JBL LSR310S Active 10" Powered Studio Subwoofer with XLF

Product Information

I bought the 5" JBL powered reference monitors, and I am very happy with them. I like to do most of my editing at lower volume levels. And you're only going to get so much response from a 5 inch 'woofer', especially at lower volumes. I was going to get a larger set of studio monitors, but space in my studio is getting slim. Sales suggested this. It's not a 'wow, what a difference', and that was not my expectation. It permits me to hear the lower ends in my mix that were present but not too audible with the smaller reference monitors. The LSR310S from the renowned company JBL is an active 10-inch subwoofer with downfire bass reflex technology, optimized for interaction with the LSR305 studio monitors, which are equipped with a 5-inch driver, as well as the LSR308, which is equipped with an 8-inch driver. For 499 euros (RRP), JBL equips its bass box with a 200 watt class D amplifier along with symmetrical inputs and outputs. According to the manufacturer, the downward-facing 10-inch driver ensures a maximum sound pressure of 113 dB (Max. Peak SPL) with a transmission range that extends down to 27 Hertz. An ideal "sub-bass supplier" for stereo listening stations or as a "low frequency effect speaker" in surround environments? The whole idea of a studio sub is not to blow you away (which this can certainly do) but rather to compliment (extend the frequency range of) the monitors. It does this very well. If you don't use this balance, your mixes will not be accurate may result in them being low-frequency deprived. with balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and XLR outpus you can add the LSR310S to any studio monitor system to extend its low frequency performance or use it as the ".1" LFE Channel in a surround sound system.

The audio quality wasn't excellent, for me, until I ended up with the sub and both 305Ps' Input Sensitivity set at +4dBu, sub crossover set at 80Hz, each 305P's EQ Boundary and HF Trim both of them set at 0, both 305P volume knob at 9, and sub volume at max, interface volume around 1:00. When dialing your sub in, remember that "less is more." I've found this to be true in just about every facet of life. Detail. I've played some very heavy bass at unreasonable volumes through it and it never even blinks. Steady, smooth, detailed bass at whatever volume you want.Definitely not made to sound good in any condition. Will require a half decent room to sound the way it should. It definitely didn't sound bad to start without a good room but it was a little separated. It took me a few minutes to dial in the JBL, but once I figured that out it sounds smooth and complimented my setup perfectly. I'm not sure why anyone in a studio setting would want to use anything but the 80hz crossover. It had PLENTY of power, in fact, it's set to about 40 percent power to balance out with my studio monitors. Folks that say it doesn't have enough power need to turn down the gain of their monitors. JBL Transducers are legendary for their performance. The custom-designed driver in the LSR310S exemplifies JBL engineering prowess, delivering deep low frequency response into the 20 Hz region, and 113 dB peak output, for long periods at full rated power with no risk of failure. Here's what JBL have to say about this Sub Woofer

I do not have the output running through the sub and up to the mains as most do. Instead, I control the mains and sub separately from the MC3. When I first hooked it up, I tried a pair of balanced cables and wondered, "where did all the bass go?" Figuring I might have a polarity issue, I tried one channel only — same thing (what the???). The 80 Hz setting is recommended for use with the LSR305, LSR308 or any studio monitors. The External setting allows use of an outboard crossover. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. A TRS connection into one side only yielded the weakest output—same with XLR. Going to an unbalanced mono guitar cable into one side gave me much better output but I suspected there was better.TL;DR - balance the sub with the monitors, use the -10dBV setting on your LSR monitors if that's what you're using (as stated in the manual), and don't hesitate to use the -10dBV setting on the sub to get proper gain staging even if you're using "professional equipment." If you just dime everything, it won't be properly balanced and won't sound good. Balance out the system and use proper gain staging, and the sub is fantastic! At JBL, audio technology is at the core of everything we do. For over 65 years we have employed the best methodology and tools, and, as established at the very beginning by our founder, James B. Lansing, we develop everything from the ground up. This not only ensures success in the marketplace, it guarantees our efforts exceed the needs and expectations of audio professionals throughout the world.

This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy.If you hook it up the conventional way, ignore the above but it gives you an idea how useful it can be in non-standard hookups. The JBL instructions state that when you do this, go into one side, either L or R but not both. Do not believe this. With balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and XLR outputs you can add the LSR310S to any studio monitor system to extend its low frequency performance or use it as the ".1" LFE Channel in a surround sound system. If you're finding this article engaging, you might want to consider reading our article on StudioTime.io Studio Marketplace Review too, as it could be a helpful resource.