Harman is adding Bluetooth connectivity to its JBL One Series desktop reference monitors. At $179/pair, they’re entry-level monitors aimed at video editors, music producers, and podcasters.
Starting in the first quarter of 2020, the company’s One Series 104 will be available in both black (104-BT) and white (104-BTW) versions with Bluetooth 5.0 built in. This will allow audio producers to check their mix on near-field reference monitors via a wireless connection that more closely matches real-world listening conditions, Harman said.
JBL 104-BT desktop reference monitors with Bluetooth.
Harman
The 104-BT and -BTW incorporate a 4.5-inch coaxial driver with a contoured woofer and integrated 0.75-inch soft-dome tweeter. Harman said the speakers have 60W of amplification (30W per speaker) and deliver bass ranging down to 60 Hz thanks to a low-frequency port in the cabinet.
The speakers will have dual 1/4-inch balanced, dual RCA and single 1/8-inch unbalanced TRS inputs in addition to Bluetooth, Harman said. The main speaker in each pair has a front-panel volume control and input selector as well as a headphone jack that auto-mutes the speakers when in use. The company said they can be driven to 104 dB SPL (peak) without distortion.
“Music production has evolved beyond the recording studio, and today’s creative professionals and music lovers need reference monitors that deliver neutral, accurate sound to create mixes that translate well in a variety of listening environments,” said Harman’s director of recording and content creation, Chris Hanen, in a prepared statement. “They’re perfect for musicians, producers, podcasters and professional audio engineers who want a compact reference monitor with the added benefit of Bluetooth at an accessible price.”
Harman said an optional carrying case will be available for mobile production.
