M-Audio Debuts New Reference Speakers

By Nick Mokey Published August 26, 2008

M-Audio Debuts New Reference Speakers

Pro-audio outfit M-Audio today expanded its line of studio-grade reference monitors with a pair of digitally controlled bookshelf speakers, the Studiophile DSM1 and its larger brother, the DSM2. Both use an array of digital electronic wizardry to tweak their sound for any scenario.

The speakers offer dual Class D amps inside each cabinet (one for each driver) and built-in digital signal processing (DSP) to account for phase difference between both drivers directly at the crossover point. They also offer DSP-based equalizers and Acoustic Space Controls to further tweak response in different environments.

Both the DSM1 and DSM2 are constructed with high-density cabinet materials, feature bass reflex ports for extended bass response, 1-inch Teteron tweeters, and balanced XLR and ¼-inch analog inputs. The only difference between the two comes from their bass drivers: the DSM1 gets a 6.5-inch unit while the DSM2 gets a larger 8-incher, with a slightly roomier cabinet to accommodate.

The speakers are on sale immediately through M-Audio. The DSM1 sells for $650 while the DSM2 goes for $750.

Managing Editor

As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…

Audio / Video

Cambridge Audio’s CXA81 Mk II amplifier gets a tune-up and a sweet new DAC

[EMBARGO IMAGE 04/12] Cambridge Audio CXA81 integrated amplifier.

Cambridge Audio's award-winning CXA81 integrated amplifier has been one of the best amps you can buy in its price range for years. Now, the British audio maker, which has never been known to rest on its laurels, has announced the launch of the amp's latest iteration, the CXA81 Mk II Stereo Amplifier. It's received an upgraded digital-to-analog converter (DAC), some new components, and a bit of retuning at the hands of Cambridge's "engineering maestros."

The flagship of Cambridge Audio's CX series, the CXA81 is well-regarded for its punchy, dynamic, and crystal clear sound signature, driven by itd Class AB amplifier at a powerful 80 watts per channel (at 8 ohms). With the CXA81 Mk II, Cambridge Audio hasn't redesigned the wheel, but has made some key upgrades where it counts.

Audio / Video

Spatial audio via headphones: how science crams 9 speakers and a subwoofer inside your head

A diagram of headphone-based spatial audio.

Spatial audio is having a moment. While the goal of offering a more immersive, 3D-like listening experience may have been born in movie theaters, much of the conversation around spatial audio has switched to music -- specifically, the relatively new availability of Dolby Atmos Music tracks via music streaming services.

Spatial audio’s appeal is no mystery. When you combine one of the first novel ways of listening to music since stereo — coupled with Apple’s prodigious marketing might — you get a lot of people wanting to try it.

Audio / Video

Q Acoustics’ new 5050 floorstanding speakers are built to fill big rooms with sound

The Q Acoustics 5050 floorstanding speakers in oak.

It's a good day for fans of Q Acoustics, as the British audio device maker today unveiled a new member of its award-winning 5000 series of stereo and home theater speakers, the 5050 passive floorstanding speakers. On sale now and priced at $1,999, the new flagship speakers are now the largest in the range and designed to fill big rooms, either on their own or paired with other 5000 series speakers for a complete home theater system.

Consistent with Q Acoustics' modern and sophisticated look, one that we love from our time with its M20 HD desktop speakers, the 5050s push the 5000 series range to new heights with their 40-inch tall cabinets that house the largest drivers in the range -- two 6-inch mid/bass drivers that flank a centered 1-inch tweeter.