KRK 2x ROKIT 7 G4 7″ Powered White Noise Studio Monitor W/2x 20′ XLR Mic Cable – $478
The new 7″ KRK ROKIT RP7 G4 (Generation 4) bi-amp professional monitor takes music and sound creativity to a whole new industry-level. DSP-driven Graphic EQ with 25 settings helps condition your acoustic environment while offering new levels of versatility in a studio monitor. Matching drivers made with Kevlar ensures the same sonic integrity across all frequencies. A new scientifically designed speaker enclosure and front-firing port offer exceptional low-end extension and accuracy, punch, and flexible room-positioning. The new powerful, yet efficient custom Class D power amplifier drives the speakers evenly and more efficiently at reduced operating temperatures and improves audio integrity.
It is ROKIT Science
Building on over 30 years of monitor innovation and countless developmental partnerships with successful award-winning music and sound productions, the new KRK ROKIT G4 line has been scientifically re-engineered from the ground up for the way modern artists work-in all genres and environments.
Matching Kevlar Drivers
Matching driver design ensures the same sonic integrity across all frequencies, minimizes listening-fatigue, and offers unprecedented clarity and sound reproduction.
DSP-driven Onboard EQ with Visual LCD
An incredibly versatile and sonically accurate monitor. DSP-driven Graphic EQ with 25 settings helps condition your acoustic environment while offering new levels of versatility in a studio monitor.
Scientifically Designed Enclosure
High-quality enclosure with a newly-designed front-firing port offers exceptional low-end extension and accuracy, punch, and flexible room-positioning.
Yamaha HS5 5-Inch Powered Studio Monitor – $399.99
54Hz – 30kHz frequency response45W LF plus 25W HF bi-amp system for high-performance 70W power amplificationXLR and TRS phone jack inputs accept balanced or unbalanced signalsLarge magnets in an Advanced Magnetic Circuit designSold as a single unit (not as a pair)
When it comes to mixing, honesty is the key. You don’t want studio monitors that sound great all the time because once you take that mix into your car or home stereo it will sound completely different. In the same vein if your monitors are made to emphasize bass response, your mix will end up with a thin low end elsewhere. Accuracy is crucial, and the Yamaha HS5’s continue in the tradition of the industry-respected NS 10’s, the best / worst sounding monitors (worst because you’ll hear the good AND bad in your mix!).
The 2-way bass reflex bi-amplification is what makes most electric and sonic sense. Bi-amplification means that separate power amplifiers are used to drive the low-mid and high frequency speaker units, which eliminates any phase anomalies and lets both speakers perform at optimum levels. This in turn gives you the transparency and clarity you desire for your mix.
The drivers used in the HS series monitors deliver superb audio performance that is enhanced by a sophisticated mounting system. A mathematical arrangement of screws and a specially designed mounting ring eliminates unwanted vibration and resonance, which lets the speaker realize its full sonic potential, without distortion or coloration. Another great feature that you will hear but won’t see are the extra-large magnets. Used with a state of the art circuit design these magnets provide powerful, yet tightly controlled flux field that gives you an especially smooth response and dynamics over a wider range of frequencies.
PreSonus Eris E8 XT 8″ Powered Studio Monitor Pair Black – $479.90
PreSonus Eris E8 XT Studio Monitor Features:
- 8″ woven composite low-frequency transducer offers deep lows
- 1.25″ silk-dome high-frequency driver boasts smooth highs
- State-of-the-art front-ported enclosure produces tight bass frequencies
- Innovative 100° x 60° EBM waveguide yields a wide sweet spot and solid imaging
- Acoustic tuning controls for tailoring the monitor to your room
- Balanced and unbalanced inputs ensure easy connectivity with the rest of your gear
- 140-watt, Class AB bi-amplification exhibits 105dB of maximum continuous output
- Solid protection against RF interference, extreme output current, excessive heat, and more
Tech Specs
- Powered: Yes
- Power Configuration: Bi-amped
- LF Driver Size: 8″
- LF Driver Type: Woven Composite
- HF Driver Size: 1.25″
- HF Driver Type: Silk dome
- Total Power: 140W Class AB
- Frequency Response: 35Hz-22kHz
- Crossover Frequency: 2200Hz
- Maximum Peak SPL: 105 dB SPL @ 1m
- Input Types: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″ TRS, 1 x RCA
- Enclosure Type: Front Ported
- Enclosure Material: MDF with Vinyl laminate
- Height: 15.12″
- Width: 9.84″
- Depth: 11.77″
- Weight: 22.2 lbs.
- Manufacturer Part Number: E8 XT
Pioneer Bulit6 – 6″ 2-Way 125W Active Reference Monitors – $438
The Bulit6 from Pioneer is a 2-way active reference monitor designed to provide accurate sound reproduction for music producers, songwriters, and audio engineers in small- to mid-sized control rooms and personal studios. The 125W (peak) Class AB amplifier is bi-amped to drive a 6″ aramid fiber woofer and 1” soft-dome tweeter, yielding a frequency response of 45 Hz to 20 kHz.
The tweeter is mounted in a convex diffuser that disperses high frequencies to create a wider image. The bass port on the front of the low-resonance enclosure is grooved to decrease standing waves and increase impact. You can further tune the sound via volume and high-frequency level knobs.
XLR, 1/4” TRS, and RCA input jacks allow you to easily connect to your monitor controller, mixer, audio interface, or portable device. Quality design for enhanced audio performance increased bass output, and reduced unwanted resonance, the speaker utilizes a highly rigid medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for its enclosure and bass reflex ducts. To optimize sound quality and reliability, the woofer is made with aramid fiber and the soft-dome tweeter is infused in magnetic fluid. Groove technology to improve airflow through the port of the enclosure, the port hole was engineered with grooves to help direct the sound waves smoothly.
The technique decreases standing waves from the mouth of the port, resulting in smooth bass and mid-bass output with more impact. Convex DiffuserMatching the bass output of the speaker, the soft dome tweeter is set in the center of a convex diffuser, optimizing output and dispersing the sound energy in both left and right directions for wider imaging. For a cool cosmetic look, the diffuser illuminates in white when the speakers are powered on. Class AB Bi-AmpA highly efficient Class AB amplifier in a bi-amp configuration drives the tweeter and woofer separately.EQ ControlsTweak the high-frequency level output via the built-in equalizer on the back of the speaker.
The EQ adjusts high frequencies in one-decibel increments (-2 dB to +1 dB), tailoring the audio output to your listening preference.InputsThree types of inputs: XLR, TRS, and RCA, are provided for connection to different devices such as external sound cards, computers, DJ equipment, and portable devices. Auto StandbyFor convenience and power conservation, the speaker includes an Auto Standby mode that automatically turns itself off when there is no input signal sensed after 25 minutes and powers on when an input signal is detected.
Auratone 5C Sound Cubes Custom – $394.32
Introducing the re-launched Auratone 5C Classic Mix Down Monitor Cubes. The 5C, which became famous in the 1970s and 80s and has been used in virtually every major recording studio worldwide, is still the undisputed industry standard for ‘real world’ referencing in the recording studio.
Auratones were used extensively by Quincy Jones and Bruce Swedien to mix Michael Jackson’s historic ‘Thriller’, the world’s most successful album of all time.
After lengthy testing and remanufacturing of the 5C driver, Auratone finally was able to achieve the purest sound equalling the sound of the original 5C Super Sound Cube. All components of the driver are made of the highest quality materials in the United States. The cabinet is built with Mahogany laminate surround, black laminate front and back, and quality craftsmanship in the Nashville workshop.
Durability, flat full-range response, amazing power handling, and portability have made Auratone Super Sound Cubes the Recording, Broadcasting, and Motion Picture industries favorite mixdown monitors for comparison and final mixes, auditioning, remotes, and reference standard speakers.
“I mix with Auratone 5C Super-Sound-Cubes the little powerhouse speakers. They tell me exactly what will be in the grooves. You hear it all with Auratone!” – Quincy Jones
Founded in 1958 by Jack Wilson, Auratone has been family owned for over 50 years and has set the standard in the music and recording industry for quality. Jack started the company out of his garage in Chula Vista, CA, and rest is history as it became one of the most reputable recording brands worldwide. The legendary 5C Super Sound Cubes, which are found in studios across the globe, shook up the recording industry, and remain the industry standard today.
Since re-launching the brand, the company has moved its offices from Coronado, CA to Nashville, TN, and continues to be family-owned by Alex Jacobsen, Jack’s Grandson. “Our products are handcrafted in our Nashville workshop to ensure they are of the utmost quality. As Jack used to say, “I will never sacrifice quality for quantity.” Jack’s name and what he did for the recording industry will always be remembered, and we look to keep his legacy alive for years to come.”
KRK KRK Rokit 6 G3 Studio Monitor Speaker Bundle with Two Monitors, XLR Cables – $399.98
The black ROKIT 6 G3 from KRK is a 73W two-way active studio monitor for your home or professional studio. Equipped with a bi-amped, class A/B amplifier that powers a 6″ woofer and a 1″ tweeter, the ROKIT 6 G3 is designed to offer maximum headroom with minimal distortion. The soft-dome tweeter, which provides extended response up to 35 kHz, is designed with a proprietary waveguide that is optimized for improved imaging. The aramid glass composite woofer has been engineered to deliver a clear response in the midrange along with a tight low end.
The speaker is housed in a low resonance enclosure that includes a factory installed foam pad at the bottom to provide improved isolation from the surface it’s set upon. Under the woofer, there is a front-firing port that provides an extended low-frequency response while reducing boundary coupling at the same time. Additionally, the enclosure features radiused edges that reduce distortion caused by diffraction.
The ROKIT 6 G3 also provides flexible connectivity, allowing for input via XLR, TRS, or RCA connection. It also provides both low and high-frequency adjustments so you can tailor the speaker’s response curve to your personal taste.25W high-frequency power, 48W low-frequency power 38 Hz – 35 kHz frequency range Gain adjustment in the rear for setting the maximum level.
AVANTONE MIXCUBE 120w Total Classic Cream Reference Monitors – $479.99
While originally inspired by the 5C sound cubes from decades ago, the Avantone MixCubes have become the industry standard in studios around the world and have become the #1 best-selling speaker of its type in history.
Engineering Objective
The Avantone Active Mixcubes are designed to be high-resolution, full-range powered mini-reference monitors for fixed or remote locations. The secondary engineering facet was to create a timeless design that compliments a single full-range transducer.
Performance Objective
Studios primarily use 2-way & 3-way larger monitors designed to represent a wide range reference viewpoint at higher listening levels. However, in this newly developing age of High Definition Audio, there is still a need to also hear what your mix will sound like when played back over small “bass-challenged” systems such as televisions, clock radios, computers, car stereos, iPod docking stations, etc. It is important to make mixing judgments based partially on listening to reference monitors that will not impart tonal anomalies caused by crossovers or inferior full-range drivers. Particular attention is always paid to the critical mid-range vocal/guitar/keyboard areas. This is where having a full-range monitor without a crossover is truly revealing. Ten months of R&D comparative listening & tweaking went into the voicing of the AVANTONE MixCubes. The result is a very smooth sounding, full range upgrade from the original 5C Sound Cubes. Listening tests reveal that the MixCubes have a smooth, more open, transparent top end response with extended bass while maintaining their basic original character.
Cabinet Design
The original 5C Sound Cubes™ were made of ½” particleboard covered with a glue-on wood grain contact paper. We chose to use thicker, denser MDF board because of its high rigidity and inherent low-resonance characteristics. We started with a 165mm (6 1/2″) sealed cube design with radiused edges. We then chose an elegant Polyurethane high gloss “RETRO-CREAM” finish. The originals had either screws or on later model’s plastic binding posts mounted on a recessed plastic cup. We upgraded to high-end nickel plated, machined solid metal binding posts (Dual banana spacing) mounted on a black anodized, milled and silk-screened aluminum terminal plate. Next, we added a 7mm thick neoprene pad embedded into the base of the cabinet to serve as a skid-resistant acoustic isolator. Additionally, for creative mounting situations, we recessed an industry-standard 5/8”-27 mic stand mount into the base.
Driver Design
The originals were a basic 5” stamped frame design. We designed a proprietary 5.25” die-cast aluminum frame driver/cone assembly to exceed the performance of the originals. The mounting bezel is then polished for an elegant appearance. The paper cone, chosen for its musical character, is custom designed & crafted using the finest New Zealand pulp with mica fibers added for lighter weight & rigidity. The cloth surround is made in Japan to exacting uniform thickness tolerances. The Top Plate and T-Yoke of drivers are made of Sumitomo 1008 low carbon steel enabling the highest modeled flux density in the gap. The magnets are Y- 40 GRADE (MIL-SPEC) yielding a 43oz. High Power-low distortion motor structure.
Amplifier Design
We designed the amp module from the ground up to be a true professional-grade amplifier. It incorporates “overkill” concepts in component selection as well as safety. The result is a “no-compromise” amp with robust headroom characteristics that will rival the performance of much higher priced studio rack mount amps.
Features:
- Balanced Input: This “combo XLR” input accepts a BALANCED male XLR plug as well as a 3-conductor BALANCED TRS ¼” or a 2 conductor UNBALANCED TS ¼” male plug. For unbalanced operation with a TS connector the minus signal is automatically grounded.
- System Gain: This variable control adjusts the sensitivity of the signal that appears at the input. Rotating the control clockwise increases the sensitivity while a counter-clockwise rotation decreases sensitivity. The adjustable gain range is from -30 to +6 dB. A setting of +6 allows a full, unimpeded signal to be sent to the amplifier. The detented gain positions allow for repeatable settings between speakers for proper matching. Please Note… when the signal appearing at the input is too hot, the amplifier can overload causing distortion and possible damage to the speaker. If overload occurs, attenuate (decrease) the input level by turning the knob counter-clockwise a few clicks.
- On/Off Switch: This illuminated switch turns the amplifier section on and off. The unit is still receiving power from the transformer, however.
- AC Input: This input is only to be used with the proprietary AVANTONE Power Supply. Tighten the cable/connector securely for reliable operation. Note: There is a switch on the power supply for selecting the proper AC/MAINS operating voltage for your location.
- Ground Lift Switch: By engaging this switch the pin 1 shield is lifted at the input jack. This can be used to aid in ground loop control of the incoming analog line signal.
- Placement: When positioning the Avantone Active MixCubes on stands or console bridges it is best to keep them at ear level and slightly angled in towards the engineer. Since they are shielded it is ok to place them near a CRT video monitor or TV without causing any problems. The bottom mic stand mounts will also allow you creative positioning options in unusual studio playback situations.
