A Rave review

Scott Birdby Scott Bird | February 16, 2006
Filed in Reviews | 9 comments

RAVE19 256Mb MP3 Player HeadbandThe RAVE19 256Mb MP3 Player Headband that is.

For the past few months my workouts have been silent affairs, save for the clanging of iron and the savage exhalation of breath. The original plan had been to purchase a large capacity device (probably an ipod of some sort) and a pair of speakers. However, the neighbours all seem like quiet types, and I’m not quite sure my musical tastes would agree with them.

Headphones it was then.

The Rave Headband seems like the perfect setup for weight training (at least if you’re the only one who wants to hear the music). In one tidy setup there are a pair of over-ear phones, joined via a durable band which contains the mp3 player and a simple set of control buttons. The battery lasts for about 8 hours (easily long enough for a few workouts), and is recharged whenever the headband is connected to the computer (via USB).

The headband acts as any other USB storage device, and simply appears as a drive on your machine. I opted for the mid-range 256mb model; as this should give me enough room for a good selection of tracks for even the longest workout.

In terms of exercises, I was most worried about the possible impact (quite literally) of the bar when setting up for a squat. Fortunately this didn’t present any problems at all (I tried several sets, both free and bottom-up varieties); and I honestly can’t see a problem with any other exercise. The band is comfortable, sounds good and stays in place.

To get an idea of the sort of tunes I’m pumping into my head during workouts, take a look at this selection.


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Comments

1

AC/DC eh? I hated them when they first came out but came to love them while I was living in Saudi Arabia and could buy their bootleg tapes for a buck (late-eighties). I listen to music during cardio but not lifting. I do find the tunes coming in over the speaker system have a big impact though.

Posted by: Bud Gibson | February 16, 2006 1:22 PM

2

Bud, what sort of music do they play in your gym?

Posted by: Scott | February 16, 2006 2:09 PM

3

We have piped in radio, so it can vary. There’s a motown like station that is not so bad and some rock stations that are also good. Nothing quite as hard rocking as AC/DC though.

Posted by: Bud Gibson | February 16, 2006 3:49 PM

4

I’m not a fan of listening to music while I workout (whether it be cardio or lifting). Perhaps some of that soothing music they always play when doing yoga to help you relax; I guess that wouldn’t be bad. Otherwise, though, music can control your workout in ways that I would rather have control over myself.

I just got an mp3 player as well; it was very cheap and I got it for free from my health insurance company. I just listen to podcasts; listening to people talk doesn’t effect me quite as much. I haven’t used it while working out yet, though. Just when I am walking around town.

Posted by: Blaine Moore (Run to Win) | February 17, 2006 6:21 PM

5

Blaine, I’m amazed that I survived in relative silence for so long. I suppose it’s partly whatever you’re used to, but I find that aggressive, heavy music is a great background for weight training. If I listen to someone speaking (and I also listen to a lot of podcasts, just not whilst training) I find that I tend to stop whatever I’m doing and focus on them.

Out of interest, what sort of podcasts do you generally listen to?

Posted by: Scott | February 17, 2006 7:58 PM

6

Here are some suggestions for good pumping music:
Rammstein, System Of A Down, Disturbed, Metallica, Slipknot (for HEAVY lifting), Testament…

Posted by: Måns | February 19, 2006 12:38 PM

7

All good bands. Anything new from your part of the world?

Posted by: Scott | February 19, 2006 1:14 PM

8

hi this is michael from uk. i have a 9Rave19), and there is a problem with cos the soft wear is made for win98 and i have a winxp.
i was wondring if any of u guys know how to get a soft wear 4 win xp. michaelanderson224@yahoo.com

Posted by: michael | May 19, 2006 11:31 PM

9

Hi Michael,

You won’t need any software for XP. The Rave is just seen as another drive - just drag/drop files to it.

Posted by: Scott | May 23, 2006 2:42 PM

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