Altec Lansing MIX (iMT 800)

Back in the day (was it really 30 years ago?) some newfangled thing called hip-hop found its way from the Bronx to Brixton to Berwick-upon-Tweed and brought with it the mighty ghetto blaster. These giant radio/cassette players ran on bulky LR20 batteries, were heavy on the bass, and were designed to be carried around on your shoulder. The designers at Altec Lansing were obviously big fans, as the MIX iPod dock is like a remixed 2010 version of the original boom boxes, complete with jumbo batteries.

Design & handling: big and heavy!

The MIX is one burly boom box. This enormous ghetto blaster is big and heavy, but then big speakers take up more room—it's as simple as that! The MIX has a black and golden finish that's eye catching without being over the top.

In the name of modernity, this ghetto blaster's cassette player has been replaced with an iPod dock. Altec Lansing ensures complete compatibility and has even protected the speakers from potential interference from the iPhone. In spite of its size, clearly modelled on the radio/cassette players of yesteryear, the MIX is actually well designed for portability. A metal handle helps keep it stable and the remote comes complete with a carabiner clip for easy attachment to your belt hook. But why did Altec Lansing forget to include an internal battery (see insert)?

It's difficult to criticise the MIX once you start using it, as it's actually been cleverly designed. The controls are intuitive and easy to access, and it has plenty of functions, including a customisable mini equaliser and an FM radio (although we certainly could have done without the rubbish old telescopic aerial).

For those of you who don't have an iPhone or iPod, a mini-jack connection is included as a back-up on the top of the MIX. It's a good idea too, as those who choose to use brands other than Apple are often completely overlooked by manufacturers who can't see further than the iPhone.

Audio quality: big and heavy!

The MIX is clearly not in the same league as as other iPod docks, as it has two 1" tweeters, two 3" boomers, a 5.25" woofer and a passive radiator! Very, very few docks can boast quite such a heavyweight audio setup.

It's no surprise that all this makes for a powerful, beefy sound! In fact, true to form, this boombox is so booming that unless you're enjoying the heavy bouncing beats of West Coast hip-hop or G-Funk, you'll probably need to calm things down a little using the equaliser.

Aside from this intense energy, you'll need to beware of the tweeters, as they have a rather annoying tendency to be a bit too directive. On the whole, the MIX offers a big, heavy, powerful sound output, and so light, delicate, intricate music won't be this system's strong point. Just don't say you haven't been warned!

The design, handling and audio features of the Altec Lansing MIX really do make it a ghetto blaster for the 21st century. It's got all da bling-bling you could ask for but without being too ghetto fabulous. It's big and heavy, just like its sound output, which definitely packs a punch. It's not really a high-fidelity iPod dock, but the MIX is still a great product that'll liven up a barbecue or the set the scene for a bit of street-corner breakdancing. Just remember to load up on batteries ...