What material is the Meinl Speaker Cajon made from?

The instrument is constructed entirely from 100-percent Baltic birch. This wood is chosen for its excellent acoustic resonance and structural integrity.

How many speakers are inside the cajon?

There are two 4.5-inch speakers housed inside the body. Each speaker has a power rating of 20 watts.

How can I connect my phone to the Meinl Speaker Cajon?

You can connect your phone wirelessly via the built-in Bluetooth-style technology. Alternatively, you can use the AUX port for a wired connection.

Does it have internal snares?

Yes, it features dual internal fixed sets of snare wires. These provide the characteristic snare 'snap' when the top corners of the playing surface are struck.

Can I play music from a USB drive?

Yes, the control panel includes a USB port. This allows you to import and play music directly from external USB storage devices.

Where are the volume controls located?

The control panel is fitted to the top of the cajon. This placement allows the player to easily reach the buttons to manage music and volume while seated.

Does it support SD cards?

It features a TF card slot (also known as a MicroSD slot). This allows you to play audio files directly from a memory card.

Is the cajon a standard size?

Yes, it is described as a full-sized cajon. This ensures a standard playing height and ergonomic seating position for adults.

Can the cajon be played without using the speakers?

Absolutely. It functions as a standard acoustic cajon with a natural sound port, meaning it can be used in fully unplugged settings.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price range for the Meinl Speaker Cajon is approximately £135 to £185. Prices may vary depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.

What is the primary benefit of the integrated speakers?

The integrated speakers allow players to practice with loops or backing tracks that project from the same source as the percussion. This creates a more immersive and balanced sound for both the player and the audience.

Does it require a separate amplifier?

No, the speakers and amplification are built directly into the unit. You only need an audio source, such as a smartphone or a loaded USB drive, to produce sound through the speakers.

Gear article

Meinl Speaker Cajon

The Meinl Speaker Cajon is a full-sized hand percussion instrument constructed from 100-percent Baltic birch, featuring integrated 20-watt speakers. It allows percussionists to stream music wirelessly or via physical inputs to play along with backing tracks through the instrument's own body. The design combines traditional acoustic cajon architecture, including dual internal snare wires, with modern digital audio connectivity.

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Overview and Design

The Meinl Speaker Cajon is a hybrid percussion instrument designed to bridge the gap between traditional acoustic performance and digital practice tools. It is built as a full-sized cajon using Baltic birch, a tonewood prized in percussion for its durability and resonant qualities.

What distinguishes this model is the inclusion of two 4.5-inch, 20-watt speakers mounted within the resonant chamber. These speakers allow the player to broadcast audio directly from the instrument while playing. A dedicated control panel is located on the top of the cajon, enabling the user to manage volume and track selection without needing to reach for their external device during a performance.

Connectivity and Audio Features

The instrument offers several methods for audio input to suit various technological requirements:

Wireless Connectivity: Users can pair smartphones or tablets directly to the cajon to stream music or loops.
AUX Port: A standard auxiliary input allows for wired connections to music players.
TF Card Slot: Support for TransFlash/MicroSD cards allows for standalone playback of pre-loaded audio files.
USB Port: Provides an additional interface for importing music from external storage drives.

The dual 20-watt speakers are positioned to project sound through the instrument's natural sound port, maintaining a cohesive audio profile where the backing track and the live percussion blend in a single space.

Acoustic Characteristics

Despite its electronic components, the Meinl Speaker Cajon functions as a fully capable acoustic instrument. It features dual internal fixed sets of snare wires that provide a crisp, 'sizzling' response typical of modern cajons. The Baltic birch body ensures that the bass tones remain punchy and defined, while the natural sound port ensures the instrument retains its organic resonance even when the speakers are not in use.

Applications

This instrument is primarily targeted at three types of users:

1. Students and Educators: The ability to play along to tracks makes it an effective tool for rhythmic practice and timing development. 2. Solo Performers: Acoustic acts can add pre-recorded loops or full backing tracks to their live sets without needing a separate PA system for small venues. 3. Recreational Players: It serves as a convenient 'all-in-one' entertainment piece for casual jams or home use.

Market Comparison

Within the Meinl catalogue and the broader percussion market, the Speaker Cajon sits in a niche category of 'smart' percussion. While standard Baltic birch cajons focus purely on acoustic projection, this model competes with portable PA systems by integrating the audio source into the instrument itself. It is often considered alongside accessory percussion like the Meinl Spin Spark Shaker or the Meinl Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowls for those looking to expand their sonic palette, though its primary function remains rhythmic accompaniment.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Speaker Cajon made from?: The instrument is constructed entirely from 100-percent Baltic birch. This wood is chosen for its excellent acoustic resonance and structural integrity.
How many speakers are inside the cajon?: There are two 4.5-inch speakers housed inside the body. Each speaker has a power rating of 20 watts.
How can I connect my phone to the Meinl Speaker Cajon?: You can connect your phone wirelessly via the built-in Bluetooth-style technology. Alternatively, you can use the AUX port for a wired connection.
Does it have internal snares?: Yes, it features dual internal fixed sets of snare wires. These provide the characteristic snare 'snap' when the top corners of the playing surface are struck.
Can I play music from a USB drive?: Yes, the control panel includes a USB port. This allows you to import and play music directly from external USB storage devices.
Where are the volume controls located?: The control panel is fitted to the top of the cajon. This placement allows the player to easily reach the buttons to manage music and volume while seated.
Does it support SD cards?: It features a TF card slot (also known as a MicroSD slot). This allows you to play audio files directly from a memory card.
Is the cajon a standard size?: Yes, it is described as a full-sized cajon. This ensures a standard playing height and ergonomic seating position for adults.
Can the cajon be played without using the speakers?: Absolutely. It functions as a standard acoustic cajon with a natural sound port, meaning it can be used in fully unplugged settings.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price range for the Meinl Speaker Cajon is approximately £135 to £185. Prices may vary depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.
What is the primary benefit of the integrated speakers?: The integrated speakers allow players to practice with loops or backing tracks that project from the same source as the percussion. This creates a more immersive and balanced sound for both the player and the audience.
Does it require a separate amplifier?: No, the speakers and amplification are built directly into the unit. You only need an audio source, such as a smartphone or a loaded USB drive, to produce sound through the speakers.