The JBL marketing people have come up with a pretty nifty slogan for the company’s new LSR-Series Monitors: “Hear Every Thing.” Catchy, isn’t it? And quite accurate as a matter of fact, since these new speakers apply the very latest technology to produce a sound that really does let you hear every single thing in your mix. Of course, while plenty of us are still working in stereo, the JBL product designers are looking into the future. More and more, four, five or more channels are being monitored in modern production environments. As the AC-3 and DTS surround formats evolve (and others, no doubt, spring up), you’d better believe that everyone is going to be using them for film, video and (of course) album production. But how are you going to monitor all those additional speakers? Will your present speakers work or will you have to rethink how you listen in your studio? Luckily, the JBL engineers have done the thinking for us (which is good, since my math is awful).

Their Linear Spatial Reference (LSR) philosophy is based on a set of design goals that carefully control the overall performance of the system in a variety of acoustic spaces. Instead of focusing on a simple measurement such as on-axis frequency response, LSR designs require much better control over dispersion via transducer selection and crossover frequency design. Critical decisions of image placement, EQ, balance and timbre are typically made within +/- 15° vertically and +/- 30° horizontally. This workspace is where the engineer, producer and artist make mixing decisions and this is the area in which the LSR speakers are optimized for superb “in-room” response. By incorporating LSR into the system design requirements, placement rules are relaxed, a more stable image is maintained and off-axis coloration is minimized.

Let’s take a quick look at all three LSR speakers. First up is the LSR32 Linear Spatial Reference Studio Monitor ($999 list), which combines the latest in JBL transducer and system technology with recent breakthroughs in psychoacoustic research to provide a more accurate studio reference, even in multi-speaker configurations. Differential Drive Technology with dynamic braking is employed for extended low frequency response and low power compression. The company states that the LSR32 is, by design, a mid-field monitor. The LSR32’s 12" 252G Low Frequency Transducer is based on JBL’s patented DCD technology. With the Neodymium structure and dual drive coils, power compression is kept to a minimum to reduce the fatigue of spectral shift as power levels increase. The cone is made of a graphite/polypropylene composite forming a rigid piston supported by a soft butyl rubber surround.

The C500G Midrange Transducer is a 2" neodymium magnet structure with a woven 2" Kevlar cone. In order to achieve the goal of accurate spatial response the crossover points between low and high frequency drivers are located at 250 Hz and 2.2 kHz. Finally, the 053ti High Frequency Transducer is a 1" composite diaphragm integrated with an Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) Waveguide with 60 x 100 degree dispersion which is critical to the smooth spatial response required in today’s working environments. The Mid and High devices are mounted within millimeters of each other on a cast aluminum sub-baffle that can be rotated for horizontal or vertical placement giving maximum flexibility in placement to reduce console and ceiling splash that destabilizes imaging and depth.

The LSR12P ($1099 list) is a multiformat powered subwoofer for Dolby Pro Logic, AC-3, DTS and other surround formats. It features a 250-Watt continuous power amplifier with multi-voltage capability and employs Differential Drive Technology with dynamic braking for extended low frequency response and low power compression. The cabinet features a carbon fiber composite baffle for ultra low cabinet resonance and stable inertial ground, and the Linear Dynamics Aperture Port design eliminates port noise and reduces port compression. Separate Left, Center and Right crossover functions are included, as well as a discrete subwoofer input. This unique arrangement provides excellent bass management for a wide variety of formats. The subwoofer signals can be derived from the front channels or from the discrete input with a simple remote switch contact.
The LSR28P Bi-Amplified Linear Spatial Reference Studio Monitor ($999 list) was carefully designed to provide precision imaging in near field monitoring applications. The LSR28P combines two high power amplifiers with an active crossover system which includes over 200 watts of low frequency power and 70 watts for the high frequency drivers. Active circuitry is included for level calibration and frequency response adjustment of both the bass and treble. XLR and 1/4” input connections can be accommodated as well as balanced and unbalanced signals.

The LSR28P’s 8” low frequency transducer has dual drive coils which reduce spectral shift as power levels increase. An added third coil between the drive coils acts as a dynamic brake to limit excess excursion and reduces audible distortion at the high levels. The cone is made of a graphite-polypropylene composite forming a rigid piston and is supported by a soft butyl rubber surround. The 053ti High Frequency Transducer is a 1" composite diaphragm integrated with an Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) Waveguide with 60 x 100 degree dispersion.
Now that’s a lot of technical talk. Some of us dig such details. Others just want to know what these things sound like. Well, those of us who heard them at the NAMM and AES Shows in a spectacular multichannel demonstration were awestruck by the clarity and imaging, even at high SPLs. The subwoofer delivers a bass that you feel as much as hear. By the way, if you’re considering a 5.1 surround home theater system, you need to carefully consider the incredibly accurate LSR monitors rather than the artificial, hyped-up speakers typical of consumer electronics stores. Some of these home theater systems look good, but deliver sonics that most of us will find unacceptable.

Want to know more? Want to audition a set in your own studio (or living room)? It’s easy. Just pick up the phone and call us here at Sweetwater. You can get full detailed information and your special low Sweetwater pricing on an LSR System all your own. What are you waiting for? Call now!