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Harbinger VARI SM505 5" Studio Monitor With 3-Voice DSP and Bluetooth

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Harbinger VARI 500 Series Studio Monitors | Overview with Patrick O'Connor

Description
Harbinger VARI SM505 nearfield monitors were designed from the ground up to solve one of the most persistent mix challenges—making sure your mix translates well across different systems. With three separate DSP voicings and the convenience of Bluetooth input, whether you're in the middle of a production session or kicking back with some of your favorite tunes, a pair of SM505s is a great choice for your studio, or your living room.

The Perfect Mix Every Time
Job one for any studio monitor is to accurately reflect every detail in your mix. The second job is to allow you to craft a mix that delivers the impact you want on any system your audience might be listening on, from a mobile device to a home audiophile system. In many studios, this is accomplished by having multiple sets of speakers, from giant soffit-mount monitors to tiny 3" single-driver speakers for comparison. The VARI Studio SM505 uses Harbinger's Perfect Mix DSP to provide three different voicings—Normal, Reference and Small—that enable you to check for compatibility with every size of system, ensuring that your audience hears exactly what you want them to hear.

Bluetooth Convenience
One key to creating great mixes is constant comparison with a reference mix that inspires you. Since the Bluetooth input is available simultaneously with the analog inputs (balanced XLR/TRS on a combination jack at +4dBu and unbalanced -10dBV inputs on 1/4" and RCA/Phono inputs), it's easy to switch back and forth between your mix and an external streaming source, like your phone or tablet, to zero in on the important bits. As an added bonus, the Perfect Mix DSP will let you hear how that reference mix handles the different voicings. Plus, when you're just chilling in the control room, the VARI SM505 is great for simply listening to your favorite tunes.

Engineered for Superior Sound
In order to deliver the accuracy you need, it's important that the individual components of the monitor provide exceptional sound quality, even without the magic of Perfect Mix DSP. The SM505 starts with a custom-designed 5" low-frequency driver and an enclosure that makes sure that what goes in is what comes out. Unlike rear-ported monitors, which are far pickier about placement and need to be kept further away from reflective surfaces like walls, VARI Studio monitors are front-ported, which expands placement possibilities while delivering superior low-frequency response. The high-frequency waveguide is designed and built to precision standards for incredible imaging with highly detailed stereo placement across the entire soundfield.

Easy Control Access
Of course, all those features don't count for much if they're not easy to use. The Harbinger VARI Studio SM505 puts all the controls you need most—DSP, Bluetooth and a stepped volume knob—right on the front panel of the monitor, keeping the I/O connections and controls that you rarely need to change, like the high- and low-frequency shelving, on the back panel. The end result is a clean, modern look and superb ease of use.
Every studio needs to have a great-performing pair (or more, if you aspire to mixing in modern surround formats like ATMOS) of studio monitors. The Harbinger VARI Studio SM505 brings you the performance you need to make your mixes shine, without straining your budget or compromising on quality.
Features
- Bluetooth Audio Input: 5.2 Standard
- Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Pairing: Yes
- Low-frequency driver: 5"
- Mid-frequency driver: Not applicable
- High-frequency driver: 1"
- Full-range driver: Not applicable
- Driver type: Info not available
- Input connectors: XLR/1/4" TRS Combination Jack, 1/4" TS, RCA
- Volume knob: Stepped
- Standby mode: Info not available
- Acoustic space control: Yes
- Power indicator: Yes
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Lead, which is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Specs
- Width: 7.1"
- Height: 11.5"
- Depth: 10"
- Weight: 9 lb.
- Enclosure type: Front Ported
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.93
14 Reviews
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Filters
Best Uses
- Home Studio12
- Professional Recording6
- Amateur Recording5
- Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing2
- Performances1
Cons
- Bulky/Heavy1
- Great Bluetooth functionality1
Describe Yourself
- Experienced8
- Professional Musician4
- Novice1
Pros
- Easy To Use13
- Good Audio13
- Versatile11
- Compact6
- Durable6
Reviewed by 14 customers
Excellent quality
Verified Buyer
submitted2 months ago
byTina
fromSt. Louis, Mo.
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
These were recently purchased as my son's first set of speakers for his DJ setup. They work perfectly for his needs and were reasonably priced.
Buy these!
submitted2 months ago
byJames
fromChattanooga
If 8" monitors are too big for your space and 3.5" monitors just arent giving you the boost you need, then these are perfect. I was using Presonus Eris 3.5 for my desktop studio and although they were great to me they just didn't have the midrange hump I was looking for. These definitely filled that gap leaving me with a TON of headroom for extra boost in every frequency with tons of extra features and plenty of simultaneous inputs for multiple sources to boot! These are very balanced monitors and that spund much bigger than they are.
Yeah they hit that boom and crisp on high
submitted3 months ago
byWhitey McFly
fromDenver
They get the job done here. Can't get away from just listening to music. Smoke some then enjoy the boom. Really got my ready to work on some music again they great speakers.
Excellent monitors. Even better on sale
Verified Buyer
submitted3 months ago
byJeff
fromHollywood
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
Monitor recording sessions
Surprised me how good these are
submitted5 months ago
byReese
fromNew Mexico
I have a pair of HS8, a pair of i-loud micro and I find my self mixing on these more then the others. The built-in DSP really helps reveal harsh or overwhelming points in your mix. Definitely worth the buy and would recommend
Amazing Studio Monitor at a reasonable price
Verified Buyer
submitted6 months ago
byGary
fromQuakertown, PA
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
I was originally in the market for some crappy used, and higher end used monitors for my home studio, and I stumbled across these. These give you three distinct speaker type options what have bettered my mixing leaps and bounds. Definitely recommend for home use 10/10
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted10 days ago
asked byMichael
fromWestfield IN
Does this come with one or two monitors?
This is just the one.submitted3 months ago
asked byChris
fromCalifornia
Since the power switch is on the rear, are these designed to be left with the power "on" when not in use?
No, they aren't.submitted7 months ago
asked byTerrie
fromNew Hampshire
would this work to hear the output of my new yamaha mod8x+ keyboard for home use?
Yes it would.submitteda year ago
asked bystunt degrate
fromundisclosed
are these sold each or as a pair?
The Harbinger VARI SM505 5" Studio Monitor is just the one.submitteda year ago
asked byJon
fromundisclosed
Are these priced as a pair or individually?
The Harbinger VARI SM505 is just the one.submitteda year ago
asked byDani
fromundisclosed
New to this stuff, would this work well as a good amp for an electric guitar?
No, this is a Reference Monitor. Please give us a call to help you find something – 855-770-3373