The Creative Pebble series are iconic round satellite speakers and have largely remained similar in design over the years. There are reasons for updates, as each new model offers more features than the predecessor. From the Pebble to Pebble V2, the system power has increased by double. Then from Pebble V2 to Pebble V3, Bluetooth connectivity is added. The Pebble Plus is a special model which includes a subwoofer. The unique feature for the Pebble series is that they are all USB-powered.
So, what makes the Pebble Pro “pro”?
Besides the same form factor as the Pebble V3, the Pebble Pro comes with a massive load of upgrades.
- System power is increased from 8W/16W to 10W/20W
- Bluetooth 5.3 (previously 5.0)
- BassFlex – passive bass radiator at the back
- Longer cable 1.8m between speakers (previously 1.35m)
- All other cables are detachable
- Supports headset output and microphone input (similar to Creative T60)
- Supports SmartComms Kit (VoiceDetect, NoiseClean)
- RGB Light at base of speaker
The retail price remains affordable at S$89. Always amazed at how Creative keeps their product prices low and values high.
Apart from offering all three connectivity options – 3.5mm analog, USB digital, and Bluetooth wireless – which is the “gold standard”, the Pebble Pro allows you to connect another headphones and microphone, and only Creative speakers offer this advanced capability to route the input audio to another source. Imagine you can connect your audio player via Bluetooth to the Pebble Pro and then plug your wired headphones to listen audio privately.
When you install the Creative App and connect the speaker via USB, you will be able to configure the VoiceDetect and NoiseClean In/Out settings and improve your teleconference experience. What these features do is to remove background noises from either your end or the other party’s, and to auto cut-off mic pickup when voice is not detected.
The app features are not as many as the Creative T60, which has Acoustic Engine, Sound Modes, Equalizer. I was also disappointed to see that the app does not support customisation of LED lights. You would have to toggle the LED modes from the speaker buttons, which you can pulsate, cycle, or pick a single colour.
The addition of BassFlex radiator behind the Pebble Pro makes bass frequency sound more filling and less flat. While the Pebble Plus 2.1 speakers achieve better sub-bass intensity, the Pebble Plus suffers from frequency imbalance which is common for 2.1 setup, where the sub-bass is relatively stronger and the midrange is weak. The Pebble Pro is tuned to provide a more balanced output across the frequency range, with the upper midrange sounding a bit more forward and open to favour vocals. Comparatively, the Creative MuVo Go has a more recessed upper midrange and a more clear-sounding treble that makes hi-hats and cymbals more sizzling. Between the two, the Pebble Pro bass is fuller, thanks to the ability position the speaker units further apart to create bigger sound staging and stereo imaging.
Compared to the Creative T60, the T60 has a peak output of 60W (compared to 20W on the Pebble Pro), has additional audio modes like Surround and Clear Dialog to tweak the sound, and S$30 more. If speaker size is not a concern, then the T60 is definitely a better value. But I like the ease of getting the Pebble Pro to be powered by USB without the need for separate AC power. And the volume adjustments do not lag like the T60.
Verdict
It’s obvious why the newest Pebble series is given the “Pro” nametag. The 2.0 USB-powered computer speakers are compact enough to save space, powerful enough to deliver some sonic pump at arm’s length, with all the available connectivity options from digital to analog, wired to wireless. It even lets you plug your headphones to route audio input signals through, and a mic to process your voice for teleconferencing work. And it now comes with RGB LED. The Creative Pebble Pro is the speaker you can rely on for gaming, for music, and for work. Retails at just S$89, available at Creative Online Store.
