M-Audio Debuts Studiophile BX5 Monitors at NAMM

M-Audio announced the new Studiophile BX5 reference monitors at this year's Winter NAMM show. The BX5s offer 76 watts of bi-amped near-field technology at a fraction of the cost of other monitors their size.

Integral to the design of the BX5s is the concept that monitors should be able to adapt to changes in placement or work environment. Since a monitor's bass response can change depending upon proximity to walls, the BX5s' Acoustic Space control section allows users to optimize the monitors' performance--no matter whether they need to go on stands, on a bookshelf or in the corners of a room. Users can also adjust the high-frequency response to compensate for reflective surfaces like glass. The Presence control provides an automatic mid-range boost for added flexibility. The BX5s even include variable low-frequency roll-off to optimize response at crossover points when adding a subwoofer like the Studiophile SP-8S.

The key to the BX5s' sound is the synergistic active design and integration of all elements, rather than systems comprised of separate components. The BX5s' bi-amped design enhances fidelity by sending only the optimal frequencies to the high and low drivers. The integral crossover network and power amplifiers deliver flat frequency response, smooth transition in the crossover region, minimal distortion and maximized power handling.

The 1-inch natural silk high-frequency drivers employ a flush design and electronic time alignment with the low-frequency driver, resulting in controlled dispersion for superior three-dimensional imaging. The high-frequency drivers also employ ferrofluid cooling and internal damping to minimize resonance. The 5.25-inch low-frequency drivers feature curved mineral-filled polypropylene cones with high-temperature tolerant voice coils to insure longevity and damped rubber surrounds to control unwanted resonance. All drivers are magnetically shielded for desktop music production. The tooled rear Sub-Frequency Ports reduce low-frequency turbulence and optimize driver excursion for amazing bass despite the BX5s' small footprint.

BX5 Specs

• Type: Two-way near-field studio reference monitors
• Low-frequency driver: 5.25-inch polypropylene curved cone
• High-frequency driver: 1-inch natural silk dome
• LF Amplifier Power: 38W (EIA RS-490 dynamic power)
• HF Amplifier Power: 38W (EIA RS-490 dynamic power)
• Crossovers: 4th-order Linkwitz Riley for smooth frequency response
• Crossover Frequency: 3kHz
• Low-frequency rolloff: 6th-order filter optimizes maximum driver excursion
• Input Connectors: XLR balanced, TRS balanced/ unbalanced
• Mid-boost in/out control
• Acoustic Space Control: 0/-2/-4dB diffraction shelf
• High frequency control: -2/0/+2dB
• Low-cut frequencies: 56/80/100Hz
• Input Sensitivity: 85 mV pink noise input produces 90dBA output SPL at 1 meter with volume control at maximum
• Input Impedance: 20k ohms balanced, 10K ohms unbalanced
• Protection: RF interference, output current limiting, over temperature, transient on/off, subsonic filter, external main fuse
• S/N Ratio: > 100dB below full output, 20kHz bandwidth
• Frequency Response: 56Hz - 20kHz
• Power indicator: Power on/off indicator on front panel
• Power Requirements: 115V/~60Hz or 230V/~50Hz (selectable); power via detachable 3-conductor line cord
• Cabinet: Vinyl-laminated MDF
• Dimension: 9.85 in. (h) x 6.54 in. (w) x 7.88 in. (d)
• Weight: 11 lbs./unit (without packing)

The Studiophile BX5s are expected ship in the end of January and retail for $399.99 MSRP per pair.