Description
The JBL 306P Mk2 is another excellent model in JBL’s highly respected 3 Series MkII line of active studio monitors. It sits squarely between the compact 5-inch 305P MkII and the larger 8-inch 308P MkII, offering a balanced solution with a 6.5-inch woofer.
Features and Specifications (per single unit)
- Monitor Type: Active (Powered) Two-Way Studio Monitor. Each speaker has its own integrated amplifiers.
- Drivers:
- LF Driver: 6.5-inch (165mm) long-throw woofer. This provides a good balance of bass extension and mid-range clarity.
- HF Driver: 1-inch (25mm) woven-composite soft-dome tweeter.
- Power Configuration: Bi-amplified Class-D.
- HF Driver Power Amp: 56W
- LF Driver Power Amp: 56W
- Total Power: 112W (per monitor). This is the same total power as the 308P MkII, giving it plenty of headroom.
- JBL Image Control Waveguide: This patented waveguide is a core technology shared across the 3 Series MkII. It ensures:
- Detailed Stereo Imaging: Creates a precise and immersive soundstage, helping you accurately place elements in your mix.
- Broad Sweet Spot: Provides a consistent and neutral frequency response across a wider listening area, meaning you get accurate sound even if you’re not in the absolute perfect listening position.
- Frequency Response:
- Frequency Response (±3 dB): 47Hz – 20kHz. This indicates a very flat and accurate response across the critical listening range.
- Frequency Range (-10dB): 39Hz – 24kHz.
- Low Frequency Extension (-10dB): 39Hz.
- JBL Slip Stream™ Low-Frequency Port: A patented double-flared port design that provides robust and accurate bass performance at all playback levels, minimizing port turbulence and distortion.
- Acoustic Tuning Controls:
- Boundary EQ: A three-position switch (0dB, -1.5dB, -3dB) at 50Hz, designed to compensate for the low-frequency boost that often occurs when monitors are placed on a desktop or near walls.
- HF Trim Switch: A three-position switch (-2dB, 0dB, +2dB) for adjusting the high-frequency output, allowing you to tailor the monitors to your room’s acoustics or personal preference.
- Connectivity: Flexible professional inputs.
- 1 x Balanced XLR Female Input
- 1 x Balanced 1/4″ TRS Female Input
- Input Sensitivity Switch: Selectable between +4dBu (professional line level) and -10dBV (consumer line level).
- Robust Construction: Enclosure made of 15mm MDF with a matte black PVC finish and an injection-molded structural ABS baffle for durability and acoustic integrity.
- JBL Reliability: Engineered to JBL’s Linear Spatial Reference design criteria and undergoes a rigorous 100-hour full-power test for long-term reliability.
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 361 x 224 x 282 mm (14.2″ x 8.8″ x 11.1″)
- Net Weight (each): 6.1 kg (13.42 lbs)
JBL 306P Performance and Sound Quality:
The 306P Mk2 inherits the stellar reputation of the 3 Series MkII line.
- Accurate and Neutral: Offers a very flat frequency response, essential for making reliable mixing decisions.
- Excellent Stereo Imaging: The Image Control Waveguide delivers a wide and deep soundstage, making it easy to perceive the spatial placement of instruments and vocals.
- Good Bass Extension for its Size: The 6.5-inch woofer and Slip Stream port provide a surprisingly full and controlled low-end, often sufficient for most genres without needing a subwoofer in smaller to medium-sized rooms.
- Versatile for Home and Project Studios: It’s an ideal choice for a wide range of audio tasks, including music production, podcasting, video editing, and content creation.
- Adaptable to Rooms: The Boundary EQ and HF Trim switches are invaluable tools for optimizing the monitor’s response to your specific room acoustics.
JBL 306P Mk2 vs. 305P MkII vs. 308P MkII (Brief Comparison):
The 306P MkII is often seen as the “goldilocks” option:
- Compared to 305P MkII (5-inch): The 306P MkII offers more low-end extension, greater SPL capability, and a bit more “oomph” in the bass, making it better for slightly larger rooms or genres that benefit from more prominent bass.
- Compared to 308P MkII (8-inch): The 306P MkII is more compact and typically easier to integrate into smaller rooms without bass overload. While the 308P MkII provides even deeper bass and higher SPL, the 306P MkII is often sufficient for most users and more forgiving in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. Both the 306P MkII and 308P MkII share the same 112W total power.
