Studio Monitors

Near-field stars

Ever since technology advanced to a level where the music can be recorded and mixed in the comfort of homes, studio monitor speakers have become all the more popular. This guide of new studio monitors launched in 2018 helps those sourcing studio monitors explore the options

Adam Audio T Series

T Series is an affordable, professional 2-way powered studio monitors which offers high performance and is comprised of two models: the T5V features a 5" woofer and the T7V uses a 7" woofer. Both models use the same U-ART high-frequency driver; feature a beveled cabinet design, rear-firing bass reflex port, built-in DSP-controlled driver crossovers and equalization, and multi-way analog connections; and are compatible with the ADAM Sub7 and Sub8 subwoofers.

Main Features Include:

• U-ART 1.9" Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter
• The air velocity ratio of 4:1 during the sound generation by folded U-ART membrane
• HPS waveguide from the S Series
• Lightweight polypropylene construction of the woofer
• Vertical 2-way system with 7" woofer
• Spacious rear-firing bass reflex port
• Linear frequency response of 39 Hz to 25 kHz
• Maximum peak sound pressure per pair in 1 m ≥ 110 dB
• Simple room acoustic adjustments via high- and low-shelf filters
• Acoustically optimized cabinet geometry
• Compact cabinet dimensions

Technical Specifications:

• Frequency Response: 39 Hz - 25 kHz
• THD > 80 Hz: 0.5 %
• Max. SPL per pair at 1 m: ≥110 dB
• Crossover Frequency: 2.6 kHz
• Max. Power Consumption: 132 W
• Weight: 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg)
• Height x Width x Depth: 13.7" x 8.3" x 11.5" ( 347 mm x 210 mm x 293 mm)

Focal Twin Series

This Shape Twin is the standard bearer of the Shape series, which brings top-quality Focal reference monitoring to studio, editing suite, songwriting workstation, or any other application where space may be limited but need for accurate monitoring isn't. Cutting-edge dual flax-sandwich cones, M-shaped inverted-dome driver, innovative acoustics, and ideal electronics all add up to a speaker that's extremely linear and free from distortion, offering clear midrange intelligibility and imaging.

Main Features Include:

• Innovative 2.5-way nearfield reference monitor with onboard amplification
• Perfect for small studios, editing suites, music composition workstations, and mixing studios
• Integrated TMD surrounds and dual passive radiators increase low-frequency response and harmonic stability
• Radiators provide flexible low-frequency tuning and depth that hold up even when positioned near walls
• Dual 5" glass-/flax-/glass-fiber speaker cones deliver extreme mid- and low-frequency definition with minimal distortion
• Innovative M-shaped aluminum-magnesium inverted dome tweeter offers amazing neutrality below 6kHz
• Redefined speaker housing offers even horizontal and vertical dispersion with decreased directionality for broad sweet spot
• Extremely stable Neutral Inductance Circuit (N.I.C.) offers an optimized crossover and reduced harmonic distortion/intermodulation between speakers
• Precision amplification includes high- and low-frequency shelving and a 160Hz crossover slope
• Includes dedicated high pass filter to accommodate specific subwoofer arrangements

Technical Specifications:

• Power Configuration: Tri-amped, 2.5-way
• LF Driver Size: 5"woofer
• MF Driver Size: 5" woofer
• HF Driver Size: 1" tweeter
• LF Driver Power Amp: 80W
• MF Driver Power Amp: 80W
• HF Driver Power Amp: 50W
• Total Power: 210W Class AB
• Frequency Response: 40Hz-35kHz
• Maximum Peak SPL: 110.5 dB SPL @ 1m
• Input Types: 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA
• Enclosure Material: 15mm Medium-Density Fiberboard with Natural Walnut Vaneer
• Height: 18.8"
• Width: 8.3"
• Depth: 11"
• Weight: 24 lbs.

Genelec S360

The S360's fusion of main monitor performance and compact size makes it ideal for demanding film, post and music production, and in combination with a subwoofer. As part of the growing SAM family of Genelec monitors and subwoofers, the S360 tightly integrates with GLM software, via which it can be configured, calibrated and controlled. Using GLM, any Genelec SAM product can be incorporated into a system configurable from simple stereo to large, immersive formats of 40 channels and more.

GLM also doubles as a comprehensive Mac or PC-based monitor controller, allowing users to calibrate their listening level to expected loudness standards, switch between formats, monitoring systems and primary listening positions – and much more.

Main Features Include:

• Active Crossovers
• Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) Technology
• Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) Technology
• Iso-Pod Stand
• Laminar Integrated Port (LIP) Technology
• Optimized Amplifiers
• Protection Circuitry
• Room Response Compensation
• Smart Active Monitor (SAM) Systems
• Versatile Mountings

Technical Specifications:

• SPL: 118 dB
• Frequency response: 36 Hz - 22 kHz (-6 dB)
• Accuracy of frequency response: ± 2.0 dB (39 Hz - 19 kHz)
• Driver dimension: Woofer 10 inch + Compression Tweeter 1 inch + DCW
• Amplifier power: Woofer 250 W + Tweeter 100 W (All Class D)
• Dimensions: H 530 x W 360 x D 360 mm, 20 7/8 x 14 3/16 x 14 3/16 in, with integrated Iso-Plate
• Weight: 30 kg / 66 lb
• Connections: 1 x XLR analog input, 1 x input / 1 x output XLR digital AES/EBU, 2 x RJ45 control network

JBL 3 Series MkII

This range of JBL 3 series MkII studio monitors comprises of three models - 5-inch 305P MkII, 6-inch 306P MkII and 8-inch 308P MkII. These studio monitors claim to offer better sound than the previous generation with next-generation JBL transducers and the new added Boundary EQ will help the studio monitors to deliver better bass performance. They also feature JBL’s Image Control Waveguide that promises to deliver high-frequency detail, imaging and natural balance.

Main Features Include:

• Patented Image Control Waveguide for detailed imaging and a broad, room-friendly sweet spot
• Next-generation JBL transducers for optimized transient response and improved linearity
• Patented Slip Stream low-frequency port for superior bass performance at all playback levels
• Dual integrated, custom Class-D amplifiers provide 112 watts of power for high output and dynamic range
• New Boundary EQ settings compensate for low frequency variants introduced by the environment
• HF Trim switch adjusts high-frequency output to room acoustics or personal preferences
• Flexible connectivity with balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs, +4dBu / -10dBV input-sensitivity switch and adjustable volume control
• Engineered to JBL Linear Spatial Reference design criteria for outstanding accuracy in any working space
• Strenuous JBL 100-hour full-power test ensures years of reliability
• Sleek, modern design provides a visual upgrade to any studio

Technical Specifications:

• LF Driver Size: 203mm (8")
• HF Driver Size: 25mm (1")
• HF Driver Type: Soft dome
• Crossover: 1800hz 4th order acoustic linkwitz-riley
• Input sensitivity (-10dbv input): 92db / 1m
• Frequency response (±3db): 45hz – 20khz
• Frequency range (-10db): 37hz – 24khz
• Low frequency extension (-10db): 37hz
• Maximum continuous SPL: 102db
• Maximum peak SPL: 112db
• Maximum peak input level (-10dbv / +4dbu): +6dbv / +20.3dbu

Unity Audio Boulder MK-III

Boulder MK-III is a 3-way active monitor supersedes the MK-II model and continues to build on this revered monitor, further redefining expected levels of sonic performance and accuracy.

Main Features Include:

• The Crystal Membrane woofer construction uses Aluminum-Sandwich AS Technology.
• The crystal-shaped inverse aluminium dome is joined to the paper cone in a special gluing process to result in the desired sandwich construction.
• Resembling the surface of a large crystal, the aluminium-foil stamping stiffens the aluminium dome, diminishing resonances and minimizing coloration, while improving power handling and dynamics.
• The voice coil design of the bass drivers results in an expanded range of the respective drivers by nearly an octave.
• The wide, double-asymmetrical rubber surround of the 220m woofer can handle up to ±20 mm excursions for truly prodigious volume and lowest distortion, a unique engineering achievement for a driver of its size.
• 2 x New 8.5" / 220mm Crystal Membrane Woofers.
• 2 x New 300-watt Class D amplifiers inch dedicated PSU for woofers

Technical Specifications:

• 2 x 220mm (8.5") Crystal Membrane Woofer
• 1 x Dual Concentric 130mm (5") X-Jet Mid Range and 50kHz Folded Ribbon Tweeter
• Sealed Baltic Birch 18mm (.75") Plywood Cabinet
• Corian 30mm (1.2") Front Baffle Design
• 2 x Class D 300-watt amplifiers including their own dedicated power supply for the 2 x 220mm woofer.
• 2 x Discrete A/B Amplifiers by EsotericAudio Research for the Coaxial X-Jet mid/tweeter
• Balanced XLR Input
• Frequency response - 30Hz-38kHz +/-3dB
• Cabinet Dimensions - 390mm D x 268mm W x 614mm H
• 15.4" D x 10.5" W x 24.2" H
• Weight - 28.8 Kg