Audio T Verdict
The Monitor Audio SB-4 is a very different proposition from the powered soundbars most people are familiar with. There are no built-in amplifiers, streaming services or virtual surround processing here. Instead, it is a proper three-channel passive loudspeaker designed to work with an AV amplifier.
That approach makes a lot of sense if you want better television and movie sound without having separate left, centre and right speakers spread around the room. Monitor Audio has fitted serious C-CAM driver technology into a slim cabinet that can sit neatly beneath a large television.
Add a suitable subwoofer and the SB-4 becomes the front soundstage of a very capable home cinema system, while still keeping the room significantly tidier than three conventional loudspeakers.
Monitor Audio SB-4 Passive Soundbar
The SB-4 is Monitor Audio's largest passive soundbar, designed to provide a visually balanced match for televisions measuring approximately 70 inches and larger.
Unlike an all-in-one powered soundbar, the SB-4 contains three independent passive loudspeaker channels for left, centre and right, allowing it to connect directly to a suitable AV amplifier or receiver.
- Three-channel passive soundbar
- Designed for 70-inch televisions and larger
- Independent left, centre and right channels
- C-CAM bass-mid drivers
- C-CAM Gold Dome tweeters
- Auxiliary Bass Radiator loading
- MDF cabinet construction
- High-quality passive crossovers
- Recessed low-profile binding posts
- SANUS TV-mount compatibility
- Optional Monitor Audio BSB wall bracket
- Black finish
- Supplied individually
A Proper Three-Channel Loudspeaker
The important distinction between the SB-4 and a conventional powered soundbar is that the SB-4 is effectively three passive loudspeakers housed within one long cabinet.
The left, centre and right channels are driven independently from an AV amplifier, allowing proper discrete front-channel information rather than relying on digital processing to simulate a wider soundstage.
This makes the SB-4 particularly useful where a full home cinema system is wanted but separate front speakers would be difficult to accommodate around the television.
Designed for 70-Inch TVs and Larger
At 1562mm wide, the SB-4 has been specifically proportioned for larger televisions.
Monitor Audio recommends it as the visual match within the SB range for screens measuring approximately 70 inches and larger.
The wide cabinet also allows greater physical separation between the left, centre and right sections than a more compact soundbar can provide.
C-CAM Bass-Mid Drivers
Monitor Audio specifies two 4-inch C-CAM bass-mid drivers across each channel section of the SB-4.
C-CAM stands for Ceramic-Coated Aluminium Magnesium and is Monitor Audio's long-established rigid, lightweight diaphragm technology.
Using multiple compact drivers allows the SB-4 to maintain its exceptionally shallow profile while still providing useful cone area for dialogue, music and soundtrack effects.
C-CAM Gold Dome Tweeters
High frequencies are reproduced by Monitor Audio's 25mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeters.
The lightweight metal-dome design extends the SB-4's specified frequency response out to 30kHz and provides the high-frequency detail required for dialogue, music and film effects.
Using familiar Monitor Audio driver technology also makes the SB-4 a natural option for customers already using Monitor Audio speakers elsewhere in a surround system.
Auxiliary Bass Radiator Loading
The SB-4 uses Auxiliary Bass Radiators rather than conventional open bass-reflex ports.
The passive radiators respond to pressure changes generated by the active bass-mid drivers, helping extend low-frequency performance without requiring an open port through the shallow enclosure.
This allows the cabinet to remain slim and suitable for close-to-wall installation.
70Hz to 30kHz Frequency Response
Monitor Audio specifies a frequency response of 70Hz to 30kHz at -3dB.
That gives the SB-4 useful range for television, film and music playback, but Monitor Audio recommends partnering it with a subwoofer for the best overall performance.
A subwoofer can take over the deepest bass, increasing both low-frequency extension and the available headroom from the SB-4 itself.
Designed to Work with a Subwoofer
Monitor Audio specifically recommends using the SB-4 with a partnering subwoofer and applying an appropriate crossover.
The manufacturer specifies a crossover range of 80 to 120Hz, while system power handling increases when a 100Hz high-pass filter is applied.
Why Add a Subwoofer?
Using a subwoofer allows the SB-4 to concentrate on dialogue, music and front-channel effects rather than trying to reproduce the deepest bass. This can improve clarity, increase available output and provide much greater impact from movie soundtracks.
80W RMS Power Handling
Monitor Audio specifies standard RMS power handling of 80 watts.
When the system is used with a 100Hz high-pass filter, the specified system power handling rises to 100 watts RMS.
The recommended amplifier requirement is 30 to 100 watts.
87dB Sensitivity
The SB-4 has a specified sensitivity of 87dB at 1W/1m.
Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, making it suitable for use with a wide range of conventional home cinema amplifiers and AV receivers.
As with any three-channel system, the chosen AV amplifier must provide separate powered outputs for the left, centre and right channels.
104dBA Maximum SPL
Monitor Audio specifies a maximum sound pressure level of 104dBA for an individual channel.
With all channels driven, the manufacturer specifies a combined maximum SPL of 108.8dBA.
This gives the SB-4 useful dynamic capability for a low-profile loudspeaker designed primarily around television and media-room installation.
MDF Cabinet Construction
The SB-4 uses an MDF cabinet with internal bracing rather than the lightweight plastic construction commonly associated with all-in-one soundbars.
Through-bolt driver fixing helps mechanically secure the drive units and contributes additional structural bracing to the enclosure.
The aim is to provide the drivers with a stable platform while keeping cabinet vibration and resonance under control.
High-Quality Passive Crossovers
Each loudspeaker section incorporates a dedicated passive crossover using components including polypropylene capacitors and low-loss laminated steel-core inductors.
This follows the same basic loudspeaker-engineering principles Monitor Audio applies to its conventional passive speaker ranges.
Recessed Binding Posts
Low-profile gold-plated binding posts are recessed into the rear connection panel.
This helps prevent the speaker cables and terminals from adding unnecessary depth when the SB-4 is installed close to the wall or television.
Separate connections are provided for the individual left, centre and right channels.
Multiple Mounting Options
The SB-4 has been designed to offer several installation possibilities around a large television.
- Positioned on suitable furniture using its low-profile feet
- Wall mounted using the optional Monitor Audio BSB bracket
- Integrated with compatible SANUS TV mounting systems
This makes it easier to maintain a clean installation whether the television itself is sitting on furniture or mounted to the wall.
Optional BSB Wall Bracket
Monitor Audio's optional BSB Soundbar Bracket has been designed specifically for the SB-2, SB-3 and SB-4.
The steel bracket allows the soundbar to be mounted above or below the television and includes provision for cable access, pre-alignment and installation using a dedicated fixing template.
Wall Mounting
The SB-4 weighs 12kg before any additional mounting hardware is considered. Always use appropriate fixings for the construction of the wall and follow the current Monitor Audio installation guidance. If you are unsure whether the wall or fixing method is suitable, use an appropriately qualified installer.
SANUS TV Mount Compatibility
The rear terminal panel incorporates standard fixing points designed to work with compatible SANUS television mounting systems.
This can allow the SB-4 to remain visually aligned with the television rather than being mounted independently elsewhere on the wall.
Black Cloth Finish
The SB-4 is currently available in Black.
The front and upper surfaces use acoustically open black cloth, while brushed aluminium end trims give the cabinet a more premium appearance than a conventional plastic soundbar.
The understated finish is deliberately designed to sit unobtrusively beneath a television.
Large but Shallow
The SB-4 is exceptionally wide but remains very shallow.
With its integrated feet fitted, the cabinet measures:
- Height: 145mm
- Width: 1562mm
- Depth: 89mm
- Weight: 12kg
With the optional wall bracket included in the installation depth, the overall depth becomes 100mm.
SB-2, SB-3 or SB-4?
Monitor Audio offers different SB models to suit different television sizes and installation requirements.
SB-2 and SB-3
- Designed for smaller television sizes
- Shorter cabinets
- Three-channel passive architecture
- Ideal where a 1562mm soundbar would be too wide
SB-4
- Designed for 70-inch TVs and larger
- 1562mm cabinet width
- Three independent front channels
- Greater visual match for large screens
Passive Soundbar or Powered Soundbar?
The SB-4 does not contain amplification, HDMI switching, streaming or surround processing.
Instead, those jobs are handled by the AV amplifier or processor, just as they would be in a conventional separates-based home cinema system.
This makes the SB-4 especially attractive for customers who want the flexibility and upgradeability of a proper AV system but prefer the cleaner appearance of one front speaker cabinet rather than separate left, centre and right loudspeakers.
Key Features
- Monitor Audio SB-4
- Passive soundbar
- Three independent channels
- Left, centre and right front channels
- Designed for 70-inch TVs and larger
- 4-inch C-CAM bass-mid drivers
- 25mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeters
- Auxiliary Bass Radiator loading
- 70Hz to 30kHz frequency response
- 87dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 80W RMS power handling
- 100W system handling with 100Hz high-pass filter
- 30 to 100W recommended amplifier power
- 80 to 120Hz specified crossover range
- 104dBA maximum SPL per channel
- 108.8dBA maximum SPL with all channels driven
- MDF cabinet construction
- Internal bracing
- Through-bolt driver fixing
- Polypropylene crossover capacitors
- Low-loss laminated steel-core inductors
- Gold-plated low-profile binding posts
- SANUS TV mount compatibility
- Optional Monitor Audio BSB wall bracket
- Integrated low-profile rubber feet
- Black finish
- 145 x 1562 x 89mm cabinet dimensions
- 12kg weight
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Monitor Audio SB-4 still current?
Yes. Monitor Audio currently lists the SB-4 within its passive soundbar range.
Is the SB-4 an active or passive soundbar?
The SB-4 is passive. It requires a separate AV amplifier or receiver to power its left, centre and right channels.
Does the SB-4 have built-in amplification?
No. Amplification is provided by a separate AV amplifier or power amplifier.
Does it have HDMI?
No. The SB-4 is a passive loudspeaker, so HDMI switching and decoding are handled by the connected AV amplifier or processor.
How many channels does the SB-4 have?
Three independent channels: left, centre and right.
What television size is the SB-4 designed for?
Monitor Audio designs the SB-4 as a visual match for televisions measuring approximately 70 inches and larger.
What drivers does the SB-4 use?
Monitor Audio specifies two 4-inch C-CAM bass-mid drivers and two 25mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeters across each channel section.
What is the frequency response?
70Hz to 30kHz at -3dB.
What is the sensitivity?
87dB at 1 watt measured at 1 metre.
What is the impedance?
The nominal impedance is 8 ohms.
What amplifier power does Monitor Audio recommend?
Monitor Audio specifies a recommended amplifier range of 30 to 100 watts.
What is the power handling?
Standard RMS power handling is 80 watts. Monitor Audio specifies 100 watts system power handling when a 100Hz high-pass filter is used.
Should I use a subwoofer with the SB-4?
Monitor Audio recommends partnering the SB-4 with a suitable subwoofer for the best performance and increased system power handling.
What crossover should I use with a subwoofer?
Monitor Audio currently specifies a crossover-frequency range of 80 to 120Hz for the SB-4.
How loud can the SB-4 play?
Monitor Audio specifies 104dBA maximum SPL, increasing to 108.8dBA with all channels driven.
Can the SB-4 be wall mounted?
Yes. Monitor Audio offers the optional BSB wall bracket specifically for the SB-2, SB-3 and SB-4.
Does it work with SANUS TV mounts?
Yes. The rear panel incorporates standard fixing points designed for compatible SANUS TV mounting systems.
Can the SB-4 sit on furniture?
Yes. Integrated low-profile rubber feet allow the cabinet to sit securely on a suitable surface.
How wide is the SB-4?
The cabinet is 1562mm wide.
How deep is it?
The cabinet is 89mm deep including its feet, or 100mm overall when the optional wall bracket is included.
How much does it weigh?
12kg.
Which finish is available?
Black.
Is the SB-4 sold as a pair?
No. The SB-4 is supplied as a single three-channel soundbar.
What warranty does the Monitor Audio SB-4 have?
Monitor Audio currently specifies a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Related Monitor Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Monitor Audio From Audio T?
A passive soundbar needs to be treated as part of a complete home cinema system rather than as a standalone TV accessory. Audio T can help you choose a suitable AV amplifier, subwoofer and surround speakers and make sure the crossover and channel settings are configured correctly.
- Monitor Audio demonstrations
- AV amplifier and receiver matching
- Passive soundbar system advice
- Subwoofer matching and integration
- Speaker crossover setup advice
- Surround speaker planning
- TV and soundbar positioning guidance
- Wall-mounting advice
- Room-size advice
- Home cinema system planning
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss a Monitor Audio SB-4 system or arrange a suitable home cinema demonstration.