Kali Audio SM-5 – Believe Everything You Hear

The Kali Audio SM-5 is the most advanced studio monitor Kali has ever built, delivering unparalleled accuracy, imaging, and translation for professional mixing and mastering. With onboard DSP room calibration, the SM-5 adapts seamlessly to any studio environment, ensuring a true-to-life representation of your mix. Whether you’re working in music production, post-production, or broadcast, the SM-5’s ultra-precise sound reproduction and advanced DSP make it the ultimate choice for critical listening.

Key Features

• Studio-grade accuracy – captures every detail of your mix with precision
• Onboard DSP room calibration – customizable 8-band parametric EQ, delay (up to 12ms), and trim control
• 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter – clear, dynamic high-frequency response without harshness
• 4-inch profile-optimized midrange driver – precision waveguide design for enhanced directivity
• 5-inch flux-stabilized woofer – dramatically reduces distortion for clean, accurate low-end
• Capacitive touch Kali logo – intuitive control for essential functions
• Multi-color LED indicators – displays trim level, EQ status, and performance warnings
• Recessed input panel – optimized for wall or ceiling mounting, featuring XLR, TRS, AES/EBU, and RJ45 connectivity
• USB-A input – allows for firmware updates and loading custom tunings, even in permanently mounted installations
• Mounting-ready design – compatible with Triad-Orbit U-brackets and other 4.25” x 2” bolt pattern mounts
• Self-powered with 225W Class D amplification – capable of producing 117 dB SPL @ 1m

Advanced DSP Room Calibration – Your Mix, Perfected

The SM-5’s built-in digital signal processing (DSP) ensures your monitoring environment is optimized for accurate frequency response. Using the Kali Control Panel software (available for Mac and Windows), users can customize:

• 8 parametric EQ bands for fine-tuned frequency response
• Up to 12ms of delay for phase alignment
• Precise trim adjustments from -12dB to +6dB

Unlike plug-in-based correction systems, the SM-5’s onboard DSP calibration applies to all input sources—eliminating the need for external processors and ensuring zero additional latency for real-time tracking.

High-Performance Drivers for Unmatched Clarity

1-Inch Aluminum-Dome Tweeter

The aluminum-dome tweeter is engineered to provide smooth, extended high-frequency response without the harshness that can make some metal tweeters fatiguing over time.

4-Inch Profile-Optimized Midrange

Designed for both midrange clarity and waveguide performance, the 4-inch paper cone driver maintains excellent directivity and phase coherence, ensuring precise imaging.

5-Inch Flux-Stabilized Woofer

The flux-stabilized woofer dramatically reduces magnetic flux modulation, lowering distortion and delivering deep, accurate bass. Paper is used for both the woofer and midrange cones, as it provides an optimal balance of stiffness, weight, and damping for natural sound reproduction.

Intelligent Design for Maximum Usability

Recessed Input Panel

The recessed rear panel allows for easy wall or ceiling mounting and features:

• Balanced XLR & TRS inputs
• AES/EBU in & thru over BNC
• RJ45 for network control

Capacitive Touch Kali Logo

A multi-function capacitive touch sensor allows for easy access to essential speaker functions, including standby mode.

Multi-Color LED Indicator

The LED system provides real-time status updates on:

• Trim level
• DSP EQ activation
• Standby mode
• Performance warnings

USB-A Input for Easy Updates

The front-mounted USB-A port allows users to load firmware updates and DSP tunings, even if the monitor is permanently mounted.

Mounting Options for Any Studio Setup

The SM-5 is designed for versatile mounting and includes top and bottom mounting holes spaced 4.25” x 2” (108mm x 50.8mm). While Triad-Orbit U-brackets are recommended, the SM-5 is compatible with any mount rated for 21 lbs (9.5 kg).

Specifications

• Amplification: 225W Class D
• Drivers:
  • 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter
  • 4-inch paper-cone midrange driver
  • 5-inch paper-cone woofer
• Crossover Frequencies:
  • LF-to-Midrange: 280 Hz
  • Midrange-to-HF: 2800 Hz
• Frequency Response (-10dB): 39 Hz – 25 kHz
• Frequency Range (+/-3dB): 47 Hz – 21 kHz
• Max SPL: 117 dB @ 1m
• THD:
  • <0.75% from 100-450 Hz
  • <0.5% above 450 Hz
• Inputs:
  • Balanced analog over XLR
  • AES/EBU over BNC
  • RJ45 for control
• Outputs:
  • AES/EBU over BNC thru
• Enclosure: Front ported
• Mounting Holes: 4.25” x 2” spacing (top and bottom)
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 15.6 inches (39.6 cm)
  • Width: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
  • Depth: 9.8 inches (24.8 cm)
• Weight: 21 lbs (9.5 kg)