M-Audio StudioPro 4 Active Studio Monitor (Pair)

James Jarvis
January 13, 2006

Rating: 9/10

First off, Ill say I bought these for listening to music and not mixing. I originally wanted a hi-fi setup for my computer but simply couldnt afford it. Since I have a small room I thought the best solution would be to get some monitors. How glad I am I took a risk and bought these!

My main genre of music I listen to are various forms of metal and rock with a lot of complexity-I wanted to hear everything in a song like you do with your headphones. After checking to make sure mine were in perfect condition after all the negative reviews I've read about tweeters being damaged and things missing I hooked them up. Immediately I was impressed with how balanced the sound was and the soundstage is certainly accurate. You hear things in songs you didnt before so clearly, I'm rediscovering all of my music and often get 'wow factors'.

The frequency response says 70hz-20khz with +/-3db. Response actually goes down to 50hz and at 60hz using a testing program, I noticed no signal drop. Bass isnt tight as such but accurate and enjoyable, definatley not boomy.

At first I thought there isnt much volume, but when I passed the stage at which I was scared of turning the volume knob past a third I reached two thirds-there was no distortion, bass kept in tact and still enjoyable. Midrange is should I say perfect? The highs are well separated and the overall imaging is well coordinated.
Vocals are flat sounding and are very understandable.

The monitors are currently connected to my nvidia nforce sound since Im waiting for a custom cable I've ordered to connect to my e-mu 0404. I honestly can't imagine what the sound quality will be like then compared to what is now, but on a whole I highly recommend them for those with a small room, looking for definately mixing aswell as an alternative to hi-fi setup. The sound however is its best when sitting in between them i.e. at your desk. Mine sit on my desk and point towards me, both 2 feet away from me. One last reason I purchased these other than reading how good the quality of them was, is because of the convenient volume and headphone jack. Almost got the wharfedale diamond 8.1 proactives but they were more expensive and didnt have the features the studiopros do.
Bought for £120 and so glad I did, very very good value for money.