HARMAN’s JBL Professional Introduces 7 Series Master Reference Monitors

NORTHRIDGE, California — Delivering unprecedented sonic performance in a compact form factor, HARMAN’s JBL Professional today introduced the first two models in its new 7 Series Master Reference Monitors, the 708i and the 705i. Leveraging patented technologies of JBL’s flagship M2 Master Reference Monitor, these two models were developed to meet the needs of broadcast and post-production facilities, producing content in surround and burgeoning immersive audio formats.

From a hardware standpoint, multi-channel monitoring presents several challenges: The presence of video displays may limit options for speaker placement, installing a power outlet at each speaker location is costly, and management of a multichannel monitoring system requires costly outboard equipment. Use of traditional powered studio monitors is problematic. The solution calls for a next-generation approach to monitoring hardware.

At AES 2014, JBL Professional introduced the 708i 8-inch two-way, and 705i 5-inch 2-way installed monitors with remarkable frequency response and output that belie their small size. To deliver exceptional performance, JBL developed a new miniature high-frequency transducer—the 2409H—featuring JBL’s low-mass, annular diaphragm design that allows very high output with low distortion and high frequency response to 35kHz. JBL also engineered two new high-excursion 5-inch and 8-inch woofers, the 725G and 728G that allow the speakers to deliver robust low-frequency output into the 30Hz range. JBL’s distinctive patent-pending Image Control Waveguide and a sophisticated dividing network work in concert to produce an imperceptible crossover transition, detailed, spatial imaging and neutral response, particularly in the critical dialog range. Front-ported birch plywood install-ready enclosures include bottom and rear-panel mounting points. With a range of available mounting brackets, the speakers’ placement can be optimized to maintain sight lines to video displays.

To reduce enclosure size and installation cost, the speakers are centrally powered by HARMAN’s Crown DCi 8|300N 8- and 4-channel power amplifiers. The 705i and 708i can be driven by a single amp channel or bi-amplified. For greater accuracy and room-to-room consistency, HARMAN’s BSS Soundweb London signal processor provides speaker tuning, room EQ, and bass management. The processor accepts 16 or more analog and AES/EBU inputs, and networks with the power amps via CAT5. The entire system can be externally controlled with HARMAN HiQnet Audio Architect™ software, a hardware controller, or wireless tablet. Working in concert, the amps, processor and high-performance 5-inch, 8-inch and 15-inch speakers (including the M2), are a modular system that can be scaled to any size room and any number of channels. With exceptional frequency response, and tune-ability, the complete system provides greater room-to-room consistency and accuracy at the mix position.

With the launch of the 705i and 708i, JBL raises the bar and expectations for studio monitor performance. “These models are the product of extensive R&D, and collaboration with post and broadcast customers,” said Peter Chaikin, Sr. Manager, JBL Professional Recording and Broadcast. “At AES, amazed responses to the performance of the 708i and 705i indicate we achieved our objective!”  The LSR705i and LSR708i Master Reference Monitors will be available in January 2015 as part of complete 5.1, 7.1 and immersive sound monitoring systems.

For more information on the 7 Series, please visit www.jblpro.com/7series

For more information on the M2 Master Reference Monitor, please visit www.jblpro.com/m2

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and integrated control solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson ®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 16,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.3 billion for the twelve months ended June 30, 2014.

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