Tech Focus: Audio Monitoring, Part 2 — Speaker Options for Road Warriors

A look at full-range solutions for use inside production trucks

It’s a narrow niche in the diverse universe of monitor speakers, but monitoring inside truck audio environments calls for a robust, full-range speaker solution. Here are the market leaders.

Click here for Tech Focus: Audio Monitoring, Part 1 — Road Warriors Transitioning to an Immersive Future

Blue Sky SAT 6D monitor

Blue Sky
The company’s monitoring system, comprising its SAT 6D speakers and SUB 12D subwoofer with analog/digital Audio Management Controller (AMC), delivers pristine, accurate, full-range near-field monitoring configurable in 2.1, 5., and larger for broadcast surround-sound applications. Each 450-W, bi-amplified SAT 6D features state-of-the-art A/D and D/A converters with USB calibration input. Each satellite speaker has a 6.5-in. woofer with a radial magnet structure and 1-in. Scan Speak ring radiator tweeter. The SUB 12D woofer features a single long-excursion 12-in. woofer and a 600-W low-distortion power amplifier with USB calibration and state-of-the-art A/D and D/A. Blue Sky’s AMC provides analog and digital inputs with SRO speaker calibration, selectable presets, and solo and mute switches with level control. abluesky.com

Genelec
The 8331 and 8341 smart active monitors, part of the company’s recently introduced The Ones Series, are the world’s smallest three-way compact coaxial monitors. A breakthrough coaxial-driver design provides extremely accurate imaging and improved sound quality, with crystal-clear accuracy, both on- and off-axis, vertically and horizontally. Aesthetically striking is the absence of visible woofers, which are concealed beneath the Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW). The intuitive Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM 2.0) control network and software allows adjustments of all aspects of monitor settings and full system control. Genelec AutoCal automatically aligns every monitor on the network for level, timing, and equalization of room response anomalies. The 8331 is the monitoring solution for challenging room acoustics in TV and remote production. The 8341 is suitable for larger spaces. www.genelec.com

JBL Series 7 705i and 708i

JBL
The first in the company’s new 7 Series line, the 705i and 708i models answer the call for next-generation multichannel monitoring in post rooms, broadcast facilities, and trucks. Leveraging patented technologies developed for the flagship M2 Master Reference Monitor, 7 Series units deliver detailed imaging, extended frequency response, and remarkable output from compact enclosures. Centrally amplified and tuned and easily installed, 705i and 708i are the heart of an elegant, scalable system for broadcast and post facilities working in immersive-audio formats. Now available in both powered and passive models and featuring tight integration with the new Intonato 24 Monitor Management Tuning System. www.jblpro.com

Meyer Sound
The Amie precision studio monitor is a compact, self-powered loudspeaker designed for accurate, controlled audio reproduction in smaller production environments. A highly linear system, Amie provides uncolored response regardless of output levels. Extremely low distortion enables extended working hours without ear fatigue, and an integrated constant-directivity horn yields focused coverage in over-console applications. Amie incorporates a 6.5-in. long-excursion cone driver, a 1-in. silk-infused dome tweeter, and a two-channel Class D amplifier with sophisticated signal processing. www.meyersound.com

Neumann KH 80 DSP active DSP studio monitor

Neumann
The KH 120 nearfield studio monitor has a Mathematically Modeled Dispersion (MMD) waveguide, flexible acoustical controls, analog Class AB amplifiers, a large-headroom analog input, and an extensive mounting hardware range. It is also available in a digital version, the KH 120 D.

The KH 310 three-way active tri-amplified monitor also offers MMD, flexible acoustical controls, various input options, and an extensive range of mounting hardware. The KH 310 is designed for use as a near-field monitor, as a front loudspeaker in midsize multichannel systems, or as a rear loudspeaker in a larger multichannel system.

The KH 80 DSP two-way active bi-amplified monitor features a DSP engine with network control, MMD waveguide, analog input, and extensive range of mounting hardware. This allows the loudspeaker to be used in diverse acoustical conditions, with any source equipment and in a wide variety of physical locations. The KH 80 represents the latest in acoustic and electronic simulation and measurement technologies to ensure the most accurate sound reproduction possible.

 The KH 80 DSP is designed for use as a near-field monitor, as a front loudspeaker in small multichannel systems, or as a rear loudspeaker in a compact multichannel systems. www.neumannusa.com