Harbinger VARI Studio 500 Series
Harbinger Pro Audio introduces the VARI Studio 500 Series of nearfield monitors featuring variable DSP voicings to accurately reveal the truth of a mix, prevent mixing mistakes, and ensure that audio productions will reliably translate to any reproduction system so consumers will hear exactly the vision of the artist.
This line of nearfield monitor loudspeakers includes the SM505 (with a 5-inch woofer) and the SM508 (with an 8-inch woofer). Both feature an expertly engineered tweeter waveguide to deliver superior stereo imaging and highly detailed stereo placement across the entire soundfield for more accurate mixing, more satisfying listening and a highly precise balance of all midrange and high frequency audio. A front bass port ensures fuller and more accurate low frequency reproduction, while avoiding sound-altering room interactions that commonly occur with studio monitors with rear-panel bass ports, thereby expanding placement options.
In many studios, mix compatibility checks are accomplished by having multiple sets of speakers, from giant soffit-mount monitors to tiny 3" single-driver speakers. Harbinger’s Perfect Mix DSP offers three loudspeaker voicings: Normal – a classic studio monitor sound also great for entertainment listening; Ref – extremely accurate and uncolored; and Small – a simulation of small speakers to help ensure a mix will translate well to smaller speaker systems, including phones, tablets, laptops, and small Bluetooth® speakers. By switching modes, creators can check for compatibility with every size of system with a single pair of monitors.
Bluetooth audio support lets end users easily stream audio for reference during a mix or sound design session, as well streaming from a phone, tablet or computer for entertainment listening without having to route audio through a music production mixer or audio interface. The Bluetooth input is available simultaneously with the analog inputs (balanced XLR/TRS on a combination jack at +4dB and unbalanced -10dBv inputs on 1/4" and RCA/phono inputs) making it easy to switch back and forth between a mix and an external streaming source.
All the controls needed most – DSP mode switching, Bluetooth enable and a stepped volume knob – are right on the front panel of the monitor, keeping the I/O connections and controls that rarely need adjustment, like the on-board high- and low-frequency shelving EQs, on the back panel. The result is a clean, modern look, and superb ease of use.
The SM505 has a rated frequency response of 47 Hz to 20 kHz with Class-D amplifiers providing 60 Watts RMS (20W for the tweeter and 40W for the woofer), yielding 102 dB max SPL. The SM508 has a rated frequency response of 36 Hz to 20 kHz with Class-D amplifiers providing 100 Watts RMS (30W for the tweeter and 70W for the woofer), which delivers a 110 dB max SPL.
The Harbinger VARI Studio 500 Series is priced as follows: the SM505 pair is $199, and the SM508s are $299 a pair. Every home studio needs to have a great-performing pair of studio monitors (or more for those aspiring to mix in modern surround formats like ATMOS). The Harbinger VARI Studio 500 Series delivers the performance needed to make mixes shine, without budget strain and without compromising on quality.