Makita DMR104 Job Site Radio Review

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Summary:
Tough and powerful, but has a very bassy sound.

Buy it online:
See on Amazon.co.uk

If you’re looking for an FM/DAB radio to use on your work site, the Makita DMR104 could be a good choice. It’s similar to the earlier Makita BMR102 jobsite radio, but with the addition of DAB radio.

This radio is very sturdy and robust, and is designed to withstand being used outside on construction sites and other worksites. Find out what it can do and how it performs in this review…

Features

FM and DAB radio
Splashproof (water resistant to IPX4)
Anti-shock speaker system
Aux-in
2 stereo speakers
LCD display
Soft-grip handle that turns 90 degrees
Uses an AC adapter or Makita rechargeable 7.2V to 18V cluster batteries or Makita 18V slide-on batteries.

Weight: 4 kg
Dimensions: 33 cm high x 17.6 cm wide x 29.4 cm deep

Performance and use

The Makita DMR104 is a tough jobsite radio made by Japanese power tool company Makita with builders and contractors in mind. It’s expensive, but is more durable and better suited to using on worksites than regular radios. The radio is water-resistant to IPX4 level, which means it’s splashproof and can withstand rain for a few minutes.

This radio has both FM and DAB, so you get a large choice of stations including popular stations like Radio 1 and Radio 2, as well as digital-only stations like Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. The radio generally has good reception on both FM and DAB.

One disappointing thing about this radio is that it has an excessive amount of bass, which can’t be reduced. You’d expect a radio at this price point to allow you to adjust the bass and treble levels, and this is something Makita should consider adding to future versions of this radio.

The speaker is powerful, as you’d expect from a jobsite radio. However, it can sound distorted when you turn them up loud.

You can plug the Makita DMR104 into the mains or use it with a Makita Li-ion Battery. You have to buy the battery separately, but you will save money in the long run as the Makita battery will last much longer. Unfortunately the radio doesn’t charge the battery when it’s plugged in—you have to charge the battery separately.

This radio doesn’t have Bluetooth or a docking station, but there is an aux-in socket which you can use to attach your phone or an MP3 player to play your own music.

Pros

Water resistant—it can withstand up to 5 minutes of rain
Stereo speakers
Very sturdy and rugged
Generally good DAB reception
Storage space for cable and aerial in the back

Cons

Batteries don’t charge when it’s plugged in
Doesn’t come with a battery, and you can’t use a Makita drill battery
You can’t adjust the EQ, and it can sound too bassy when it’s turned up loud
Doesn’t have Bluetooth
Only saves 4 preset stations

Verdict

The Makita DMR104 is more expensive than regular DAB radios, but if you’re going to use it every day at work it’s worth it. The DMR104 is durable, powerful and water resistant, and should last for years. It also gives you a good choice of radio stations by offering both FM and DAB.

This radio’s main flaws are that it doesn’t have Bluetooth, and it’s too bassy when turned up loud. The bass levels might irritate clients and neighbours, which is something to consider.

Alternative jobsite radios

If you’re looking for something cheaper, you should consider the Hitachi UR18DSL/J4 Site Radio. It’s a bit lighter at 3.3 kg, but unlike the Makita it doesn’t have DAB digital radio.

A more expensive but probably higher quality jobsite radio is the DEWALT DWST1-75663-GB. It picks up both FM and DAB radio, and comes with 6 powerful speakers, which are great for noisy worksites. It also has Bluetooth so you can stream music from your phone.

For some more options, see our roundup of the best DAB site radios in the UK.