The LSR305 series (along with its larger sibling, the LSR308) belongs to JBL's new 3 Series, which among other things features a new waveguide system on the tweeter to deliver an improved, well-defined and very dimensional stereo image. Tight bass and fatigue-free listening. JBL's new 3 Series monitors are presented as a magnificent alternative for music producers and professional sound engineers. They are a great choice for recording and mixing in our DAW software.
Features of the 3 Series
Image Control Waveguide. They offer a waveguide system on the tweeter to deliver excellent stereo imaging. It is also worth noting that with the 3 Series monitors we no longer have a single optimal reference point for listening. Thanks to the sweet spot, the optimal listening area is considerably widened, covering a much broader range (of space in front of your monitors) in which you will hear the mix accurately.
The Woofers. The woofers are long-throw and give us deep, smooth bass with excellent precision. Controlled, defined and punchy low end. In addition, thanks to the Slip Stream port, the 3 Series LSRs keep definition and balance accurate even when working at low sound pressure levels. Being able to work on and check the mix at low volume is another benchmark for judging its balance. Slip Stream (patented technology) delivers that improvement in low-end definition without causing excess or turbulence when working at higher volumes.
Power with Features and Control
- Class D amplifiers
- Professional balanced XLR and ¼" TRS inputs
- Selectable input sensitivity (+4dBu -10dBu)
- LF and HF calibration and adjustment. They let you compensate for the room acoustics and correct for possible coloration of the signal due to placement (proximity to the wall, etc.)
They show a perfect balance between power and definition in the lows, mids and highs.
In Testing
These not-so-small monitors went through exhaustive testing. Thanks to an interface with 8 stereo outputs, we connected the LSR305s alongside other monitors: Avantone, Mackie, M-Audio DSM2 and PreSonus Eris. An interesting variety of monitors, since we combined references with different woofer sizes and cabinet sizes, as well as models of the same size.
We were amazed by the definition of their low end. In fact, we enjoyed the information we were getting track by track: bass, kick, snare, hi-hat, ambiences, acoustics, electrics. The clarity of the low end is especially interesting; forceful and punchy, yet enveloping and precise. The highs, for their part, are very faithful, defined and not at all harsh. Listening was pleasant, but above all very reliable and clear.
Their affordable price makes these accurate reference monitors very tempting.
In terms of power, they have nothing to envy from higher-wattage options. Although having a second pair with an 8" woofer is interesting, we think these LSR305s are ideal as a basic reference in a recording and editing studio.
As for the width of the sweet spot, we took the trouble to vary the position of the JBLs. We opened the spread wider, moved them a little farther apart (and a little closer, in various stages), and changed our listening position instead of staying glued to the supposedly ideal spot. You can definitely tell that the reference holds up across a wider range of engineer or producer positions.
Conclusions
We have been very pleased with this product. Of everything we have heard lately in this woofer size, it is one of the alternatives we liked most. They show a perfect balance between power and definition, which lets you work at sound pressure levels ranging from moderate (ideal for long sessions) to cranked, to enjoy the punch of the kicks and basses every now and then. All with an excellent stereo image and excellent precision in the nuances of the mids and highs.
To top it off: as you well know, when it comes to spending euros, times are tight, so the modest price of these JBLs makes them even more tempting.
We enjoyed this test bench. An excellent proposal.
