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Looking for the perfect studio monitor that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the JBL 308P Mk2!
Not to mention, it comes with its own set of flaws, but who are we to judge?
With its impressive frequency response and balanced sound, this speaker is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of music makers.
So don’t wait – get your hands on the JBL 308P Mk2 today and experience the sound of quality without breaking the bank!
Key Takeaways
- Great consistency of sound across JBL speakers
- Fantastic speakers for the price
- Some flaws in the overall design affect usability
- Likes: Great stereo image, loud, extremely affordable
Background
You’ve likely heard of JBL’s 308P Mk2 studio monitors, renowned for their great consistency of sound across JBL speakers. For its price, the 308P Mk2 is a great choice for those looking for a reliable primary reference monitor. While it has its pros and cons, its overall design is quite impressive, offering a balance of sound at moderate volumes.
It has a frequency response of 37 Hz to 24 kHz at -10 dB points, as well as balanced inputs of XLR and TRS. Its rear panel also offers controls for adjusting sound with boundary EQ and HF trim switches. However, build quality flaws hinder its performance at times, such as rattling from the back panel.
With that being said, the 308P Mk2 is still a great option for those who want to enjoy music as the artist intended.
Power and Frequency Response
Building on the balanced inputs of XLR and TRS, the JBL 308P Mk2 offers a frequency response of 37 Hz to 24 kHz at -10 dB points. This allows for a balanced sound, especially at moderate volumes, though the lower mids feel bloated and there’s a loss of definition in the 150-200 Hz range.
To get the best performance, it’s recommended to pair the 308P Mk2 with a subwoofer. The sound quality is further improved as the rattle from the rear panel is reduced.
While the performance with a subwoofer is great, it isn’t always necessary, as the 308P Mk2 delivers good sound without one.
I/O and Controls
The JBL 308P Mk2 has a variety of features that allow for customization of its sound. It is equipped with balanced inputs of XLR and TRS, providing flexibility in connecting to different audio sources. The volume knob on the monitor can be adjusted from 1-10, although specific dB points are not specified. To further tailor the sound, there is a sensitivity switch that can be set to +4 dBu or -10 dBv, accommodating different audio levels. The monitor also includes boundary EQ and HF trim switches, which are accompanied by graphical representations, allowing for precise adjustments to the sound. Additionally, bass and mid-range controls are available, providing further customization options. With these various controls and switches, users can easily fine-tune the sound of the JBL 308P Mk2 to suit their specific needs.
Build Quality
Continuing on with the build quality of the JBL 308P Mk2, there are a few corners that have been cut to make the monitors more affordable. One issue is the rattles from the rear panel.
The woofer is responsible for the deep bass, mid-range control, and smooth crossover. To fix these flaws, you can either invest in a subwoofer or put in the effort to fix them.
The subwoofer will help to boost performance, while fixing the issues can be time-consuming. However, with some dedication, the performance can be improved.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to fix the flaws or invest in a subwoofer.
Comparison
Comparing the JBL 308P Mk2 to similar studio monitors can help you decide which option is best for your needs.
When it comes to sound quality, the JBL 308P Mk2 has a balanced sound, especially at moderate volumes. While the lower mids may feel bloated, a subwoofer can help to define the 150-200 Hz range.
When comparing prices, the JBL 308P Mk2 is extremely affordable, and a great choice for anyone looking for reliable primary reference monitors.
When comparing other options, like the Kali Audio LP-8 V2 or the Adam Audio T7V, the JBL 308P Mk2 still has a great stereo image, but these alternatives offer better performance and fewer flaws.
The Yamaha HS8 is no match for the JBL 308P Mk2, as it lacks the same sound quality.
Target Audience
For anyone looking for a reliable primary reference monitor, the JBL 308P Mk2 is a great choice. It offers fantastic performance for the price, with great stereo imaging, loudness and a balanced sound especially at moderate volumes.
Music makers will enjoy its accuracy in music production, while those wanting to enjoy music as the artist intended will appreciate its speaker performance.
It’s available for purchase at Sweetwater and Amazon, so be sure to share and discuss the review before making your decision.
It may have flaws in the overall design, but the JBL 308P Mk2 is still an excellent option for anyone in the market for a dependable studio monitor.
Conclusion
The JBL 308P Mk2 is an excellent studio monitor for music makers and enthusiasts alike. Its powerful sound, balanced frequency response, and easy-to-use controls make it a great choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their music.
The build quality isn’t the best, but it doesn’t detract from the overall performance. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable studio monitor, the JBL 308P Mk2 is a great option.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!