Alesis Monitor One MK2 Studio Monitors

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The Monitor One MK2 from Alesis is an overhaul of their award-winning Monitor One and features improved performance (frequency response of 45 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 3 dB), and a 6.5" polypropylene low-frequency driver for a tighter, more accurate bass response.

Monitor One became an instant favorite among professional engineers and studio owners, as well as earning it a place in countless home studios. Obviously, there was only one thing left to do; make it even better.

Better Design, Improved Performance

With such a successful platform to build on, Alesis' engineers wisely settled for incremental improvements designed to coax even better performance from their monitors.

They started with a new 6.5" polypropylene low-frequency driver for tighter, more accurate bass response. Then matched it with a newly redesigned, 1" pure silk-dome, high-frequency transducer for even smoother, more accurate detail and response, and a broader sound stage.

They improved the overall frequency response (changing from 45 Hz - 18 kHz, to 45 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 3 dB) and coupled it with more efficient power handling. They also provided magnetic shielding to allow use in close proximity to video and computer monitors.

Surface Improvements More than Skin Deep

Perfectionists that they are, however, our engineers didn't just settle for tinkering under the hood. The cabinet was redesigned for a new and more attractive professional finish, and are now mirror image; left/right pair for symmetrical speaker placement.

But more than just cosmetic improvements, the new Monitor One also features radiused edges for reduced edge diffraction, along with improved porting - thanks to the next generation of our exclusive SuperPort venting technology - to eliminate read more the "choking" effect of smaller, shorter ports. The result is a low-frequency response which extends well below comparable near field monitors.

It all adds up to a spectacular next-generation of a popular standard - the new state-of-the-art in affordable, high-quality studio monitors.

Features

- Critical reference monitoring for recording and mixing
- Excellent bass transient response
- Flat frequency response for accurate mixes that translate to other playback systems
- High power handling, high output
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- Drivers: Magnetically shielded, 6.5" low frequency drivers with a mineral filled polypropylene cone and a damped linear rubber surround; magnetically shielded, 1" silk-dome tweeter
- Crossover: 2 kHz, 2nd-order fillers, (12dB per octave)
- Frequency Response: 45 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 3dB
- Power Handling: 120 watts program, 200 watts peak (using EI4-426A method)
- Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
- Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL @ 1 watt and 1 meter on axis
- Construction: Front baffle: powder coating on 1" MDF
- Cabinet: Vinyl laminate on 5/8" MDF
- Connectors: 5-way binding posts on 0.75" centers - can accept heavy-gauge speaker wire, banana plugs, spade plugs
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 15 x 8.5 x 10 in.
- Weight: (1) 15 lbs.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-5760
Web: https://support.alesis.com

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (166 ratings)
Submitted November 4, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Bang for Buck. Period."

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Overall, I'll give these an 8. Low end response is important so I have to ding them there, and the lack of real sex appeal gets them another ding.

Sound
I like the sound of these babies. I've worked on Genelecs, Mackies, and Behringer before these. I was on a tight budget when they were purchased, so I did a lot of research for "bang for buck" monitors. These did not let me down. As has been said, they are a little shy on the low end, but everything else is pretty good for the coin. More about the low end. When I first began mixing on these, I found that my mixes translated well with the exception of the low end. I burned a lot of reference CD's before I got used to what was going on in the particular room I was in. I've since moved to a different room (bought a home), and have had that room treated with OC 703 bass traps and broadband absorbers I built. Next, I bought KRK Ergo. I have been having little to no problems with my bass translating now. I do a lot of referencing on ear buds and car stereos. When a song goes from my studio to either of these, they sound like I expect them to sound now. If you're looking for bang for buck, get these. Be aware of the low end (get yourself a good refrence CD to learn what is the "proper" amount of bass you should be shooting for), and treat your room to get the best out of these babies.

Features
Um, I guess the only real feature is that they are read more ported. According to the manual this was done to improve bass response. The bass response could still be better, so I guess having the port is great considering what they would've sounded like without one. Ha!

Ease of Use
Quite easy to use since there is not much to do but connect them.

Quality
I think the quality is quite good for the money. I've had them for over five years and they have given me no issues. Even when I crank them up occasionally, they have continued to function great.

Value
Value? This one is easy. 10. For $200 you can't go wrong wit these.

Manufacturer Support
Didn't know what to do here. I've not had any issues so I've not needed any support.

The Wow Factor
I'll give 'em a six here. They look nice, but could be a lot sexier. The look functional more than good.

Musical Background:
Recording Engineer/Mix Engineer

Musical Style:
Hip Hop, RnB, Pop, Electronic
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