Harbinger Pro Audio has introduced the VARI Studio 500 Series of nearfield monitors that offer variable DSP voicings designed to accurately reveal the mix, prevent mixing mistakes, and ensure that audio productions will more reliably translate to any reproduction system.
The line of nearfield monitor loudspeakers includes the SM505 (with a 5-inch woofer) and the SM508 (with an 8-inch woofer). Both are outfitted with a tweeter waveguide designed to deliver quality stereo imaging and detailed stereo placement across the soundfield. A front bass port helps ensure more full and accurate low-frequency reproduction while avoiding sound-altering room interactions.
The Perfect Mix DSP offers three loudspeaker voicings: Normal – a classic studio monitor sound that’s also for entertainment listening; Ref – accurate and uncolored; and Small – a simulation of small loudspeakers to help ensure a mix will translate well to smaller speaker systems, including phones, tablets, laptops, and small Bluetooth speakers
Bluetooth support lets end users stream audio for reference during a mix or sound design session, as well streaming from a phone, tablet or computer for entertainment listening without having to route audio through a music production mixer or audio interface. The Bluetooth input is available simultaneously with the analog inputs (balanced XLR/TRS on a combination jack at +4 dB and unbalanced -10 dBv inputs on 1/4-inch and RCA/phono inputs).
All controls needed most – DSP mode switching, Bluetooth enable and a stepped volume knob — are on the front panel of the monitor, keeping the I/O connections and controls that rarely need adjustment, such as the onboard high- and low-frequency shelving EQs, on the back panel.
The SM505 has a rated frequency response of 47 Hz to 20 kHz with class-D amplifiers providing 60 watts RMS (20 for the tweeter and 40 for the woofer), yielding 102 dB max SPL. The SM508 has a rated frequency response of 36 Hz to 20 kHz with class-D amplifiers providing 100 watts RMS (30 for the tweeter and 70 for the woofer), which delivers a 110 dB max SPL.
The Harbinger VARI Studio 500 Series is priced as follows: the SM505 pair is $199 (MAP), and the SM508s are $299 (MAP) a pair.
