Roberts Reunion black
Specifications and features
Overview
Roberts follows up the Beacon range with omnidirectional sound thanks to its two full-range drivers mounted back-to-back and two passive radiators. IPX7 certification guarantees resistance to temporary immersion up to one meter deep, while the 18-hour battery life allows for extended use. The Multi-Cast system supports simultaneous connection of up to 10 speakers, offering considerable options for sound expansion.
A thoughtful succession in the Roberts range
The Reunion succeeds the former Beacon 310, 320, and 330, now discontinued. More than a simple evolution, it marks a shift in Roberts’ philosophy, prioritizing functionality and durability over luxurious aesthetics. The Beacon’s gold accents and premium packaging give way to a more understated, efficiency-focused design. Users note a marked improvement in sound quality, especially in stereo mode with two paired speakers. Sold at around 80 British pounds, the Reunion costs less than half the price of the Beacon 330, reinforcing its accessible positioning.
The main technical advance lies in its water resistance. Unlike the Beacon models, which offered no protection, the Reunion boasts IPX7 certification, able to withstand immersion up to one meter deep for 30 minutes. This robustness enables both outdoor and indoor use: camping, by the pool, at the beach, or even in the bathroom. A watertight cap protects the auxiliary input and USB-C port when exposed to moisture.
Cylindrical design and selected materials
The Reunion’s cylindrical form, measuring 79 millimeters in diameter and 180 millimeters in height, stems from an acoustic constraint: placing the drivers back-to-back to achieve balanced 360-degree dispersion. The brushed aluminum top panel houses the touch controls (play/pause, volume, Bluetooth pairing), whose intuitive layout is quickly understood. Silver accents punctuate the design without weighing it down.
The acoustic fabric covering most of the body lets sound pass while protecting the internal components. This textile wrap has a pleasant texture to the touch and helps absorb stray vibrations. Despite its 456 grams, the speaker offers a reassuring grip. The relative lightness makes it easy to carry: slip it into a bag and it’s easily forgotten. The build inspires confidence, with no play or creaking during handling.
Two colors are available: black and Duck Egg, a pale blue-green shade reminiscent of some of Roberts’ historical finishes. This limited choice contrasts with the broader palette of the Beacon models, but aligns with the Reunion’s pared-back philosophy.
Omnidirectional diffusion system
Two full-range drivers face each other inside the cylinder, creating a sound field that radiates evenly from the center of the speaker. Placed in the middle of a table, the Reunion spreads sound in all directions without favoring a listening angle. The two side passive radiators reinforce the bass through mechanical resonance: they vibrate under internal acoustic pressure, without electrical power, which enhances the low end without consuming more energy.
An embedded processor continuously controls the signal to avoid distortion, even at high volume. This digital regulation analyzes pressure peaks and adjusts playback to preserve clarity. The total power of 50 watts is split between the two active drivers. At low volume, the bass remains present without overpowering the rest of the spectrum, while at full power the sound stays balanced and precise, with no perceptible saturation.
The 360° dispersion largely delivers on its promises, though a slight drop in volume can be perceived at the speaker’s sides. This remains subtle and does not detract from the desired sense of immersive sound.
Bluetooth connectivity and multi-speaker pairing
The Reunion uses Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable connection up to around twelve meters in open space. Two codecs are supported: SBC, compatible with all Bluetooth devices, and AAC, used by Apple products and many recent Android smartphones. The former guarantees universal compatibility, while the latter offers better playback quality thanks to finer compression.
Pairing is very straightforward: a short press on the Bluetooth button reconnects the last device used, while a long press clears the memory. The speaker can remember up to ten different devices, which makes shared use easy.
The Multi-Cast function lets you link several Reunion speakers wirelessly. Two speakers can form a true stereo system, one for each channel, with a wider and better-defined soundstage. This mode is saved in memory when powered off. In broadcast mode, up to ten speakers can play the same signal to cover large spaces.
A 3.5 mm jack input, protected by a watertight cap, allows a wired connection for devices without Bluetooth or when you want to avoid any audio compression.
Finally, the built-in microphone enables hands-free calls and activation of voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa) via the play button, for more versatile everyday use.
18-hour battery life and fast charging
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers the speaker for 18 hours at moderate volume. This autonomy easily covers a full day of mobile use. At full power, the duration is reduced, but several hours are still attainable. LEDs on the front indicate the remaining charge level: four lights correspond to 100%, three to 75%, and so on. This visual cue quickly shows when a recharge is needed.
The USB-C port simplifies power: a single cable (included) connects to any standard USB charger. A full recharge takes under three hours. The speaker operates while charging: there’s no need to interrupt listening when the battery runs low. This option for continuous wired use can sidestep limited battery life in stationary scenarios.
Note: the Reunion includes thermal protection that shuts it down if the internal temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius. This safety measure, required by CE and UKCA standards, prevents harmful overheating. Under normal usage conditions, this threshold is never reached.
Technical specifications
Audio system
- Type: portable Bluetooth speaker with 360° sound dispersion
- Configuration: 2 full-range drivers and 2 passive radiators
- Output power: not disclosed, optimized for balanced 360° sound
Connectivity
- Bluetooth streaming
- Multi-Cast function: simultaneous pairing of up to 10 speakers
- Auxiliary input: 3.5 mm jack
- Built-in microphone for hands-free calls
Battery life and power
- Battery life: up to 18 h
- Full recharge time: < 3 h
- Power: rechargeable lithium-ion battery via USB
- Charge indicator: battery level display
Water resistance
- Waterproof rating: IPX7, resistant to temporary immersion up to 1 meter deep
Design and materials
- Materials: tactile acoustic fabric and brushed aluminum top panel
- Design: cylindrical form factor for 360° sound dispersion
- Available colors: Black, Duck Egg
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions: 79 × 180 × 79 mm
- Weight: 456 g
- Compact and lightweight
Box contents
- Roberts Reunion speaker
- USB charging cable
- Quick start guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Reunion in the rain or submerge it in water?
IPX7 certification allows temporary immersion up to one meter deep for a maximum of 30 minutes. You can therefore use it in the rain, by a pool, or even in a bathtub without risk. Just make sure the cap protecting the connectors is fully closed before any exposure to water.
How does Multi-Cast work with multiple speakers?
Multi-Cast lets you connect up to 10 Reunion speakers simultaneously. With two speakers, you create true stereo (left channel on one, right channel on the other). Beyond that, all speakers play the same signal in broadcast mode, ideal for covering large spaces. To activate this mode, hold down the play/pause button on the main speaker until the broadcast indicator lights up white.
Does stereo pairing between two Reunions stay in memory?
Yes, once two speakers are paired in stereo mode, this configuration persists even after you turn them off. When powered back on, the two Reunions automatically reconnect in stereo without needing to repeat the process. This feature avoids repetitive steps and greatly simplifies everyday use.
What’s the difference between the Reunion and the older Beacon speakers?
The Reunion stands apart from the Beacon range with three major improvements: IPX7 certification (the Beacons had no water protection), a built-in microphone missing from the Beacon 330, and superior sound performance in stereo configuration according to many users. The design is more understated, the price is roughly halved, and the focus shifts to functionality rather than aesthetics.
- Eco-contribution of €0.08 included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: REUNIONBKE
- GTIN / EAN: 5038301311810
