Creative Sound Blaster iRoar Review

Up Close

Packaging is usually where a manufacturer uses hyperbole to try and sell their product to the passing punters. In the case of the iRoar it proclaims itself “the most intelligent speaker on the planet”, although even a cursory glance at the specifications and connectivity options will mean their claim holds a lot of water.

      

We get samples from all over the place here at OC3D, and it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve had to reach for a plug adaptor. As it is the iRoar comes with every type of plug that you’re likely to come across, perfectly matching up to its “take it everywhere with you” ethos. 

Contrary to the Roar Pro we looked at before, the iRoar has a bigger main speaker on the top surrounded by the popular piano black cover. It looks fantastic, and will fit in anywhere from the wall at your local skate park to a glass shelf in your minimalist Kensington residence. The combination of a largely black aesthetic with dark gold accents sets the iRoar apart from the usual gaudy portable speakers.

      

With speakers at the top, front and even the sides, this promises room-filling audio no matter where either it or you are placed.

Connectivity is the strong suit of the iRoar. As well as NFC and Bluetooth on the top, around the back we find power input, a USB plug for gaming connectivity, a MicroSD card input – should you wish to rock out without leaving your phone near it – a regular 3.5mm jack to fit absolutely every type of device known to humankind, an Optical port for your high-end audio and even a USB port from which to utilise the big battery inside the iRoar to charge your phone. There is no denying that if it is capable of sending an audio signal then the iRoar is capable of supporting it.

      

Subtly worked into the top of the iRoar is a display which indicates your current actions and/or the track playing. Whether it’s just showing the volume level, or indicating how much of the battery is left, it’s a fantastic feature which just raises the iRoar above the norm. If, that is, all of the above haven’t already placed it at the top of the pile.