At AES 2010, Focal Professional introduced its SM9 monitoring system -- the most dynamic, sonically transparent and accurate monitoring system ever built, according to the manufacturer.

It's what's inside that counts -- housed within the same speaker cabinet are two independent monitoring systems: a 3-way monitor equipped with a 1-inch pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeter, a 6.5-inch midrange driver, an 8-inch bass driver, and an 11-inch passive radiator. The same cabinet also includes a 2-way monitor using the same inverted dome tweeter and a 6.5-inch midbass driver.

Three buttons on the SM9 side panel offer direct access to the different modes of operation (Stand By, Direct, and Focus). Focus mode activates the two-way monitoring system, which engages a separate crossover and other circuitry, in turn creating an alternate two-way speaker from the three-way full-range monitor. Meanwhile, with Direct mode, you can bypass the rear EQ section entirely, if you are not using it, to get an even cleaner and more direct signal path. According to Focal, this feature is perfect for acousticians willing to use an external room EQ. The third mode of operation, Stand By, simply mutes the monitor and puts it in a low-power mode.

The SM9 also features all-new, all-analog amplifiers developed specifically for the unit: 600W of Class-AB amplification drives the SM9 on three separate channels, which are respectively 400W (woofer), 100W (midrange), and 100W (tweeter). These new amplifiers have a bias current between Class-A and Class-AB.

Furthermore, the low-noise input stage is equipped with various adjustments that allow you to compensate for any room anomalies and optimize the monitor’s response in the studio. Six detented knobs on the back panel offer low- and high-shelving filters, variable EQ filters for bass and midbass, (which also serves as a desktop notch filter to tame unwanted console reflections), midrange EQ, and a highpass filter.

Focal expects to release the SM9 studio monitor system sometime during the first quarter of 2011. Independent left and right speakers will be offered for $3,995 (MSRP) each or approximately $3,595 (Street) each. For full specifications and more information, please visit focalprofessional.com.