Ocean Way Audio HR3.5
Best critical listening for professional audio engineers.
This 3-way tri-amplified active reference monitor is engineered for professional studio environments, offering exceptional clarity and dynamic range for critical listening. It delivers a wide frequency response from 20 Hz to 22 kHz and can produce a powerful 120 dB SPL. Featuring a sophisticated dual/hybrid waveguide system for precise imaging and a broad sweet spot, it includes integrated drivers with twin 12" sub-bass drivers. With substantial power output and versatile analog and digital inputs, this monitor ensures accurate sound reproduction for mixing and mastering.
$12959.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
35
/ 11829
#35 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+644%
Above average
Dimensions
4317.525.5
/ " x " x " (HxWxD)
Who it's for
- Professional audio engineers and mastering specialists seeking absolute sonic truth
- Mixers and producers working with demanding, dynamic musical genres
- Critical listeners and sound designers prioritizing spatial accuracy in their work
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious producers and hobbyists seeking affordable, high-quality monitoring solutions
- Engineers with limited studio space or those without extensive room treatment
- Aspiring engineers preferring a more forgiving listening experience for learning
Performance breakdown
Frequency Extension
Deep, authoritative sub-bass response reaches down to a true 20 Hz.
Imaging Precision
Dual/hybrid waveguide design creates an incredibly stable and accurate stereo field.
Dynamic Headroom
Massive 3400-watt amplification handles complex transients without a hint of strain.
Sweet Spot Width
Controlled dispersion ensures consistent monitoring across a surprisingly wide listening area.
Installation Versatility
Flexible mounting options accommodate both soffit-mounted and free-standing studio configurations.
Connectivity Options
Robust analog and digital inputs integrate seamlessly into any professional signal chain.
Key Specs
Dimensions
43" x 17.5" x 25.5" (HxWxD)
Unit Weight
185 lb
Active or Passive
Active
Digital I/O
Yes
Monitor Application
Far-Field
Speaker Configuration
Three-Way
Driver Sizes
LF: 2x 12"; MF: 8"; HF: 1"
Number of Speakers
Single
Know before you buy
While the HR3.5 is a powerhouse, its primary application is as a far-field monitor. Given its physical size and 120 dB SPL output, it is best suited for medium-to-large professional studio environments where you have the space to properly position them for optimal imaging.
The HR3.5 is designed for versatility and supports both configurations. You can use them as free-standing units or integrate them into a soffit-mounted setup depending on your studio's acoustic design.
No, the HR3.5 is an active monitor, meaning the amplification is built directly into the unit. It features a massive 3400 watts of power per channel, split across the low, mid, and high-frequency drivers.
The HR3.5 is highly flexible, featuring both analog and digital inputs. This allows you to integrate it seamlessly into a variety of professional studio setups, regardless of whether your signal chain is purely analog or digital.
The waveguide system is engineered to provide a very wide sweet spot with controlled dispersion. This means you get precise imaging and consistent sound quality even if you aren't sitting in the exact center of the mix position.
The Ocean Way Audio HR3.5 is sold as a single unit. You will need to purchase two units to complete a standard stereo monitoring configuration.
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$12959