The MHC-V21 party box is the smallest model of Sony’s MHC series. It comes with a lot of features, including NCF and Bluetooth, along with USB connectivity, a built-in CD/DVD player, and an FM radio. It even has LED lighting to set the party mood. IF that weren’t enough to get the party started, it also has a Karaoke feature.
While the party box delivers good sound, replete with Sony’s well-known Mega Bass, you can make it even louder buy adding a wireless party chain speakers. Sony delivers with a versatile entertainment system for home use or small events. For the price, this is a party in the box that’s ready to plug and play at your next gathering. Read on for our complete Sony MHC-V21 review.
Party Box Features
The MHC-V21 comes with a ton of neat features. There’s a great deal of versatility in one compact unit.
Speakers
The angled speakers in this system mean better sound distribution of the high-powered audio throughout your room. If you need even more volume, you can boost the sound with a wireless party chain of added speakers. The system also comes with Sony’s Mega Bass feature if you want those deep bass sounds.
Remote Control and Fiestable App
This sound system comes with a handy remote that lets you run just about anything except ejecting the CD drawer. Use in conjunction with the companion app, Fiestable, and you can run your show from anywhere in the room, including the dance floor.
You can download the Fiestable App for both iOS and Android. It features three menu items, which are Karaoke, DJ control, and Motion Control. With DJ control, you can select from five modes that separate things like voice from instruments. It also features Custom EQ. This feature allows you to boost or reduce the sound using 15 low to high-frequency adjustments.
Sound Effects and DJ Effects
The system also comes with sound effects that you can select, and they include things like scratch, drums, and phaser, with a total of eight effects. You can even set up motion control on the sound effect and other DJ effects so that all you need to do is shake or move your phone rather than scrolling and selecting options.
Karaoke
The MHC-V21 has built-in Karaoke capability that lets guests sing along to the music. In addition to the included microphone, you hook a TV monitor to your system using an HDMI output and load a Karaoke DVD into the V21’s DVD player. Or, use it to play any video you’d like.
LED Lights
The LED lights provide a simple but fun club-like light show to go along with the beat. It’s a simple feature, but an easy addition to your party atmosphere. You can conveniently control the LED settings using the remote control or through the Fiestable app.
Design
This home audio center is exceptionally user-friendly and versatile for the amateur user. Because it has a built-in CD player, USB port, FM radio, microphone port, and guitar port, you can use it in many ways for personal use or entertainment purposes. For example, you can plug in your guitar and play along with other music from the CD player or other connected sources.
You can, of course, have the mic connected and use it along with everything else for a full performance. Other customers have reported that they have plugged a keyboard into the guitar port with no issues.
What’s more, the Bluetooth lets you connect another music playing device in addition to the two auxiliary inputs available for connecting a stereo output device. With the Bluetooth option, you can also use the Sony Music Center app with your tablet or smartphone. That way, you can play music from any source loaded to your device such as Pandora, Spotify, or your personal music library.
Finally, the Bluetooth feature also gives you control of the entire home audio system, including selecting the source of your music along with controlling Mega Base, volume, light mode, and other features.
Sound Performance
The MHC-V21 has good quality sound, though remember that it’s designed for personal use. The sound quality is basic, and the Mega-Bass will get the walls rocking, though it won’t reach the top volumes that bigger, more expensive units will.
The sound stays solid at mid-volume, though some users have complained that the Mega-Bass isn’t sufficient for their needs. Overall, the system delivers when it comes to using it in a small setting.
If your guests include professional musicians, they may notice some shortfalls when it comes to the sound, but the general party-goer will be impressed with the music, karaoke, mic, and light show.
If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that is loud and ready for outdoors, read our post on the loudest Bluetooth speakers for outdoors, or check out the best Bluetooth speakers for tailgating, to get your party started,
Ruggedness
The speaker is somewhat heavy, though that’s to be expected with a unit this size. Still, it’s easy to move around thanks to the built-in handles, which makes it easily portable. The speaker is solid enough to handle the moving about, though, as with any electronic device, you should be careful with the CD tray and jacks.
Advantages
The best advantage of this portable party system is the many features that it comes with. You have the option to add so many types of external devices that you can tailor your sound just about any way you like.
Further, the Fiestable app and remote control keep all these features accessible and literally in the palm of your hand. You can enjoy your party right alongside your guests without having to hover around the party box.
Disadvantages
While the wireless controls are an advantage, there is one limitation. When you use the remote, you need to be able to see the party box’s display screen to select commands. While you don’t have to be right next to it, you do need to be able to see it.
What’s In the Box
Your MHC-V21 system will come with a remote control, AAA batteries, a power cord, operating instructions, and an FM antenna. The unit itself is about 24″ x 10 x 12 and weighs 19 lbs. Sony also includes a 90-day warranty with this unit.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a fantastic system for the price. It does more than play music. The MHC-V21 allows you to plug and play a guitar, microphone, external music players, video for karaoke, and even add speakers for more volume. The free companion app is easy to use and lets you control all the functions from your smart device. To top it all off, the LED light show feature enables you to put the finishing touch on your at-home club-party.