What You'll Need
- Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST
- UE MEGABLAST app (iOS or Android)
- Amazon Alexa app
- Wi-Fi network (for Alexa features)
- Micro-USB cable or optional charging dock
Step-by-Step Setup
- Charge the speaker using the included micro-USB cable or the optional Power Up charging dock. A full charge takes about 3 hours and gives you up to 16 hours of playback.
- Power on by pressing the Power button on top. The speaker chimes to confirm it is on.
- Download both the UE app and the Amazon Alexa app.
- Set up Bluetooth first:
- The MEGABLAST enters Bluetooth pairing mode automatically on its first boot
- Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings and select "MEGABLAST"
- Set up Wi-Fi and Alexa:
- Open the UE app, tap on your speaker, and go to Wi-Fi setup
- Connect the speaker to your home Wi-Fi network
- Link your Amazon account through the Alexa app to enable voice control
Placement and Sound Tips
The MEGABLAST delivers 360-degree sound, so it performs best placed in the open where sound can radiate in all directions. A picnic table, kitchen island, or the center of a patio table all work well. Pushing it against a wall will boost the bass but reduce the surround effect.
For outdoor use, set the speaker upright on a flat surface. The IP67 waterproof rating means it survives submersion in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, so rain, pool splashes, and beach trips are no problem. The rubber base keeps it stable on most surfaces.
Indoors, placing it on a hard surface like a countertop brings out more bass. On a softer surface or carpet, the sound becomes thinner. If you use the optional Power Up charging dock, the speaker sits slightly elevated, which can actually improve the sound since the bottom-mounted bass radiator gets more room to breathe.
PartyUp Multi-Speaker
The PartyUp feature lets you link up to 150+ UE speakers together. Press the PartyUp button on each speaker you want to connect, and they all play in sync. This works over Bluetooth, so no Wi-Fi is needed for PartyUp. All connected speakers need to be running the same firmware version, so check for updates in the UE app before a big gathering.
Alexa Voice Control
Once Wi-Fi and Alexa are set up, you can use voice commands for music, weather, news, smart home control, and more. The far-field microphones pick up your voice reasonably well, though they are not as sensitive as a dedicated Echo speaker. Speaking clearly and within about 10 feet gives the best results. Alexa only works when the speaker is connected to Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting
- Alexa not responding: Verify that the speaker is connected to Wi-Fi (check in the UE app). Also confirm that your Amazon account is linked in the Alexa app. If the connection dropped, re-run the Wi-Fi setup in the UE app.
- Bluetooth drops or stutters: Check for firmware updates in the UE app. Outdated firmware is a common cause of connection issues. Also try keeping your phone within 30 feet of the speaker without major obstacles between them.
- PartyUp not connecting all speakers: All speakers need the same firmware version. Update each one through the UE app before trying PartyUp. Also make sure each speaker has been individually turned on and is within Bluetooth range.
- Charging slowly or not at all: The micro-USB port can accumulate lint and debris over time. Clean it gently with a toothpick. If using the charging dock, make sure the contacts are clean and the speaker is seated properly.
- Factory reset: Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for about 10 seconds. The speaker will power off and reset to factory settings.
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