Buying gifts for DJs and electronic music fans can be surprisingly difficult, especially when they’re already particular about the equipment they use. Most DJs have established preferences for controllers, headphones, and production software, so purchasing something they haven’t specifically requested can be a gamble. Portable audio and lighting are a different proposition because people can use them outside their regular studio or DJ setup, whether they’re hosting friends, organizing a backyard party, or bringing music to a location without convenient electrical access.
SOUNDBOKS has three products worth considering this holiday season, including its new Rider portable speaker, the larger Mix, and Lightboks, a battery-powered lighting system designed to respond automatically to music.
Prices range from $299 to $799, and each product addresses a different need. Rider focuses on portability, Mix adds output and wireless speaker linking, and Lightboks handles lighting without a conventional DMX system.
I’ve covered SOUNDBOKS equipment several times, including a hands-on review of Lightboks and our earlier coverage of the company’s larger portable speakers. What interests me about this collection is that it provides several ways to build a smaller party setup without needing the space, electrical infrastructure, or equipment normally associated with a full PA and lighting system.
There are still limitations to consider, particularly for DJs connecting professional equipment, but these products address some common requirements for people who regularly host music-focused gatherings.
SOUNDBOKS Rider Brings Portable Audio Down to 14.3 Pounds
The newest addition is the SOUNDBOKS Rider, priced at $599. It’s the company’s smallest speaker to date, weighing 14.3 pounds and measuring approximately 13.8 inches tall. Despite its smaller dimensions, Rider includes an eight-inch woofer, a 1.2-inch tweeter, and a manufacturer-rated maximum output of 118 dB, making it appropriate for situations where a conventional compact Bluetooth speaker might not provide enough volume.
Battery life reaches a claimed 35 hours at moderate listening levels, dropping to approximately eight hours at maximum output.
The rechargeable battery is removable, so users can swap it for a charged unit when needed. Rider also includes a carrying handle, support for the company’s shoulder strap, an IP66-rated exterior, and app-based EQ controls. These features matter for people transporting speakers between locations, especially when the equipment needs to handle outdoor conditions.
For DJs, the important limitation is connectivity. Rider includes a 3.5 mm analogue input for wired audio, but it doesn’t offer the professional XLR connections found on the larger SOUNDBOKS 4. It also lacks TeamUp speaker linking, which limits how easily it can be incorporated into a larger wireless setup.
I’d consider Rider primarily for smaller gatherings, casual listening, and portable playback where size and weight matter.
SOUNDBOKS Mix Offers More Output and Speaker Linking
The SOUNDBOKS Mix costs $799 and offers a more substantial audio system while remaining relatively portable. It weighs 21.4 pounds, uses a ten-inch woofer and 1.2-inch tweeter, and reaches a manufacturer-rated maximum output of 121 dB.
Battery life is advertised at up to 40 hours at moderate volume and eight hours at maximum output, with the same removable battery system used across the company’s compatible speakers.
I covered the Mix when it launched in March 2026, and one of its more interesting features is TeamUp connectivity. Using SKAA wireless technology, Mix can connect with up to four additional compatible SOUNDBOKS speakers, giving users options for stereo playback or distributing sound across a larger area. It also includes app-based EQ settings, an IP65-rated electronics coating, and an integrated mount for compatible speaker stands.
That makes Mix the option I’d consider for someone who regularly organizes larger house parties or wants to expand their setup over time. Like Rider, it includes a 3.5 mm wired input rather than the professional connection panel found on SOUNDBOKS 4, so DJs should check their mixer’s output configuration before purchasing.
The additional $200 over Rider primarily provides a larger speaker, higher rated output, longer advertised battery life at moderate levels, and compatibility with the company’s wireless speaker-linking system.
Lightboks Adds Portable Lighting Without DMX Programming
The third product is SOUNDBOKS Lightboks, a $299 portable lighting system that uses seven RGBW LED sources to create music-responsive effects. It runs on a rechargeable battery, weighs approximately 3.86 pounds, and offers an advertised maximum runtime of 14 hours. Its IP65-rated construction and protective rubber bumpers make it suitable for use at outdoor gatherings as well as inside homes and smaller event spaces.
I reviewed Lightboks in September 2025, testing it indoors and outdoors over several weeks. One of the things I appreciated was how little preparation it required. The system uses TrackSync technology to respond to music, with Chill, Dance, and Rave operating modes alongside ten color palettes. During my testing, it was relatively easy to move between rooms, adjust the lighting to the situation, and operate without setting up dedicated lighting stands or controllers.
Lightboks also appeared in my recent portable rave equipment article, where I discussed using battery-powered speakers and lighting for smaller events. It’s worth remembering that Lightboks isn’t a replacement for a conventional professional lighting rig when detailed programming and fixture control are required. For someone hosting parties at home or outdoors, however, the ability to add responsive lighting without managing additional power and DMX connections is a considerable advantage.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
