Description

HK Audio POLAR 8 MK2 – small system, serious sound

Not every application requires a large PA.

Sometimes you just want a system that is easy to carry, quick to set up, and sounds great.

That is exactly why the HK Audio POLAR 8 MK2 was developed.

This is the most compact model in the new POLAR MK2 series. HK Audio didn’t just make a small speaker; they created a complete column PA system where subwoofer, column, amplification, DSP, mixer, and Bluetooth come together.

The result is a system that is particularly interesting for:

• Solo artists
• Duos
• DJs
• Presenters
• Singer-songwriters
• Small bands
• Schools
• Churches
• Rehearsal rooms
• Conferences
• Weddings
• Catering
• Small events

8-inch subwoofer

The POLAR 8 MK2 features an integrated 8-inch subwoofer.

The woofer is housed in a specially reinforced plastic enclosure designed to minimize unwanted resonances.

This ensures the low end remains tight and controlled.

For a compact column system, this is essential.

After all, you don’t just want volume; you want a convincing musical foundation.

The 8-inch woofer provides the foundation for:

bass guitar, kick drum, music, DJ sets, and background music.

Six 2.5-inch neodymium drivers

Above the subwoofer is the column containing six 2.5-inch neodymium full-range drivers.

HK Audio utilizes a special Curved Column configuration here.

This arrangement contributes to a wide and even sound dispersion.

The POLAR 8 MK2 has a dispersion of:

120° horizontal × 45° vertical.

This makes the system particularly suitable for audiences that aren’t all standing directly in front of the speaker.

120° dispersion

The wide horizontal dispersion is one of the key strengths of a column system.

Instead of sending the sound into the room in a very focused way, the POLAR 8 MK2 spreads the sound wide.

This is ideal for applications such as:

• Presentations
• Weddings
• Restaurants
• Small stages
• Conferences
• Rehearsal rooms
• Events

Even in rooms with low ceilings, the wide vertical dispersion helps achieve even sound distribution.

1,200 watt Class-D amplification

Don’t be fooled by the compact size.

The POLAR 8 MK2 features 1,200 watts peak power from the integrated Class-D amplifier.

The specified RMS output power is 300 watts.

The amplifier is bi-amped and works in tandem with the integrated DSP.

This means the amplification and digital signal processing are perfectly tuned to the system.

24-bit DSP

A modern PA system is about much more than just amplifier power.

The 24-bit DSP in the POLAR 8 MK2 ensures precise digital signal processing.

Additionally, the system features a multiband limiter that kicks in when specific frequency ranges reach their limits.

This keeps the sound as stable and natural as possible, even at higher volumes.

New Contour control

A particularly useful feature of the POLAR 8 MK2 is the Contour control.

Instead of working solely with fixed presets, you can continuously adjust the sound character between:

DJ → Music → Voice

This allows you to tune the system much more precisely to the application.

For music, for example, you can choose a fuller and more powerful character.

For speech, you can emphasize clarity and intelligibility.

Integrated 3-channel mixer

The POLAR 8 MK2 features an integrated 3-channel mixer.

This means that in many situations, you won’t need an external mixing console.

The first two channels feature XLR/jack combo connectors for microphone and line signals.

Additionally, there is a stereo AUX channel for an external audio source or Bluetooth.

This is ideal for a solo artist.

Plug in a microphone.

Plug in an instrument.

Music via Bluetooth.

And you’re ready to play.

Bluetooth 5.0

The POLAR 8 MK2 features Bluetooth 5.0.

This allows you to stream music wirelessly from devices such as:

• Smartphone
• Tablet
• Laptop
• Music player

This is extremely convenient during events.

For example, you can play music via Bluetooth during setup and then switch to a microphone or live performance.

True Wireless Stereo

Even more interesting is the built-in TWS functionality.

With True Wireless Stereo, two POLAR 8 MK2 systems can be linked wirelessly for true stereo playback.

This allows you to grow from a single compact system into a full stereo PA.

This is particularly interesting for:

DJs, duos, small bands, and events.

Small PA for solo artists

The POLAR 8 MK2 is excellent for solo artists.

A singer-songwriter can work with, for example:

• Vocal microphone
• Guitar
• Backing tracks

Without the need for a large mixer and multiple speaker stands.

This makes the POLAR 8 MK2 very attractive for mobile musicians.

For DJs

Mobile DJs can also benefit greatly from the POLAR 8 MK2.

The combination of:

8-inch subwoofer + column + 1,200 watt peak + DSP + Bluetooth

delivers a compact full-range solution.

For larger parties, you can also use two systems in a stereo setup.

For presentations and corporate events

Presentations are all about intelligibility.

The wide dispersion of the column helps distribute the voice evenly throughout the room.

The integrated mixer also allows for a microphone to be connected directly.

That’s why the POLAR 8 MK2 is interesting for:

• Company presentations
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Conferences
• Product launches
• Meetings
• Ceremonies

For weddings

The POLAR 8 MK2 is also a perfect fit for weddings.

The compact design takes up little space and looks significantly more subtle than a large traditional PA.

You can use it for:

ceremony → speeches → background music → reception → party

For larger party venues, two POLAR 8 MK2 systems can be used in a stereo setup.

HK Audio explicitly positions the system for stylish events and also offers the POLAR 8 MK2 in white.

Compact and mobile

The POLAR 8 MK2 is designed with mobility as a key priority.

The complete system consists of:

• 1 × 8-inch subwoofer
• 1 × spacer
• 1 × mid/high column

The total system height is approximately 202.9 cm. The complete system weighs about 19.7 kg.

The subwoofer features a handle, and a transport bag is included for the column and spacer. A protective cover is included for the subwoofer.

Frequency range

The POLAR 8 MK2 has a specified frequency range of:

50 Hz – 20 kHz (-10 dB).

This makes the system suitable as a complete full-range PA for many smaller applications.

120 dB maximum SPL

The maximum peak SPL is 120 dB according to HK Audio.

This is more than sufficient for many small and medium-sized mobile applications where you are looking for a compact system instead of a large conventional PA.

POLAR 8 MK2 as stereo PA

A single POLAR 8 MK2 is already a complete PA system.

But two systems make it even more interesting.

By combining two units, you get:

left + right = stereo PA

HK Audio states that a stereo setup of two POLAR 8 MK2 systems is suitable for applications up to approximately 150 people, depending on the room and application.

This makes the POLAR 8 MK2 an interesting system to start with and expand later.

Expand with subwoofer

The POLAR MK2 systems can also be expanded with subwoofers from the SONAR series, including the SONAR 115 Sub D.

This means you don’t have to purchase a massive system right away.

You can start small and expand later as your gigs get bigger.

HK Audio POLAR 8 MK2 at SpeakerKoning

The HK Audio POLAR 8 MK2 is a great example of how compact a professional PA system can be today.

You get a complete combination of 8-inch subwoofer, six 2.5-inch neodymium drivers, 1,200 watt peak power, 24-bit DSP, integrated mixer, Bluetooth 5.0, and TWS in one mobile system.

For a solo artist, DJ, presenter, small band, or event organizer, this primarily means:

less to carry, faster setup, and yet serious sound.

The POLAR 8 MK2 is compact enough to take with you easily, but professional enough not to function as a simple background music speaker.

HK Audio POLAR 8 MK2 – small in size, big on possibilities.