JBL M2 2-Way Master Reference Monitor

About: JBL M2 2-Way Master Reference Monitor

Addressing the growing need for high dynamic range and reference-monitor accuracy in a broad range of studios, JBL has developed the M2 Master Reference Monitor: A Free-Standing, 2-Way System that can be placed in any environment to provide an exceptionally accurate monitoring experience. Leveraging a new generation of JBL high-output, ultra-low distortion transducers, the M2 provides in-room frequency response of 20 Hz to 40 kHz, and an extraordinary 123 dB maximum SPL to meet the demanding music, cinema and broadcast production requirements for impactful dynamic range.

Innovation Through Meticulous Attention to Detail

The core philosophy behind JBL’s long history of audio innovation is based on meticulous attention to every detail of system design. If the wire needed for a new voice coil isn’t available, JBL develops it. If a tool or technology doesn’t exist, JBL invents it. This uncompromising commitment to the goal drives the development of every new product and technology that bears the JBL logo. In recent years, audio engineers have developed new work methods and have migrated to new work environments. Responding to the call for greater accuracy and dynamic range in this new breed of music and post production work spaces, JBL engineers developed the new M2 Master Reference Monitor. Breaking free of the conventional, the M2 incorporates numerous patented innovations to deliver unprecedented performance and a truly remarkable listening experience. Conceived and purpose built for modern recording and post production, the M2 was created so you can exercise your own meticulous attention to detail.

The Demand for Next Generation Studio Monitors

Today’s sophisticated music production is carried out in a broad range of spaces. Until now, the availability of a big, impressive, yet highly accurate monitoring experience, has been limited to purpose-built control rooms. Lacking the space, infrastructure and resources to effectively integrate large systems into their production environments, professional project studios are forced to rely on the use of near-field monitors.

As small and medium sized rooms play an increasingly significant role in cinema and broadcast content creation, high dynamic range and accuracy are required from a speaker system with a modest foot print. While JBL Screen Array speakers are the standard on cinema mix stages, they are too large for use in smaller rooms, but near-field studio monitors don’t provide the required acoustic output or dynamic range for re-mix of dramatic content.

Bringing a fresh perspective to the realities of this new production environment, JBL developed new technology to take monitoring to the next level.

The Solution: The M2 Master Reference Monitor

Addressing the growing need for high dynamic range and reference-monitor accuracy in a broad range of studios, JBL has developed the M2 Master Reference Monitor: a free-standing, 2-way system that can be placed in any environment to provide an exceptionally accurate monitoring experience. Leveraging a new generation of JBL high-output, ultra-low distortion transducers, the M2 provides in-room frequency response of 20 Hz to 40 kHz, and an extraordinary 123 dB maximum SPL to meet the demanding music, cinema and broadcast production requirements for impactful dynamic range.

In a compact form-factor, the M2 integrates three key components that work in harmony to deliver unparalleled performance. At the heart of the system, JBL’s patented D2 high frequency and 2216Nd low frequency transducers are the engines that make this possible. Using a revolutionary design, the D2 produces smooth, extended high frequency response with ultra-low distortion whether listening at very high or subtle levels. Using patented technology, the remarkable 2216Nd woofer offers deep bass extension and very low power compression, even at its full-rated output. In spite of the M2’s minimal footprint, its exceptional low frequency response eliminates the need for a subwoofer.

D2: Dual Diaphragm, Dual Voice-Coil Compression Driver

• The Ultimate High Frequency Driver for Critical Reference Monitoring
• Extended HF Reproduction
• Smooth Response
• High Power Handling
• Measurably Lower
• Distortion
• Reduced Power Compression
• Increased Dynamic Headroom

Exceptional system performance requires extraordinary components. To achieve their groundbreaking objectives, the M2 design engineers capitalized on new, patented JBL technology in the D2 Dual Driver, a revolutionary device developed by JBL to deliver dramatically superior high frequency response. The D2 dual driver design allows the M2 to meet seemingly opposing objectives: extended high frequency, very low distortion and very high output. Central to this innovative solution are two key developments. First: the use of an annular diaphragm, not subject to the break up modes of a conventional dome diaphragm. Second: the merging of two drivers into a single, compact transducer with a single acoustical output. Instead of the large and heavy metal dome diaphragm of a conventional compression driver, the D2430K uses two annular low-mass polymer diaphragms offering the same radiating area as a conventional 3-inch dome. Two separate 3-inch voice coils driven by their own magnet structures share the burden of heat transfer, resulting in a dramatic increase of output and power handling. The result is a high frequency transducer that produces smoother, extended high frequency response to 40 kHz and significantly lower levels of nonlinear distortion. Well-validated by objective measurements, the D2430K’s superior sound quality has also been verified through exhaustive subjective listening by leading industry experts.

2216Nd Differential Drive Woofer

• Exceptional Low Frequency Extension
• High Output
• Very Low Power Compression 
• Very Low Distortion 

Achieving extended, rich low frequency performance within the M2 system design parameters required additional JBL engineering innovations, and the 2216Nd in the M2 is no “off-the-shelf” woofer. It employs no less than five patented technologies to allow bass extension to the limits of the audible range, and high output, free of power compression that is detrimental to a system’s low frequency performance. Echoing the “dual driver” design of the D2, the 2216Nd utilizes dual neodymium magnets and two voice coils. To ensure the ultimate performance, even the use of special wire in the 2216 voice coils is a JBL patented application. Featuring a low thermal coefficient of resistance wire, this new JBL voice coil design allows the woofer parameters to remain more stable at high output levels. The result is lower power compression, which allows lower distortion at high system output. In addition, the 2216Nd’s cone, compliance and spider are engineered to allow greater excursion at the woofer’s lowest frequencies.

In the M2 system, the 2216Nd produces impressive low frequency output down to 20 Hz.

• Image Control Waveguide
• Impressive Imaging and Sound Stage 
• Exceptional High Frequency Detail 
• Uniform Directivity for Smooth In-Room Response 
• Patent Pending Design 

To support an imperceptible transition between the two drivers, and deliver exceptional imaging, JBL engineers pioneered a new patent-pending waveguide design that enables neutral frequency response, not just on-axis, but off-axis in the vertical and horizontal planes, all the way down to the M2’s 800 Hz crossover point.

The unique geometry of this waveguide allows the M2 to deliver remarkable high frequency detail, imaging, and natural balance at nearly any listening position in a broad range of acoustic environments. Since design of this complexity and level of detail is an iterative process, JBL performs Finite Element Analysis, creating virtual simulations of off-axis response, pattern control, and the blend of the high frequency driver and woofer. Because “close” is not good enough, JBL uses in-house rapid prototyping equipment to produce and evaluate physical samples until the design is perfected.

Spectral Polar Response

Directivity anomalies, and resulting poor off-axis response can destroy accuracy and neutrality at the listening position and cannot be fixed using room EQ. The measurements below illustrate the M2’s superior directivity.

• Conventional Music Production Speaker - The coverage of this speaker is erratic and not uniform at all frequencies. As a component of sound that reaches the mix position, the off-axis response negatively impacts the speaker’s accuracy.
• JBL M2 - The M2s response is exceptionally smooth and consistent across a wide listening window, providing neutral response, and natural balance, not just at the mix position, but virtually anywhere in the room.

LSR Linear Spatial Reference Design

With an awareness that today’s audio production is carried out in a wide range of acoustic environments, JBL engineers employ a set of measurements to predict how a loudspeaker will behave in actual room environments. While other manufacturers use a single on-axis frequency response measurement taken at one point in space, LSR Design Protocol requires 72 measurements that encompass all power radiated into the listening room, in every direction. This data reflects 1,296 times the information of a single on-axis response curve. The entire sound field heard by the listener is correlated and studied to optimize the speaker’s response at the listening position. LSR Design Protocol exposes resonance, directivity anomalies and the cause of off-axis coloration. This allows intelligent system design that ensures a wide, accurate sweet-spot, and neutral timbre in a broad range of listening environments. The M2 is the ultimate expression of the LSR Design Protocol.

M2 Enclosure

• Small Footprint
• Extended Bass Performance
• Patented Low Frequency Port Design

Extended low frequency performance and high SPL can be the formula for unwanted resonance. The M2 enclosure is constructed of rigid 1" MDF and with the aid of JBL’s interferometer, extensively braced for rock-solid stability at the system’s full rated power. The enclosure incorporates a JBL patented Slipstream port design with internal flares that ensure low frequency efficiency while eliminating noise caused by port turbulence. Architecturally elegant, the M2 enclosure occupies a relatively small footprint, and can be transported to various working environments,

Specifications

• System Format -  2-Way Floor Standing or Soffi t Mountable
• High Frequency Model -  D2430K Dual Diaphragm Dual Voice Coil Compression Driver
• Low Frequency Model -  2216Nd 15 in (381 mm) Differential Drive Woofer
• Crossover Frequency -  800 Hz
• Frequency Response (±3 dB) -  20 Hz - 40 kHz
• Coverage Angle -  120º H x 100º V
• Sensitivity 1W/1m SPL -  92 dB
• Continuous/Peak SPL@ 1m -  117 dB /123 dB; 108 dB Peak SPL @ 8m
  • Maximum Peak SPL -  123 dB
  • Maximum Continuous SPL -  117 dB
• The System Requires -  One Crown iTech 5000HD power amp for each speaker, or BSS Soundweb London Processor with Crown Macro-Tech MA-5000i
• Recommended Amplifier Power -  1,200 Watts into 8 ohms
• Input Connectors -  Spring Terminals
• Enclosure Construction -  25 mm (1 in) MDF
• Finish -  Satin Black Lacquer
• Included -  Removable ABS Grille with Black UL Compliant Fabric
• Dimensions (W x H x D) Including removable feet -  20 x 49.5 x 14 (508 x 1256 x 355.6 mm)
• Weight -  129 lb (58.5 kg)