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

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

Harbinger

collapse expand iconDescription

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.

Harbinger Vari Studio Monitor SM505 DSP Choices

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.

Harbinger Vari Studio Monitor SM505 In Studio

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. 

Harbinger Vari Studio Monitor SM505

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. 

Harbinger Vari Studio Monitor SM505 Front Controls

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.

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Size: Nearfield
  • System type: Active
  • Configuration: 2-way
  • Wireless Audio
    • Bluetooth Audio Input: 5.2 Standard
    • Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Pairing: Yes
    Drivers
    • Low-frequency driver: 5"
    • Mid-frequency driver: Not applicable
    • High-frequency driver: 1"
    • Full-range driver: Not applicable
    • Driver type: Info not available
    Onboard Features
    • 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

    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.

    collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Frequency response: 47Hz–20kHz
  • Max peak SPL: 102dB 6.1dBV@1kHz–1M
  • THD: 0.62% 1W @1kHz
  • Amplifier class: Class-D
  • Output power: 60W RMS (40W LF + 20W HF)
  • Low-Frequency Adjust: -2dB/0dB/+2dB @ 150Hz
  • High-Frequency Adjust: -2dB/0dB/+2dB @ 2.3kHz
  • Dimensions
    • Width: 7.1"
    • Height: 11.5"
    • Depth: 10"
    • Weight: 9 lb.
    • Enclosure type: Front Ported

    Featured Articles

    collapse expand iconReviews

    4.93

    14 Reviews

    100%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend

    Filters

    Best Uses

    1. Home Studio12
    2. Professional Recording6
    3. Amateur Recording5
    4. Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing2
    5. Performances1

    Cons

    1. Bulky/Heavy1
    2. Great Bluetooth functionality1

    Describe Yourself

    1. Experienced8
    2. Professional Musician4
    3. Novice1

    Pros

    1. Easy To Use13
    2. Good Audio13
    3. Versatile11
    4. Compact6
    5. Durable6
    • Excellent quality

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified 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!

      5

      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

      5

      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

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitted3 months ago

      byJeff

      fromHollywood

      Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

      Monitor recording sessions

    • Surprised me how good these are

      5

      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

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified 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

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    collapse expand iconQ&A

    Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

    • asked byMichael

      fromWestfield IN

      Does this come with one or two monitors?

      Does this come with one or two monitors?

      Open Reply - Gear-Support
      This is just the one.
    • 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?

      Since the power switch is on the rear, are these designed to be left with the power "on" when not in use?

      Open Reply - Gear-Support
      No, they aren't.
    • asked byTerrie

      fromNew Hampshire

      would this work to hear the output of my new yamaha mod8x+ keyboard for home use?

      would this work to hear the output of my new yamaha mod8x+ keyboard for home use?

      Open Reply - Gear-Support
      Yes it would.
    • asked bystunt degrate

      fromundisclosed

      are these sold each or as a pair?

      are these sold each or as a pair?

      Open Reply - Gear-Support
      The Harbinger VARI SM505 5" Studio Monitor is just the one.
    • asked byJon

      fromundisclosed

      Are these priced as a pair or individually?

      Are these priced as a pair or individually?

      Open Reply - Gear-Support
      The Harbinger VARI SM505 is just the one.
    • asked byDani

      fromundisclosed

      New to this stuff, would this work well as a good amp for an electric guitar?

      New to this stuff, would this work well as a good amp for an electric guitar?

      Open Reply - Gear-Support
      No, this is a Reference Monitor. Please give us a call to help you find something – 855-770-3373