Some time ago we put the JBL LSR305 monitors through our test bench. In September 2018 we published a press release about the launch of the 3 Series MkII from JBL Professional. Today we have them in the studio, and we're putting them through our test bench alongside other reference models on the market (including the LSR205). Let's see what happens.
With the same philosophy as their predecessors, a pair of JBL Professional 306P MkII monitors arrives in the lab today. It's a two-way studio monitor with a 6.5" woofer. The most distinctive aspect of this system, compared with its competitors, is its patented JBL Image Control waveguide and refined transducers that produce crisp detail and precise imaging. The manufacturer's aim with this product is to create a faithful, modern studio system that delivers a pleasant listening experience when mixing. All at affordable prices.
About the Waveguide Technology
The patented Image Control Waveguide technology was originally developed for JBL's M2 monitor. It delivers an immersive soundstage with a neutral frequency response and an accurate representation of the mix even when listening off the optimal axis. The cabinets feature 6.5" woofers reinforced by JBL Slip Stream TM low-frequency technology, which results in deep bass. As for the tweeter, it's a 1" neodymium composite-fabric unit that delivers crystal-clear nuances without harshness.
Design and Sound
For the tests, we set up the new pair of 306P MkII next to a pair of LSR305s, also from JBL. We used the JBL Professional M-Patch 2 selector/controller to compare the two pairs and manage their volumes. Although monitors from other brands were present during the tests, we focused on a listening comparison between these two JBL models to understand their evolution.
One of the goals of this new design is to expand its possibilities in different production environments. It brings improvements in design, transducers and frequency range, thanks to what was learned in manufacturing, to the analysis of the results by JBL's engineering team and, of course, to listening to user feedback.
Continuing in that vein of “flexibility,” each of these monitors has a Boundary EQ switch that attenuates low frequencies if needed, for example when we place the units close to a wall. On the rear panel we also find a three-position HF Trim to adjust the high-frequency response to suit the room or, why not, our personal taste.
As for our impressions from listening, compared with the LSR305 we didn't find a dramatic difference, since they continue an improved technological development of a product line that was already on the market with their predecessors. Obviously, the 6.5" woofer, which is larger than the LSR305's, delivers a more solid, punchy low end. Overall, we found controlled, precise bass, very natural mids and good reproduction of detail in the highs. All of it under a generally “pleasant” and well-proportioned sound.
We liked being able to move a little off the main listening axis without noticing drastic changes in the mids and highs. That makes the pair (as with the earlier ones) shine for its balance.
After many hours of mixing, experience tells us it's good to have several listening tools (when we can afford them), so that mixes can be checked on several outputs (professional monitoring headphones, monitors of different brands and sizes). We need to appreciate every detail of our production perfectly and, above all, have a clear view of how it will sound on users' many different home systems. With these considerations in mind, we understand that the JBL 306P MkII could be our first choice in studio monitors as a single pair, as well as one of the ones we pick for our general arsenal of listening tools if we already have others installed.
Rear Panel and Connectivity
Besides the Boundary EQ and HF Trim switches mentioned above, we find a +4 dBu / -10 dBV input level switch, with balanced TRS 1/4" and XLR inputs. The power socket and power switch are also on the back, although, as with earlier versions of the family, there's a front LED that shows the activity status (on/off).
Conclusions
A powerful pair of monitors, with a good cabinet size (361 224 x 282 mm) and woofer (6.5"), bi-amplified (Class D) at 56 W for the highs and 56 W for the lows. I'd highlight the balance it shows across all frequencies, the control and precision of the bass and its detailed but never harsh sound. The studio where we tested it is full of gear, racks, cables and assorted gadgets. I want to underline how effectively the cabinets reject interference and hum from nearby equipment. They're JBL, so we have a brand guarantee based on its track record in the market, and 596 € per pair. A strong option to consider for your studio.
Specifications
Woofer 6.5" (165 mm)
HF 1" soft dome (25 mm)
Class D amplification 56 W + 56 W
Max SPL 110 dB
Dimensions: 361 224 x 282 mm
Weight: 6.1 kg
Suggested price per pair 596 €
Manufacturer: JBL PRO
Distributed in Spain and Portugal by: Earpro
