Midland's New SPKMINI External Two-Way Radio Speaker

Midland has introduced a new mini external speaker called the SPKMINI. It connects to your 4×4’s GMRS, CB, or amateur radio and provides boosted audio volume, ensuring you can clearly hear radio traffic while wheeling—even in an open-air 4×4.

Most Two-Way Radio Speakers Are Adequate, But…

Most two-way radios have an adequate speaker, but it often can’t overcome the ambient noise of wheeling. Additionally, cranking up the volume can result in poor audio quality. The noise in open-topped four-wheel-drive rigs, 4x4s with a growly performance exhaust system, or even just 4WDs with the windows down can overwhelm the radio’s ability to provide clean audio.

Another scenario where two-way radio audio level and quality is compromised is when the radio is mounted far from the driver, inside an enclosure, or crammed between a seat and the center console (we may or may not have done that).

About The Midland SPKMINI

The Midland SPKMINI is a small solution to a big problem. It measures only 4.5 x 4.0 x 2.0 inches, so it fits almost anywhere. It’s easy to install and comes with an adjustable mounting bracket and self-tapping screws. Also included is a 6.5-foot heavy-duty audio cable with a 3.5mm plug.

Designed exclusively for two-way radio use, the SPKMINI has 10 watts of power, which translates to high-quality audio performance. In fact, Midland says it’s one of the loudest external speakers for two-way radios on the market. Part of the reason it can produce loud, clear sound is its 2.0 x 3.2-inch speaker.

And as if it were made specifically for off-roading, the SPKMINI has an IP67 rating, which means it’s waterproof and dustproof.

Easy Installation

Installation is straightforward and begins with attaching the speaker’s bracket to the mounting surface. Next, connect the speaker’s input cable to the radio, then mount the speaker to the bracket using the mounting knobs. The speaker’s angle is adjustable.

When the speaker is connected to a radio, it will generally disable the internal radio speaker. However, if you’re using a GMRS radio like the Midland MXT275 or MXT575, which have multiple speaker output options, you’ll need to enable the base speaker to send audio to the SPKMINI.

Designed For Limited Space

Jeremy Pensick, CEO at Midland, noted some of the company’s thought process when designing the SPKMINI. “At Midland, we’re always looking for ways to meet the needs of our customers—especially those in off-road, overland, and agricultural industries. The new SPKMINI was built for users with limited space who still demand top-tier communication. It’s a powerful new addition to our MicroMobile family and a great addition to our external speaker line.”

As Pensick noted, the SPKMINI is an addition to the company’s existing external speaker line, which includes the larger SPK100 and SPK200. All are IP67-rated, and the top-of-the-line SPK200 features 20 watts of power and a voice-learning AI chip that cancels out unwanted background noise.

The Bottom Line

Even if your rig has plenty of interior space, the SPKMINI is a welcome addition due to the minimal real estate it requires. And its boosted sound means you won’t have to ask your wheeling buddy to repeat their last transmission for the umpteenth time.

For more information on the SPKMINI, visit the Midland website.