Studio Monitors
Studio Monitors are loudspeakers that are designed for professional audio applications like recording studios, and home studios. With varying features and performance levels, to decide which studio monitor is best to choose from becomes tricky.
Following is the list of Studio Monitors launched in 2019 to make the choice easy.
JBL 104 Compact Reference Monitors
The JBL One Series 104 reference monitors give content creators the ability to hear all the details for better results while mixing and editing. These monitors are ideal for recording musicians, podcasters, and music and video producers. JBL 104s combine powerful 4.5-inch (118 mm) low-frequency drivers with coaxial .75- inch (19 mm) soft-dome tweeters, potent 60-watt amplification, and innovative acoustic design to provide exceptional imaging, neutral frequency response, and crisp detail. With their sleek, elegant design and compact form factor, they make a stunning statement in any home or pro studio.
Main Features include:
- Coaxial 4.5-inch (118 mm) LF driver and .75-inch (19 mm) soft-dome HF driver
- Contoured low-frequency port
- Integrated 60-watt Class D power amplifier; 30 watts distributed to each speaker
- Acoustically optimized for desktop placement
- Three sets of inputs allow connection with professional equipment, personal music players and consumer products
- Front-panel volume control
- Front-panel headphone jack with speaker mute feature
Technical Specification:
- Lf Transducer: 5 in (118 Mm)
- Hf Transducer: 0.75 In (19 Mm), Soft Dome
- Crossover: 1725 Hz, 1st Order
- Power Amp: 60 W (30 W Each Speaker), Class D
- Sensitivity: 88 Db Spl @ 1 M With -10 Dbv Aux in (Volume = Max)
- System Maximum Spl: 92 Db (Continuous Power Measured)
- System Peak Spl: 102 Db (Pink Noise, 12 Db Crest Factor)
- Maximum Spl, Momentary Peak: 104 Db
- Maximum Peak Input Level (-10 Dbv / +4 Dbu): +6 Dbv / +20.3 Dbu
- Frequency Range (-10 Db Spl): 60 Hz – 20 Khz
- Signal To Noise Ratio: 75 Dba (A-Weighted), 70 Dbr (Unweighted), Relative to 2.83 Vrms Output On Hf
- Coverage (Horizontal X Vertical): 120º X 60º
- Ac Input Voltage: 100 – 240 Vac (± 10%), 50 / 60 Hz
- Current Draw: 85 Watts
- Dimension (H X W X D): 9.72 in (247 mm) X 6.02 in (153 mm) X 4.88 in (124 mm)
- Net Weight: Master Monitor: 4.54 lb (2.06 Kg); Slave Monitor: 3.81 lb (1.73 Kg)
- Enclosure Type: Ported
- Audio Output Connectors: 1 X 3.5 Mm (1/8”) Stereo Headphone with Auto Speaker Mute
- Audio Input Connectors: 2 X 1/4-Inch (6.5 Mm) Balanced (+4 Dbu); 2 X Rca (-10 Dbv); 1 X 1/8-Inch (3.5 Mm) Unbalanced (-10 Dbv)
Sonodyne PM Series
The PM Series are professional active loudspeakers for the producing musician. In home or project studios, for tracking and for mixing, the PM 50 and 100 are ideal.
The enclosure is heavily braced double MDF panels. The integrated isolation base minimizes residual vibrations. The custom PP cone woofers and the silk dome tweeters are tested to the limit so that they retain fidelity at high SPLs. The Class AB bi-amplifier is reliable and efficient providing 45 W + 45 W for the PM 50 and 80 W + 50 W for the PM 100. On board features include EQ tilts for highs and lows, and level control. Whether ideating, recording, or editing, the PM is an excellent production speaker.
Main Features include:
The PM 50 features
- 25” PP cone woofer and 1” silk dome tweeter.
- Internally powered at 100W (LF: 50W, HF: 50W) it delivers 104dB.
- The highs are open and transparent, mids are detailed, and the bass is tight.
- Inserts in the base allow for mounting.
The PM 50 is thus ideal not only for near-field monitoring for music but also for multichannel applications.
PM 100:
The PM 100 features
- 5” injected PP cone woofer and 1” silk dome tweeter.
- Internally powered at 130W (LF: 80W, HF: 50W) it delivers 107dB.
- The mids and highs are clear and detailed; the bottom end extends to 50Hz providing a tight and warm LF response.
- Inserts on the base allow for mounting.
The PM 100 is thus ideal not only for near-field monitoring for music but also for multichannel applications.
Technical Specification: (PM 50 / PM 100)
- Description: Biamplified Studio Monitor
- Enclosure: Heavily braced MDF, vented
- Transducer Complements: HF Neodymium magnet 1” silk dome tweeter
- Transducer Complements: LF 1 x 5.25” injected PP cone wooder/1 x 5” injected PP cone wooder
- Amplifier Type: Class AB
- Amplifier Power before Clipping: LF: 45 W, HF: 45 W/LF: 80 W, HF: 50 W
- Amplifier THD at Rated Power: < 0.04%
- Max SPL @ 1M: 104 dB/107 dB
- Overall Frequency Response: (+/-2 dB) 75 Hz ~ 20 kHz/65 Hz ~ 20 kHz
- Usable Frequency Range: (-10 dB) 65 Hz ~ 22 kHz/55 Hz ~ 22 kHz
- Crossover Frequency: 2.5 kHz
- Input Level for 90 dB SPL @ 1M: 0 dBu
- Controls – Rear: Power, Volume, EQs
- Protection: Overcurrent, Overheat, RFI,
- Indicator: Power On / Off
- High Shelving EQ: -2 dB @ 15 kHz
- Low Shelving EQ: -2, -4, -6 dB @ 80 Hz
- Signal to Noise Ratio (At Unity Gain): > 90 dB (at full output)
- Colors: Black
- Dimensions (HxWxD) mm: 306 x 194 x 235/332 x 220 x 262
- Power Consumption PM : 100 VA Max/200 VA Max
- Power Requirement PM: Two versions: 230 V AC and 120 V AC, +/- 10%
Focal Trio 11Be
The Trio 11Be is a double monitor designed for nearfield and midfield applications as well as new speaker drivers with high efficiency and power handling. It delivers a high SPL (118dB at 1m) and offers a great versatility of use. With an extended bandwidth (30 Hz-40 kHz), this loudspeaker is also composed of a 3-way monitor and a 2-way monitor.
Main Features include:
- High SPL: 118 dB @ 393/8’’ (1m).
- FOCUS Mode: two monitors in one with remote switchover.
- Pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeter: very low directivity, linearity, and dynamics.
- ‘W’ composite sandwich cone on woofer and subwoofer: neutral sound, no distortion.
- Bass, mid-bass and treble settings on rear panel: optimum acoustical integration.
- Optimized decoupling of the midrange speaker driver thanks to silent blocks.
- Ultra-low distortion and noise.
- Rotating mid-treble plate: can be positioned horizontally or vertically
Technical Specification:
- Frequency response:
3-way mode 30Hz - 40kHz (+/- 3dB)
2-way mode (Focus) 90Hz - 20kHz (+/- 3dB)
- Maximum SPL
3-way mode 118dB (peak @ 1m)
2-way mode (Focus) 105dB (peak @ 1m)
- Inputs Type/Impedance Electronically balanced / 10KOhms
Connectors: XLR
Sensitivity: Adaptable, +4 dBu or -10 dBv
- Bass: 300W, class G
- Midrange: 150W, class G
- Treble: 100W, class AB
- Power supply Local supply 230V (1.6A T fuse) - 115V (3.5A T fuse)
Wiring: Connection Detachable IEC inlet power cord
- Indicators and controls: Rear panel Input sensitivity selector (+4dBu/-10dBV)
- Low frequency shelving (+/- 3dB from 35 to 250Hz)
High frequency shelving (+/- 3dB from 4.5 to 40kHz)
- Low-mid EQ frequencies (+/- 3dB to 160Hz, Q factor = 1)
FOCUS input / FOCUS output
- LED: Focus power on, clipping and default LED: on front panel
- Subwoofer: 10W96701D
Focal 913/16” (25cm) speaker driver with ‘W’ composite sandwich cone
- Construction: 13/16 and 1³′¹⁶” (21mm and 30mm) panels with internal Braces
- Finish Natural veneering side panels Dark red burr ash, black Body
- Dimensions with four rubber feet 25” x 139/16” x 173/4” (635 x 345 x 450mm) (HxDxW)
- Weight: 82.2lbs (37.3kg)
Fluid Audio FX80
The FX80 coaxial studio monitor offers a wide frequency response in a space-saving enclosure. Keeping true to the original “keyhole” design, the FX enclosure has been updated with a complex radius front baffle, to improve cabinet defraction. Mounted in the center of the woofer is a 30mm silk dome tweeter in a coaxial configuration. Using this technology makes it a “point source” device, allowing all the sound to emanate from a single point improving off-axis response.
Main Features include:
- Contoured baffle enclosure design to improve cabinet defraction
- 30mm silk dome tweeter in a coaxial configuration
- Boundary compensation DIP switches
- Class-D amplification and standalone powerful DSP integration
- Illuminated LED on the front panel
- Front-loaded slot port design
- Updated Tweeter Grille protection
Technical Specification:
- Frequency response: 35Hz-22kHz (+/- 3dB)
- Configuration: 2-way Coax
- System Type: Active Studio Monitor
- Woofer: 8” paper pulp composite cone
- Tweeter: 1.2” Soft Dome
- Crossover frequency: 2.4kHz
- Low-frequency amplifier power: 60 watts
- High-frequency amplifier power: 50 watts
- Signal-to-noise: 90dB (typical A-weighted)
- System Volume: -30dB to +6dB
- Polarity: Positive signal at + input produces outward LF one displacement
- Size (single monitor): 340*254*295 / 13.4*10*11.6
- Weight (each): 7.8 kg / 17.2 lbs
Genelec 4430
The 4430 is a two-way active installation loudspeaker, that accepts both Dante and AES67 IP audio streams, and derives power via both PoE and PoE+ Power-over-Ethernet formats. Through its Smart IP technology, integrators can streamline audio system installations using a single category cable. The 4430A is designed for indoor use..
Main Features include:
- Compatibility with both Dante and AES67 IP streams
- PoE+ technology
- Smart IP Manager software with device discovery
- Capacity for virtually unlimited rooms, zones, loudspeakers and audio channels
- Uncompressed, low latency audio with sub-microsecond synchronization
- Support of eight audio channels with sample rates of 32 – 96 kilohertz and 16 – 24 bit resolution
- 5-inch woofer and 3/4 inch metal dome tweeter
- Class D power amplifiers, one for each driver
Technical Specification:
- Lower cut-off frequency, -6dB: ≤ 45 Hz
- Upper cut-off frequency, -6dB: > 39 kHz
- Frequency response within ± 1.5 dB 58 Hz – 20 kHz
- Minimum delay from analogue input to acoustic Output : 2.3 ms
- Short term max SPL: ≥ 104 dB SPL
- Long term max SPL: ≥ 96 dB SPL
- Maximum peak acoustic output per unit at 1 m, using PoE+ power: > 107 dB SPL
- Dispersion angle (degrees), horizontal: 120°
- Dispersion angle (degrees), vertical: 100°
- Amplifier Power: 50W Bass (Class D) + 50W Treble (Class D)
- Bass driver: 130 mm (5 in) cone
- Treble driver: 19 mm (3/4 in) metal dome
- Weight: 5.1 kg
- Height: 285 mm (11 1/4 in)
- Width: 189 mm (7 7/16 in)
- Depth: 178 mm (7 in)
- Enclosure Material: Die cast aluminum
- Enclosure Type : Reflex port
Dynaudio Core Series
The Dynaudio Core Series professional reference monitors are the flagship monitor in the Dynaudio’s high-end professional reference series. Featuring state-of-the-art Class D amplification, cutting-edge DSP, the Core Series delivers flat and accurate response. Dynaudio’s latest Esotar Pro HF driver provides hours of pinpoint imaging detail without the listening fatigue. The series comprises of Core 59, Core 47, Core 7, and Core Sub.
Main Features include:
- Esotar Pro Tweeters
- Breathtaking accuracy
- Front-loaded bass reflex cabinet design
- All drivers handcrafted by Dynaudio in Denmark
- Core DSP optimizes imaging, balance, and bass extension
- Analog and digital inputs
- Sampling rate: 192kHz, resolution: 64-bit; dependent on the input signal
Technical Specification:
- Tweeter: 1in
- Midrange: 5in
- Woofer: 9in
- Inputs: Analogue and AES3 digital inputs
- Maximum 24-bit/192 kHz: Depending on input signal
- Maximum SPL: 112 dB @ 1 m anechoic, 118 dB half space
- Crossover Frequency: 385 Hz (LF/MF) / 5000 Hz (MF/HF)
- Frequency Response: 36 Hz – 31 kHz -6 dB
- Frequency Response: 42 Hz – 27 kHz +/- 3 dB
- Principle: Front-loaded bass reflex
- Amplifiers: Pascal Class-D. HF 150 W/MR 500 W/LF 500 W
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 280 x 380 x 550 mm (11 x 15 x 21 11/16in)
- Weight: 24.6 kg (54.2 lb)
Tannoy Gold Series
Tannoy Gold nearfield reference monitors have been created to serve the demanding needs of professionals in recording, broadcast, and post-production environments. Engineered to the highest standards and build quality, the Gold Series impresses whether a seasoned Tannoy user or just taking the first step up to a monitor system based on the legendary Dual Concentric driver.
The Gold Series comprises of three models: the Gold 5 that features a 5″ mid/bass driver, the Gold 7 with a 6.5″ and the Gold 8 with an 8″. Each loudspeaker’s incoming signal is divvied up by a powered crossover before it is sent to two Class A/B amplifiers – one for the tweeter, one for the mid/bass driver – for a total of 200 watts in the Gold 5, 300 watts in the Gold 7, and 300 watts in the Gold 8.
Main Features include:
- Precise and neutral soundstage
- Dual Concentric driver technology
- Front-firing bass port
- Titanium tweeter with Tulip waveguide
- Class-AB system
- Transducer-matched LF and HF bi-amplification
- Dedicated input trim, bass and treble controls
- Selectable automatic standby mode
Technical Specification:
- Maximum Output Power:300W
- Amplifier Type: Bi Amp via Class-AB
- Maximum SPL: 110 dB
- Transducers: Dual Concentric with titanium twitter & Tulip Waveguide, 1 x 8” (203 mm) LF driver
- Nominal Dispersion: 90° conical @ -6 dB point
- Frequency Response: 54 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB
- Limiter: Independent high and low frequency limiters
- Inputs: 1 x XLR, balanced 1 x ¼ “ TRS, balanced 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
- User controls: Power on/off, Input trim, HF trim, Bass adjustment, Auto-standby on/of