M-Audio BX5a

My personal pair is black in color, in new condition, and are used very regularly on various projects.

I am an Audio Engineer based out of Nashville, TN. I have recorded artists through such consoles as the SSL 4000E and the Neve 88r. I use Pro Tools and Logic often.

I Aquired the studio monitors at Guitar Center in August of 2009 for around $300. I purchased these after my other studio monitors finally blew out. I had used the predecessor to this monitor model and decided they would be a good fit for my home studio. I didn't feel the need to shop around because I had previous experience on the earlier model.

One of the things I loved about these monitors was Tonal Clarity. For the style of music that I usually work with ( Alt- Rock), it produces a clear stereo image, and clarity between all the instruments. All that being said, you must mix clearly to hear clearly.

I don't like one thing about the BX5a's. They lack in the low end. Of course, with 5 inch speakers, I knew that ahead of time. So, if you are recording or mixing Hip-Hop/RandB, you can get these monitors, but you need to get a subwoofer. Another option is to get the slightly bigger model; BX8a

The Pair weigh about 22lbs together, and about 8 inches tall/6 inches wide. They fit easily on your desk. The materials seem to be quite durable. It has Kevlar woofers and silk tweeters. Overall, a quality built speaker.

Overall, I would recommend this pair to anyone wanting to have some good reference monitors. I use these monitors regularly and they never disappoint. They are worth every penny.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got these monitors because I wanted a nicer pair of reference studio monitors than just regular computer speakers. I wanted something that sounded good and accurate, so when I played back things I recorded at my home studio on other speakers it would still sound good. I also wanted something very simple to set up and use. These are active speakers, so you don't need an amp for them, it's built in already.

SOUNDS

The frequency curve is pretty good. These things maybe sound a little bit too bright. They are also perhaps a little bit light on the bass side. I have them set up about 5 feet apart, and I get a pretty good stereo image. It's not perfect though, and I can't place things perfectly as a result. I don't have a treated room though, so that could be part of it. The sound is very clear in terms of there being background noise caused by the speakers. There really isn't much of that, you hear more or less what you expect except for the mentioned shortcomings. The dynamics sound like they're well represented. It can be hard to hear a lot of the lower half of the bass drum and bass guitar with these though.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using these for over a year. I like how they are small and easy to set up and use. The value is a big bonus with these as well, they are very cheap for what you get. I definitely don't like how there isn't much bass and the high frequencies can sound too harsh if you turn it up. They also don't really get that loud overall, so if you want to really blast some music you're listening to you can be a bit limited. I have heard a lot of other monitor speakers. The value is good here, just don't expect the same sound quality as a very expensive set would provide you. I think I might not make the same choice now, because there are a couple other products out there for not that much more money that will deliver better sound.

- What characteristics have motivated your choice?
Council, price, real comparative listening ...

- For what purpose?
Mixing and others .... (I try not great quality sudios nonplus)
Listening to CD ...

- What amp / What configuration? ...
Line6 Toneport UX-2 by Jack symmetric

SOUNDS

/ * Too lazy to make another paragraph ... see below * /

OVERALL OPINION

Initially I tried a pair of monitor drinking without ruin me, to be able to mix a moin dirty with my hi-fi (which however is of good quality).
After reading a lot and see a circle proficient, I was oriented BX5a. I had read that they lack appears low (or definition in the bass) so I thought to myself towards the model audessus the BX8a ... environment quickly braked when he saw the gigantic size of these animals for my small piece (30.5 cm x 25.4 cm x 38.1 cm): S can not run the nominal return with my neighbors.
In short the final I rabatu on BX5a (all this was for the story).
So I know if had a priori, but after reading the entertaining commentary on the BX5 (not BX5a) I really expected to have no bass at all. Bah I do not know is that they lack it but I am fully agree to the use I intend to do.
It sounds really flat, everything is sharp and distinct (even in low I think). The highs are not as aggressive on other much more expensive monitor. All the instruments are generally distinctly rendered on all frequencies.

After instalation in my home studio and after running for rock that sounds just as good. Now after several hours of listening was true There's a lack in the bass but was more severe on the UHF (found by listening to Portishead). By testing later then, below 30-40Hz there is a gentle slope, the woofer does not vibrate virtually below 15Hz, was the limit.
But Sufis has plenty for my use, 40-50Hz dynamics is still very good, the bass are well defined and rich.

Finally has good equipment that is more affordable. Buy in € 236 StarMusic, I am completely satisfied.

- How would you rate the quality / price?
Was very simple: I had a pair monitor for the price of one.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Yes.

Is that motivated my choice Technically, it is primarily the 5-inch woofers with Kevlar. And the small size of these monitors in general.

My use is pretty standard, a good monitor for my small home studio config.

No amp as amplified monitors

SOUNDS

I do not have the experience to analyze the frequency curve, I can say is that the result satisfies me, a good precision in the treble and bass. And also a good size especially for dynamic!

OVERALL OPINION

I use them for a month, only flaw, a Led HS unpacking (shame because a great indeed blue).
I really like the value of his / speaker size.
I had before the Edirol MA20-D, then I went to the Behringer B2030A.
The price / quality ratio is very good, but again for a small home studio setup.
And yes, I think I would do that choice (perhaps the bx8 to 130w)