TEST: Fun Generation BP 115 A

 In comparison to the subtly martial-looking in-house product ranges of the music store Thomann such as T.Amp or T.Bone, the name of the series “Fun Generation” seems more like flower children in Woodstock fever, but that should not disguise the fact that it is The comparatively new product range is an area that primarily values fast, uncomplicated handling, which can be carried out by a layperson if necessary. In addition, Thomann also throws the very low competitive price of €189 into the mix for the Fun Generation BP 115 A box available for testing, which alone should attract enough attention.

The construction of the Fun Generation BP 115 A

According to a “Fun Generation”, a product must be flexible, easy to transport, self-explanatory and equipped with a battery. It's best to have a big, red button that says "Party" and the rest takes care of itself. The latter part will probably always remain a utopia despite the most intensive market analysis, but with the former segments you are already at the Fun Generation BP 115 A located very far ahead. Accordingly, the Fun Generation BP 115 A is a battery-operated active 2-way box, which has an output of 140 W (peak) / 50 W (RMS), which is generated using a Class AB power amplifier . The operating time at RMS performance is given as 5 hours. 4 LEDs (100% green, 75% green, 50% yellow, 25% red) provide information about the charge status of the battery. According to the manufacturer, the transmitted frequency range is 60 - 19,000 Hz with a maximum SPL of 112 dB.

The speakers used are a 15 inch woofer and a 1 inch compression driver, which has a beam angle of 90° x 40°. Both speakers are protected from external influences with a solid, black perforated grille. In contrast to the slightly smaller 112 A version, which I also recently had available for testing and which revealed minor imperfections in the paintwork of the grille, all work on the Fun Generation BP 115 A was carried out very cleanly. The rest of the housing consists of several plastic shells, which have a structured but easy-to-clean surface. Despite the structured surface, the outer skin is very smooth, which allows external influences to slide off in most cases and should therefore ensure less wear and tear. It remains to be seen to what extent the housing tends to swing open.

On the top of the 450 mm x 370 mm x 690 mm housing there is a telescopic handle that can be extended to a comparatively short length of 32 cm, which also functions as a handle for the 14.6 kg construction. So you have to be careful not to take too big steps when pulling, otherwise you run the risk of the box hitting you from behind. By the way, the case appears unexpectedly beefy, which is of course primarily due to the dimensions of the 15-inch model.

In order to fulfill the trolley function, the Fun Generation BP 115 A has 2 simple plastic wheels on the bottom, which have comparatively little play and appear appropriately solid. There is also a 35 mm flange on the underside for high stand operation, with a simple, non-deburred knurled screw ensuring fixation.

As with the 112 version, the two additional handles on the sides of the housing have a dual function. In the lower area of the handles there are 2 protuberances, which, in addition to the normal lifting function, also set the Fun Generation BP 115 A at a 45 degree angle in wedge operation. Since the handles are “unfortunately” only 21 cm wide and are placed in the middle of the housing, the speaker tilts to the side relatively quickly in wedge mode and therefore does not offer the stability of a pure stage monitor. Nevertheless, this detail increases the practicality enormously.


The amplifier part

Once again, the Fun Generation BP 115 A features an amplifier section that is almost identical to that used in other competing products. The Fun Generation BP 115 A also has two XLR / TRS combination sockets, the sensitivity of which can be switched between microphone and line using a slider. Two volume controls above the sockets regulate the volume of the two channels.

Unfortunately, there is no gain control, so you may have to expect one or two mismatches in terms of the output level. With this product too, all the controls on the back of the housing are not screwed to the housing, i.e. H. Any tensile or compressive force that inevitably occurs when using the product is transferred directly to the circuit board, increasing the risk of a hairline crack. A corresponding counter on the case would be nice, but it will probably not be possible due to the selling price. In addition to the two inputs 1 and 2, there is an AUX input, input 3, which has a mini jack or an RCA input as required and the volume can be regulated separately. For mono compatibility, the signals in the device are summed mono.

In the upper area of the amplifier section there is a digital media player, which can obtain its signal from several sound sources. The offer includes a USB stick, SD card or Bluetooth. In addition to the standard functions, which are all controlled via small push buttons, you can also switch the five-band (100 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, 3.3 kHz, 10 kHz) sum EQ on the player using a push button. Another button determines the USB port or SD card as the signal source. The player also has a separate volume control. The Fun Generation BP 115 A also has a simple echo control to give announcements a little more “oomph”. I don't want to comment on the meaning and purpose of this function, perhaps an appropriate use for a karaoke evening after drinking alcohol. Finally, there is a master volume control with operating and clip diode and a mix out for daisy chain operation, in which only the mono-summated sum signal is passed on.

The Fun Generation BP 115 A in practice

The Fun Generation BP 115 A is quite powerful, both in terms of appearance and handling, but the system is easy to transport thanks to its good workmanship. No wobbly elements or other play in the connectors, which is definitely worth mentioning, especially for this price range.

The system's background noise behavior is also very good. No hiss, no background noise, no hum, not even when all the controls and EQ are at their maximum, which speaks for the quality of the components or suggests a built-in noise gate. Immediately after switching on the Fun Generation BP 115 A, the system takes approx. 2 seconds to boot up and then greets you on the display with the words “No Disk”. Disk? Seems to be older programming ;-)

I have now tested the system in various rooms, as a vocal system in the rehearsal room, in high stand operation on an open outdoor area and in wedge operation as an active monitor box. In terms of sound, the box performs well in all three operating modes, as long as you can live with an RMS value of 50 watts. The performance specification is definitely sufficient for a private party, but for a proper DJ presence or as a mini PA/vocal system the system can run out of steam


The treble range occasionally seems a bit sharp or angular, which cannot be remedied with the on-board tools, although I have also heard much more unpleasant-sounding high-mid ranges on systems that were in the next higher price range. With a retail price of 189 €, you obviously have to be prepared for some savings, as when there is a strong bass swing on the back of the amplifier section, you can easily feel air flows coming out of the slots around the holes in the controls.





In summary, like the smaller 112 model, the system has a very good price/performance ratio. If you want to quickly carry out simple sound reinforcement without much prior knowledge of the subject or without a lot of cabling, the Fun Generation BP 115 A is the right choice.

Conclusion

With the Fun Generation BP 115 A, the Thomann house brand once again offers a very good price/performance ratio for an active 2-way box. The system is well made, can be used flexibly and offers a satisfactory sound for a very affordable price, although unfortunately it is limited to 50 watts RMS.

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Additional Informations:


Introduction:
Thomann, Europe's largest retailer of musical instruments and equipment, has a rich history of providing musicians with quality products and exceptional service. Within Thomann's expansive catalog lies its house brand, Fun Generation, which has become synonymous with affordable yet reliable audio solutions. Delving into the genesis of Fun Generation unveils a tale of innovation, strategic vision, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of musicians and audio enthusiasts. This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of Fun Generation's journey, from its inception to its current standing as a trusted name in the world of audio equipment.

The Genesis:
Fun Generation emerged from Thomann's desire to offer customers a range of budget-friendly audio products without compromising on quality. Founded in 2005, Fun Generation was conceived as a house brand aimed at providing entry-level and mid-range audio solutions to musicians, DJs, event organizers, and audio professionals. The brand's name reflects its core philosophy of combining fun and functionality, offering products that deliver reliable performance while remaining accessible to a wide audience.

In the early years, Fun Generation focused on developing a diverse lineup of essential audio gear, including speakers, amplifiers, microphones, cables, and accessories. Drawing on Thomann's expertise in the music industry and its extensive network of suppliers, Fun Generation quickly established itself as a go-to choice for musicians seeking affordable yet dependable audio equipment.

Strategic Expansion:
As Fun Generation gained traction in the market, Thomann recognized the opportunity to expand the brand's offerings and reach a broader audience. This led to a strategic expansion of Fun Generation's product lineup, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of DJs, live sound engineers, and event professionals.

One notable addition to Fun Generation's portfolio was its range of portable PA systems, designed to provide versatile audio solutions for small to medium-sized venues, outdoor events, and mobile performances. These compact yet powerful systems boasted features such as built-in mixers, Bluetooth connectivity, and battery operation, catering to the growing demand for portable and flexible audio solutions.

In addition to PA systems, Fun Generation diversified its product range to include lighting equipment, DJ gear, stage accessories, and studio essentials. By offering a comprehensive suite of audio and lighting solutions under the Fun Generation brand, Thomann aimed to provide customers with everything they needed to create memorable events, performances, and studio productions.

Quality Assurance and Customer Satisfaction:
Despite its focus on affordability, Fun Generation remains committed to maintaining high standards of quality and reliability across its product range. Thomann works closely with trusted manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure that Fun Generation products undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures before reaching customers.

Moreover, Thomann's dedication to customer satisfaction extends to its after-sales support and warranty services. Fun Generation products are backed by Thomann's renowned customer service team, who are on hand to assist with technical support, troubleshooting, and product inquiries. This commitment to excellence has earned Fun Generation a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction within the audio industry.

Innovation and Adaptation:
As the audio industry continues to evolve, Fun Generation remains at the forefront of innovation, constantly adapting to emerging trends and technological advancements. Whether it's incorporating wireless connectivity, digital signal processing, or energy-efficient design features, Fun Generation strives to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the evolving needs of its customers.

Moreover, Fun Generation embraces feedback from musicians, DJs, and audio professionals to drive product development and refinement. By listening to customer insights and addressing their pain points, Fun Generation ensures that its products remain relevant and responsive to the demands of the market.

Looking Ahead:
As Fun Generation enters its third decade, Thomann remains committed to furthering the brand's mission of democratizing access to quality audio equipment. Whether it's empowering aspiring musicians with affordable recording gear, providing event organizers with reliable PA systems, or equipping DJs with innovative lighting solutions, Fun Generation continues to play a vital role in shaping the landscape of the audio industry.

With a legacy built on affordability, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Fun Generation stands poised to continue its growth and impact in the years to come. As technology advances and new opportunities emerge, Fun Generation remains dedicated to providing musicians and audio enthusiasts with the tools they need to unleash their creativity and amplify their performances.