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Buyers Guide Monitors Headphone2013 DIGITAL
Buyers Guide Monitors Headphone2013 DIGITAL
HEADPHONES
2013
THE INTERNATIONAL
BUYERS GUIDE
A S P E C I AL P R OMOT I ONAL P UBL I C AT I ON
F R OM T HE NE WBAY ME DI A GR OUP
AUDIO MEDIA
PRODUCED BY
In association with:
I NT ERNAT I ONAL EDI T I ON
www.neumann.com www.sennheiser.co.uk +44 (0)1494 551551 @Sennheiser_UK
pure energy.
The new KH 310 three-way Studio Monitor.
A member of the Neumann Studio Monitor Line.
Studio Monitor KH 310
4 The Ten Monitoring Commandments . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Surround Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 MONITORS Dynaudio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 MONITORS EVE Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 MONITORS Focal Professional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 MONITORS Genelec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 MONITORS JBL Professional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 MONITORS KRK Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 MONITORS PMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 MONITORS PreSonus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 MONITORS PSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 MONITORS Sonodyne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 MONITORS Unity Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30 Headphones Buyers Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31 HEADPHONES Audio-Technica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32 HEADPHONES KRK Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33 HEADPHONES Sennheiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34 HEADPHONES Ultrasone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35 MONITORS & HEADPHONES Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c ont e nt s
Welcome to Monitors & Headphones 2013,
an overview of the professional monitor
and headphone market for the production
professional.
This is an updated and refreshed collection of promotional
articles looking at 15 of the worlds leading monitor and
headphone manufacturers and their product ranges. Inside
youll find the stories behind the drivers the ethos and design
ethics that go into producing these critical audio production
components, and details of the products themselves.
Monitoring provokes much debate, much passion, and
possibly more subjective wrangling than any other node in the
signal chain. Whether its the box, the magnetics, the materials,
the electronics, the room, or even the ears that make the
difference, the term reference is never used lightly amongst
those who rely on hi-fidelity, accurate and natural voicing, spot-
on transients, and a little something extra.
Hopefully this guide will provide a good foundation
for your monitor and headphone buying homework during
2013, and push back the boundaries of your considerations.
To complement the profiles, weve articles from renowned
Acousticians Andy Munro and John Storyk about the finer
points of surround speaker placement, and the Monitoring
Commandments, plus a special headphone primer feature with
expert advice.
This, and the other Buyers Guides in the series (Microphones,
Recorders, DAWs, Consoles, Live Sound Technology, and Live
Sound Application) are Audio Media projects, designed to
help you find your way through the information explosion
and find the product that suits your needs. Audio Media is an
internationally distributed magazine that deals with professional
audio production in film, TV, radio, music, games, and stage.
Its available in both print and digital editions. For more details,
go to www.audiomedia.com.
Paul Mac, Editor.
Sales Manager
Graham Kirk
g.kirk@audiomedia.com
Editor In Chief
Paul Mac
p.mac@audiomedia.com
Editorial Manager (Europe)
Lanna Marshall
l.marshall@audiomedia.com
Design & Production Manager
John-Paul Shirreffs
jp.shirreffs@audiomedia.com
AUDIO MEDIA www.audiomedia.com
(UK) Tel: +44 (0) 1354 669960 - Fax: +44 (0) 1354 669965
The contents of this publication are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or in part, whether
mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to
ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication but neither NewBay Media nor the Editor can be held responsible for its
contents or any omissions. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers or Edi-
tor. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or artwork.
2013 NewBay Media. All rights reserved.
XXXOCNFEJBDPN
1. Monitoring does not happen in a vacuum.
A speaker must complement the environment
that it will be placed in, both in size and in
position. If you need one commandment, this
would be it!
2. Monitors have personalities.
There is no getting away from that concept.
Every year, I am amazed that a new improved
crop of monitors is introduced to the pro audio
community. The fact is that many of them
really sound great! But like cars or fashion,
not every monitor is perfect for every listening
experience. We need to remind ourselves of
this. When I am asked to recommend the best
monitor my response is usually (after getting
a bit of programming information about the
use), to list a family of recommended monitors.
Choosing a monitor is like choosing a mate.
You need to listen to them carefully and make
sure that you can live with them. This is a very
personal decision.
3. Determine the real maximum required levels
and the real frequency range these levels need
to respond in.
For instance, monitoring for a TV broadcast
mixing suite (typically in the 200-300 square
feet range) will require a very different monitor
solution than an urban music tracking and
mixing environment (typically twice as large
and requiring levels in excess of 110dBC at the
listening position).
4. Neareld monitors are not automatically
accurate.
Beware of their often-limited frequency
response (particularly below 100Hz) as well as
the tendency to incorrectly position them on a
console bridge. This location will often result in
the most common of all problems rst order
comb lter generating early reections, thus
causing a time domain shift and ultimately
frequency response inaccuracies. To avoid comb
ltering do not position nearelds on top of the
furniture or console! If space is limited, angle
them upwards to reduce this effect. Poorly
positioned neareld monitors tend to lead
to mixes with excessive time effects (reverb/
delays) since the direct sound is heard with
more presence.
5. In setting up for surround, start with ITU.
This is particularly true with respect to
equidistant positioning of all monitors in both
horizontal and vertical axes.This can often be
difcult, but try to start with this geometry in
mind. If the distances are to be non-equal, it
is usually better to have the surround speakers
further away (compared to the front speakers).
Adding delay for closer speakers (moving
them further away) sounds less natural due
to room reections that cannot be controlled
electronically.
6. Understand SBIR (speaker boundary
interference).
Although we could go back to commandment
#1, this is worth a separate entry. Most
monitors in free eld will exhibit a tendency
for lower frequencies to radiate in an omni-
directional fashion. This tendency will cause
phase cancellation and reinforcement to
happen as speakers are located near stiff
boundaries (corners in control rooms, for
example). Locate speakers away from corners,
or if not possible, then use appropriate rear
speaker absorption to compensate for this
effect. Even better, soft mounting will
naturally eliminate this issue.
7. If possible have all monitors at ear level or
slightly above.
This is the safest way to eliminate rst order
reections from consoles and similar mix
position horizontal surfaces, and thus will help
eliminate harmful comb ltering effects.
8. DSP control is not a bad component in a
monitor system.
In fact, in most instances, I would encourage
it. People often claim that incorporating these
types of added electronic (tuning) devices is
inappropriate. However, there are virtually no
monitor systems today that do not include
some kind of electronics within the system.
In the past, tuning got a bad rap, not
necessarily because of bad electronic devices
(although some were awful!), but more
often because of poorly executed tuning
protocols. Tuning requires an entirely new set
of Commandments (new mountain top to
come down from), but good DSP control that is
sensitive to both frequency and time domain
issues can truly add a wonderful dimension to
the accuracy of a monitoring system in a well-
designed environment.
9. In nal calibration (tuning) do not use 1/3Oct
band EQs; try to use a parametric.
A DSP system will allow for asymmetrical
parametric creation (a very cool trick that
requires some practice). More advanced DSP
systems will also allow for time alignment,
which of course is particularly useful with a
bass management sub (becoming more and
more common in studios).
10. Do not chase reection anomalies.
These time domain issues are particularly
noticeable at higher frequencies. DSP control is
much more useful at lower frequencies and in
cut mode rather than boost. Before advanced
tuning or calibration, make sure that the basics
(consider them mini commandments)
are in place:
- Symmetrlcol posltlonlng of monltors ln
all axis.
- Levels need to be equol.
- Phose must be correct.
- Components ore not domoged.
Dont waste time on commissioning and tuning
until all these items are addressed.
We set John Storyk a challenge to suggest a set of ten monitoring commandments. Note that the
order isnt signicant, and of course, there will be exceptions.
Ten Commandments
+ + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I O
John Storyk is an Architect and Acoustician, and Co-Principal (founding partner) of the Walters-Storyk Design Group. He has provided design and
construction supervision services for the professional audio and video recording community since the 1969 completion of Jimi Hendrixs Electric
Ladyland Studios in New York City, and has since been responsible for over 2,500 production facilities.
WSDG is a worldwide, full-service acoustics and audio/video design rm, specialising in critical listening and viewing environments of various types, now
celebrating its 40th year in practice, and employing over 50 professionals in six ofces across four continents. www.wsdg.com
MONITORING COMMANDMENTS 4
dynaudioprofessional.com
From the handcrafted Dynaudio drivers to its
beautiful exterior, DBM50 is born to perfectly
reproduce your desktop mix and truly repre-
sents a revolutionary angle in desktop mixing.
Add the optional Volume Box for hands-on
Master Volume control.
Perfectly Angled
The Pinnacle of Desktop Monitoring
Setting up a surround monitoring system is
fraught with issues acoustic room treatment,
bass management, and speaker positions
are just a few. Its that last one that causes a
special bit of confusion particularly if your
work isnt wholly music or wholly lm sound.
Of the myriad of surround speaker positioning
protocols, it does seem that two are particularly
prevalent: ITUR BS.7751, and the cinematic
set-up, with early detail in the Dolby Surround
Mixing Manual. The main differences are the
positions and angles of the surrounds. ITU
has the surrounds on the imaginary circle
around the listening position, angled directly
at the sweet spot (all source equidistant from
listener), while the cinematic version has the
surrounds on the side walls, pointing inwards
and positioned above the listener (thus the
surrounds are more ambient than direct).
Of course, there are more variations, especially
when it comes to larger rooms and Dolby
certication, and so on.
So this doesnt get out of hand, its best to
ask an expert. Andy Munro, of Munro Acoustics,
has designed some of the most highly-rated
surround rooms for both lm and for music
around the world. We spoke to him about not
only the placement of speakers in a multi-
channel environment, but also the philosophy
of surround mixing in general. It seems that
you cant think about monitoring without
considering mixing... Which is probably as it
should be.
Audio Media: Is the world reaching a
consensus on surround system monitor
positions or is it fragmented? Which should
we choose and why?
Andy Munro: It depends on the room as much
as anything... If its a music control room and
its a music mix, then I would denitely go for
the ITU arrangement the classic 5.1 with the
surround speakers at 100-120 degrees from
the normal zero angle. But if its anything to
do with post production or lm and so on, then
I would as much as possible try and go for the
cinematic arrangement.
The idea of the cinematic one basically
is that the surround channels cover a much
bigger area. The thing about the ITU
arrangement is that there is a sweet spot a
mix position. Nobody else is going to get
anything like a surround mix; so if youve got
people sitting at the back of the room on a
sofa or something like that then theyre going
to hear the surround speakers rst, and then
everything is going to be out, timing wise.
With the cinematic set-up, no matter
where you sit you hear the front speakers
before you hear the rear ones, which as you can
imagine isnt that easy in a small room.
Its all to do with time delays really,
and I think surround sound is very much
misunderstood by a lot of music mixers
because of that, whereas lm people tend to
understand it very well and are very subtle
about their surround mixing. They tend to use
a lot of reverbs and a lot of diffusion to de-
localise the sound.
The best surround mixes, that Ive heard
in music anyway which tend to come out
of Nashville use a lot of reverb and a lot of
de-focusing on the rears. If theres one thing I
cannot stand its someone blowing a trumpet
behind my left ear. I nd it very disconcerting
indeed... to the point where I really dont like
listening to 5.1 in that way. I like listening to
classical music in 5.1 if they somehow manage
to capture the ambience of the hall and create
the right reverb balance. It can sound fantastic.
I remember hearing a Radio France
transmission years ago that was, if I remember
rightly, on a DTS or Dolby demo disk in the
early days of DVD. It was so good it sent shivers
down my spine. It was recorded in a cathedral
in France and I thought thats it... if thats the
way surround can be done then its just going
to be a huge success. Unfortunately, apart
from a few opera DVDs and so on, not many
people are doing it.
The speaker arrangements and all of that
are really secondary to getting the concept
right. Actually thinking, why do we have
surround why do we have multi-channel?
The whole point is to put you into a space.
Its not to do circus tricks like in the old
ping-pong days of stereo. The whole idea is
to put you into a space and make you feel that
youre there. Thats it, thats the be-all and
end-all of it. Okay, in the cinema you might
have special effects like someone creeping up
behind you or whatever, but thats very rarely
used; and the reason its rarely used is because
its very hard to get everybody to experience
the same thing.
Are you Blur or Oasis? Are you ambient, or direct? Of course, the rst question might be better posed as
music or lm, but the simple matter of speaker positions does still seem to create some ill-reasoned
loyalties and extraordinary myths. We turn to Andy Munro, to clear the whole mess up
Surround
options
+ + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I O
>
6 SURROUND OPTIONS
In the ITU (music) set-up, the surrounds are pointed directly at the sweet
spot ears at an angle of between 100 and 120 degrees from centre.
time-aligned (equidistant) with the front speakers. In the lm mixing
arrangement, the surrounds are positioned above the listener and should
not get closer to the listener than the front speakers, for a more ambient
and sweet-spot-tolerant monitoring arrangement.
Audio Media: What would, for example,
be the effect of doing a music mix on a
cinematic set-up?
Andy Munro: Youd probably end up with more
ambience. Im assuming youre talking about
a mix specically for surround rather than one
thats going to get folded down... Thats the
other thing. If youre going to do a mix thats
got to be mono and stereo compatible youd
better make sure youre monitoring it as you
go long so you dont create ridiculously phased
mixes. But thats always the big danger with
surrounds. If you fold it into the main mix it
can all go horribly wrong.
Its a tricky business. But the real trickiness
is in the delivery of the product rather than in
the studio.
Thats one of the good things about
the ITU set-up. Because all the speakers are
basically equal and equidistant to the mix
point, if youre sitting at the mix point and
you do your fold-downs even with the bass
management fold-down and so on you can
hear very well what the phase relationships are
of all the ve channels so you can actually hear
if something is going wrong. So in a mastering
situation
I would
denitely
say use the
ITU set-up
with zero
delays on
each of the
speakers so
you do hear
everything exactly
in-phase at the mix
position.
As far as the cinematic
set-up is concerned its almost
the exact opposite, where you want
the surrounds to be as diffused as possible so
when you fold them back into a main mix it
just becomes ambience. That way you cant go
too far wrong. But if you start putting discrete
stuff into the surround channels and its
not timed right then youll create all kinds
of problems.
Audio Media: And problems become more
acute when it comes to the bigger distances
in theatres?
Andy Munro: In the best theatres, for
example, where theyve got multiple pairs of
surround speakers, each with their own time
delays and everything is timed correctly you do
end up with this quite pleasant mishmash of
ambience. Because not only are the speakers
youre hearing closest having the right time
delay, all the other ones have a different delay
so its all kind of mashed together.
In a small room or narrow room, especially
where youre near the surrounds, quite a few
people advocate the bi-directional speakers
now, where the sound is ring to the sides and
not directly at you. Basically, instead of having
a single driver thats pointing forwards a
conventional speaker you have two drivers
aimed left and right. They are directing the
sound away from the on-axis position. At the
on-axis position they sometimes arrange it so
you actually have a null.
Im not saying thats necessarily a good
thing, but sometimes its a good way of getting
diffusion and avoiding having a surround
speaker red straight into your ear.
Of course, this is stuff that happens
at the point of delivery its not necessarily
something youd want in your dubbing
theatre.
Audio Media: If you were an audio pro
who, like many these days are a jack-of-all-
trades, doing a little bit of music, a little
bit of sound-for-picture, and other things
besides, which way would you swing
ITU or cinematic?
Andy Munro: Id go for the standard ITU set
up, but I would also issue a big warning not
to do anything too funky in the rear channels.
Stick by the rules and keep it as diffuse as
possible. If you can sit in the sweet spot and
locate anything in the rear channels then
youre probably doing it wrong. In other words,
surrounds should be as de-localised as possible.
That way, no matter where its played
back, itll work. And at the same time, when
youre doing that, check it doesnt all fold down
into something thats got a huge hole in it.
Audio Media: Discrete or virtual centre?
Andy Munro: The centre speaker in a big
space does give you a very solid centre image.
Whereas in a smaller space I actually prefer a
virtual centre image. If Im listening to classical
music and a lot of classical guys agree with
this youre much better off with a proper
front stereo balance, just left and right, rather
than trying to balance it across three speakers.
Somehow the centre speaker just doesnt give
the same effect as having a virtual centre
image in stereo. Its something to do with the
perspective of the sound and the way it feels.
It doesnt feel natural to me.
+ + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I ONS + + + + S UR R OUND OP T I O
In the ITU (music) set-up, the surrounds are pointed directly at the
sweet spot ears at an angle of between 100 and 120 degrees from
centre. time-aligned (equidistant) with the front speakers. In the lm
mixing arrangement, the surrounds are positioned above the listener
and should not get closer to the listener than the front speakers, for
a more ambient and sweet-spot-tolerant monitoring arrangement.
>
SURROUND OPTIONS 7
Superior Tools for Critical Monitoring
In lm, post, gaming, broadcast and music
productions, consistency, predictability and
reliability are key. Add to this networkability
and central control, and youll know why
studios throughout the world rely on Dynaudio
Professional technology.
Choosing Dynaudio Professional, you not
only get 20 years of innovative speaker and
driver technology, you also get integrated
TC Electronic digital signal processing.
This combination offers you the best of
both worlds, making Dynaudio Professional
speakers second to none.
Three Main Ranges One High Standard
Clarity and consistency come as standard
the question is, how versatile do you want your
set-up? Dynaudio Professional has two
extensive ranges of DSP-powered and analogue
near-eld and mid-eld monitors: the AIR series
and the BM series, including the brand new
Desktop Monitor DBM50. Further, for ultimate
main monitoring solutions, you should go for
the M series.
AIR
It makes great sense to compare the AIR
sound with any other speaker you own or
are considering acquiring. We both encourage
and support this. Contact your dealer or
our representative in your country to
arrange a demo.
Bear in mind though, that an AIR system
is not really comparable to conventional
monitors. On top of ultimate precision and
sound, an AIR system offers exibility and
convenience previously unknown in monitors.
Achieving similar functionality and features from
conventional monitors requires the addition of
a number of external boxes such as Monitor
Matrix Controller, Bass Management Crossover,
external EQs and delays. This obviously adds to
the system price, and moreover often degrades
the signal path. With an AIR system everything is
integrated and matched its right there for you
to use from the menu on the front of a master-
module speaker via a 32-segment
LCD display, or through an optional
dedicated hardware remote, or
an optional dedicated software
application (Mac and PC). The user interface
allows for storing and recalling factory and
user presets taking into account THX and Dolby
recommendations, reference levels, lFE sensitivity
and so on.
THX Certied
AIR monitor systems are THX certied for use
in PM3 rooms.
M3XE
M3XE is the ultimate main monitoring solution,
combining world-class driver and cabinet
technology from Dynaudio Professional with
cutting-edge signal processing and amplication
from Lab.gruppen, Lake, and TC Electronic.
The Dynaudio Professional M3XE monitor
system takes monitoring to a whole new
level with a
signicant
upgrade from
its predecessor
the renowned
M3A 3-way
monitor.
To top it off,
the speakers
are powered by
two of
Lab.gruppens
highly
esteemed
PLM10000Q
ampliers.
The Truth,
The Whole Truth,
And Nothing But...
+ + + + DY NA UDI O P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + DY NA UDI O P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + DY NA UDI O P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + D
8 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Dynaudio Professional monitors are designed to speak the truth. You get exactly what you need for
your mixing an exact reproduction of your mix no more, no less.
BMC-2 How Pro Can You Go?
BMC-2 is TC Electronics latest digital
audio conversion and monitor controller.
With it you can enjoy the luxury of
controlling your audio levels at all times
and during unexpected drops or computer
crashes. It also offers digital inputs,
iCheck (to check audio compression), and
calibrated listening
for headphones and
active speakers.
BMC-2: your pro
DAC and monitor
control!
AIR 12
Powerful two-way near-
eld speaker 8-inch
Woofer and 1.1-inch
soft dome tweeter.
The latest addition to
the AIR family. AIR12
suits all sizes of control
room and OB vans,
and its high-precision
amp/ driver system
(+/- 0.2 dB accuracy) ensures complete
consistency with the entire AIR family in a
variety of stereo and 5.1 set-ups remote
controllable via the AIR Remote or the
included AIR Soft application.
DSP room adaption allows for
perfect customisation for any
room construction and its inter-
monitor level calibration feature
ensures consistent levels in all sessions.
The BM Series family.
Dynaudio Professional
Sindalsvej 34
DK-8240 Risskov
t +45 87 427000
f +45 87 427010
e info@dynaudioprofessional.com
w www.dynaudioprofessional.com
Y NA UDI O P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + DY NA UDI O P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + DY NA UDI O P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + DY NA U
THE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE TO MONITORING & HEADPHONES 2013 9
Award-Winning Speaker Technology
Dont just take our word for it. Over the years, Dynaudio Acoustics monitors have won numerous prizes and awards.
Recognition like this goes to show that great products can help produce great art, as Dynaudio Acoustics monitors are used by the most
demanding studios, engineers, producers, and production environments throughout the world. The list counts:
AIR 12
- 2009 Remix Technology Award
in the Monitor/Speaker category
BM 12A
- 2008 Remix Technology Award
in the Monitor/Speaker category
BM 6A
Future Musics Gear of the Year
2001 Award
Future Musics Platinum
Award 2001
BM 6A mk II
- Electronic Musician 2008
Editors Choice Award in the
Monitor Speaker category
- 2007 TEC Award nomination in
the Studio Monitor Technology
category for Outstanding
Technical Achievement
AIR series
- Produccin Audio for Best
Studio Product of the Year 2003
- m.i.p.a. 2003 Award in
the Neareld Studio
Monitor category
DBM50
- Pro Sound Network Best of
Show Award (NAB 2012)
- Electronic Musician Editors
Choice Award 2013
- Apple Audio Labs, Cupertino/California
and Paris/France
- BBC Radio & Music, London, UK
- Danish Broadcasting Corporation,
Copenhagen, DK
- Vienna Symphonic Library, A
- Paragon Studio, Nashville, US
- AIR Studios, UK
- Half HP Studio, JPN
- Sony DVD Center Europe, A
- Abbey Road Studio, UK
- ESP Studio, JPN
and many more.
DBM50
The perfectly angled desktop monitor featuring a 7.1-
inch woofer and a 1.1-inch soft dome tweeter. From the
handcrafted Dynaudio drivers to its beautiful exterior, DBM50
is specically engineered to perfectly reproduce your desktop
mixes, and truly represents a revolutionary new angle in
desktop mixing. Another key factor that puts DBM50 in the
front seat is sheer quality. Each and every one is handcrafted
in Denmark with attention to even the tiniest detail. Further,
DBM50 comes with the option of adding a sleek controller
that puts you squarely at the helm of volume control in
any situation. You can set
and manipulate levels with
precision and ease, completely
independent of your computer
or DAW. The DBM50 controller provides perfect tracking, which
guarantees spot-on stereo imaging and unrivalled precision.
Sporting the newest and most pristine
Dynaudio ESOTAR driver technology, M3XE
takes over where most other monitor systems
give up. With unsurpassed attention to detail,
underpinned by an impressive 20Hz-22kHz
frequency response and beyond 133dB SPL,
M3XE leaves no room for desire in terms of
resolution, range, or sheer power.
The cutting-edge combination of Lab.
gruppen, Lake, and TC Electronic processing
technology forms the ultimate backing for M3XE
and ensures unlimited power and the tools for
optimising any room to become the perfect
listening environment.
In short, M3XE surpasses any and all main
monitor expectations!
BM
The BM monitors both in their passive and
active forms are clean, powerful, and accurate
monitors delivering excellent results every time.
The sound is always transparent and crisp
ensuring the most realistic listening conditions
for a wide array of applications. Comprised of
renowned Dynaudio driver technology, these
monitors have become the standard when it
comes to high performance and transparency.
In combination with the subwoofers, the
BM series is also very well suited for
multi-channel facilities.
monitors 2013 monitors 2013
+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + +
10 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Immaculate Sound.
Beautifully Realised.
The Full Range
The EVE Audio range of studio monitors is currently made up of eight
full-range models (and four ThunderStorm; subwoofers). The full
range units fall into three three basic types: two-way (tweeter, woofer),
three-way (tweeter, woofer, woofer), and four-way (tweeter, mid-range,
woofer, woofer). All units feature one amplier per driver with
DSP-based crossover and EQ, plus EVE Audios own SilverCone
woofers and RS3 Air Motion Transformer tweeters.
The two-way models are: the SC204 (four-inch woofer, 64Hz-
21kHz), the SC205 (ve-inch woofer, 53Hz-21kHz), the SC207 (6.5-inch
woofer, 44Hz-21kHz), and the SC208 (eight-inch woofer, 36Hz-21kHz).
In the three-way systems the woofers work as a complementary
pair, with one taking care of the lower woofer bandwidth and the other
working all the way up to the crossover frequency where the AMT
tweeter takes over. The three-way models are: the SC305 (double
ve-inch woofers, 50Hz-21kHz) and the SC307 (double 6.5-inch
woofers, 40Hz-21kHz).
The four-way systems add a mid-sized, mid-range woofer to the
mix, while the dual woofer combination doubles up to extend the
frequency range of these monitors downwards. The result is accurate
bass reproduction, a linear response, and exceptional power and
output (up to 118dB SPL).
There are currently two four-way systems in the EVE Audio range.
The SC407 uses the RS3 AMT tweeter, a four-inch mid-range woofer,
and two 6.5-inch woofers to give a frequency response of 35Hz to
21kHz with a maximum output of 116dB SPL. The larger SC408 uses
a ve-inch mid, eight-inch woofers, and has a response from 32Hz to
21kHz at a maximum output of 118dB.
Detail, balance, accuracy, and versatility all describe
the relatively recently introduced range of professional
studio monitors from EVE Audio; but what is the secret
of its success? Roland Stenz knows...
In just two years, Berlin-based EVE Audio
has gone from nothing to manufacturing a
complete line of professional monitors, sold
through partners in 53 countries. The rst year
culminated in the unveiling of a large and
fully-formed product range at Musikmesse
2012, and since then the company has been
busy building on that impact. The company
founder, Roland Stenz, has years of experience in
electronic and loudspeaker design, and is rightly
proud of the energy and innovations he and
his team have brought to the world of studio
monitoring systems.
To understand EVE Audio, its best to begin
with those innovations. Roland Stenz starts by
explaining his choice to use DSP-based crossover
and EQ, rather than analogue internals:
Roland Stenz: For me, it was a clear decision.
Of course, this technology offers a modern user
interface with encoder control, but the most
important thing is that you dont have to deal
with the tolerances [component errors] you
get in the analogue domain... The DSP solution
offers much smaller tolerances, and you only
have to deal with the variations in the drivers.
Aside from this, I wouldnt say that there are
quality advantages or disadvantages between
analogue or digital systems. In every case,
the complete speaker has to be designed and
manufactured to the best possible standards.
The result is important, but the way to get this
result can be different.
EVE Audio does all nal DSP calibrations at
the factory during the test stage, though there
are also shelving and notch lters available to
the user.
Retweeted
The very special, bespoke RS tweeter that EVE
uses is termed an Air Motion Transformer
(AMT) tweeter. The folded diaphragm moves in
the same way as an accordion does and pushes
air forwards and backwards accelerating
much faster than with conventional moving coil
designs. This is not unique to EVE, but as with all
aspects of its products, EVE brings its own ideas
to the technology.
RS: From the beginning I wanted to use
an Air Motion Transformer, but I had some
ideas about improving on previous designs.
Consistency in production was my main focus,
but also to have a bigger open space presented
at the front interface plate. The EVE Audio
tweeter is much more open than others.
The inner construction also allows a more
precise placement of the folded diaphragm.
The SC2 range.
+ E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E A UDI O+ + + + E V E
THE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE TO MONITORING & HEADPHONES 2013 11
monitors 2013 monitors 2013
EVE Audio GmbH
Ernst Augustin Str. 1 a | 12489 Berlin, Germany
t +49 30 6704 4180
w www.eve-audio.com
The bespoke design does not end with the
RS tweeter. For ultimate quality and balance,
Stenz needed a fast woofer design as well; the
EVE Audio SilverCone woofer was born...
RS: The idea was to use a very light but
stiff diaphragm material. Its basically a
honeycomb diaphragm sandwiched with glass
bre, plus a smaller, more responsive voice coil.
A bigger voice coil is bad for dynamic behaviour
in the speaker.
It is very important to have complementary
woofer and tweeter designs. If you have a very
detailed tweeter like the AMT, then you can
sense a gap between the tweeter and the
woofer section like the tweeter is running
alone on top. A fast, dynamic woofer avoids
this problem.
Further, Stenz wanted to address
short-comings in bass reex port designs
a commonly used system for extending the
bass response of a loudspeaker by creating a
resonance below the natural cut-off point of
the monitor.
RS: I wanted a speaker system with very
good low-end reproduction. For this reason,
I decided to put the reex ports on the back.
Firstly, this means we dont have holes in the
front bafe so we avoid mid-range problems
that arise from this I dont have to EQ the
speaker so much. Also, I wanted to have a larger
diameter port to stop any port noise, which can
be an issue with other designs.
All woofer amps in the EVE Audio range, plus
the tweeters in the SC204 and SC205 models,
are powered by PWM (Class D) ampliers.
This technology is highly efcient, leading to
less heat dissipation and therefore better overall
loudspeaker performance.
Stand Ovation
With all this technology behind the EVE
Audio product range, its not surprising that the
company is condent its monitor range
will impress.
RS: In the calibration of EVE monitors I
am very careful to achieve the best balance.
The woofer and tweeter work together
beautifully, and the result is smooth not overly
exaggerated in either the top or the bottom
ends of the spectrum....
We did a lot of development in the anechoic
chamber, but we also spent a lot of time
listening to different types of music in different
rooms. When people made comments, we went
back to the chamber and did more testing and
adjustment. You have to factor in the effects
of different rooms the effects of dispersion,
reections, and so on, and nd the
best balance between the theoretical
0dB and what happens in the real
world. You need a lot of experience to
make a balanced speaker.
Overall, I wanted a totally
dynamic speaker. I started from
the tweeter, and then found a corresponding
woofer solution. It is an amazing, well-balanced
solution.
EVE Audio has a wide range of congurations
to suit different rooms and different budgets,
but it is worth pointing out that there is only
one range. Why is this a good thing? When you
buy an EVE Audio monitor, of whatever size, you
can be certain of consistency an important
consideration when investing in your studio.
All of this adds up to a high-class monitor
design that will adapt to whatever challenges
you throw at it, across all music genres, and no
matter which model you choose now, or in
the future.
ThunderStorm: Bass
EVE Audio manufactures a range of
four subwoofer units to supplement any
monitoring system. Every ThunderStorm
(TS) subwoofer has switchable satellite
lters (full range and 85Hz), phase switch,
and variable subwoofer lter frequencies
(50-150Hz) for room and system-specic
set-up. Every model has stereo XLR I/O,
LFE In, and LFE/Sub Out connections;
and comes with a remote control so you
can control system wide volume from the
sweet spot.
There are currently four models in the
ThunderStorm subwoofer range. All units
are powered by highly efcient PWM
ampliers with the power handling rising
through the models. Woofer diameter and
bass cut-off/response all the four TS units
are: seven-inch, 33-150Hz (TS107); eight-
inch, 27-150Hz (TS108); 10-inch, 23-150Hz
(TS110); and 12-inch, 20-150Hz (TS112).
Maximum output SPL varies from 102dB
for the TS107, to 112dB for the TS112.
What The Reviewers Think...
EVE has created a pair of monitors that
leave no excuse for mediocrity, they are
simply awesome.
Mixdown, Australia, SC205 review
Two things stand out from the off: nicely
controlled, clear bass, and a remarkably
open and deep sound stage.
Musictech, UK, SC208 review.
EVE Audios SC205 are top class near eld
monitors that easily compete with far more
expensive products.
infomusic.com, Poland, SC205 review
If youre looking for monitors at this level
you really should give the SC307 a serious
audition... Smooth control and precision...
an impressive monitor
Sound On Sound, UK, SC307 review
...A remarkable addition that is able to
convince ambitious sound creators.
Professional Audio, Germany, SC207/
SC305 reviews
EVE Audio GmbH, 27.03.2013, Tweeter RS1
EVE Audios RS3 Air Motion Transformer
tweeter and exploded view.
+ + + + FOC A L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + FOC A L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + FOC A L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + FOC A L P R OF E S
12 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Focal Exclusive Technologies
The W Composite Sandwich Cone
Focal has been developing composite sandwich
cones for the last 15 years. The fruit of that
research, the W structure (glass/foam/glass)
used in every Focal Professional product, allows
for a truly optimised response right from the
start, thanks to the precise control of rigidity,
weight, and damping capacity of the cone.
The balance between these three fundamental
and often
contradictory
parameters is
the very basis of
the exceptional
sonic neutrality
of our speakers.
The Be Tweeter
Since the very beginning, Focal has favoured
inverted dome tweeters, but the introduction of
the pure Beryllium dome, capable of covering
ve full octaves from 1,000Hz to 40kHz, has
simply revolutionised high frequency spectrum
reproduction. This tweeters capacity to
go as high as 40kHz without any artifacts
enables it to reproduce high frequencies with
unmatched speed and transparency. At rst
the pure Beryllium tweeter was only available
on the very high-end digital speakers of the
Focal Professional line (SM11), but now it is
also featured on the SM6 series, allowing an
unprecedented price/performance ratio.
The Focal Professional
Monitoring Range
Looking for the Ultimate Tool?
SM9 series
The REFERENCE
Three-Way Monitor
The SM9 was born
out of a simple idea:
create the most
sonically transparent
monitoring system ever
built. The SM9 features a
frequency response from 30Hz to 40kHz
with an SPL max of 116dB. This monitoring
speaker establishes itself as a reference thanks
to the precision of the stereo image, its capacity
to reproduce each of the micro details of the
audio signal, as well as unconditional respect of
the original dynamics.
SM6 Series
The now famous SM6 series has been developed
for professional engineers who are seeking
absolutely neutral sound and sound stage
precision for recording, mixing, and mastering
studios. The SM6 series is composed of three
references: Solo6 Be, Twin6 Be, and Sub6.
Solo6 Be
Two-way, analogue
professional neareld monitor
(150 + 100W RMS Bash
technology), 6.5-inch W
composite sandwich cone
driver, one-inch pure Beryllium
inverted dome tweeter.
Frequency response
(+/-2dB): 40Hz- 40kHz. Max SPL @1m: 113dB.
Two Monitors In One!
One of the major innovations of the SM9 lies in
its offering two monitoring speakers in only one,
unique cabinet. The activation of this monitor
is made by setting off the FOCUS mode on the
side panel. The two-way monitor
(Beryllium tweeter + 6.5-inch
W woofer) offers a frequency
response from 90Hz to 20kHz,
allowing you to check the mix
transfer quality on systems with
limited frequency response in
bass frequencies such as:
- Tv sets
- Computers
- Cors
- ilod doc|s or ony mu|timedio system.
This monitor also allows you to check the
midrange register very hard to equalise and
balance in terms of sound level compared to
other information contained in the audio signal.
Twin6 Be
Three-way,
analogue
professional
neareld/
mideld monitor (2x150 + 100W RMS Bash
technology), 2x6.5-inch W composite sandwich
cone driver, one-inch pure Beryllium inverted
dome tweeter. Frequency response (+/-2dB):
40Hz-40kHz. Max SPL @1m: 115dB.
Sub6
Analogue subwoofer (1x350W
RMS Bash technology),
11-inch W composite sandwich
cone subwoofer. Frequency
response (+/-2dB): 30Hz-250Hz.
Max SPL @1m: 116dB.
Listen to Your Music,
Not to Your Speakers
These few words embody the philosophy of Focal Professional,
the French manufacturer of acoustic loudspeakers and transducers.
From their very beginning on the drawing board in Research &
Development at Focal, our professional monitors are designed to
deliver one thing, at any cost: the absolute acoustic truth.
2012
S I ONA L + + + + FOC A L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + FOC A L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + FOC A L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + FOC A L
THE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE TO MONITORING & HEADPHONES 2013 13
monitors 2013 monitors 2013
UK Distributor
SCV London Ltd.
t +44 (0) 208 418 1470
w www.scvlondon.co.uk
For a complete list of distributors:
w www.focalprofessional.com
CMS Series
The CMS line is particularly dedicated for
use in post-production studios, small listening
rooms, radio studios, and home studios.
The CMS series has been awarded Best
Studio Monitor twice in 2009 (CMS 50)
and 2010 (CMS 65), and both received
the MIPA award during Musikmesse 2009
and 2010 from 110 worldwide pro audio
magazines.
CMS 40
Two-way, analogue
professional neareld
monitor (25 + 25W
RMS class AB), four-inch
Polyglass cone driver,
one-inch aluminum-
magnesium inverted dome tweeter.
Frequency response (+/-2dB): 60Hz-28kHz.
Max SPL @1m: 97dB.
CMS 50
Two-way, analogue
professional neareld
monitor (80 + 50W RMS
class AB), ve-inch Polyglass
cone driver, one-inch
alumnium-magnesium
inverted dome tweeter.
Frequency response (+/-2dB):
55Hz-28kHz. Max SPL @1m: 107dB.
CMS 65
Two-way, analogue
professional neareld
monitor (100 + 60W RMS
class AB), 6.5-inch Polyglass
cone driver, one-inch
aluminum-magnesium
inverted dome tweeter.
Frequency response (+/-
2dB): 45Hz-28kHz.
Max SPL @1m: 112dB.
Cenzo Townshend has recently installed Focal SM9 monitors in his
Decoy Studios in Suffolk:
Its not often that manufacturers tag lines
mean anything in the real world, but when
Focal says: Listen to your music, not your
speakers, theyre not kidding. I listen on my
SM9s... not to them. They dont fatigue my
ears, so I actually enjoy listening to music on them.
Cenzo started at Trident Studios in the 80s, assisting Spike Stent and
Alan Moulder, and has gone on to be one of the UKs top engineers.
He has mixed countless best selling albums and singles from artists
inc. U2, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Florence & the Machine, Kaiser Chiefs,
Everything Everything, Friendly Fires, Ben Howard and many more.
Cenzo Townshend
(Sound Engineer U2, Snow Patrol, Kaiser Chiefs)
www.cenzotownshend.com
I now mix on a pair of Solo6 Bes, and the other two rooms at FLUX
Studios have Twin6 Bes. Besides the phenomenal translation from
studio to real world, which other monitors lacked, the sheer absence
of distortion allows us to work very long hours
without getting tired or losing perspective. We
work faster, better, and with less recalls than
we did before we switched to the Focal system.
There is no way back.
Fab Dupont
(Sound Engineer Shakira, Jennifer Lopez,
Nat King Cole)
Forget all about my gear and toys, the
most critical element in my studio is my
loudspeaker To me, theres no better
neareld loudspeaker than the Solo6 Be,
whatever the prices of other monitors.
David Kutch
(Mastering Engineer Alicia Keys, Natasha
Bedingeld, Al Green, Erykah Badu, Estelle, Outkast, and many more)
The Twin6 Be monitors are the best that Ive
used in terms of studio-to-consumer listening
translation. They really translate: what I hear in
the studio is what the outside world hears, in my
experience. Listening back to mixes Ive done
on the NS10s through the Focal Professional,
it kind of scares me because I hear top-end
distortion that I wasnt hearing in the NS10s I
was so used to using them, I thought I knew them. With the Focal
Professional there wasnt a learning curve, it actually spooked me at
rst.
Jeff Juliano
(Sound Engineer James Blunt, John Butler)
www.myspace.com/jeffjuliano
My Focals are clear and detailed.
Great for long listening sessions!
Ken Nelson
(Coldplay Producer)
They have chosen Focal Professional
CMS SUB
Analogue subwoofer
(1x300W RMS Bash
technology), 11-inch
Polyglass cone subwoofer.
Frequency response (+/-
2dB): 30Hz-250Hz. Max
SPL @1m: 113dB.
2009
2010
Established in 1978 in Finland, Genelec
maintains a leading position in professional
audio monitoring with neutral-sounding
products for any monitoring need. During the
past decade Genelecs business has expanded
beyond the core of professional studio
monitoring, and our products are today found
in small project studio applications, AV install
applications, and home audio systems.
Although applications may vary, one thing
remains: our desire to offer the best possible
sound reproduction.
Despite the fact that Genelec 8000 Series
products are already widely used in project
and home studios, Genelec has now chosen
to design a product especially for this music
creation market. The aim has been to provide a
set of features that matches perfectly the needs
of these customers without compromising the
pursuit of the highest quality possible.
Studio Set-up For Music Creation
The key to ensuring high quality of recording
is monitoring with high quality loudspeakers.
Because of the less than optimal acoustical
treatment of the monitoring space, music
creation applications place special demands on
the monitoring loudspeaker. The applications
range from home and project studios, studios for
songwriters and DJs, and working environments
for music technology students, to anyone
who wants to create music. Headphones are
sometimes used for eliminating room acoustics,
but headphones cannot render a presentation
of the stereo imaging or acoustic space because
the sound in headphones localises inside the
listeners head. Monitoring loudspeakers are the
key to understanding the recording properly.
M Series Products
Genelec professional monitoring products have
a reputation of being a good investment, with
excellent quality and long lifetime. They are
the market leaders and de-facto standards
for monitoring with several broadcast,
post-production, recording and audio mixing
houses. For the music creation market, as for any
other market, Genelec wants to maintain the
same values with uncompromised sonic quality,
environmentally sustainable products and
production processes.
The M Series has two members, product
types M030 and M040. Both are bi-amplied
active monitoring loudspeakers. Both share the
new technology platform with green power
saving electronics, Intelligent Signal Sensing
(ISS) power management, very linear and
clean Class D power amplier design, and an
easy-to-use room correction feature set with
an acoustical design optimised for the music
creation market. A central component in the
acoustic performance optimisation is the use of
new environmentally friendly Natural Composite
Enclosure, where half of the composite
material is wood bre.
Sound From A Natural Source
The innovative Natural Composite Enclosure
(NCE) of the M Series products is made of
a material that is best described as injection-
moldable wood. This material is a natural bre
composite material, where half of the material is
wood bre. The resulting enclosure has a lot
of good acoustical properties being, for
example, 100% stiffer than the ABS.
The often environmentally hazardous
painting of the enclosures has been eliminated,
saving also in transportation and handling.
The composite material has many
outstanding properties. It allows the design of
structures with smaller wall thickness because
of the injection molding process and the high
internal vibration energy losses of the material
itself. The injection molding process allows the
production of acoustically highly optimised
shapes and forms with a large internal volume.
Maximising the internal volume of the enclosure
is paramount to achieving high acoustic output
at the low frequencies.
Laminar Integral Port Design
The very low weight, acoustically stiff, and
functional yet highly elegant design allows
for ow-optimised bass reex ports to be
integrated as parts of the enclosure shape.
The novel patented Laminar Integral Port
(LIP) structure maximises the bass reproduction
in the physically small enclosure.
Most bass reex ports work relatively well at
low bass output levels. The differences between
designs become evident at high output levels.
As the reex ports in Genelecs professional
active monitors, the Laminar Integrated Port
design has been optimised for low distortion
even at very high audio output levels.
To save space and ensure easy placement of
the M Series monitor loudspeakers, the ports
open down under the loudspeaker.
Precise Reproduction With Excellent
Directivity Control
The M Series has been designed for the high
standards of monitoring work. The on axis
response demonstrates excellent neutrality.
The specied accuracy of response is 3dB.
Controlled directivity is very important in the
acoustically compromised rooms that typically
are used for project studios. Excellent directivity
control provides smooth frequency response
on- and off-axis. The new waveguide design
makes the M Series product particularly reliable
in music creation applications. Furthermore, the
directivity has been matched across the two
loudspeaker models. This results in very similar
sounding neutral characteristics for both
product sizes.
Just Imagine How
Far You Can Go
+ + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + +
14 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Genelec introduces the new M Series for Music creation
The M Series products
M030 and M040.
Resonance Free
One of the keys to good performance in a
loudspeaker is a resonance free construction.
When the input audio stops the monitoring
loudspeaker should go silent as well. M Series
loudspeakers have been designed to minimise
all resonances. The outcome of this is accuracy
and capability to reproduce details and nuances
without masking the audio signal.
Genelec Class D Ampliers
Like all other Genelec products, M Series
monitors have active amplication. Each driver
is directly connected to the output of a power
amplier. Genelec has been running a research
program to develop Class D amplier technology
especially for high quality active monitoring
application and M Series is the rst product line
utilizing this research work to the full extent.
Although Class D designs promise low losses and
high efciency in terms of power consumption
making them environmentally sustainable,
special attention has to be paid to distortion
at high audio frequencies. Genelecs Class D
designs have been optimised for low distortion
through the whole frequency band. This enables
Genelec to use Class D ampliers for both
channels without compromising the distortion
level at the tweeter driver.
Automatic Mains Voltage Selection
Music creation requires mobility in many cases.
To help our customers in this regard, the Genelec
M Series products have automatic mains voltage
sensing. No matter where you go, you can plug
Genelec M Series products in the wall socket
without worries. Automatic mains voltage
sensing makes your life very easy just plug
and play, literally.
Intelligent Signal-Sensing
Power Management
Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) circuitry
listens to the input connectors and detects if
the monitor loudspeaker is in use. If there is no
audio on the input for 30 minutes, the M Series
monitor loudspeaker will go to a low-power sleep
state where the loudspeaker consumes less than
0.5 watts of power. When an audio signal is
detected on the input, the product immediately
turns itself on.
New High-Performance Drivers
The heart of a high quality loudspeaker system is
of course the drivers. Genelec M Series products
feature entirely new driver designs. All new driver
designs have been optimised for at frequency
response and high sound level operation at very
low distortion with high efciency. The use of the
DCW increases the acoustic output, enabling
cleaner lower distortion operation at extreme
sound level outputs. The M Series system design
has been aimed for low multi-tone distortion, the
result is only a third of the usual level compared
to typical similarly sized loudspeaker systems.
Versatile Inputs
The M Series products have a balanced XLR
combo connector, containing also the 6.3mm
phone jack input, and a separate, unbalanced
RCA input. These cover the connectivity needs
typically found in music creation applications,
and provide for easy connectivity to any audio
source. The balanced inputs can be used to
minimise the possibility of picking up hum or any
other electrical disturbance by the cables feeding
the audio input to the M Series products.
Easy To Use Room Response Controls
A project studio can be set up anywhere.
In all set-ups it always makes good sense to
use the room calibration tools available on the
monitoring loudspeaker. M Series products
provide you with a solid set of room boundary
compensation tools for the cases you typically
meet in real-life project studio environments.
Summary
The M series products M030 and M040
provide a unique combination of high
linearity, low distortion, and clean and neutral
audio reproduction, which is particularly
suited for acoustically challenging music
creation environments. The series has a room
compensation feature set that particularly suits
music creation environments and the versatile
inputs suit any connection, while the universally
adapting mains input enables mobile work.
Furthermore, M Series products take the respect
for sustainability and environmental values to a
new level in monitoring loudspeaker products.
Your Music. Your Inspiration. Our Experience.
Genelec Oy
Olvitie 5, FIN-74100
Iisalmi, Finland
t +358 17 83 881
e genelec@genelec.com
w www.genelec.com
+ G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E NE L E C + + + + G E N
THE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE TO MONITORING & HEADPHONES 2013 15
monitors 2013 monitors 2013
The cross-section plot of the ow-optimised Laminar
Integrated Port demonstrates the efcient bass
reex system integrated into the Natural Composite
Enclosure structure.
Table 1. Summary of M Series product specications
Product model M030 M040
Maximum sound output 103dB SPL 107dB SPL
Frequency range (+/-3dB) 58Hz-21kHz 48Hz-21kHz
Crossover frequency 3kHz 2.5kHz
Driver sizes
woofer 5-inch
tweeter -inch
woofer 6.5-inch
tweeter 1-inch
Amplier power 50W + 30W 80W + 50W
Weight 4.6kg (8.8lbs) 7.4kg (15.4lbs)
External dimensions
273 x 190 x 190 mm /
10 x 7 x 7 inch
337 x 235 x 229 mm /
13 x 9 x 9 inch
The Call for a Next Generation Studio Monitor
Todays sophisticated music production is
carried out in a broad range of spaces. Until
now, the availability of a big, impressive, yet
highly accurate monitoring experience has been
limited to purpose-built control rooms. As small
and medium sized rooms play an increasingly
signicant role in cinema and broadcast content
creation, high dynamic range and accuracy are
required from a speaker system with a modest
foot print.
The M2 Master Reference Monitor
Addressing this growing need JBL has developed
the M2 Master Reference Monitor: a free-
standing, two-way system that can be placed
in any environment to provide an exceptionally
accurate monitoring experience. Leveraging a
new generation of JBL high-output, ultra-low
distortion transducers, the M2 provides in-room
frequency response of 20Hz to 40kHz, and an
extraordinary 129dB maximum SPL to meet
demanding music, cinema, and broadcast
production requirement for impactful dynamic
range.
In a compact form-factor, the M2 integrates
three key components that work in harmony to
deliver unparalleled performance. At the heart
of the system, JBLs patented D2 high frequency
and 2216Nd low frequency transducers are
the engines that make this possible. Using a
revolutionary design, the D2 produces smooth,
extended high frequency response with ultra-
low distortion whether listening at very high or
subtle levels. Using patented technology, the
remarkable 2216Nd woofer offers deep bass
extension and very low power compression,
even at its full-rated output. In spite of the M2s
minimal footprint, its exceptional low frequency
response eliminates the need for a subwoofer.
The unique Image Control waveguide
completes the acoustic design. A marvel of
engineering in its own right, this new JBL
waveguide allows an acoustically seamless
transition between the woofer and high
frequency driver, delivering exceptional imaging
and rich detail to a broad area of the room.
These unique components make possible a
two-way design with an unprecedented level
of performance, utilising a
single seamless cross-over that
reduces system complexity and
allows a compact form-factor
for exibility of placement in the
room. Crown
Power Ampliers
with internal oating-point DSP
are used to bi-amplify and tune
each speaker, optimising the
M2s performance in any room.
The M2 brings a world-class,
big monitoring experience
with a new level of accuracy to
a broad range of production
spaces. For rooms wishing to
step up, the M2 is a game
changer.
The Ultimate High Frequency Driver for
Critical Reference Monitoring
- lxtended ll Reproduction Smoot| Response
- lig| lower lond|ing
- Meosurob|y lower 0istortion Reduced lower
- Compression Increosed 0ynomic leodroom
The patented D2 dual driver design allows the
M2 to meet seemingly opposing objectives:
extended high frequency, very low distortion,
and very high output. Central to this innovative
solution are two key developments. First: the
use of an annular diaphragm, not subject to
the break up modes of a conventional dome
diaphragm. Second: the merging of two drivers
into a single, compact transducer with a single
Innovation Through
Meticulous Attention
to Detail
+ + + + J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + +
16 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Responding to the call for greater accuracy and
dynamic range in music and post production work
spaces, JBL introduces the new M2 Master Reference
Monitor. Breaking free of the conventional, the M2
incorporates numerous patented innovations to deliver
unprecedented performance and a truly remarkable
listening experience.
The D2Dual Diaphragm,
Dual Voice-Coil Compression Driver.
acoustical output. Instead of the large and
heavy metal dome diaphragm of a conventional
compression driver, the D2430K uses two
annular low-mass polymer diaphragms offering
the same radiating area as a conventional
three-inch dome. Two separate three-inch voice
coils driven by their own magnet structures
share the burden of heat transfer, resulting in a
dramatic increase of output and power handling.
The result is a high frequency transducer with
extended high frequency response to 40kHz and
signicantly lower levels of nonlinear distortion.
2216 Differential Drive
Woofer
- lxceptiono| low lrequency lxtension
- lig| 0utput
- very low lower Compression
- very low 0istortion
Achieving extended, rich low frequency
performance within the M2 system design
porometers required odditiono| 18l engineering
innovations, and the 2216Nd in the M2 employs
no less than ve
patented technologies
to allow bass extension
to the limits of the
audible range, and
high output, free of
power compression
that is detrimental to a
systems low frequency
perlormonce. lc|oing
the dual driver design
of the D2, the 2216Nd
utilises dual neodymium magnets and two
voice coils. The patented use of low thermal
coefcient of resistance wire allows the
woofer parameters to remain more stable
at high output levels. In the M2 system,
the 2216Nd produces impressive low
frequency output to 20Hz.
Image Control Waveguide
- Impressive Imoging ond Sound Stoge
- lxceptiono| lig| lrequency 0etoi|
- nilorm 0irectivity lor Smoot| InRoom
- Response lotent lending 0esign
To support an imperceptible transition between
the two drivers, and deliver exceptional imaging,
18l engineers pioneered o new potentpending
waveguide design that enables neutral
frequency response, not just on-axis, but off-axis
in the vertical and horizontal planes, all the way
down to the M2s 800Hz crossover point.
The unique geometry of this waveguide allows
the M2 to deliver remarkable high frequency
detail, imaging, and natural balance at nearly
any listening position in a broad range of
acoustic environments.
lARMAN Crown ITec| power omp|i6ers
complete the M2 system, providing greater than
a kilowatt of clean power to the 2216Nd woofer,
and more than enough power for the D2 driver.
Working in concert with the M2s revolutionary
Imoge Contro| woveguide, 8SS 0MNI0RIvl
l0" digito| signo| processing in t|e Crown
I-Tech allows the implementation of an ideal
crossover, while providing the option for storage
ol l0 presets.
Room ocoustics con p|oy o big port in w|ot
you hear at the mix position, particularly in the
room-dependent low frequency bands, where
resonance caused by room modes can give a
false impression of bass in the mix.
Room optimisotion is oc|ieved t|roug| t|e
use of oating-point digital signal processing
integroted into Crown iTec| l0 power omp|i6ers
ond 8SS Soundweb london processors. lARMAN
System Arc|itect" Soltwore is inc|uded to
provide externo| contro| ol system l0 ond
tuning copobi|ities. sed in conjunction wit|
external measurement hardware and software,
the complete M2 tuning and room integration
system addresses non-linearity in the room.
This ensures a high degree of accuracy whether
the monitors are freestanding, soft-mounted,
or placed adjacent to a wall.
lor more inlormotion obout t|e revo|utionory
M2 Moster Relerence Monitor, visit
www.jblpro.com/M2
JBL Professional
8500 Balboa Blvd., Northridge,
CA 91329 USA
t +1 818 894 8850
e becki.barabas@harman.com
w www.jblpro.com/m2
UK Contact
Sound Technology Plc
Letchworth Point, Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire SG6 1ND, UK
t +44 (0) 1462 480000
e info@Soundtech.co.uk
w www.Soundtech.co.uk
J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + J B L P R OF E S S I ONA L + + + + J B L
THE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE TO MONITORING & HEADPHONES 2013 17
monitors 2013
Image Control Waveguide.
These detailed
measurements of
the M2 illustrate the
systems exceptional
performance.
2216Nd
Differential Drive
Woofer.
Honest Voices. Straight Talk.
A studio monitor is a tool used to aurally
measure the changes in an audio path.
Ask any seasoned recording professional what
they think makes a great studio monitor and
youll get basically the same answer: Accuracy,
transparency, at response, and the truth.
In other wordshonesty. Simply put, recording
engineers want the electrical signal entering
their monitor to be reproduced mechanically
by the transducers and they want this to occur
without any deviation or compromise to the
original signal. Professionals depend upon their
monitors to deliver their artistic vision in a way
that will translate as accurately as possible to
a variety of audio mediums. The following four
music professionals have honed their craft of
creating music and in turn they are offering their
honest voices about studio monitors.
Jacquire King
Record Producer/
Mixer/Engineer
When something
works, why switch?
King is a 2009
Record of the Year Grammy Award winner with
Angelo Petraglia for the Kings of Leons Use
Somebody. For monitoring, Ive used the KRK
Rokit 5s for a little more than four years. I was
using NS-10s in the tracking studio at the time.
Id been looking for an alternative and soon
after got a pair of the Rokit 5s. These monitors
are true and consistent. They are not hyped
sounding and make you work for a great result,
which I like. They have plenty of bottom-end and
when the mix is sounding huge on them then I
know Im nished.
Henri MGI Lanz
Producer/Songwriter
This Finnish born,
25-year-old producer/
songwriter is a perfect
example of a modern
hit maker. MGI has produced and written songs
for and with Akon, Sean Kingston, Timbaland,
Pitbull, Justin Bieber, Jim Jonsin and the list
goes on. His productions include various Gold
and Platinum selling records all over the world.
Ive used KRKs for about two years now.
When I rst heard them, I really loved the way
the VXT series sounded. No matter what the
location is I need to be 100% sure how the
mix is going to sound wherever I am.
Chris Young
Producer/Songwriter
Im primarily a
producer/songwriter,
says Young, and for
the past six years, he
has been running his
own Chestnut Studios
in London. When he
installed an SSL desk he
knew he had to make a
step up in monitors as well, choosing the
KRK Expose E8B studio monitors. I actually
tried different monitors, but KRK won hands
down, says Young. The biggest thing for me
is I can listen through the studio monitors to
a mix and then go elsewhere and not suddenly
nd that things have changed
dramatically. Young also uses
KRK VXT6 monitors at a smaller
home studio he uses for writing,
along with KRK KNS 8400
headphones that gives
him a sonic consistency
between studios.
Rodney Darkchild Jerkins Producer
After 15 years in the business and a string of
successes with artists like Lady Gaga, Beyonc,
Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, Rodney
Darkchild Jerkins is a voice of experience.
A KRK user for almost a decade, his studios
in L.A., New Jersey, Florida, and at his home
all feature a mix of Expose, VXT, and Rokit
monitors. I look
for something
thats tight, thats
punchy, that still
has the low-end,
but still has the
pristine clarity up top. KRK is literally is the
foundation of my sound.
Our Focus.
Your Mix.
KRK is driven by a design philosophy of accuracy, transparency, and at response. Our products deliver
on this promise through a combination of solid design and product innovation. KRK monitors are tools
that are cherished by their owners as partners in crafting great music and mixes.
+ + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K
18 PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
The Popular Rokit Line Expands
with the RP 10-3 Three-Way Mid-Field
The Rokit RP10-3 is a mid-eld three-way
monitor system in a compact form factor
and at a breakthrough price that delivers
loud and accurate sound reproduction to
satisfy professional needs. The RP10-3 will
suit commercial facilities as well as space
and budget conscious private studios.
The pro-studio appearance of this
monitor will visually impress,
and the high SPL output
makes it capable of
handling challenging
high-dynamic tracks
for all genres of music.
As part of the KRK
Rokit Series of monitors
including the Rokit 5, 6,
and 8, the Rokit 10-3 adds
true mid-eld performance to
give studios the creative edge.
Notable is the design feature that enables
the user to recongure the drivers so that
the cabinet can be operated horizontally.
Quite ingenious.
The strength is in the mids and upper
mids. Voices, violins, winds, were all
nuanced and distinct, and even massed
brass sections didnt lose transparency.
Recording Magazine
THE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE TO MONITORING & HEADPHONES 2013 19
+ + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R K + + + + K R
VXT Monitors
Whether you are making critical mixing decisions or need to
capture the stable nuances of a unique sound, you will quickly
discover that the VXT Series is as precise about your work as you
are. The VXT Series feature key design elements that continue
to make the KRK sound a studio standard. The VXT Series have
been designed to present the true nature of the audio material
without colouration or enhancement.
I just love the overall sound. Theyre clear, reliable,
transparent, and consistent. I like to listen really loud and I
love how the VXT8s are able to respond to the challenge.
No matter where I am, I know exactly how my mix is going to
sound when I get to work with the black and yellow!
Henri MGI Lanz, Producer/Songwriter (Akon, Sean Kingston, Timbaland,
Pitbull, Justin Bieber)
Expos E8B
Utilising state-of-the-art
components to achieve a level
of clarity and sonic accuracy
that is unprecedented, the
new Expose E8B is the agship
of KRKs product line. With its stunning,
highly functional enclosure featuring thick,
non-parallel, internal walls that eliminate
standing waves, and magnetic shielding for
use in close proximity to video monitors, the
Expose E8B elevates KRKs reputation as a
manufacturer of premium studio reference
monitors to an entirely new level.
Subwoofers
KRK powered subwoofers are the perfect choice
when you need to hear what is happening in the
depths of your mix. In a stereo conguration,
the subwoofer will have to produce the bass
normally generated by the monitors that alone
can exceed the headroom of an ordinary sub.
In a surround sound conguration, the
subwoofer has to reproduce all of the low-
frequency information from ve or more channels
as well as the demanding bass content of the LFE channel.
These challenging applications can place demands far exceeding the
capabilities of normal low-frequency drivers and power ampliers. This is where the
performance of KRK family of subwoofers shines.
Ive always loved having a sub to wow record companies
or artists when playing back a song or mix. The truth is,
most subs are only good for that purpose and are not
accurate enough to work with when making a record.
The KRK12s changed that.
Its very accurate and
actually makes my Exposs
sound even better!
Martin Harrington
Writer and Producer (Celine Dion,
Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia)
CONTACT DETAILS
Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.
Windsor House, Turnpike Road
High Wycombe, Bucks
HP12 3FX, UK
t +44 (0) 1494 462 246
e sales@focusrite.com
KRK Systems, Inc.
Gibson Pro Audio
309 Plus Park
Nashville, TN 37217
1-800-4 GIBSON
e service@krksys.com
w www.krksys.com
E5 and E8 are
true pro monitors with the
precise back-panel acoustic-
tuning tools you need to tailor
their sound to your room envi-
ronment and musical genre*.
Youll end up with mixes
that sound good everywhere
(including iTunes and CDs),
not just in your control room.
Eris monitors pack long-
throw Kevlar K100 low
frequency transducers and
low-mass, silk dome high
frequency transducers with
separate butt-kicking Class A/B
amps for each.
Above all, Eris are musical,
powerful, and excruciatingly
accurate. Get the whole story
of Eris on our site. Or visit your
PreSonus dealer for an
ear-full of Eris.
Er|s E8 &"ll,
l.Z5"Nl l1J Walls
Er|s E5 5.Z5"ll,
l.J" Nl &J Walls
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