Focal SM9 (2010)

Name: Focal SM9
Brand: Focal

A 3-way powered midfield studio monitor launched by Focal at AES 2010, designed for professional recording environments.

Overview

The Focal SM9 is a powered studio monitor for professional audio production. Focal introduced it at the AES show in San Francisco on November 5, 2010. It is a 3-way midfield monitor that also switches to 2-way operation. In 3-way mode it uses all the drivers for full-range monitoring. In 2-way mode the low-frequency driver is bypassed, which gives a focused midrange and high-frequency response. It sits in Focal's professional lineup alongside the Solo6 and Twin6 monitors, as the flagship for critical listening rooms.

Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D)	19.6 x 12.8 x 15.6" / 490 x 320 x 390 mm
Weight	77 lb (35 kg)
Frequency Response (2-way mode)	90Hz–20kHz
Drivers	1" pure Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" 'W' cone midrange driver, 8" 'W' cone woofer with foam core
Amplification	HF: 100W RMS Class AB, LF: 400W, Mid: 100W
Operating Modes	Switchable 3-way and 2-way
EQ Controls	Five bands of shelving and EQ controls

Design

The driver lineup is a 1" pure beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, a 6.5" 'W' cone midrange, and an 8" 'W' cone woofer with a foam core layer in the cone. There is a switchable EQ with five adjustable bands. The 3-way and 2-way modes are a toggle, so you can change the monitoring setup on the fly.

Context

Focal launched the SM9 at the AES 2010 convention in San Francisco as part of its professional monitoring division, next to the Solo6 and Twin6. Sound On Sound and Mixonline reviewed it, and Mixonline published a feature on October 1, 2012. Focal marketed it as a high-end midfield monitor for recording studios, sitting between main and nearfield monitoring systems.

Market

The Focal SM9 was originally priced at $4,500 for a pair, with used pairs listed as recently as the 2010s. Current used listings run from $3,351.99 to $4,275, and some sellers noted price drops from their first asking price. One seller reported negotiating a pair down from $5,000 to $4,000.