road or enjoying the sound anywhere you happen to be. Connected to your iPod, MP3 player, computer, or other music source, it produces clean, powerful sound. It charges your iPod and also provides a USB pass-through to connect to your computer. With the JBL On Stage Micro system's IR remote control, you have all the power with your digital music experience.

Enjoy your iPod, view photos or videos, and listen to virtually any other auxiliary audio component, all through the JBL On Stage Micro system.

Provides a rich, complete soundstage over a range of listening positions.

Navigate your music, watch your slideshows, and find and play your videos.

Which Dock Is for You? JBL has been in the iPod dock business for a while, so it's no surprise that the company has crafted enough models to keep up with an ever-increasing army of iPod owners. Which one is right for you? Well, that depends on what kind of pod person you are: For the Power Hungry For those who seek more volume, the On Stage 400ID should be your first stop. At 2x15 watts, it's the loudest and largest of the bunch, and features an Atlas woofer for added bass. But size isn't everything--the On Stage Micro boasts the same wattage rating without the woofer. For the Weekend Warriors Those who need a dock that they can take anywhere should investigate docks that can be powered by batteries. The On Stage Micro runs on four AAAs, whereas the On Stage IIIP and On Stage III run on six. Take your music to the beach, on camping trips, or wherever you can't bear to be without it. For the iPhone Techies The iPhone owner has a couple choices--if you can stand to put the thing down. The On Stage IIIP provides a smaller and more portable option, or the On Stage 200ID gives a bit more power. These two docks support all docking iPod models as well. For the Featurephiles or Heavy Sleepers Some of us just aren't content with basic functionality; we need more buttons and more lights. Others just need a little nudge to wake up in the morning. If this is you, then the On Time 200ID and 400IHD are for you. Both feature an alarm clock and AM/FM radio, with the ability to wake up to your favorite song stored on your iPod (and then reject it with the snooze button). Of course, for the masochists, a classic buzzer is also available. The On Time 400IHD adds a dual alarm clock and HD radio to the mix, for a crystal-clear signal and a variety of text-based information (artist name, song title, weather alerts, school closings, etc.) scrolled across your screen. Something for Everyone All of these models feature a remote control for full iPod navigation, Evercharge topology to charge your iPod even when it's not connected to a PC or the system is turned off, a mini-jack for auxiliary devices, and the sleek design and solid performance you'd expect from JBL.

Compatibility
The JBL On Stage Micro system is compatible with all docking versions of the iPod, including the nano, photo, and video iPod. A stereo mini jack connection also allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers (all platforms), satellite radios, and laptops. Specific dockable iPod compatibility: iPod mini 1G; iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G; iPod 3G, 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G; iPod touch.

Easy-to-Use Music and Navigation Controls
Just a touch of the music controls increases or decreases the volume. Using the navigation controls, you can browse iPod songs, photos, and playlists; change tracks and settings; and much more. With the JBL On Stage Micro IR remote, you have complete control of your iPod, as if it were in your hand.

Connection Versatility
The JBL On Stage Micro loudspeaker dock is a multimedia focal point. Enjoy your iPod, view photos or videos, and listen to virtually any other auxiliary audio component, all through the JBL On Stage Micro system. Connect the USB cable to your computer for full iPod and iTunes compatibility.

Additional Features

• IR remote--The JBL On Stage Micro IR remote has several modes of operation. The Music mode allows you to control the volume, change tracks, fast forward, and fast reverse. The iPod Navigation mode allows you to navigate the iPod menus just as if you were touching the iPod itself. You can navigate your music, watch your slideshows, and find and play your videos.
  
• OnePoint design--The OnePoint iPod connectors provide the connection to your computer. Connect the USB cable to the rear of the unit; then, every time you dock your iPod, you will have a connection for synchronizing and charging.
  
• Evercharge topology--The JBL On Stage Micro system provides power to charge your iPod, even when it's not connected to a computer or if the system is off.

Advanced Technology
The JBL On Stage Micro loudspeaker dock combines many proprietary technologies to provide the highest-quality sound, astonishing bass, and clear and accurate audio from any direction.

• Odyssey transducers--The Odyssey drivers provide accurate high frequencies while capable of low-frequency extension of four octaves, unlike traditional powered tweeters. This design provides a full, rich frequency response from low bass to the highest highs.
  
• Slipstream port design--The JBL On Stage Micro port minimizes boundary layer separation, providing high-output bass with low distortion.
  
• COE (computer-optimized equalization)--The JBL On Stage Micro system equalization is computer-optimized to provide a rich, complete soundstage over a range of listening positions.
  
• OCT (optimized compression topology)--The system utilizes a proprietary compression technology to ensure clean, accurate sound at high output levels.
  
• AEMS (advanced energy management system)--The JBL On Stage Micro system has an automatic battery-saving shutoff. The AEMS will automatically put the system into sleep mode when there is no audio input. The system awakens with just a touch and resumes at the same volume level.
  
• Battery-powered--The JBL On Stage Micro loudspeaker dock is designed to use most types of AAA batteries. Four fresh AAA batteries allow up to 24 hours of continuous play at normal listening levels. An amber LED flashes when the battery protection circuit senses that the batteries are low. JBL encourages the use of rechargeable batteries to reduce waste and help the environment.

What's in the Box
JBL On Stage Micro Portable Speaker Dock for iPod (Black), remote control, and auxiliary audio input cable.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

151 of 157 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Go green and save some green., December 26, 2008

By 

Samuel Chell (Kenosha,, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JBL On Stage Micro Portable Speaker Dock for iPod (Green) (Electronics)

[UPDATE: Suddenly the value appears to be with black and/or silver JBL Micros. In answer to a question, yes, the Micro comes with a small, compact power adapter. One caution: most iPod dock-speakers can be quite "fussy" about which iPod models they choose to charge and play or simply play and not charge. Check on the return policy of the product, especially if it's not coming directly from Amazon, and be sure to test it frequently and thoroughly for the first couple of weeks. It's not entirely clear what distinguishes the newer Micro II from this 2008 model, but I would assume that the newer model has been minimally tweaked to cover some newer players. Also, although Amazon's prices are among the most reasonable anywhere, some bargains can occasionally be found in warranteed refurb models through the JBL store (located on that "other" big site). Finally, in answer to the purists who find any discussion of speakers used to play MP3 files without merit, there are many degrees of compression in MP3 files, with 128 kbps by no means the "norm." Moreover, even at 128 kbps the differences in the quality of sound is often as dramatic as night and day among some of these little overachievers.]

Presently this JBL On Stage Micro is going for 60% below the price of any other color, making it a no-brainer pick-up among docking speakers normally selling on Amazon for $100 or slightly more. JBL is a stylish, quality brand manufactured by Harmon International--durable, dependable, crisp-sounding. Despite the sharply divided reviews, the sound quality of virtually all speakers in the $80-$150 range is the same, with minor variations subject to differences in taste. I've found popular rechargeable units such as those made by Altec and Logitech to be unstable--sometimes changing iPod models will throw them off completely, requiring a reset with no guarantee of a fix. The JBL Micro, on the other hand, can be depended upon to deliver with either its AC connection or AA non-recharging alkalines.

Best disregard low-end merchandise--iLuv, GPX, Colby, J-Win and, unless you're looking for a clock radio, iHome. The sound is best described as "plastic-like," clearly inferior to a monaural speaker such as that of a Tivoli, Sangean, or Boston Acoustics radio. If you want a substantially improved system, one that goes beyond merely "covering" the entire frequency range to "reproducing" the sounds of the actual instruments, think more in the $200-300 range and look for a Klipsch iGroove, Athena iVoice, or Bose Sound Dock (the drawback--they're not for portable, battery use).

[In response to some misleading reviews: the JBL Micro has proven one of the more durable systems in its price range, and it comes with exceptionally smart packaging (form-fitting, padded storage bag with places for the adapter, remote and cord), guaranteed to make a great impression even before it's been used. Finally, it indeed DOES have a volume control--the left button for softer; the right for louder. Bass is admittedly weaker than some models in this range, but treble is superior and power is ample. If you hear cabinet "rattling," back off on the volume of your source; if you get a loud "hum," simply do an off-on reset. And hang on to the tiny remote (or learn how to live without it). Harmon's answer to my question about a replacement is usually, "It's out of stock."

86 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sounds incredible with a little help., January 11, 2009

By 

M. Rosen (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: JBL On Stage Micro Portable Speaker Dock for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

My wife got one for her iPod. The JBL interfaces perfectly with the iPod and right out of the box the sound was better than expected. Lots of presence for such tiny speakers. Here's a trick we found out: Don't place the JBL directly on a hard surface, such as a desk top. You get too much reflection of the treble, and weak bass. Just place it on something that's a little sound absorbent: upside down mousepad, placemat, etc. Just not too soft like a towel, it should have a fairly flat surface because the unit does rely on some reflectivity from the base. Anyway, it clears up the bass and softens the treble noticeably. Placed in that manner, this thing produces sound quality well beyond what's expected from such a small, inexpensive unit. A lot of great audio names have been bought out and now produce junk (Altec-Lansing, Fisher, etc) so it's great to see JBL is still designing superior products.

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MJ, June 18, 2008

By 

Marie "ZQuilts" (Friday Harbor, WA, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: JBL On Stage Micro Portable Speaker Dock for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

I have to admit that I was not expecting much when I ordered this. I wanted something that was portable , small and that would work well especially with audio books. Boy! Was I ever pleasantly surprised! This is a mighty mini sound system. It's eminently portable - I can keep in my bag for work or travel. An added nicety is a good ,soft, padded bag for that holds the system, my IPod (in a case) and small earplugs (not my Bose set!). I think it is a great value for the money and I happy to find a product that was better (rather than worse!) than expected.

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