Instead of the BX8a What Studio Monitors Would You Buy?

by admin on August 6, 2011

So there’s been people asking me they like to compare different monitors before they actually go and buy the BX8a M-Audio monitors. After all how can you really know if they’re the best right?

I went and did a little research on the web to see what other speakers I could test and see if they’re close to the quality of M-Audio monitors.

Studio Monitor Comparison

BX8a CompetitionMackie-MR8-monitorsAlexis-M1-monitorsYamaha-HS80M-monitors
Reviewers CommentsRead ReviewsRead ReviewsRead Reviews
Lowest PriceBUY Price: $249
BUY Price: $351.44
BUY Price:$292.80
Average Customer Review4.5 out of 5 stars4 out 5 stars5 out of 5 stars
Sound QualityPrecise SoundGood ClarityExceptionally Flat

I know you probably would like to know more about these three competitors, since this chart my not tell you much. But if you read the reviews it should give you an idea of what buyers are saying about them.

I’m a M-Audio fan so I still wouldn’t use anything else, and I still think the BX8a monitors blow these three speakers out of the water.

There are some great reviews of the Yamaha HS80M on the forums, and I wouldn’t doubt that they are great. My dad wouldn’t change his Yamaha speakers for anything in the world. With the HS80M you probably won’t need a woofer do to the great bass they provide, and the mids are suppose to be great too.

This review about the BX8a that might be useful to read before you buy them. This happens with a lot of reference speakers, not just M-Audio. I just want people to be aware of people are saying about these speakers, and don’t think that I’m being bias.

As always you’ll have to look at what your needs are. All four studio monitors have good and bad things about them. Some are better quality than the other, reliability might not be the best on the BX8a’s but that also depends on what you’ll be recording.

When it comes to warranty, they all offer programs in case something happens the speakers.

So, is it going to be M-Audios BX8a monitors, Mackie MR8, Yamaha HS80M, or the Alesis M1′s?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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Is It True That M-Audio’s BX8a Monitors Suck?

by admin on July 31, 2011

BX8a-m-audio-frontIf you’ve considering the purchase of a pair of BX8a studiophile monitors you might want to read this article before you do anything.

We understand that if you’re looking for monitors, good quality sound is your priority.

For that reason we went undercover looking at different websites that talk about the BX8a and found there was two sides to this question:

Do M-Audio BX8a monitors really suck?

The first question we found on a forum was about a hissing noise coming from the tweeters. If you believe that it’s not normal, don’t worry it actually is, there an entire forum post about this that you can see if you want.

Another concern with some people was the reliability of BX8a monitors. There were some mix emotions; some think they last others not so much. The thing is, people that buy cheaper monitors should know this. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Now by that I don’t mean to say that M-Audio’s BX8a suck, you’ll be getting 10x better sound quality and reliability than a pair of plastic speakers that’s for sure.

But if you compare them to more expensive studio monitors than, of course they’re not going to match up.

So what really should you expect for $299?

Alot. Some of the reviews on amazon go like this:

Good sound on a budget, lovin’ the BX8a, lots of bass, AWESOMEEEEEE. Of course these are just the positive reviews. There was another page with positive reviews and YES, there were negative too, but mostly on the whole reliability of the speakers.

Now we are not trying to sell you on buying these studio monitors. If you want to buy them, go for it, but be aware of what everyone is saying. You might already know that every product you look online for is going to have some sort of negative feedback.

Also if you think about it, not all speakers get treated the same. What is the environment around your speakers? What type of music are you going to be listening to or recording? To much bass, clears, highs?

If you’re going to be thumping everyday with these and no sub woofers, what do you think will happen?

Conclusion of the M-Audio BX8a suckiness

We know and understand that they’re not the best, but it doesn’t mean that 8 people online saying they suck or aren’t reliable should matter. If you read reviews from other monitors in this class, we guarantee that you’ll find more bad reviews than the BX8a.

Are they worth $299, I would say so. For that, if you’re buying these to do some small size recording HECK YEA!! You can find plastic speakers for computer that don’t match 1% of the sound quality of these studio monitors.

Have you heard anything else about these? Share it on the comments!

 

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M-Audio Studio Monitor Placement The Correct Way

by admin on July 20, 2011

m audio studio monitor placementYou want to get the smoothest and consistent sound out of your M-Audio speakers, but do you know how to aim them to achieve that? How far apart do you place them from you to get great stereo image? Let’s get into some studio monitor placement right away.

The common rule is the equilateral triangle, which is simply a triangle with all the same side at equal distances. This length should equal between the studio monitors and the distance to the front of your face in the listening position where you’re in front of your computer.

The goal is to aim the speakers between your farthest leaning backwards and leaning forward listening positions. I’ve found this to be around 24″ (600mm).

For better results, align your ears with the vertical speaker axis half way between the listening position and the woofer to line up with the best location possible.

Say for example, you were resting your chin over the desktop, you could still tilt the monitor back a little. The reason for this is to have a sweet spot when you’re leaning forward adjusting EQ or level, or just listening to a mix.

You shouldn’t go nuts trying to get everything perfect or exactly to the decimal places, within a couple of inches you should be fine.

More tips on studio monitor placement for your M-Audio Monitors

You always want to keep your monitors vertical and upright, no matter what temptations you might get to put them horizontally for a better line of sight behind them.

If a speaker is design to be used in a certain way, it’s never a good idea to go against the recommendations. A reference monitor horizontally means that you’re now moving through all those lobes, or rays, where the waves from the tweeters and woofers could interfere.

Midrange frequency can vary for a different head position.

When it comes to M-Audio near-fields monitors they should be used with multi-driver axis vertical and that’s just the way it should be.

So hopefully these tips can help you avoid unwanted reflections caused by the desktop and also prevent the monitors vibrations from affecting each other.

It’s a good idea to use foam blocks to minimize coupling with the desk. In some cases placing them as close to the front edge as possible helps too.

Sometimes the vibrations can cause movement; use tacky material on stands or other forms of rubber feet. Not taking these preventions  can subtract from the bass output and cancel the tweeters.

Unless you’re extremely lucky, you won’t end up with a perfect monitoring environment, but by paying attention to the points mentioned in this article, you should be able to end up with something workable.

Do you have anything to add, what can you share with us at M-Audio speaker reviews? If you know of any other tips to add, it’s okay to link to them in the comments.

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M-Audio Studio Reference Monitors: Vented vs Sealed Design

by admin on July 20, 2011

M-Audio CX5 vs CX8 reviewProbably one of “THE MOST” overlooked tools for music lovers and audio engineers is a proper listening system.

When you can’t quite hear accurate reproduction of what you’re listening to, then it makes it difficult to decide equalization or balancing elements in your mix.

That’s just some of the problems that come up.

Another one is all the playback equipment that any product possibly can be played on, from $10,000 high-definition speakers to the headphones on an MP3.

The MOST common solution is to use small reference monitors instead of a studio’s main monitors.

Then, reference monitors serve multiple purposes: a consistent “reference” point for single engineers working from their homes studios and a real-world picture of how a project sounds when played on compact speakers.

The Two Basic Types of Monitor Types

There are two categories that monitor systems usually fall under: the ones with vented enclosures and the sealed closures.

Vented desigs–usually will have a larger enclosure than the sealed monitors; the advantage to this is an increase in efficiency (better sound for each watt) and extended low-frequency response.

You’ll hear some called them bass-reflex systems, they have one or multiple ports that translate to a small amount of phase cancellation at the woofer’s resonant frequency, this also helps increase the bass response at a lower frequency as explained above.

The second type of monitors are the Sealed designs or closed types which mount the speakers components to the side of an air-tight cabinet, which prevents the escape of the air displaced by the woofer’s rearward motion.

With the increase of air pressure inside the cabinet creates a springboard to push the cone forward.

A common design seen in a lot of new models that use coaxially mounted speakers, is the tweeter otherwise know as a high-frequency unit on the center of the bass reproducer.

The benefits of this it improves coherence, especially when listening to them from your computer at close distance.

What to Look For in M-Audio Studio Reference Monitors

5 things you want to look for:

  • Most sound (80%) to be exact come from mid range. Look for clear mid range.
  • Flat bottom end. Yup, lacking the low down bottom end, but have some warmth and give an accurate idea of balance with all the elements.
  • Balanced frequency range. There shouldn’t be bright sound because of the flat bass.
  • Crispy and smooth top end for long comfortable listening.
  • Good sound period.

When it comes to M-Audio studio reference monitors it can get overwhelming when looking at the variety of studio monitors  they have to choose from.

There’s over eight different speakers to go with and all of them sound great for their price.

Of course we all want to go with the best and most expense, but we all have different needs and the majority of people at home don’t need DSM3 and DSM2, unless they’re trying to get a semi-pro studio in their home.

When you start looking at CX8 and CX5 monitors we do find these are more affordable and offer the dance producer, the bass response on the CX8 is full but tight, the mids are clearly defined while the tops deliver a bright sound without being too harsh on the ear.

Stereo positioning is also good and is detailed enough to pick out those sounds that tend to pan into the distance in a mix.

Go down the line we get into the BX8a and BX5a simply said they are “powerful monitors” for your desktop.

There you have it. The Vented and Sealed and some tips to look for in M-Audio speakers you hopefully find useful before you get yourself a pair.

If you want to add anything to this don’t forget to share it in the comments.

What do you think is important to look for in reference monitors?

 

 

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Ask The Readers: Are You Having Problems with Your BX5a Volume?

by admin on July 17, 2011

M-Audio-studiophile_monitorsThere’s a rumor going on, on some audio forums that say the BX5As’ don’t sound equally when played at the same volume level.

For example one person said that when he placed the volume level on speaker one on 9.00 and speaker two on the same level one speaker was weaker.

To fix this problem he’s been change the level on one of the speakers to a volume level of 12.00 so they both sound balanced and equal.

If you’ve been having the same issue, some have suggested that it’s expected to have some difference in knob position. But if the difference is as high as the one described here, it isn’t normal.

You could try to switch the cables and see no change, it could be a hardware issue and you should contact the dealer where you purchased them from.

Are you having the same issue with your M-Audio BX5a speakers?

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Which M-Audio speakers should I get, studiophile CX5 or CX8 series?

by admin on July 16, 2011

I wanted to compare the CX5 and CX8 studio monitors because it looks like they really seem to be the most popular choice of the moment, and to help you determine what your needs really are. (obviously use this advice at your own peril)

Most people seem to think that bigger is better, since that’s always been the common hypothesis with mostly everything in this world. But I don’t believe it necessarily applies to buying speakers.

I personally only use a small set of M-Audio speakers, but that’s because I can’t be loud where I live, and really I don’t have many needs for a bigger set. Asking yourself if you really need a bigger set of studio monitors should be the first question.

Another question is, do I really need an 8-inch (CX-8)or 5-inch (CX-5) Kevlar long-excursion low frequency driver? Is it going to make a big difference for what I’m going to be using them?

How about frequency responses of 50Hz to 38KHz (CX-5) and 38Hz to 38KHz (CX-8), does that even make a huge difference?

For some people it may.

Is it worth putting out the $30 dollars more for a pair of bigger studio monitors? I would say, Heck Yea!!

But, that’s not my call to make. I think both speakers are beautiful and sound amazing, but you really to compare the benefits vs price in this case. Common sense, says it’s only $30 bucks more, but logic says, is it really going to make a huge difference? or do I really need more expensive monitors to listen to my jazz one foot away from them?

Who’s it going to be? The M-Audio CX5s’ or CX8s’? That is the question…

If you want to find out more on either one of these speakers, click on the link above for each monitor.

If you know anything about either model, please leave it in the comments section, I know others readers will appreciate you a ton!

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Where can you buy M-Audio CX8 speakers?

by admin on July 16, 2011

You’ve probably read, watched, and researched the heck out of some M-Audio CX8 articles in the search engines.

But by now you’re starting to think…hmmm, “where can I buy me some of them CX8′s for a good price so I can jam tonight?” Look no further because I can answer the magic question for you.

Well that’s if you like to shop online! I realize that not everyone is a fan of shopping online, because maybe they want to get them RIGHT NOW! But in this case you’re going to have to wait a day or two if you choose not to go next day shipping.

(okay, okay tells us where can I buy me a pair of beautiful M-Audio CX8 speakers?)

where-to-buy-m-audio

Click here to find out!
(of course if you know of any other location that sell M-Audio studio speakers, share it in the comments)

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M-Audio Studiophile DSM2 – High-Resolution DSP Reference Monitor with 8-Inch LF Driver

by admin on May 16, 2011

Studiophile DSM2 -High-Resolution DSP Reference Monitor with 8-Inch LF Driver

If someone asked how could you describe these speakers in three simple words, this is what I’d say…Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy. When put to the test next to its competitors, it sounds as good, if not better than them. The imagining is 100% solid, low-end punchy but not too beefy. The top exceptionally accurate. Professionals would enjoy and welcome these monitors in any producing environment. And the price makes it affordable, basically a bargain for this quality of performance.

Product features:

  • 1″ Teteron soft fabric Neodymium HF >> 27kWz provides more accuracy and less power compression
  • 8 anodized aluminum cone LF driver >> a lot better low distortion
  • broad range of on-board digital EQ controls >> customize each speaker to room
  • 180W class D bi-amplification >> much better efficiency , and lot less distortion
  • DSP controlled digital crossover >> better tonal accuracy

 

Specifications

frequency response:42Hz-27kHz
peak SPL at 1 meter:111dB
low-frequency driver:8” (203.2 mm) domeless inverted anodized aluminum cone
high-frequency driver:1” (25.4 mm) soft Teteron dome with Neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling
crossover frequency:2.7kHz @ 24dB/octave
HF shelf:+1.5dB, -1.5dB, -3.0dB
mid EQ:+1.5dB, -1.5dB, -3.0dB
high-pass filter:40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz @ 12dB/octave
Acoustic Space Control filter:-1.5dB, -3.0dB, -4.5dB
Desk EQ Filter 1:-1.0dB, -2.0dB, -3.0dB @ 220Hz
Desk EQ Filter 2:-1.0dB, -2.0dB, -3.0dB @ 175Hz
Desk EQ Filter 3:-1.0dB, -2.0dB, -3.0dB @ 200Hz
analog inputs:XLR balanced and ¼” balanced
digital inputs:S/PDIF and AES/EBU
input impedance:20k ohm
input sensitivity:+4dBu yields 90dB @ 1 meter (trim level set to 0)
gain trim:volume trim from -22dB to +10dB
analog-to-digital specifications
maximum input level:18dBu
signal-to-noise ratio:102dB (A-weighted)
THN + noise:
conversion rate:96kHz
digital power amplifier
output power (1% THD):LF: 100 watts, HF: 80 watts
THD + noise (10 watts, 1kHz):< 0.05%
signal-to-noise ratio:100dB (A-weighted)
frequency response (+0, -3dB):20Hz-40kHz
efficiency:> 90%
dimensions:15.2” (385 mm) x 10.6” (270.3 mm) x 10.1” (257.5 mm)
weight:20 lbs. (9.1 kg)

 

The DSM2s are obviously bettan than its sister monitors the Studiophile DSM1s which also makes the a bit more expensive. The sound is more complete and full and can cover a lot more frequency in the spectrum. For mixing purposes, the get the job done if you’re in a home studio environment. The M-Audio Studiophile DSM2 aren’t up to the professional standards of some people, but if you’re not in the budget of those who are, stick to the DSM2s.

M-Audio reference monitors can get expensive when you look around the $1000 range. If you go around testing different high-end monitors that compare to the DSM2 quality, accuracy and good looks, it’s hard to find all the features in one speaker for the price. Of course the Mackie’s and Alesis and other good speakers perform great, but they’re not always in our budget and they don’t really offer what we’re looking for. The M-Audio monitors provide accuracy, affordability and precision for the pro and beginner.

Customer Reviews

The DSMs sounded really good at NAMM. I heard them in the M-Audio/Digi sound booth. I definitely liked them better than the Dynaudio BM6a’s (which surprised me), but quite frankly except for Events (which weren’t in the same league), don’t remember what else was in the switching matrix for comparison.–L.Wilson  

I have both pairs. I just got these awesome pieces of engineering two days ago. I can honestly say that my mind is officially blown. I actually was fortunate enough to hear these at namm this year and words can not describe how beautiful they sound.–K.Scott
 

Redefining the World-Class Near-Field Monitor

Over the last 20 years, M-Audio has achieved critical acclaim across diverse lines of music production tools. We attribute much of this success to the fact that each product group operates like a small boutique shop within the organization. The Los Angeles-based engineering team that designed the industry-leading Studiophile line applied psychoacoustic principles to perfect the DSM drivers, power amps, cabinetry and electronics. Along the way, they worked with top recording engineers and producers to refine the Studiophile DSM monitors for optimal performance.

Best-in-Class Drivers

To ensure the greatest sonic clarity, the Studiophile DSM2 monitor features a custom-designed, 8-inch anodized aluminum cone woofer that actively reduces distortion by pushing the break-up mode out of the pass band for maximum low-frequency detail at any volume level. The 1-inch ferrofluid-cooled tweeter is made of a soft Teteron dome, which strikes the perfect balance between efficiency and damping to produce a controlled high-frequency breakup out to 27kHz. The drivers and their carefully matched power amps provide a wide 42Hz – 27kHz frequency response and outstanding dynamic range, ensuring that you hear an accurate representation of your audio at all volumes.

Powerful DSP

M-Audio engineers worked closely with their counterparts at sister company Digidesign to bring their expertise to the Studiophile DSM2 monitor. The powerful onboard DSP engine controls a complex 4th-order digital crossover. It also provides clear and accurate audio imaging by compensating for phase differences between the two drivers at the crossover point—delivering perfect acoustic alignment and exceptional imaging. And as a result of exhaustive tuning and listening sessions, the DSM2 monitor provides incredible tonal accuracy, excellent dynamic range and exceptionally low distortion.

Strategically Integrated Design

Each component in the DSM2 monitor is customized to deliver outstanding sound quality in a compact form factor. Featuring an exclusive design, the sturdy cabinet is constructed from high-density material with internal bracing that renders it acoustically inert. The tuned bass-reflex port offers extended bass response and increased SPL, while the carefully matched Class-D power amps deliver ample power with low distortion and excellent efficiency. The custom-voiced components ensure hours of accurate listening without fatigue. And the professional analog and digital inputs support studio-grade audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, revealing every detail that you’ve created with your digital audio workstation.

Tailor the Speaker to Your Room

Your listening environment and speaker placement greatly impact monitor performance. To ensure optimal monitoring in your studio, the onboard DSP also manages a number of functions that allow you to tailor each speaker to your room. DSM2 offers DSP-controlled high and low frequency roll-offs and EQ settings to help optimize the speaker for your space and placement within even the most difficult acoustic environments.[/box]

DSM2DSM2-review

SKU: 0612391510077

Price: $779 MSRP

Rating: ★★★★☆

Where to buy this product

 

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M-Audio Studiophile DSM1 review- DSP Reference Monitor with 6.5-Inch LF Driver

by admin on May 12, 2011

Studiophile DSM1 -High-Resolution DSP Reference Monitor with 6.5-Inch LF DriverWith so many M-Audio reference monitors to pick from it’s not easy to make a choice of which speaker to buy. To make it more difficult M-Audio adds the Studiophile DSM1. We believe these monitors make a big impact with the flexibility of it’s built-in onboard DSP digital crossover and all it’s useful features.

Not a pair of speakers for any market either–these speakers where specifically engineering and designed for those who use Pro Tools and it has both analog and digital inputs at 180W amplification.

At a first glance at the front of the DSM1 you think, “Oh, just another reference monitors” until you take a peek at the back of these speakers and find out otherwise.

Product Features:

  • DSP controlled digital crossover >> exceptional tonal accuracy
  • broad range of on-board digital EQ controls >> customize the sound to your room
  • 6.5 anodized aluminim cone LF driver >> low distortion
  • 1″ Teteron soft fabric Neodymium HF >> minimize the power compression with accuracy, up to 27kWh
  • 180W class D bi-amplification >> higher efficiency, and lower distortion at maximum power

[box border="full"]

Specifications

frequency response:49Hz-27kHz
peak SPL at 1 meter:110dB
low-frequency driver:6.5” (165.1 mm) domeless anodized aluminum cone
high-frequency driver:1” (25.4 mm) soft Teteron dome with Neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling
crossover frequency:2.7kHz @ 24dB/octave
HF shelf:+1.5dB, -1.5dB, -3.0dB
mid EQ:+1.5dB, -1.5dB, -3.0dB
high-pass filter:40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz @ 12dB/octave
Acoustic Space Control filter:-1.5dB, -3.0dB, -4.5dB
Desk EQ Filter 1:-1.0dB, -2.0dB, -3.0dB @ 220Hz
Desk EQ Filter 2:-1.0dB, -2.0dB, -3.0dB @ 175Hz
Desk EQ Filter 3:-1.0dB, -2.0dB, -3.0dB @ 200Hz
analog inputs:XLR balanced and ¼” balanced
digital inputs:S/PDIF and AES/EBU
input impedance:20k ohm
input sensitivity:+4dBu yields 90dB @ 1 meter (trim level set to 0)
gain trim:volume trim from -22dB to +10dB
analog-to-digital specifications
maximum input level:18dBu
signal-to-noise ratio:102dB (A-weighted)
THN + noise:
conversion rate:96kHz
digital power amplifier
output power (1% THD):LF: 100 watts, HF: 80 watts
THD + noise (10 watts, 1kHz):< 0.05%
signal-to-noise ratio:100dB (A-weighted)
frequency response (+0, -3dB):20Hz-40kHz
efficiency:> 90%
dimensions:12.8” (325.5 mm) x 9” (228.7 mm) x 10.3” (261.5 mm)
weight:16.5 lbs. (7.5 kg)

[/box]

Customer Reviews

They’ve improved my mixing and monitoring situation and are a great investment in this price range.–Miguel H

The guys from digi came by the shop today with the DSM1s we a/b’d them with BM5as and LSR6328p’s, they blew them out of the water. I wish we had some Adam monitors on hand to see if they really are the “Adam killers” they claim to be. I’m definitely planning on purchasing a pair of the 2′s next month.–Castro

Summary

When we compare the M-Audio EX66s, which were also amazing monitors, to the DSM1s the difference comes in the high end especially, thanks to the use of soft-dome tweeter instead of the metal diaphragm, the sound produced is quiet smoother.

As much as I’d like to have PMC or Klein + Hummel monitors, I know that they won’t be in my price range. If you aspire to have something like that one day, the M-Audio Studiophile DSM1 won’t disappoint you.

It’s no secret that the more money a pair of monitors cost, the more quality you get, but M-Audio has done a great job at offering the quality and affordability some of us need. For a nearfield monitoring speaker they handle better than some more expensive reference monitors in any spectrum of music styles.

DSM1studiophile-dsm1

Rating: ★★★★★

Where to buy this product

 

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M-Audio Studiophile CX8 review – Speaker – 120 Watt – 2-way

by admin on May 10, 2011

Studiophile CX8 – High-Resolution Active Studio Reference Monitor

Product Features:

  • super-solid, braced cabinet inside > low transmission loss
  • 8-inch, Kevlar, low-frequency driver > what matters most >> full, tight bass
  • 120 watts of dispersed power > more headroom, less distortion
  • Acoustic Space controls > customized frequency response to your room specifically
  • exceptional design > sound made to ease your ears

When shopping for CX8s you might forget about the fact that you’re looking for something that sounds good; not looks good. Be careful not to get seduced by their beautiful looks (smooth, sleek, and soft touch). They’re know to have done in the past, but you have to remember to keep the focus on high quality sound because looks are not always what matters. Specially when we’re talking speakers.

You’re probably already thinking that this was going to be all bad, didn’t you? Good news…the CX8 studio monitors are indeed good looking and they do please our ears too, as they’re meant to do. Since the CX8 is an active bi-amped speaker, it can provide clearer sound at all levels, without taking breaks. This of course is thanks to the internal amp that has two dedicated channels; one for the tops and the other for bass.

Being a big music enthusiast, the CX8 bass response is excellent and quite tight and full, its mids are not bad, you can actually hear clearly defined elements and the brightness in sound from the tops deliver smoothly without being to harsh to our ears.

The speakers are bulletproof, so they’re made to take on vigorous usage at all times thanks to those kevlar 8″ low-frequency drivers. Okay, I kid on this one, they’re not bulletproof, but the material (kevlar) is used on bulletproof vest. That’s cool, just saying!

Specifications

frequency response

  • 38Hz to 30kHz (+/- 3dB) (0 degrees, on tweeter axis)
  • low-frequency response: -10dB at 28Hz
  • low-frequency response: -3dB at 38Hz
  • high-frequency response: -3dB at 30kHz on tweeter axis
off-axis linear frequency response: spatially averaged +/-15º vertically, +/-30º horizontally 
rear-panel trim controls

  • high-frequency trim: +2dB, 0dB, -2dB above 3kHz
  • mid-frequency boost in/out: 2dB centered at 2kHz with a low Q bandwidth
  • low-frequency cutoff: flat, 60Hz and 80Hz
  • acoustic space: 0dB, -2dB and -4dB above 200Hz
crossover frequency: 2700Hz
dimensions: 17” x 11” x 13”
weight: 22 lbs

Don’t like to read? Watch this now >>

Summary

The M-Audio Studiophile CX8 are stunning reference monitors offering sound performance close enough to the top in this class–this includes the Alexis M1, JBLs LRS, and KRKs in this price range. The thump from the woofers play a big part, but it’s the acoustic custom controls that make them such a bargain and better pick over other speakers. To top it off, the sumptuous looks and solid build quality which we don’t usually expect in a speaker for less than $250.

CX8CX8 review

Rating: ★★★★☆

Where to buy this product

 

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