M-Audio Forty Sixty Studio Monitor Review
Intro
The M-Audio Forty Sixty studio monitors are pitched at those with space constraints in their studio or home but still need to be able to feel the boom. DJWORX has had the Forty-Sixty’s on long term test, read on to find out what we think of them.
Testing
DJWORX has been using the Forty-Sixty’s with a variety on media formats, controllers and vinyl, as well as microphones. We’ve used them for quiet listening to new promo’s, and also as DJ monitors when recording our radio show. They were partnered with Technics, Pioneer and Denon DJ kit, and were given time to properly warm up as they were factory fresh.
M-Audio Forty Sixty Specs
- Standard matte black finish, with a cream coloured cone
- Dimensions – 13.2 x 8.5 x 8.6 inches (335 x 216 x 218 mm)
- Weight – 15.8 pounds (7.2 kg)
What are the listening modes?
- Flat: Flat is best for understanding how your mix will sound on other systems. Reference mode in other words.
- Hype: Apparently designed to simulate the earbud experience, there is enhanced bass and treble but it’s too much for us as mentioned.
- Custom EQ: As you’d expect this mode mode allows you to adjust the bass, mids, and treble to suit your exact preferences.
What inputs are on the M-audio Forty Sixty?
- TRS input
- XLR input
The monitor’s front panel
“Useful, but not beautiful” – We agree with secondary tester DJ Jakx’s view of the front panel of the Forty Sixty monitor. The buttons give you the ability to switch between Flat, Hype, and Custom EQ modes. We stuck in flat mode generally, with Hype being too aggressive for our ears. Having the Bluetooth on the front is practical, but does give the monitors a PC gaming speaker look.
M-Audio Forty Sixty Audio testing
The audio performance of the M-Audio Forty Sixty was impressive. The monitors are bi-amplified 100W total output, split into 60W for low frequencies and 40W for high frequencies. The max SPL of 113dB is impressive for a monitor of this size, you won’t need to crank these to full and risk distortion with most normal sized rooms. They also held together when we pushed them hard, no sign of the rattle (Ed – and hum?) you get in cheaper products
The 6.5-inch Kevlar woofer delivered a solid low-end performance (and obviously can deflect bullets as well), with bass frequencies down to 39Hz (attention dub fans). For a small studio this is more than sufficient when mixing down, especially when you combine it with the mid-range which was crisp and clean.
The 1-inch soft dome tweeter provides crisp high frequencies up to 22khz, so cymbals, vocals, and other high-pitched elements are clearly audible without becoming overly bright or harsh. We tested with LTJ Bukem’s seminal Logical Progression Volume 1 which is full of rolling snares and hi hats, and were suitably impressed.
The blurb shows that the Forty Sixty’s have a wide 120° x 90° coverage which we felt when we tested the monitors both directly in front of us, and also at an angle when our our work bench.
Bluetooth and Wireless
For those who want to stream music the Forty-Sixtys offer Bluetooth 5.3. This worked well with our iPhone with zero lag. The Bluetooth range is listed at up to 100 feet (30.5 meters) but we had drop out issues at less than that. YMMV.
You can pair these speakers with the Forty Series Control app which although useful, we’d be very interested to see how may people use regularly. In a small studio where these monitors really perform, it’s likely to be easier to just reach over and adjust manually.
The M-Audio Forty Sixty DJWORX verdict
The M-Audio Forty Sixty 6.5″ Studio Monitor pleasantly surprised us. If you mix or master across a broad range of music then the M-audio Forty Sixty might well be the monitor you are looking for. If you are going to use the Forty Sixty’s in your production studio then their ability to handle complex arrangements is important, as these details can get lost in lower-end speakers.They are well built, good value, loud, and offer a decent level of customization. We’d especially recommend them in smaller studio spaces. For anyone seeking close to professional-grade accuracy without breaking the bank, the M-Audio Forty Sixty should definitely be on your consideration list.
The Forty Sixty’s are available from amongst others Gear4Music
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