3-way active studio monitor

The SM-8 is a 3-way active studio monitor with an 8-inch woofer, a 4-inch midrange and a 1-inch coaxial metal-dome tweeter. Part of Kali's high-end Santa Monica series, the SM-8 combines a proven 3-way coaxial architecture with uncompromising components to deliver unrivalled stereo imaging, precision and detail for the most demanding mixing applications.

3-way coaxial architecture

SM series monitors use a 3-way coaxial design. The midrange and tweeter share the same acoustic centre, while the woofer is positioned so that it is never out of sync thanks to precise filtering. The result: all the spatial benefits of a coaxial driver combined with the frequency response and low distortion of a 3-way speaker — without the usual drawbacks.

Built-in DSP

Every SM series monitor has a DSP processor for individual acoustic adjustment. Users can set up to 8 parametric EQs, delays and gain settings to precisely adapt the speaker to its room. The DSP is accessible via Ethernet on the back of the speaker, for real-time adjustments and quick profile changes. Settings can also be loaded from a USB stick via a front port. Settings can be stored on the DIP switches for instant recall.

Flux-stabilised woofer

The SM series woofer includes elements that stabilise the magnetic flux and linearise inductance. This reduces distortion caused by magnetic field modulation, letting the voice coil move in a clean field, for extremely accurate bass reproduction.

Optimised-profile midrange

The midrange driver is designed not only for optimal reproduction of its frequency band, but also to act as a waveguide for the tweeter. It controls the tweeter's directivity, ensuring consistency between direct sound and off-axis reflections — contributing to the SM-8's exceptional stereo imaging. Its excursion is limited to 1 mm peak-to-peak, eliminating the intermodulation distortion common in coaxial designs.

1-inch aluminium dome tweeter

The tweeter is a 1-inch aluminium metal dome, offering exceptional dynamic response in the high frequencies, without distortion. Its unique geometry reduces high-Q ultrasonic resonances, avoiding the harshness often associated with metal tweeters.

Mountable

The SM series has mounting points on the top and bottom. Kali recommends a U-bracket from Triad-Orbit, but any bracket compatible with a 4.25 x 2 inch pattern and able to support the SM-8's 14.5 kg will do.

Low-diffraction baffle

The baffle around the midrange follows the shape of the driver exactly, blending smoothly into the rest of the cabinet. This avoids on-axis diffraction artefacts and enhances the imaging qualities of the SM series.

Low-noise port

Unlike most ports, the SM-8's is designed so that air leaves it at a constant speed, avoiding the noisy turbulence known as "chuffing". The result: clean, dynamic and quiet bass, with no parasitic noise masking low-end detail.

Technical specifications

• Self-powered: Yes
• Amplification: 3-channel Class D (LF, MR, HF)
• Power: 300 W
• Tweeter: 1" metal dome
• Midrange: 4" profiled paper cone
• Woofer: 8" optimised paper cone
• LF/MR crossover: 280 Hz
• MR/HF crossover: 2800 Hz
• Frequency response (-10 dB): 37 Hz – 35 kHz
• Response range (±3 dB): 45 Hz – 21 kHz
• Recommended listening distance: up to 5 metres
• Max SPL (peak at 1 m): 119 dB
• Speaker THD (at 90 dB SPL at 1 m): <0.5%
• Audio inputs: balanced XLR/TRS combo, AES/EBU on BNC
• Control: Ethernet (RJ45), USB-A
• Other I/O: AES/EBU output (BNC thru), mains power
• Customisable DSP (per speaker): 8 parametric EQs, 10 ms delay, trim from -12 to +6 dB
• Enclosure: bass-reflex (front port)
• DSP latency: <3 ms
• Dimensions (H x D x W): 48.3 x 30.5 x 25.4 cm
• Weight: 14.5 kg