TEST: Dynaudio BM12

 Maybe it's due to the climatic conditions, but the Scandinavians always have a very successful hand when it comes to near-field monitors. In addition to the top dog Genelec, the Danish manufacturer Dynaudio in particular has developed an excellent reputation in the professional league over the last 35 years. The consistently airy sound in combination with a high level of attention to detail are the typical key points of the company's products, which is also reflected in the corresponding price. With the Dynaudio BM12 mkIII we have the largest version of the mkIII series for testing, which is also supported by the Dynaudio BM14 S II as a subwoofer.

A retail price of just under 4,000 euros is due for the entire package, which will prompt the interested user to consider whether this price difference to the competitors is actually reflected in the added value in sound.


construction

Dynaudio BM12 mkIII

The Dynaudio BM12 mkIII is an active 2-way near-field monitor. In contrast to its competitors, you cannot always determine the size of the woofer from Dynaudio's product name. The housing measuring 328 mm x 234 mm x 369 mm (D x W x H) contains a 200 mm (8 inch) MS polymer woofer and a 28 mm soft dome tweeter (1.1 inch). , whereby the system was designed as a bass reflex and the reflex opening is on the back. The two speakers are separated at 1500 Hertz with 6 db/oct. According to the factory specifications, the frequency response of the system is 38 Hz to 21 kHz.

In terms of performance, the low frequency range has 100 watts and the tweeter has 50 watts, which reflects a clear preference in terms of power ratio in favor of the high frequency range. Both speakers are actively operated in terms of crossover and have corresponding Class D power amplifiers. In terms of weight, the Dynaudio BM12 mkIII weighs a hefty 12.5 kilograms, which significantly minimizes the swinging of the housing, but does not make the system easier to handle.

To protect the tweeter from mechanical damage, a three-part star was placed in front of the tweeter. The characteristic air slots, which are embedded in the dome of the woofer and are intended to reduce the compression of the internal air volume, are also represented. The real wood veneered MDF housing itself has beveled housing edges to minimize air noise from the woofer.

On the back there is a very clear number of inputs (1x XLR) and, next to the power plug, a nice collection of filters and volume controls. Starting with a high pass, which can be switched to flat, 60 Hz or 80 Hz, there is a level switch to the right, which, depending on the signal strength, can switch the signal unprocessed, -10 dB or +4 dB. Below there are 2 shelving filters, which can switch the bass levels to either flat, +2 dB, -2 dB, -4 dB or the highs +1 dB or -1 dB. In between we have a mid-notch filter, which intervenes with either -2 dB or -4 dB.

Each speaker is delivered factory-fitted with the IsoAcoustics isolation stand, which allows for acoustic decoupling as well as alignment to your personal sitting position. A real asset when you consider that most of the competition only includes simple foam rubber in their products, if at all.


Dynaudio BM14S II

As with the BM12, you shouldn't be fooled by the name BM14S. The Dynaudio BM14S II is an active and closed subwoofer with integrated stereo bass management based on a 12 inch speaker. With dimensions of 412 mm x 350 mm x 350 mm (D x W x H), the woofer fits under almost any work console, but with a weight of just under 19 kilograms, you will hardly be able to move the product once you have placed it.

Visually in the same outfit as the Dynaudio BM12 mkIII, it also represents an optimal visual complement, especially since it starts exactly where the two satellites run out of breath towards the bottom due to their design, with a frequency response of 18 Hz - 250 Hz. For visual reasons, the cube has been given a textile covering, which also offers protection against dirt and accidental kicks. In terms of performance, the Dynaudio BM14S II delivers 300 watts at 4 ohms and therefore offers enough reserves for small to medium-sized studios.

All woofer connections are located on the back. The user is advised to never lay the power cable. In contrast to the standard 3-pin power plug, the Dynaudio BM14S II only comes with a two-pin power plug without a separate grounding wire in the HD housing style. Not really a problem, but rather inconvenient to use. Next to the gain control there is a slider that activates the practical auto standby mode. After a long break without signal flow, this mode activates the power saving mode. To the right, the phase of the signal can be reversed if necessary. You can also connect several woofers in series via a slave out using a daisy chain.

You can limit the crossover frequency between 50 Hz and 150 Hz using a stepless low pass. If necessary, the satellites can be decoupled at 60 Hz or 80 Hz via an adjacent high pass, which, in conjunction with the low pass of the Dynaudio BM14S II, results in optimal frequency management. All inputs and outputs are in XLR, with 2 inputs and outputs generating a typical stereo setup, while an LFE input is available for a surround setup.


Practice

In order to get a better picture of the individual performance, the Dynaudio BM12 mkIII were initially operated without a subwoofer. Arranged in a neat stereo triangle, the typical Dynaudio sound is immediately revealed, which has kept the company in the front row of all major recording studios for so long. The sound is very finely resolved, completely unpretentious and absolutely neutral in all areas. Due to the low coloration of the basic sound, all musical styles can be analyzed equally well, which leads to great flexibility in terms of application.

Interestingly, the deep bass range is comparatively subtle from around 80 Hertz, but this can be compensated for with the appropriate controls on the back of the housing. One almost gets the impression that the satellites were designed for the Dynaudio subwoofer area, and not just when it comes to tuning the crossover frequencies. In collaboration with the Dynaudio BM14S II, the system can then deliver its full performance. After the correct balance of volume and crossover frequency (in my case approx. 55 Hz) has been found, the entire frequency range can also be assessed for club operation.

The deep bass reproduction always remains tight even at high volumes and does not slide into a wobbling murmur. Simply setting the optimal relationship to the satellites means a constant listening/crawling/turning/crawling workflow without remote control, which must first be completed for each room. However, once you have done this, you quickly realize that the result is worth the effort.


Conclusion

With the Dynaudio BM12 mkIII box, the Danish manufacturer has an absolute top product in its ranks. Especially when combined with the Dynaudio BM14S II subwoofer, the user receives a high-end product that scores with excellent playback properties. Even if the price of the setup will keep some users at bay, one should not forget the range of sound the system offers and that the competition's high-quality Isopads already reach three-digit prices.

Very clear purchase recommendation!

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Additional Informations:

Dynaudio stands as a titan in the world of audio engineering, revered for its precision, craftsmanship, and commitment to sonic perfection. The story of Dynaudio's genesis is one of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of audio excellence. From humble beginnings to global recognition, this article delves deep into the enthralling narrative of how Dynaudio came to be.

Founding Vision:
The roots of Dynaudio trace back to the early 1970s in Skanderborg, Denmark, where a group of audio enthusiasts shared a common dream – to create speakers that could faithfully reproduce music with unparalleled accuracy and fidelity. Their vision was clear: to merge cutting-edge technology with a profound understanding of acoustics to deliver an audio experience that transcended expectations.

Founders:
At the heart of Dynaudio's inception were Wilfried Ehrenholz, Tage Nielsen, and Ejvind Skaaning – three individuals driven by a shared passion for audio innovation. Each brought unique expertise to the table: Ehrenholz, an engineer with a penchant for precision; Nielsen, a visionary with an ear for sound; and Skaaning, a master craftsman with an eye for detail. Together, they formed the formidable trio that would lay the foundation for Dynaudio's success.

Early Struggles and Breakthroughs:
The journey towards creating world-class speakers was fraught with challenges. Limited resources, technical hurdles, and fierce competition posed formidable obstacles along the way. Yet, it was precisely these challenges that fueled Dynaudio's determination to push boundaries and defy conventions. Through tireless experimentation and unwavering perseverance, the team made significant breakthroughs in speaker design and manufacturing techniques.

Key Milestones:
Dynaudio's ascent to prominence was marked by several key milestones that underscored its commitment to innovation and excellence. In 1977, the company introduced its first commercial product, the Dynaudio System 1 – a revolutionary speaker that garnered widespread acclaim for its unparalleled sound quality and precision engineering. This groundbreaking achievement set the stage for Dynaudio's future success, laying the groundwork for a legacy of excellence that would endure for decades to come.

Expansion and Global Reach:
As Dynaudio's reputation grew, so too did its ambitions. The company expanded its product lineup, introducing a diverse range of speakers catering to audiophiles, professionals, and enthusiasts alike. With each new release, Dynaudio reaffirmed its commitment to uncompromising quality and innovation, earning accolades and awards from industry experts and enthusiasts worldwide. Today, Dynaudio stands as a global leader in high-end audio, with a presence in over 80 countries and a reputation for excellence that transcends borders.

Innovations and Technologies:
Central to Dynaudio's success are its relentless pursuit of innovation and its unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in audio engineering. From advanced driver technology to proprietary cabinet designs, Dynaudio's speakers are the epitome of precision and craftsmanship. The company's relentless pursuit of sonic perfection has led to the development of groundbreaking technologies such as MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) driver cones, Dynaudio Directivity Control (DDC), and Dynaudio's legendary Esotar tweeters – innovations that have redefined the benchmarks for audio performance and fidelity.

Commitment to Quality:
At the heart of Dynaudio's ethos is a steadfast commitment to quality that permeates every aspect of its operations. From meticulous driver design to rigorous testing and quality control, Dynaudio's dedication to excellence is evident in every speaker that bears its name. Each product is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring a level of performance and reliability that is second to none. It is this unwavering commitment to quality that has earned Dynaudio the trust and admiration of audio enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.

Legacy and Influence:
Dynaudio's impact on the world of audio engineering extends far beyond its product lineup. The company's legacy of innovation and excellence has inspired generations of audio enthusiasts, engineers, and industry professionals. Its contributions to speaker design and technology have helped shape the landscape of high-end audio, setting new standards for performance, accuracy, and fidelity. From recording studios to concert halls, Dynaudio speakers are revered for their unmatched clarity, precision, and realism – a testament to the company's enduring legacy and influence.

Conclusion:
The story of Dynaudio is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and perseverance. What began as a shared vision among a group of audio enthusiasts has blossomed into a global powerhouse synonymous with audio excellence. Through decades of relentless dedication and unwavering commitment to quality, Dynaudio has cemented its place as a true icon in the world of high-end audio. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in audio engineering, one thing remains certain – the legacy of Dynaudio will endure for generations to come, inspiring awe and admiration in audiophiles and music lovers around the world.