Accurate studio monitors at an affordable price!
Home studio engineers may have small budgets and limited space compared to the big corporate studios, but their desire to create professional recordings is no different. The latest computer recording techniques, non-linear editing software, and digital effects processors are helping to close the gap, but there's still no substitute for an accurate set of studio monitors. That's why so many small studios are adding M-Audio's BX5a monitors to their recording rigs. These small-format speakers let you hear all of your mix at an affordable price, so you can craft your music to perfection.
Active, bi-amped power for clean tone
More than just powered monitors, BX5a's are truly active, with separate power amplifiers for each driver. This ensures a tight match between the individual speaker ratings and their supplied power. The woofer receives 40 watts, while 30 more watts are pushed out to the tweeter. Combined with a specially tuned 3kHz crossover, all frequencies from 56Hz to 22kHz are delivered to the most capable driver, and are reproduced with clarity at any volume. You'll hear a precise mix at any listening level, so you can add EQ, pan, and effects with confidence. Your recordings will speak for themselves, building your reputation as a solid studio engineer and producer.
Kevlar woofers
While most bookshelf-style monitors use paper or polypropylene for their bass drivers, the BX5a's woofer is made with Kevlar. This strong, resilient material delivers tight, punchy low end tone normally only found in the most expensive speakers. M-Audio recently redesigned this five-inch woofer, choosing a curved-cone design over more traditional flat-sided drivers. This produces a more accurate sonic image, making it easier to place any sound in its own space through the stereo field. Close your eyes while you're mixing, and picture the band standing in front of you. The lead singer is dead-center, belting out the melody. The guitars and bass split the stage, with the drums spread out in back. You can set up this same scene for your audience, thanks to your volume and pan controls, and the superior imaging of your BX5a monitors.
Silk dome tweeters
The best studio engineers spend hours shaping their mixes, blending everything until it sounds just right. This can be difficult to do if you use low-quality speakers, though, because unnatural treble response will quickly fatigue your ears. The BX5a uses a one-inch tweeter for natural, airy highs. Its silk dome produces crisp, sparkling tone without sounding shrill or tinny. You can mix longer and finish your projects faster, with no compromise in sound quality. Quick turnaround makes your clients happy, and leaves more time to pick up extra business. They'll be banging down your door when they hear the results!
Magnetically shielded for computer use
Since most home studios are built around a computer, there are a few extra considerations when choosing nearfield reference monitors. First, they've got to be shielded. Their large, internal magnets can cause serious problems with CRT computer screens, and even wipe out data on your hard drives. BX5a's are magnetically shielded to protect all your computer equipment from harm, and their small footprint lets you stack them anywhere when space is tight. Place them next to the video monitor while you work with your DAW software, or spread them out on adjustable speaker stands. Either way, your valuable data stays safe. The second consideration is connectivity. You're probably using some kind of digital audio interface to bring the music inside your computer, and it should also feed your speakers to avoid distracting echoes and monitoring latency. M-Audio includes both XLR and 1/4-inch input connections, so you can easily integrate into any computer audio environment.
