M-Audio Forty Eighty
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
M-Audio
Forty Eighty
Product Info
Article Number:
600538
Brand:
M-Audio
Model:
Forty Eighty
Category:
Active Nearfield Monitors
Price:
$222.20
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Forty Eighty is a surprisingly capable entry-level monitor. It punches above its weight class, offering decent low-end and some useful DSP features, making it a great starting point for home recording studios or podcasters on a budget. Just be aware it won't replace high-end reference monitors for critical mixing.
Product Description
- M-Audio Forty Eighty
- Active 2-Way Nearfield Studio Monitor
- Equipped with: 8‘ woofer with Kevlar cone and 1.25’ tweeter with waveguide
- Power: 150 watt bi-amp amplifier (80W woofer/70W tweeter)
- Max. sound pressure level: 118 dB (SPL)
- Frequency response: 33 Hz - 22
- 000 Hz (-10 dB)
- Burr-Brown A/D converter
- DSP crossover with 5-band equaliser and 3 selectable presets: Hype
- Flat and Custom (programmable via the M-Audio Studio Control App)
- Bluetooth 5.0 TWS for wireless stereo playback
- Volume control on the back of the monitor
- Housing: vinyl-coated MDF
- Inputs: XLR and 6.3 mm TRS jack (TRS balanced)
- Dimensions: (H x W x D) 381 x 245 x 292 mm
- Weight: 10 kg
PROS
- • Kevlar woofer delivers surprisingly tight, controlled low-end response for the price.
- • DSP crossover and EQ offer decent customization for room correction and tonal shaping.
- • Bluetooth 5.0 TWS provides convenient wireless listening and stereo pairing.
- • Vinyl-coated MDF housing minimizes resonance and provides a relatively sturdy build.
CONS
- • High-frequency response can be slightly harsh, lacking the refinement of more premium monitors.
- • Limited input options; only XLR and TRS jacks, no RCA or optical connectivity.
- • DSP presets feel somewhat gimmicky and don't drastically alter the core sound signature.
Product Video
Key Features
Woofer Size
8 inch
Power (Watts)
150
Frequency Range
33 Hz - 22,000 Hz
Connections
XLR, 6.3 mm TRS
Weight
10 kg
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Forty Eightys offer a slightly warmer, less clinical sound than the HS5s, but the HS5s are generally considered more accurate for critical mixing.
The 'Hype' preset boosts the highs and lows, which can be fun for casual listening but isn't recommended for serious production work; it colors the sound significantly.
While technically possible, their smaller size and limited power make them better suited for nearfield applications; you'd want larger monitors for a midfield setup.
