Arriving in Europe this Summer, next-generation studio monitors retain the best qualities of the original 3 Series, but now offer better performance in more production environments—along with a sleek new look.
HARMAN Professional Solutions have unveiled JBL by HARMAN 3 Series MkII powered studio monitors which will debut at the 2018 NAMM Show and ship in Europe this summer.
With the revolutionary JBL Image Control Waveguide and refined transducers, JBL 3 Series MkII offers stunning detail, precise imaging, a wide sweet spot and impressive dynamic range that enhances the critical listening capabilities of any production space. Featuring patented technologies derived from the JBL 7 Series and M2 Master Reference Monitors, and sporting a sleek, modern design, JBL 3 Series MkII delivers outstanding performance and an enjoyable mix experience at an accessible price. JBL 3 Series MkII monitors are available in three configurations to meet the requirements of any audio environment, including the 305P MkII (5" woofer), 306P MkII (6.5" woofer) and 308P MkII (8" woofer).
“The original JBL 3 Series received widespread acclaim for their outstanding quality and value, culminating in wide adoption from hobbyists to audio professionals working in music, film, post and broadcast production, but with every product there are always features or improvements that our engineers cannot squeeze in before production,” said Peter Chaikin, Director, Recording Solutions, HARMAN. “The 3 Series was no different, so when the opportunity presented itself, we decided to refine the transducers, add a frequently-requested feature, and apply our latest manufacturing learnings. The result is a new edition of this popular studio monitor that retains the best qualities of the original 3 Series—but now looks better, sounds better, and can provide transparent sound in even more production environments.”
JBL 3 Series MkII monitors are equipped with the groundbreaking JBL Image Control Waveguide to deliver impressive detail, ambience and depth. Originally developed for JBL’s flagship M2 Master Reference Monitor, this patented innovation ensures an acoustically seamless transition between the low- and high-frequency transducers and provides an ultra-wide soundstage and precise imaging. With a broad sweet spot and neutral frequency response, MkII delivers a crystal-clear mix representation and reveals subtle details, even when listening off-axis.
The 3 Series MkII delivers deep, accurate and tightly controlled bass thanks to long-throw woofers and the patented JBL Slip Stream low-frequency port, while woven-composite 1" Neodymium tweeters offer soaring, immaculately detailed highs. For MkII, JBL refined the low frequency transducers for greater linearity and lower harmonic distortion and fine-tuned ferrofluid damping in the high frequency transducers for faster transient response. Dual, integrated Class D power amplifiers, custom designed for each transducer, offer generous dynamic range for any project.
The 3 Series MkII offers more control to tailor the sound to meet the sonic characteristics of individual studio environments or personal preferences. A new Boundary EQ setting attenuates the low-end boost that can occur when monitors are positioned directly on the desktop or near walls, plus a 3-position HF Trim switch allows users to adjust the high-frequency response.
European availability of the 3 Series MkII line is scheduled for Summer 2018.
