At Winter NAMM 2013 in Anaheim, Calif., Harman’s JBL Professional is introducing the M2 Master Reference Monitor ($TBA), which is designed for use in a wide range of rooms. The largest speaker in JBL’s studio monitor line, the M2 integrates new JBL transducer technologies and patented innovations in a free-standing, 2-way system that can be placed in any production environment and tuned to provide a superior level of accuracy and performance.
The M2 Master Reference Monitor design leverages JBL’s new D2 Compression Driver, which uses two annular diaphragms and two voice coils to deliver extended high frequency response and very low distortion at very high sound pressure levels. The D2 is mated with JBL’s new 2216ND Differential Drive 15-inch woofer, also with dual voice coils, incorporating a patented wire application that reduces power compression enabling linear output regardless of playback level. With these two drivers as the engine, the M2 Master Reference Monitor promises extended in-room response of 20 to 40k Hz for high-resolution recording formats, and 123dB SPL at one meter, providing the necessary dynamic range for demanding music and film production.
To allow an imperceptible transition between the two drivers, and deliver exceptional imaging, JBL engineers pioneered a new patent-pending waveguide dubbed “Image Control” that enables neutral frequency response, both on- and off-axis in the vertical and horizontal planes all the way down to the M2’s 800Hz crossover point. JBL states that the waveguide’s geometry allows the M2 to deliver remarkable high-frequency detail and imaging and natural timbre at any listening position, in a broad range of acoustic environments.
Crown I-Tech power amplifiers complete the system, providing greater than a kilowatt of clean power to the 2216ND woofer and the D2 high-frequency driver. In conjunction with the M2’s waveguide, digital signal processing in the Crown I-Tech or BSS Soundweb London processor allows the implementation of an ideal crossover, while providing the option for storage of EQ presets. In conjunction with measurement software, Harman HiQnet System Architect software allows central control of system calibration and tuning to address non-linearity in the room, ensuring a high degree of accuracy, particularly in the room-dependent low-frequency area, whether the M2 is free-standing, soffit-mounted or placed adjacent to a wall.
At 49.5x20x14 inches (HxWxD), the M2 Master Reference Monitor allows flexibility of placement in artist studios, behind the screen and in remote trucks.
The M2 Master Reference Monitor will be available spring of 2013 in stereo and surround sound configurations from select JBL Professional dealers.
Visit JBL Professional at www.jblpro.com.
