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

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

Harbinger

Description

Harbinger VARI Studio SM508 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 SM508s is a great choice for your studio, or your living room.

Harbinger Vari Studio Monitor SM508 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 SM508 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 SM508 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 SM508 is great for simply listening to your favorite tunes. 

Harbinger Vari Studio Monitor SM508

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 SM508 starts with a custom-designed 8" 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 SM508 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 SM508 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 SM508 brings you the performance you need to make your mixes shine, without straining your budget or compromising on quality.

Features

  • 3 DSP voicings (Normal, Reference, Small) to accurately test your mixes
  • Bluetooth 5.2 audio input as well as stereo pairing
  • Adjustable high and low frequencies
  • Simultaneous inputs: One balanced XLR/1/4" TRS Combi, One unbalanced 1/4” TS and RCA each

Specs

  • Size: Nearfield
  • System type: Active
  • Configuration: 2-way bi-amp powered front-ported
  • Wireless Audio
    • Bluetooth Audio Input: 5.2 Standard
    • Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Pairing: Yes
    Drivers
    • Low-frequency driver: 8" cone
    • Mid-frequency driver: Not applicable
    • High-frequency driver: 1"
    • Full-range driver: Not applicable
    • Driver type: Info not available
    Sound
    • Frequency response: 36Hz–20kHz
    • Max peak SPL: 110dB 6.1dBV@1kHz–1M
    • THD: 1.27% 1W @1kHz
    • Amplifier class: Class-D
    • Output power: 100W RMS (70W LF + 30W HF)
    • Low-Frequency Adjust: -2dB/0dB/+2dB @ 150Hz
    • High-Frequency Adjust: -2dB/0dB/+2dB @ 4KHz
    Onboard Features
    • Input connectors: XLR/1/4" TRS Combination Jack (+4dBu balanced), 1/4" TS (-10dBV unbalanced), RCA (-10dBV unbalanced)
    • Volume knob: Stepped attenuator
    • Standby mode: Info not available
    • Acoustic space control: Yes
    • Power indicator: Yes
    Dimensions
    • (WxHxD): 10.32" x 15.75" x 11.42"
    • Weight: 18.5 lb.

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