An interesting pair arrives at the lab, compact in size but capable of delivering faithful listening. Their size and weight are reminiscent of reference monitors for mobile units and broadcast. However, I have the impression that JBL has created this pair for a wider range of users and broad needs. Here we go.
This is a pair designed for content creators. A reliable listening reference for those who need clarity of detail and sharpness when mixing and editing. Drawing on decades of experience, the manufacturer says it started from scratch this time when designing the new JBL 104.
Units of these dimensions, only slightly larger than small desktop speakers, are usually not capable of delivering such comfortable lows, and certainly not this clarity of detail either. A precise sound presentation designed for podcasters, music and video producers, and musicians who need portability, or any user who needs clear, realistic listening.
Compact monitors
The 104s are designed to be placed on the desk next to your computer or laptop screen. Their engineering delivers transparent listening without coloration and above-average low-end quality for their class (down to 60 Hz).
The 60W of Class D power (30 + 30) in such a small cabinet makes them ideal for a wide range of contexts, since they can be carried and set up in no time: desktops, listening booths, small studios, stage, film...
Listening in our tests
We used 3 pairs of monitors in our tests: the JBL 104s and two other pairs with 12" and 5" woofers. We ran the same mixes through all three pairs to see the differences in frequencies, stereo field and clarity. Obviously a 120 W monitor with a 15" woofer and a slightly more open placement (right - left) has an advantage. It would be false to say the listening is the same. What is true is that the difference compared with the larger (and more expensive) ones was not as big as the difference in size and weight. And what does that mean?
From our point of view, what this listening result in our tests shows is that the €132 / $149 they cost (approximately) really delivers a powerful result, with the added advantage that they can be placed or carried very easily.
We even see this option as a complementary listening reference for those who already have larger pairs of monitors. It gives us the acoustic reality of a smaller, more restrained speaker. At the same time, it expands our toolkit by giving us small speakers we can take from place to place for various situations.
Connectivity for agile sessions
It's true that technology keeps changing the ways and contexts in which we mix, record and produce. There are also the needs of podcasters, YouTubers and audiovisual journalists, as well as producers, DJs and musicians who today need more dynamic, portable sessions. The JBL 104s are a more than reasonably priced solution for all these situations.
Details such as the volume control and headphone output on the front make the pair convenient and quick to use on the desktop. As for connectivity, the system consists of an active unit, into which we plug the power (the power supply is built in) as well as our input signals. The second is a passive speaker that receives the audio signal for the other side of the stereo field through a small, classic hi-fi cable to create the stereo image.
On the back there are RCA and 1/4" TRS inputs. It is easy to set up, and they are designed to avoid cabling that "clutters" or complicates our workspace. The back panel is also where you'll find the bass port, which helps the woofer deliver those nicely rounded lows. See the specifications for more details.
Conclusions
Little to add to what has been said. In short, you could say they are small and compact, designed for podcasters, YouTubers, musicians and producers who need portability, that they sound very good for their size (lows, balanced mids and good definition in the highs) and that they have a very reasonable price. Clean, simple and ready even for consumers who want to hear what comes out of their computer in a realistic, pleasant way.
Specifications
Master speaker and extension speaker sold as a set
Contoured 4.5-inch (118 mm) coaxial LF driver
Integrated 0.75-inch (19 mm) soft dome tweeter
Contoured low-frequency port
Acoustically optimized for desktop placement
Power: 30 + 30 W Class D
Front panel volume control
Front panel headphone jack with mute
Built-in power supply
Weight: 1.73 kg + 2.06 kg
Dimensions: 247 x 153 x 124 mm
Suggested retail price: €132
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