TEST: Fun Generation BP 112

Compared to the discreetly martial-looking in-house product ranges of the music house Thomann such as T.Amp or T.Bone, the name of the series "Fun Generation" seems more like flower children in Woodstock fever, which should not, however, hide the fact that the comparatively new product range is one that primarily emphasizes fast, uncomplicated handling, which can also be carried out by a layman in a pinch. In addition, Thomann also throws in the very low price of €189 for the test model.

Nome est omen. Although it has been on the market for some time, the "Fun Generation" label is a newcomer to the portfolio of Musikhaus Thomann labels compared to the established house brands such as "T.Bone" or "T.Racks". The product name gives an idea of who the target group of the products, which are mainly from the sound reinforcement sector, is. Fast it should go, mobile it should be, easy to handle and preferably with the background of a cell phone operation to manage. With the Fun Generation BP 112 A, all this should be possible without any problems, at an extremely low price of only 159,- €. Let us surprise ourselves.

The construction of the Fun Generation BP 112 A

As usual for today's "Fun Generation", a multifunctional amplifier must also be able to run on battery power. Thus, the Fun Generation BP 112 A is also a battery-powered active 2-way box, which has a power of 120 W (peak) / 45 W (RMS), which is generated by means of a Class AB power amplifier. The operating time at RMS power is specified as 5 hours. 4 LEDs (100% green, 75% green, 50% yellow, 25% red) inform about the battery charge status. According to the manufacturer, the transmitted frequency range is 68 - 19,000 Hz at a max SPL of 109 dB.

A 12-inch woofer and a 1-inch compression driver are used as speakers, which has a dispersion angle of 90° x 40°. Both speakers are protected from external influences by a solid, black perforated grille, which, however, has small imperfections in the paint at the bending points to the two bass reflex ports, which are located in the center of the housing. The rest of the case consists of several plastic shells, which have a rough surface. Apart from a few tiny irregularities in the closing edges, the workmanship is very decent.

On the upper side of the case, which measures 380 mm x 295 mm x 600 mm, there is a telescopic handle that is comparatively short at 32 cm, which also takes over the function of a handle for the 12.3 kg construction. In order to fulfill the trolley function, the Fun Generation BP 112 A has 2 adequate plastic casters on the underside, which are of simple construction, but appear quite massive. Also on the underside is also a 35 mm flange for the high stand operation, whereby a simple, not deburred knurled screw ensures a fixation.

A dual function is performed by the two additional handles on the sides of the case. In the lower area of the handles are 2 protrusions each, which set the Fun Generation BP 112 A in a 45 degree angle in wedge operation. Since the handles are only 17 cm wide and were placed in the center of the housing, the box tilts relatively quickly to the side in wedge mode, but I still find the detailed solution quite clever.

The amplifier section

I can't help thinking that either every manufacturer is now copying the others, or there is only one panel manufacturer from whom they all buy. Like almost all battery-powered products in this genre, which I have tested in recent months, the Fun Generation BP 112 A has exactly the same arrangement of connectors and controls as its predecessors. OK, this is also the case with almost every guitar amp, but in the active speaker range this is somewhat strange.

The Fun Generation BP 112 A also has two XLR / TRS combo jacks, which can be switched in their sensitivity by means of a slider between microphone and line. Two volume controls above the jacks regulate the volume of the two channels. There is no gain control, so you have to reckon with one or the other mismatch. Unfortunately, all the controls on the back of the case are not screwed to the case, which means that any pressure movement is transmitted directly to the circuit board. Time will tell how long the solder joints will last in this regard. At least the controllers are recessed in the case, so that nothing can happen to them if they are placed flat.

Next to the two inputs 1 and 2 there is an AUX input with input 3, which has a stereo jack or an RCA input as needed and a separate volume control. The signals are mono summed in the device.

In the upper part of the amplifier section is the digital media player, which is fed from the sound sources USB stick, SD card or Bluetooth. Besides the standard functions, which are all controlled by small push buttons, you can also switch the five-band (100 Hz, 330 Hz, 1 kHz, 3.3 kHz, 10 kHz) summing EQ on the player using a push button. Another button selects the USB port or SD card as the signal source. The player also has a separate volume control. Not to be missed is the now common echo control, whose usefulness in an active multi-functional box has not made sense to me until now.

Finally, there is a master volume control with operation and clip diode and a mix out for daisy chain operation. Since in the range of application of the Fun Generation BP 112 A a stereo operation is probably never used anyway, only the mono summed signal is passed on.

The Fun Generation BP 112 A in practice

The first impression of the Fun Generation BP 112 A can be well described with the adjective "handy". The trolley function works smoothly and does not suffer from the sometimes slouchy telescopic bar attachment of other providers. Thanks to the three handles, the box can also be lifted, carried and placed very well, another feature that is very rarely found in this price range.

If you turn on the box, you hear nothing in the best sense of the word. No noise, no background noise, not even when all controls and EQ are set to their maximum, nothing at all. Either a noise gate was installed internally, or the components are of good quality. Also, no switch-on or switch-off impulse was perceived.

Immediately after turning on the Fun Generation BP 112 A, the system takes about 2 seconds to boot up and then greets you on the display with the words "No Disk". Who would have thought that the CD affinity of past times would still be in electronics so many years later.

I have now tested the system in various rooms. On the one hand as a simple vocal system in the rehearsal room / studio recording room, in high stand operation on an open outdoor area and in wedge operation as an active monitor box. Sonically, the box hardly deviates from each other in the aforementioned operating modes, that is, there is no range that was understood by the manufacturer as a "throw-in". Only the classic "poser foot-on-monitor box" operation is ruled out due to the somewhat wobbly support.

Sound-wise, the Fun Generation BP 112 A performs better than its price would suggest. Especially in the bass range, the performance is quite respectable, as long as you keep the power specifications in mind. 45 watts RMS do not allow real DJ operation, let alone as a vocal system against a powerful playing drummer. On the other hand, the system can keep up when it comes to a garden party.

The high frequency range occasionally comes across a bit harsh, which can't be remedied with the on-board tools, but I've also heard much more "angular" sounding high mid ranges in systems that were in the next higher price range.

The fact that the system itself is relatively simple, despite good workmanship, can be seen, among other things, in the fact that with a strong bass lift on the back of the amplifier part well palpable air currents came out of the slots around the holes of the controllers. Not like an open cabinet, but it shows that the electronics were not placed in a separate compartment within the system.

In summary, however, one must give the system a very good price / performance ratio. If you want to make a simple sound system without a lot of prior knowledge of the subject or without a lot of wiring, the Fun Generation BP 112 A is a good choice.

Conclusion

With the Fun Generation BP 112 A, the Thomann house brand offers a very good price / performance ratio for the active 2-way box. The system is very handy, can be used flexibly and offers a better sound for an extremely low price than the store price would suggest.

Anyone who can get by with an output power of 45 watts RMS should definitely test the system.


Additional Informations:

- Thomann is one of the largest and most renowned music retailers in Europe. The company was founded in 1954 by Hans Thomann in Treppendorf, Germany, and has since grown into a global business with a vast range of musical instruments and equipment available for purchase online.
The Thomann website offers an enormous selection of products, with over 100,000 items available for purchase, including guitars, drums, keyboards, recording equipment, and DJ gear. The company's range of products is constantly expanding, and they carry many of the world's top brands, including Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Roland, and Behringer.

One of the unique aspects of Thomann is their focus on customer service. The company employs over 1,600 staff members, many of whom are musicians themselves, and they are dedicated to providing the best possible service to their customers. Their customer service team is available to answer questions, provide technical support, and offer advice on product selection, making the shopping experience at Thomann a seamless and enjoyable one.

Thomann is also known for their competitive pricing, with many products available at prices lower than those found in traditional music stores. The company's buying power and large inventory allow them to offer customers a wide range of products at prices that are often unbeatable.
In addition to their online store, Thomann also operates a physical store in Treppendorf, Germany, which spans over 74,000 square meters and houses a vast range of musical instruments and equipment. The store is a popular destination for musicians from all over Europe and features an impressive selection of guitars, drums, pianos, and synthesizers, as well as a range of accessories and merchandise.

Thomann also offers a range of services to their customers, including financing options, extended warranties, and a dedicated repair center. Their repair center is staffed by experienced technicians who can service and repair a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.
Overall, Thomann is a highly respected and influential player in the music industry. Their vast range of products, competitive pricing, and focus on customer service have made them a favorite among musicians of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, Thomann is an excellent choice for all your musical instrument and equipment needs.

- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) products are a type of product that is designed and manufactured by one company but sold under another company's brand name. OEM products are common in many industries, including electronics, automotive, and consumer goods. In this report, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of OEM products, as well as their impact on the market and consumers.

Advantages of OEM Products:

Lower Costs: One of the main advantages of OEM products is that they are often less expensive than products sold under a brand name. This is because the manufacturer can sell the product at a lower price without spending money on marketing, advertising, and branding.

Quality Control: OEM products are designed and manufactured by the same company that produces them, so they often have better quality control than products made by other companies. This means that the product is more likely to be reliable and consistent in performance.

Customization: OEM products can be customized to meet the specific needs of the customer. This means that the customer can request specific features or modifications to the product to meet their needs.
Innovation: OEM products often use the latest technology and materials, which means they may be more advanced than similar products sold under a brand name.

Disadvantages of OEM Products:

Lack of Brand Recognition: OEM products are sold under another company's brand name, which means that the manufacturer may not receive credit for their work or reputation. This can be a disadvantage if the manufacturer wants to build their own brand name.

Limited Control: The manufacturer of an OEM product has limited control over how the product is marketed and sold. This means that they may not be able to control the price, distribution, or promotion of the product.

Limited Product Range: OEM products are often designed to meet the specific needs of a customer, which means that the manufacturer may not produce a wide range of products for the market.

Impact of OEM Products on the Market and Consumers:

OEM products have a significant impact on the market and consumers. They provide consumers with access to high-quality products at lower prices, which can be a significant advantage for those on a budget. Additionally, OEM products can increase competition in the market, which can lead to lower prices and better quality products.

However, OEM products can also have a negative impact on the market and consumers. They can limit the number of brands available, which can lead to reduced competition and higher prices. Additionally, OEM products may not have the same level of customer support or warranty protection as products sold under a brand name.

In conclusion, OEM products have both advantages and disadvantages. They can provide consumers with high-quality products at lower prices, but they can also limit brand recognition and control over marketing and sales. Ultimately, whether OEM products are beneficial or not depends on the specific needs and preferences of the consumer.