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Busy times at JBL as the US company introduces its new 4305P Studio Monitor – its first powered product and most compact model in the consumer Studio Monitor range (pictured above). The 4305P is a self-contained active loudspeaker system, with 300Wrms total system power built-in, a 24-bit/192kHz DAC and six inputs that can be used with a wide variety of digital and analogue audio sources.

Additional features include a selectable bass contour control to compensate for acoustic differences in speaker placement and a signal-sensing line-level output for hook up to an external powered subwoofer.

The 4305P’s integrated streaming engine provides both wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth. Connections include asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs plus a 3.5mm analogue input with combination XLR/phono connectors and a selectable input sensitivity switch for use with balanced or unbalanced signals.

The Studio Monitor system consists of a primary and secondary speaker with selectable L/R assignment. The primary loudspeaker includes front panel controls for volume, mute, input selection and Bluetooth pairing, plus all physical inputs on its rear. In addition, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth remote and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple AirPlay ecosystem. When operating with a wireless connection between with primary and secondary, the 4305P delivers audio resolution up to 96kHz. When tethered with the included 2m Digital Link cable, audio resolution can be extended to 192kHz. The 4305P can render MQA audio files and is certified Roon Ready.

As with the larger models in the Studio Monitor range, the 4305P utilises patented JBL transducer technologies. A 2410H 53mm compression driver is mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for: “crystal-clear highs and life-like dynamic capabilities”. A 133mm cast frame, fiber-composite cone driver operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. Each of the transducers is powered by an internal Class D amplifier delivering 25W to each compression driver and 125W to each bass driver for a total system power of 300Wrms. JBL is including a free 90-day Qobuz trial along with a curated playlist of songs to highlight the: “audio available”.

The enclosure of the 4305P is constructed from 6.35mm MDF with internal bracing and features a real wood veneer finish in a choice of natural Walnut with a blue grille or Black Walnut with a black grille. The 4305P Studio Monitor will be available in the first quarter of 2022 with a UK retail price still to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the summer will see the launch of the PartyBox Encore, a party speaker that outputs 100W of sound and features a built-in lightshow that syncs to music. It also comes with a digital wireless microphone allowing partygoers to sing along with their favourite tunes. Engineered with a rubber-gripped handle, the PartyBox Encore is easily transportable, boasts up to 10 hours of battery life and an IPX4 splashproof design. The interface on the top of the PartyBox Encore enables users to control the lightshow, volume and microphone settings and through the dedicated app, partygoers can also customise their own lightshow including fun strobe effects and club lights that sync to the beat of the music. It supports wireless Bluetooth Streaming 5.1 plus playback from USB and aux-In inputs and comes with a digital wireless microphone (AA batteries included). The PartyBox Encore will retail at £300.

JBL is also introducing two new products to its portable speaker lineup with both boasting new designs and the company’s Original Pro Sound. The Pulse 5 pairs 360° immersive sound with an LED lightshow while the BoomBox 3 features a new three-way acoustic speaker design and promises 24 hours of playtime.

The Pulse 5 claims 12-hours of playtime on a single charge, while its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating is intended to ensure the speaker can handle almost any environment including beach and pool time. It comes with a rope strap for portability and can wirelessly connect to the range of other PartyBoost-enabled speakers including other compatible JBL Pulses. The company says: “Partygoers can choose colours and effects to suit any vibe through the JBL Portable app whether music is on or off.”

Via wireless Bluetooth streaming 5.3 it can connect up to two different smartphones or tablets and is expected to cost £220.

The BoomBox 3 is a three-way speaker system consisting of a racetrack-shaped subwoofer, two midrange drivers and two tweeters. The newly designed portable speaker claims a much deeper bass than its predecessor, 24 hours of playtime and IP67 rating for water and dustproofing. It’s fitted with a metal handle with an orange silicone grip and boasts a built-in, rechargeable Li-ion battery power bank. The Bluetooth connection matches the Pulse 5 and it comes in black and ‘squad’ colour options, priced £450.

JBL has also upgraded its Live true wireless headphone series to include True Adaptive noise cancelling with smart ambient features, improved battery life and six microphones. The Live Pro 2 earbuds feature 11mm drivers in a ‘stick’ closed design with oval tubes intended to provide better noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality. The True Adaptive noise cancelling with smart ambient feature enables users to adjust the amount of background noise they want to let in to stay aware of surroundings or hear conversations without having to remove the earbuds. The hands-free support and dedicated JBL headphone app allow for access to preferred voice assistants. It’s IPX5 waterproof and splashproof-rated and the embedded six microphones are designed to isolate noise and wind. It claims up to 40 hours of playback (10 hours in the earbud; 30 hours from the charging case), costs £130 and comes in blue, black and white.

You can find out more about JBL's new releases on its UK store here.