Microlab FC330 speakers: description, photo and reviews

Founded in 1998, Microlab was created by a group of high-quality sound enthusiasts. Over the next two years, her innovative skills and experience in design were recognized as the largest producers of professional speakers around the world. Model behind the model the company dictated fashion and standards in the industry of acoustic systems. Microlab continues to lead the way in innovative audio products for quality and performance. Does the inexpensive FC330 model meet the company's high standards?

First impressions

For a relatively small 2.1 system, the box with Microlab FC330 columns is surprisingly cumbersome, which indicates the reliable protection of its contents. The packaging itself does not differ from the packaging of other modern electronic devices.

On one side is printed standard information in many languages, which gives a brief overview of the key functions of the Microlab FC330. On the opposite there is a list of contents with a specific type of decoration.

Opening the lid, you can see that the inner packaging is made in the form of an old kind honeycomb cardboard used for transportation of eggs. This decision is a reasonable departure from the industry standard - polystyrene. Polystyrene loses its strength, if it is broken, and the cardboard cracks does not. According to users, this material is not used enough, although it protects the columns as well, if not better than conventional materials, especially since it is a product that is 100% recyclable or biodegradable. The operating manual is at the top, so that you can quickly get acquainted with it.

After removing the filler, you can see the FC330 itself, each part of which is individually packed in plastic and a layer of super soft foam.

Microlab FC330: overview of the design

Installed and ready to work columns look great, each component of the kit is silver manufacturer logo, which looks great against the backdrop of the body of MDF, imitating a tree. There is nothing outlandish. The speakers are very practical and resemble the classic home acoustics made of wood. The style is interrupted only once by the integrated volume control, which also resembles the classic models. The front panels of all three speakers are removable, although it is a little inconvenient to shoot them. In the open state, the speakers look more modern with polished secondary cones, protection of tweeters and the most modern materials that can only be used in speakers, not cheap paper.

The weight of the whole system is 7.8 kg.

Subwoofer and amplifier

Sturdy construction and wood trim, of course, stand out the case of the Microlab FC330 subwoofer. The power circuit of the amplifier provides an output power of 56 W (24 W + 2 × 16 W), a frequency of 35-20 thousand Hz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB. Speaker 5.25 "is made in the form of a dual magnetic system of a magnetic alloy, the characteristics of which provide a fast and structural bass even under conditions of a significant linear motion of the diffuser. In the manufacture of a subwoofer, a technology is used that allows the reproduction of low frequencies reliably.

The overall appearance of the subwoofer is different in quality. The finish of the case is also preserved under the frontal cover, which gives a thoughtful design that allows users to choose between two appearance options without the risk of loss in style. Although speakers with removable panels are not uncommon, those that look good in different situations are rare, since the bare panel usually looks a bit sloppy and rude, and in some cases it's just so weird that the only suitable place for them will be the command deckhouse The series Star Trek.

The side surfaces have neither decorations nor accents, providing all their space with an effective wooden finish.

The tree is also present on the rear panel, which is not quite standard, and it's nice, because usually lower-grade materials are used here, because who is going to position the speakers so that they can be seen from the back? It seems the Microlab manufacturer feels that even the rear end deserves a first-class look. In the upper part there is an interface (2 input and 2 output RCA), placed on a high-quality plastic panel flush with the wooden surface of the case. Behind the main external radiator is clearly visible - it is incorporated together with the power and input panel.

Here one can not help saying that the bass knob is also installed from the rear. Although this is a reasonable idea, preventing accidental changes to settings, it can be too uncomfortable if this column is located in a confined space (for example, under the table), which often happens with PC users. Switches, regulators and connectors are well marked, well-made and installed reliably. An easily accessible module with replaceable fuses is located just above the power input. Steady position is provided by four soft rubberized legs, which reduce extraneous vibrations.

The dimensions of the subwoofer are 205 x 275 x 250 mm.

Satellites

The two-way satellite speakers Microlab FC330 are manufactured with absolutely the same build quality and attention to detail, like the subwoofer enclosure, are also wood trimmed from all sides. Behind, there are no devices for wall mounting, which limits the possibility of placing only an even surface. This can be a problem for those who have little free space, but the back panel material is of sufficient thickness to be drilled for fastening (this is not recommended, but certainly such an option exists). As in the case of subwoofer amortization, there are 4 rubberized legs on the bottom, which perfectly perform the damping function.

The kit includes a cable with a 3.5 mm jack for connecting to any device with a standard headphone output. Although the gold-plated contacts would look more solid, its quality is quite high.

The dimensions of the satellite are 110.5 x 132.5 x 195 mm.

Testing

You do not need to talk much about the installation, since it's enough to connect the satellite speakers to the corresponding output ports on the rear panel of the subwoofer enclosure, connect the 3.5 mm plugs to the corresponding connectors and connect the speaker system to the headphone output of any existing audio playback device.

Darude. Sandstorm

Users who tested the Microlab FC330 2008 acoustic system by listening to this song chose it because it requires powerful bass, and is also saturated with high frequencies to make the main speakers how to properly work out the money spent on them. The bass reproduces very well, but the perception is a bit difficult because of the lack of response below 50 Hz, although most listeners will not notice this fall, which becomes noticeable at a loudness above 80%. The high frequencies are very clear and accurate without significant distortion at high volume.

Metallica. One

This track resets the bass and most of the midrange and can be very demanding on the speakers, forcing them to quickly change the frequency. As a result of the bombardment by the generated sound, many loudspeakers produce very large distortions at maximum loudness levels. Users are very happy with the fact that in this model in the middle ranges the distortion is so low that it is impossible to hear them up to 90% of the maximum volume.

Queen. I Want To Break Free

Tracks like this, with a large share of synthesizers and serious abuse of high frequencies, can really emphasize some failures in sound systems, consisting in the inability to correctly transmit sounds. This leads to the fact that at a high volume, when the top notes begin to sound, the composition will be physically painful to listen.

According to user feedback, the Microlab FC330's RF range is very, very good, although its power slightly overpoweres the basses, if not resorted to manual bass adjustment. However, a small correction is enough to balance the whole composition.

Advantages and disadvantages

Acoustics Microlab FC330 user reviews are praised for the high quality of assembly, favorable price, excellent sound, easy installation and aesthetics. Complaints only the location of the low-frequency control, which is located on the rear panel of the subwoofer.

Conclusion

The owners are very impressed with the attractive Microlab FC330 system, which has something to offer. The build quality is excellent, and the price (about 35-40 pounds sterling) is incredibly low for such pure sound reproduction. The acoustic system is an excellent example of a well-made product that will become an ideal purchase for students, schoolchildren, home office, etc. Of course, these are not the best columns in the world (and they should not be so), but they are some of the best that you can Buy less than £ 50.