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I’m ordering these speakers to check them out. I definitely like the usb feature. It will be interesting to see how the internal sound card sounds and will report on that. I like the fact also I can use the usb to hook up to my laptop instead of running audio cables. The front volume knob is nice also.
I’ve always liked Alesis after doing comparison shopping at Mars music… (remember them?) I liked Tannoy but the bass used to get lost in the mix. Also my friend with Tannoy’s seemed to be replacing tweeters a lot. With the Alsesis Mk1 and the big brothers I could always hear the bass. Maybe since I’m a bass player I was looking for a particular sound.
These M1 Active 520 is the third generation of the Alesis M1 Active Series. The 520’s offers nice bass and mid-range presence and flat frequency response from its high-precision driver and sweet spot crossover. With a redesigned driver, bass density control and EQ, this high-precision active reference monitor delivers!
UPDATE:
I’ve had these for over a year, using them every day, so I thought I would do an update. I must say they sound good. No problems at all. I still haven’t gotten around to using the interface to the computer yet. I guess I’m a midi guy too much going in to the computer.
They are a fine replacement for the Studio One if space is an issue or you don’t have a power amp to drive your mk1 or whatever you are using. About the only down side to these speakers if they are doing double duty as computer speakers for the net and mixes, they are fantastic for mixing. But I must say there are times I wish they had a tone knob front side.
Every once in awhile I’l visit a website that the audio is just too bassy and it would be nice to turn the treble up without going in to the computer.
But this wouldn’t keep me from buying another pair. They are holding up nicely. and the crossover point is excellent considering all the trade-offs. Every once in awhile I see someone complaining of no bass response. Mine has plenty but not too much. You’re not going to rattle the windows in your house with these little 5″ speakers. I guess you could but I wouldn’t push it that hard, I can definitely hear a good bass tone and that is why I always go Alesis for playbacks.
UPDATE 2: I used the interface and I must say it works good. Good fidelity, I can’t compare it technically to other upscale brands because I don’t know the specs off hand. But it worked good, clean. What I like about it, the computer I was using it on wasn’t my main music computer. I wanted to lay down a bass line so I used the USB connection, went in to Reaper, laid the track and it worked great. So yes, the interface works well and the speakers still get comments when people are listening to my recordings.
Features
- 5″ low frequency woofer for clear bass and midrange, 3/4″ tweeter for smooth, detailed highs without harshness
- Top mounted, integrated power switch/clip light bar (cool feature, especially for monitoring input)
- Bi-amplified design: 25W to the tweeter and 50W to the woofer ensure extremely accurate studio mixing and monitoring
- Magnetically shielded for placement near TV and computer monitors
- XLR and 1/4″ TRS input connectors with volume control, hi, mid and low frequency EQ boost switches and rear port design for deep bass extension and increased SPL
- 5″ low frequency woofer for clear bass and midrange, 3/4″ tweeter for smooth, detailed highs without harshness
- Top mounted, integrated power switch/clip light bar
- Bi-amplified design: 25W to the tweeter and 50W to the woofer ensure extremely accurate studio mixing and monitoring
- Magnetically shielded for placement near TV and computer monitors
- XLR and 1/4″ TRS input connectors with volume control, hi, mid and low frequency EQ boost switches
- Rear port design for deep bass extension and increased SPL
Details & Price
This product was manufactured by Alesis.
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Let me preface by acknowledging that Speaker Reviews are Subjective, period. I don’t consider myself an Audiophile but I do play a variety of instruments.
I received these speakers as a x-mas gift and have been loving it (and blown away by them) every time I listen to them.
The imaging/soundstage of these speakers are amazing. Very 3 dimensional.
While these are considered ‘entry-level’ Studio Monitors, there’s no comparing any (high-end or otherwise) desktop speakers. I’m able to discern a lot more details that I couldn’t with my prior desktop speakers (logitech z2300). However, if you’re into heavy Bass, this probably will not work for you (unless you add a sub).
They’re also built like tanks, and weighs as much. Size is definitely bigger than a typical computer speaker, which wasn’t an issue for me. The build/construction speaks of quality all around.
The speakers are very directional, so spacing between your seating…
Many people have a problem with the speakers making noises while they are on. Hissing buzzing etc…
If you get a pair of quarter inch trs to male xlr cables the speakers wont make those noises regardless of if you have a signal going through them or not.
The speakers are solid give a faithful reproduction of sound and can’t be beat for the price. They put out enough to fill a small room and the EQ settings are handy so if you need monitors on a budget these are most likely the best you will find.
As a full-time audio professional, I have spent at least 5-6 days a week in several professional studio facilities for the better part of the last 20 years. Having worked with hundreds of studio monitors (Genelec, Dynaudio, JBL Professional, KRK, Yamaha, Event, etc.), I chose the Alesis M1 Active 520 as the main monitoring system for my home project studio because of the Alesis name and the sound quality of these speakers for cost. They sounded great when they worked: neutral and accurate; never any surprises when I heard my work in other studios with much nicer/expensive professional monitors.
When I auditioned these in a brick and mortar store, the salesperson called these and their big brother, the M1 Active 620, “boomerangs”, because they almost always came back. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to him.
I used these for about 6 months and was very happy with them. I stored them in the original packaging in a closet with all of my other equipment when my home…
I’ve had a pair for a little over a year and very happy with them.
Even though Paul McCartney has ejynoed some success using the pick (AKA plectrum) on bass, I use the index and middle fingers to strike (as well as to pluck and claw) at the strings. This is, beyond the shadow of the doubt, the best way to play through most music categories (i.e., Classic Rock, C&W, Folk, Gospel, etc.).A lesser used method of attack is the slap and pull method. The theory behind this is easy enough to grasp, by developing and putting it in practice is challenging.I would like to add the slap and pull method and expand my horizons as a bassist.I’ve been playing both electric and upright bass for probably enough years that an admission would give my age away. I will say that You have great approach to the electric bass. It’s practical and real.