New JBL Professional 7 Series Powered Master Reference Monitors

In September 2015, JBL started shipping its new 7 Series Master Reference Monitors, to meet the requirements of broadcast and post-production facilities, with a 8-inch two-way, and 5-inch 2-way model that could also be part of complete 5.1, 7.1 and immersive sound monitoring systems. Now, JBL announced the launch of a new self-powered version of those same reference studio monitors, creating a more convenient solution without compromising performance.
 
Harman’s original JBL Professional 7 Series Master Reference Monitors are the heart of a complete, modular system that can be scaled to any size production room and any number of channels. Based on one of the most ambitious projects JBL ever endeavored - the free-standing 2-way M2 Master Reference Monitor - the new 7 Series Master Reference Monitors feature the same patented technologies in a compact near-field design. JBL’s Image Control Waveguide, originally designed for the flagship M2 monitors, together with 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. 

The passive version of the speakers (705i and 708i) are centrally powered by Harman’s Crown DCi 8|300N eight and four-channel power amplifiers, driven by a single amp channel or bi-amplified, and connected to Harman’s BSS Soundweb London signal processor, allowing networking with the amplifiers to provide down-mix, sophisticated bass management capabilities and a range of I/O options including AES, and Dante connectivity. The entire system can be externally controlled using Harman HiQnet Audio Architect software, a hardware controller, or wireless tablet.

Facilities working in surround and immersive formats benefit from the compact size, high output and ease of installation of the 705i and 708i. Centrally located electronics eliminates the need for power outlets at each speaker location and allow powerful, elegant control of any number of channels, in any size room. 
 
Now, at NAMM 2017, JBL Professional announced the new JBL 7 Series Powered studio monitors, which better meet the needs of music producers, recording engineers, mastering facilities and remote production facilities. The new 705P five-inch and 708P eight-inch monitors feature the same patented and patent-pending driver and acoustic technologies, allowing detailed imaging to help professionals work from greater distances and overcome less-than-ideal placement. The proprietary JBL waveguide technology delivers neutral response and exceptional room-to-room consistency, while onboard room EQ solves low frequency problems.
 

Both models feature the 2409H high-frequency compression driver, which incorporates an innovative low-mass annular diaphragm to deliver extraordinary output and very low distortion, with response beyond 36 kHz. The 725G five-inch low-frequency transducer used in the 705P model provides 14 mm peak-to-peak excursion with greater linearity, delivering exceptional low-frequency output down to 39 Hz. The 728G eight-inch low-frequency transducer inside the 708P leverages JBL Differential Drive technology to reduce power compression and provide greater sustained output and extended, linear low-frequency performance to 35 kHz. These proprietary drivers allow the 7 Series to deliver two to three times the output of existing studio monitors.

Inside each monitor is a built-in dual amplification system that’s optimized for the high-output drivers. A 250W amp powers the 2409H high-frequency transducer, while a second 250W amp is dedicated to the 725G and 728G low-frequency transducers, delivering high output and detail even at great listening distances.

Onboard DSP-based room equalization compensates for acoustic issues in any room. Twelve bands of room EQ and eight bands of user EQ allow audio professionals to tailor speaker response to reduce the adverse effects of poor room acoustics and optimize accuracy whether the monitors are freestanding or placed adjacent to the wall.

Both models feature analog and AES/EBU digital inputs allowing connectivity to a broad range of production hardware, including digital audio workstations (DAW), mixing consoles and digital playback hardware with sample rates of up to 192 kHz. Internal sample rate converters can be enabled to allow the monitors to receive digital signals of uncommon sample rates.
Developed with the modern control room in mind, this compact two-way design also minimizes interference with video displays and sight lines, while providing output comparable to larger speakers. The reinforced enclosure includes bottom and rear mounting points allowing wall and ceiling mounting in either vertical or horizontal orientations.

Multiple 7 Series monitors can be combined with the new JBL Intonato 24 monitor management tuning system to create a complete monitoring system for immersive audio production. Intonato 24 gives audio professionals the power to quickly optimize their environment for superior accuracy and easily scale their system as needed for future growth.

JBL 7 Series Powered monitors will be available April, 2017.
www.jblpro.com/7series