TEST: JBL LSR2325P

Nearfield monitors as far as the eye can see! Have you ever noticed what a huge selection there is in this segment? At this point at the latest, you realize how many commercial productions now come from project studios. Even if it pains me as one of the representatives of the old school, the time of the "big" studio complexes in the hands of internationally operating record companies is over. These constructions are now only brought out like the Rolls Royce Phantom of the British Queen for representation purposes or are maintained and serviced internally as depreciable objects.

The second guard, who use near-field monitors as A-monitors, is already in the starting blocks and is currently being considered by the industry with products like no other clientele, especially since the products are again divided into series and come with changing speaker configurations / power outputs, but the same conception on the market. In short, something is happening in the country.

The low-priced consumer league up to about 300 Euros is very competitive, with every top dog offering at least one product for the consumer's favor. Long-time comrade of the ultimate sound, James Bullough Lansing, also offers a product in this weight class, which we will take a closer look at today, the LSR 2325P.


Design

The single LSR 2325P box comes with a weight of 6.8 kg and the dimensions 298 mm x 197 mm x 248 mm (HxWxD), which corresponds to the current standard. Only the four mounting points on the underside deviate a bit from the standard equipment. There is also a soft rubber plate on the bottom, which acoustically decouples the box from the installation point.

The LSR 2325P is active and has a 5 inch woofer (55 watts, Class A-B) , which is suspended medium-tight and a 1 inch dome tweeter (35 watts, Class A-B), which has an elliptical radiation. Due to this cabinet design, the speaker should only be used in an upright position, not in a lying position!

According to factory specifications, the speaker covers a frequency range of 60 Hz - 18 kHz with a maximum peak SPL of 112 dB. The magnetically shielded box has the usual inputs such as XLR & jack balanced and RCA unbalanced. Via two (somewhat wobbly) mini sliders, one can make a tweeter adjustment (7 kHz shelving) and a low frequency adjustment (120 Hz shelving) of +/- 2dB each.

The maximum volume can be adjusted in small increments via a volume control on the back. The power plug and fuse, a voltage selector switch and the On/Off switch, which is unfortunately also on the back, complete the inventory.


Practice

OK, I admit it, I have always liked JBL from the sound. Even if many colleagues had always set their preferences rather with the variant "Bright-As-Light"-Genelec and consorts, I preferred the rather "dark" sound, which has established itself with almost all JBL products as a trademark. How often have I received smiling looks when I told that a Control One with loudness switching on a Kenwood HiFi amplifier is my main monitor in the mix?

This basic orientation continues with the LSR 2325P. From the very first sounds coming out of the domes, you can hear the more discreet basic design. Especially in the bass below 120 Hz and in the treble range above 5 kHz, JBL doesn't come across as pretentious as many representatives from the direct competition.

The trebles are pleasantly discreet, even if the low frequencies suffer a bit from the design. Not that the stereo image is too two-dimensional, but in direct comparison, some direct competitors reach a bit deeper into the room. The bass problem (bass reflex channel to the rear) has been solved well, the notorious low rumble can be kept well under control with a neutral sound setting.

In general, the two LF and HF switches are conspicuously restrained in their mode of operation and actually only set contours to adjust the monitors to the personally preferred sound sensation. But now we come to the highlight of the monitor, the midrange reproduction.

As some readers probably know, my specialty lies in the field of guitar music, gladly also of the somewhat more violent kind. As almost everyone knows, the recording and playback of a distorted electric guitar in particular presents every sound engineer with the highest demands. Due to the highly compressed reproduction and, depending on the recording technique, the quickly harsh and sharp sounding high frequency range, the mixing of a metal production on a Genelec monitor, for example, turns out to be a real challenge.

What turns out to be a perfect tonal enrichment in the dance / electro / pop area, sometimes becomes a heavy burden in the guitar area. One is constantly inclined to filter out highs, as the guitars scratch like an ice scraper on the windshield in winter. No matter how hard you try, no matter how you tweak the filters, anything between 4 - 7 kHz just gets on your nerves, to say the least!

Here the LSR 2325P can show their full strength. Even heavily distorted guitars sound "embedded" and do not stick out unpleasantly from the frequency image. Due to the moderate, neutral reproduction in the high-mid range, dynamics can be easily understood even with dead-compressed instruments and placed accordingly in the mix.

Especially in the rock / metal area, where both the instrumentation, as well as the tonal range of application does not serve the frequentielle low-end and high-end range at all, one is grateful for a monitoring, which gives you what you need. Even if you always have to struggle a bit with a monitor, after all, it's their job to generate as linear a reproduction as possible, so that the final production sounds tolerable even on the last crappy car radio and the squawking iPod earphones, a minimum of "feel-good factor" supports the performance of the sound engineer / producer / sound engineer immensely, which in turn is very beneficial to the final result.

The impulse fidelity of the speakers is good, medium listening volumes are mastered by the construction without any problems.



Conclusion

The JBL LSR 2325P leave me with a very good impression. Frequency-wise free of extreme high end and extreme low end, the monitor is especially recommended for guitar-heavy styles in pop, rock and metal, without leaving out other types of productions.

Tonally neutral, equipped with the typical JBL "dark" timbre, the product knows how to stand out from the "fine" radiation of its competitors and opens up a near-field monitor for producers, which does not turn out to be the umpteenth copy of the protagonist from Finland.

Respect!

Additional informations:

- JBL (James Bullough Lansing) is a renowned audio equipment company that has been at the forefront of the industry for decades. Founded in 1946 by James B. Lansing, JBL has consistently strived to provide consumers with cutting-edge audio solutions, delivering exceptional sound quality across various product categories. With its commitment to innovation, JBL has become a globally recognized brand, trusted by professionals, musicians, and audio enthusiasts alike.

Historical Background: JBL's journey began in Los Angeles, California, when James B. Lansing, a prominent audio engineer, founded the company. Lansing's vision was to develop speakers and audio systems that would redefine the industry's standards. JBL's early years were marked by groundbreaking innovations, including the development of the first two-way studio monitor and the introduction of the first high-frequency compression driver.

Industry Leadership and Innovations: Over the years, JBL has solidified its position as an industry leader by consistently pushing the boundaries of audio technology. The company's commitment to research and development has resulted in numerous groundbreaking innovations. Notably, JBL pioneered the development of high-quality loudspeakers for both professional and consumer markets.

JBL's product lineup spans various categories, including home audio, professional audio, portable speakers, headphones, and car audio. Let's explore some of JBL's notable innovations within these categories:

Home Audio: JBL offers a wide range of home audio solutions designed to enhance the listening experience. The company's flagship products include floor-standing speakers, bookshelf speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers. JBL's home audio systems combine stylish designs with cutting-edge technology, delivering immersive sound reproduction that brings music and movies to life.

Professional Audio: JBL's professional audio equipment is trusted by musicians, sound engineers, and venues worldwide. The company's product portfolio includes high-performance loudspeakers, studio monitors, amplifiers, and mixing consoles. JBL's professional audio solutions have set the standard for clarity, precision, and durability, making them a top choice for live performances, recording studios, and large-scale events.

Portable Speakers: JBL has revolutionized the portable audio market with its range of Bluetooth speakers. These portable speakers are compact, lightweight, and deliver exceptional sound quality. With features like waterproofing, long battery life, and built-in voice assistants, JBL portable speakers are perfect for outdoor adventures, parties, and on-the-go entertainment.

Headphones: JBL's headphone lineup includes a diverse range of options, catering to different listening preferences. From wireless over-ear headphones to true wireless earbuds, JBL headphones are known for their comfortable designs and impressive sound performance. Many models incorporate noise-canceling technology, allowing users to immerse themselves in their favorite music without distractions.

Car Audio: JBL's expertise extends to the automotive industry, where the company has established itself as a leader in car audio solutions. JBL car audio systems offer powerful amplifiers, high-quality speakers, and advanced sound processing technology. These systems provide a premium audio experience for drivers and passengers, enhancing the enjoyment of every journey.

Brand Partnerships and Collaborations: JBL has forged strategic partnerships with prominent brands and organizations, further strengthening its position in the market. Notable collaborations include partnerships with musicians, such as Quincy Jones and Harman Kardon, as well as associations with major events like the GRAMMY Awards and music festivals around the world. These collaborations demonstrate JBL's commitment to delivering exceptional sound experiences and fostering creative expression.

Conclusion: JBL's rich history, commitment to innovation, and relentless pursuit of audio excellence have made it a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The company's diverse product portfolio caters to the needs of various audio enthusiasts, from professionals to casual listeners. With its cutting-edge technology, superior sound quality, and stylish designs, JBL continues to shape the future of audio and deliver unforgettable listening experiences for customers worldwide.

- Nearfield monitors, also known as studio monitors or reference monitors, play a crucial role in professional audio production, mixing, and mastering. These specialized speakers are designed to provide accurate and transparent sound reproduction, allowing audio engineers and producers to make critical decisions based on what they hear. In this comprehensive report, we will delve into the world of nearfield monitors, exploring their purpose, design principles, features, and the significance of accurate audio monitoring.
Purpose and Importance of Nearfield Monitors: The primary purpose of nearfield monitors is to provide a reliable and precise representation of audio signals in a controlled listening environment. They are designed for close-range listening, typically placed within a meter of the listener, hence the name "nearfield." This proximity allows the listener to hear the direct sound from the speakers, minimizing the impact of room acoustics and reflections.
Accurate audio monitoring is crucial in various stages of audio production, including recording, mixing, and mastering. Nearfield monitors offer a balanced and uncolored sound reproduction, enabling engineers to detect subtle details, frequency imbalances, stereo imaging, and dynamics accurately. The goal is to ensure that the final audio product translates well across different playback systems, from home speakers to car audio and professional venues.

Design Principles and Features:
Frequency Response: Nearfield monitors are engineered to have a flat frequency response, meaning they reproduce sound equally across the audible frequency spectrum (20Hz to 20kHz). This characteristic ensures that audio engineers can hear all elements of the mix accurately, without any undue emphasis or attenuation of specific frequencies.
Driver Technology: Nearfield monitors typically employ two types of drivers - woofers and tweeters. Woofers handle the lower frequencies, while tweeters reproduce the high frequencies. These drivers are carefully designed to provide a wide frequency range, low distortion, and precise transient response.

Enclosure Design: Nearfield monitors often feature a sturdy, non-resonant enclosure to minimize unwanted vibrations and resonances that could color the sound. The cabinet design may incorporate specialized internal bracing and damping materials to further enhance clarity and accuracy.

Amplification: Many nearfield monitors have built-in amplifiers that are specifically matched to the speaker drivers. This integration ensures optimal performance and allows for precise control over the power sent to each driver, resulting in accurate sound reproduction.

Controls and Adjustments: Nearfield monitors often include various controls and adjustments to tailor the sound to the specific listening environment. These can include room compensation switches, high- and low-frequency adjustments, and input sensitivity controls.

Significance of Accurate Audio Monitoring: Accurate audio monitoring is crucial for several reasons:
Precise Mixing and Mastering: Nearfield monitors provide audio engineers with a reliable reference point for making critical decisions during the mixing and mastering processes. By hearing the mix accurately, engineers can ensure that the balance, tonality, and spatial placement of audio elements are optimized for various listening environments.
Identifying Issues and Artifacts: Nearfield monitors reveal imperfections, phase cancellations, resonances, and other anomalies that may not be apparent on consumer-grade speakers or headphones. This allows engineers to address and rectify these issues, resulting in a polished and professional audio production.

Consistency Across Playback Systems: Nearfield monitors help audio professionals create content that translates well across different listening devices, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable experience for the end-user.

Conclusion: Nearfield monitors are indispensable tools in the world of professional audio production. By providing accurate and transparent sound reproduction, these specialized speakers enable engineers and producers to make informed decisions, identify issues, and create high-quality audio content. With their precise design, flat frequency response, and meticulous craftsmanship, nearfield monitors play a pivotal role in achieving exceptional sound quality and ensuring the fidelity of audio productions across diverse playback systems.