7decibels Sabine iPad Mini 1/2/3 Sound Amplifier review

0 comments / Posted on Jul 20, 2015 by Vince Ng

Can’t hear the sound from the speakers of your iPad Mini well enough? 7decibels has created the Sabine to solve that potential problem. This single piece of anodized aluminum attaches to the tablet via a non-adhesive sticky strip and channels the speaker sound toward the user. Given that attachment is rather inconsistent, the Sabine should probably not be used while on the move.

Editor's Rating

Whether or not there is a real need for the speaker sound to be redirected toward the user is debatable. However, it is true that you will experience somewhat louder audio output with the Sabine attached – especially benefiting the higher frequency range. This is not a killer feature, but could be useful in a place where background noise is strong. Tough it’s hard to say if this accessory solves a problem or actually creates one. That's because the real issue here is that the non-adhesive strip used to apply the accessory to the tablet does not perform consistently as expected. Several funders have complained that the Sabine would either not stay on right from the go, or lose its stickiness after some time, even after performing the manufacturer’s recommended solution of cleaning the strip with a damp cloth. In our test, the Sabine did stick fairly well. But we do not have full confidence that it would meet the rigorous criteria of real life, everyday tablet use. Rather, you may consider getting a nice pair of earphones or a case with a similar built-in sound enhancement, such as the Cooper Echo folio case. Or, one could simply subscribe to the notion that Apple audio is good as is.

Pros

Simplistic
Matches Apple look

Overall: MEDIOCRE

Given that we primarily deal in tablet cases on a daily basis, forgive us if we are not overwhelmingly impressed with this minimalist add-on accessory. However, the Sabine can surely be coveted by iPad owners looking to boost their tablet sound for certain applications like video-watching, Skype and FaceTime.

Features

Exclusively designed for use w/ Apple iPad Mini
Anodized aluminum design
Matches the Apple tablet aesthetics
Available in a range of colors
Attaches via non-sticky residue adhesive

Specifications

Tablet	Apple iPad Mini, Apple iPad Mini 3
Style	Accessories
Brand	7decibels
Function
Price	Budget $1 - $39
Dimensions	2.5 x 1.4 in (WH)
Exterior Material	Eco-Friendly, Fabric
Closure	Button, Strap
Features	Smart Cover Compatible