Harman’s JBL Professional has introduced the first two models in its new 7 Series Master Reference Monitors, the 708i and the 705i.
Both 2-way designs, the new 708i (8-inch) and 705i (5-inch) incorporate a new miniature high-frequency transducer—the 2409H—utilizing 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 deliver robust low-frequency output into the 30 Hz range. 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, placement can be optimized to maintain sight lines to video displays.
To reduce enclosure size and installation cost, the ;pidspeakers are centrally powered by 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, BSS Soundweb London signal processor provides loudspeaker tuning, room EQ, and bass management. The processor accepts 16 or more analog and AES/EBU inputs, and networks with the power amps via Cat-5.
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.
“These models are the product of extensive R&D, and collaboration with post and broadcast customers,” says Peter Chaikin, senior manager, JBL Professional Recording and Broadcast. “At AES, amazed responses to the performance of the 708i and 705i indicate we achieved our objective!”
The new 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.
