Antelope Audio's Atlas i8 Speakers: 3-way speakers that are smarter than you'd think

[@Producelikeapro]

Hey everyone, what are your favourite tricks to improve your studio listening environment? Don't forget to enter the giveaway and win 5x Synergy Core plugin bundles: shorturl.at/rwzXY

[@lisan_al-ghaib]

You guys did a Tears for Fears mix? Where can I find the multi-tracks? 😁

[@Producelikeapro]

Coming very soon!@@lisan_al-ghaib

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing!@pt265

[@PremierProducing]

number 1 tip = Slate VSX

[@cefahprod]

I love the good old fashion glass sliding on the wall to find those places where frequencies will rebounce. I also like the fact that how the placement in a room make a huge difference. Finally, I have had my own tricks for the small home studio in Montreal. I did place a vocal booth made out of sound blanket which act as a pretty good "dampener" and helped my studio a lot. And some time I use a bit of ARC system from IK to check my mixes.

[@saiprasad8078]

Hi Warren it has been a long time since I watched a speaker review video. This video too is enjoyable and informative to watch as always. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year mate!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it

[@haozeng-i7z]

This video is long overdue. Thanks, Warren !

[@Producelikeapro]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@RIutg-eq7vv]

I tested the i8 in my studio. I liked much better than my Barefoot MM27. They sounded much more natural, much more depth. Incredible monitors. I've had a lot of monitors like ATC Focal, PSI, Amphion, KS Digital, etc. Most likely to be compared with KS Digital. The mixes all translated perfectly with the i8. I think this monitor is one of the best I've heard. Antelope or not is not important. That's a damn good tool.

[@gretalink]

Wow, it's really cool to hear these compared favorably against $10k monitors. I just purchased these for half off their initial retail value a few weeks ago (this video a big reason why) and so far I think they sound amazing. They're incredibly transparent, 3d, accurate... I don't know how else to put it. It's like as soon as I listened, I knew it was going to be really easy to mix on them. They just sound incredibly truthful. But still have a beautiful punch and nice hi end that isn't fatiguing to my ears. This also isn't the only review I've read where they've been compared favorably to mastering grade monitors either. I'll probably write a review in the future, as I feel it's such a shame these seem to have gone almost completely ignored (I guess due to Antelope's past history... this is my first purchase from them, so fingers crossed they'll keep behaving well...). They deserve more recognition... I say this with no affiliation: if you see these for a good deal, I highly, highly recommend you get them. You will get monitors that punch way way above their cost. (just realize they're big and HEAVY though!)

[@danponich1029]

I LOVE Can't Love Can't Hurt!! One of my favourite albums of all time, forgot that you worked on that one, Warren! Oh the speakers are kind of cool too I guess.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I love that album

[@splashesin8]

Happy New Year! 😊

[@Producelikeapro]

Happy new year!

[@yoyolebatteur]

When you listen to the song you've been working on, I think that's gonna be a worldwide hit!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks!

[@DeltaRecordsStudio]

Thanks a lot for that great video ! I was wondering, which reference are those Genelec ?

[@Joey-rp5vg]

Waoh this could be a game changer. Packed full of tech and look like Sherman tanks. Great video, thanks very much

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for the comment Joey

[@hybridstudios39]

I’m doing an atmos setup with i8’s, 15 of them I wanted to do gen 8351s but couldn’t justify the price difference let alone the 12000 subwoofer to go with them. Going to use 2 studio pro 18c

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing! Please let us know how you get on with the full system

[@Producelikeapro]

Where are you based?

[@hybridstudios39]

@@Producelikeapro Atlanta It’s going to be a journey but we’re getting ready Will be using a galaxy32 as well with Nuendo

[@thomaskunz3726]

Thanks Warren! In theory you could also show the sonar works correction curve and compare it with the "dry" frequency response of the speaker.

[@Producelikeapro]

That's something to bear in mind for the future! Of course the room heavily effects the response

[@TazzSmk]

I've been looking forward to some review of these new Antelope's i8, thanks for the coverage Warren! that said, it would be marvellous if you could hook up with Genelec and Kali Audio and make some (not essentially unbiased) comparison and chat on the topic of coaxial 3-way studio monitors various designs and maybe different use cases (Genelec 8351 and 8331 "oval" woofers, Kali IN-8 V2 "cost cutting" and IN-5 low end distortion compromises, Antelope i8 isobaric woofers) cheers

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous idea! Thanks for watching and the great comment!

[@HubertusAmann]

@7:15 - Delay towers are set a bit later than the main system because of the "Law of the first wavefront". First come, first serve...

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, indeed!

[@Griuofficial]

Thanks for the review🙌🤝

[@Plastidon]

Hi Warren , thank you for all the. Content , would love to see a mix tutorial 0n like a queensryche song from operation mind crime , curious how they got that polished sound

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing! Interesting idea

[@shan5445]

How's hearing it so clear going to help your mixes compared to the Genelecs?

[@Producelikeapro]

We tend to work around the sound of our speakers, so speakers with higher colouration take a lotttle longer to adapt to. We listen in other environments and adjust our perspective until we know how things are supposed to sound. The flatter the response the less we are going to have to adjust

[@Czyszy]

Wow! A meme in a PLaP video thumbnail! You're slowly getting on with the times, guys! xDDDDD 🤣

[@Producelikeapro]

Hahaha a meme? Haha

[@EricRabb]

I think this is maybe the only isobaric set of studio monitors I’ve ever heard of!

[@Producelikeapro]

There are quite a few very high end speaker manufacturers that make Isobaric speakers, they are ion course VERY expensive!

[@bigjules5139]

Linn is one that springs to mind ,also Orange did a small isobaric bass cab a while back.

[@FOH3663]

Bob Ludwig's mastering work is performed on these mammoth Eggleston flagships, w/isobaric loading. isobaric loading; poor use of resources good use of space You just don't yield that much by series'ing drivers. - Box volume appears twice a big, so halve box size without extension penalty. - Two cones coupled like that may exhibit benefits via the differences not adding like the fundamental. It's hard to argue with the results of cost no object, voiced and tuned by Ludwig's direction. I'm sure they're extraordinary.

[@MrHamit64]

Wait what about Dolby Atmos? Are these main channals or can they be used as hights too?

[@Producelikeapro]

They have been designed for Atmos/Immersive in mind

[@hybridstudios39]

I’m literally doing exactly that

[@Producelikeapro]

@@hybridstudios39marvellous! Thanks for sharing

[@cefahprod]

I don't know if I would go to that price when there is so many amazing sounding speaker for 1/10 of the price. However, I have the zen go and there is a lot of drawback from antelope product and specially for Windows user with their driver. But, I'm gonna try them out because I'm really Intrigue by them

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing! Please let us know how you get on!

[@greganikin7003]

1/10 of the price?? Great speakers??? 500$ for pair of speakers??? Are you alright?

[@cefahprod]

@@greganikin7003 yes I'm alright. Kali audio made amazing sounding monitor fir the price, same goes for presonus. Today's world give us way more flexibility and more affordable than before. Ik multimedia got their amazing Iloud precision supercharged with great features. So yes, there is a lot of great option in today's world more affordable. I recognize that 1/10 is not a "real price point" but more like sharing my thoughts about the price of those speaker. Again, I didn't tried them yet so maybe I'm wrong about it. Will see in the future.

[@Zenvo-uu9tm]

​@@cefahprodi presume you haven't heard hi end speakers? The options you mentioned are good for the price only, but lack a lot when compared to high end options . I use neumanns, heard atc focals amphions and pmc. You need to shoot above 2k or even 3k a pair to begin experiencing next level definition and clarity. But for sub 1k a pair imho there are no viable options imo of course

[@cefahprod]

@@Zenvo-uu9tm I've worked in differente studio in montreal and with different setup, going from simple Yamaha HS5 to Focal Twin ST6. PMC, or even high-end Neumann or genelec monitoring system. They sound great, no question there. However, I feel that the difference in sound does not reach the big price difference. We are in 2024 and some company today make some incredible speaker for under 1K a pair. I personally don't think it is a good investment except for big studio to go for something like that when there are amazing speaker available for way less that will offer at least equivalent result and maybe better (imo). I heard some horrible mix made on top notch speaker and the other way around. My point is, don't get caugh up into the name or fame of the brand. That's why I try to do a blind test when I'm ready to invest in something. The result are sometimes quite surprising. IMO monitors todays are way better than a ton of 15 years old high-end speaker. So yeah like having Kali audio pair could totally be more than enough for great mix

[@dial_up_romance]

the GOAT of youtube vocal-fry

[@bobbyhartanto3210]

Hi Warren, what will you choose? Genelec coaxial 8351b like you use, or this atlas i8? And please let me know the reason

[@hybridstudios39]

That was my toss up as well but doing atmos I couldn’t justify any reason to spend that much extra to have the 8351s which basically incorporates the same design but gen’s sound and though I know then gen sound I opted to be the oddball b/c I always have been.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@hybridstudios39thanks ever so much for sharing

[@Producelikeapro]

I will have to do a proper shoot out to be able to answer that question properly!

[@hybridstudios39]

@@Producelikeapro definitely tuned in for that. Any rooms you use across the pond with a trinnov? That’s my next purchase, a dmon to run the atmos setup. Guess the core59s and eve408s get to stay in the home studio I’d love the eve’s in soffits since they’re so large but being rear ported I don’t think that would work out well 😭

[@timh6510]

Super fun to watch 😃🆒

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FOH3663]

Perhaps it was simply camera angle. However, it appeared off-axis effects could cause vital changes to the perceived balance at the ear. It looks as if the primary axis of the coax fires high abd wide of the LP. Again ... all kinds of optical distortions are at play, wide angle lens, parallax, etc. It's worth noting coax platforms are oftentimes ideal about 10°-15° off axis due to diffraction artifacts.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for the comment! The listening position was set per optimum settings!

[@FOH3663]

@@Producelikeapro On axis? Off axis? Appreciate the content.

[@w-hisky]

When it comes to "detail", does the impedance of the speakers play a role? 🤔 Do you know these values of the two products?

[@Producelikeapro]

I am NOT an expert and would not way run on that discussion with any authority.

[@w-hisky]

@@Producelikeapro Hearing you say "you're not an expert" is kind of weird. 😅👍

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha I'm certainly not!@@w-hisky thanks for the support! I really appreciate it

[@noone-t8y]

As much as I love Antelope sound quality, ZERO FAITH in the promise of “going to add that later”. Too many broken promises.

[@Producelikeapro]

I think it's more of an additional feature

[@chinmeysway]

care to expound ?

[@FrancoMaldonado96]

Yes, I totally agree. Failed updates or unusable products.

[@notathang8087]

Your extensive explanation is precisely why I’m thinking about getting them because the past doesn’t equal the future.

[@hamitcampos4989]

Yeah and that's verry cool.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing

[@fredrikkjellin1004]

No mentioned of properly level matching the speakers? By actual measurement I mean.

[@SergoKazmir]

This is your new studio Warren, cool?

[@Producelikeapro]

No! That's BIMM in Brighton, great School and Studio!

[@sebastianMDF]

What is th emodel of this gelenec studio monitors?

[@antcall6779]

I've been waiting for this!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous

[@paulmiller657]

Always open from the bottom! Flip the box, lift the box!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha duly noted!

[@vminator]

I have a question I was hoping you or anyone in the community could please help me with. I decided to get the Neve 5057 after watching your video and doing tons of research, great video BTW! I mix primarily in the box aside from a SSL GBUS I built and an Orban 622 EQ that I modded a bit. I have a MOTU Ultralite MK5 and I have all the I/O used up except for the ADAT output. Is there a device that could take ADAT in and break out to 8 Line outs? I'd been looking for something but most solutions are discontinued. I found the dangerous audio convert 8 would work but it's far too expensive for my remaining budget. It's the only way I could get 8 more outputs for the 5057.

[@thecliqueshallsetyoufree8745]

Not in anyway interested in this speaker but what is said about the breakin time needed for these? Maybe some burnin would have soften them up .

[@Producelikeapro]

These were already broken in. As for how long they spent I cannot comment, I will ask

[@bmill7353]

Burn in is a fiction. If you're in an ICU ask the consultant if the machine measuring your vital statistics if it's burned in. Watch him laugh.

[@spiroszaharakis2648]

An Isobaric configuration all it does is get the box smaller. In other words, the 8" driver that they chose, would actually need a box twice that size to produce the same bass extension (larger box=more extension). However, listening to Warren's impressions, I have the feeling that they lack mid-bass kick and that can very well be a side-effect of having designed the speaker to play very low. I wish they had gone for less extension and more punch. You can always add two subwoofers and get all the extension you may ever need.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for your great comment! When we measured them they actually were fairly flat in the low mids. I'm interested in seeing how they perform against other speakers that we are going to test in the near future

[@andynonimuss6298]

I would still choose the Genelec 1032C SAM studio monitors over these. Also, that fixed console bridge forces the studio monitors to be too close with a shortened listening distance. For large monitors that close, the low end will be faint sounding unless that listening distance is at least 4'-6" to 5'. Remember that a frequency of 160 Hz has a wavelength of 7 feet, 80 Hz has a wavelength of 14 feet, 40 Hz has a wavelength of 28 feet, etc. This is why studio monitors on movable stands behind the desk are a must-have for a longer listening distance.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing! I LOVE my Genelec 1032's! Great speakers, I've made most of the albums I've ever made on them!

[@andynonimuss6298]

@@Producelikeapro Encouraging to hear! I'm strongly thinking about moving from my Adam 77Xs to the Genelec 1032C.

[@J-DUB-F1]

Verrrry interesting!.........Even through your lav mic the midrange honk of the Gennies was startling!. Since you say you've been working on these 6" Gennies for a while, in that time did they stand out as being midrangy?, or pretty flat/normal ?..... Do our ears just get used to a sound to where it sounds "normal". Then when you put up something like those Antelopes, it's like a Spinal Tap moment of, "too much F'ing perspective". So to your taste they're too " scoopy" sounding out of the box, ie: too pleasing, too complimentary?...........They are pretty handsome boxes though aren't they 😏👍

[@P3X967]

I own 1 antelope product. I dont care if they release the best product in the world, im never ever buying anything from them ever again. Those who know... know.

[@garethde-witt6433]

I’m totally convinced that anything labeled as “smart” really isn’t (yes me included 🤣😂)

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha the question is what does 'smart' mean? Ha

[@paul_smith66]

Laila, Laila,Laila............!! Awesome.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@1loveMusic2003]

They make the Gennies sound shitty! Crazy

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks for sharing your opinion!

[@Producelikeapro]

I know the Genelecs very well indeed

[@bmill7353]

They look very impressive and measure well but are pricey.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Spasmatic]

Why wouldn't you want to connect these digitally instead of analog ? 🤔

[@Producelikeapro]

Typically I go with what most people would do, however, happy to try different ways!

[@marktyler3381]

People forget, speakers are bound by physics. There is no way around this.

[@Producelikeapro]

Of course! Agreed 100%

[@pietromineo898]

Being pleasing doesn’t necessarily lend itself to a better end result; a single Mixcube revolutionised my mixing instantly!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, Indeed, I'm not sure that being pleasing is something I've ever advocated for. Detailed yes (mid range and above), accurate in the lows and low mids, those are all things we require. Pleasing usually means smiley faced exaggerated EQ, big low end and flattering high end, neither things that are useful for working.

[@vtkz]

From experience i never buy again Gear from smaller Manufactures, specially with a lot of electronics on board. Not that theyre bad, not at all - there are tons of awesome speakers out there. But they never be sold again, or only with big loss in value. When you 100% know its your last speaker, maybe its somethkng for you. But in nowadays world where DAC Chips and all that stuff costs ,,nothing,, i would stick to the big brands who established in the market for a very long time

[@andrioox]

Hard to judge but what I can hear from a video, I like Genelec way more...because they are more detailed, more open and not boxy as Antelope....and that green colour....ouch

[@Producelikeapro]

Must be the lav mic, the Antelope's have a lot more high end and lows, definitely weren't the boxy ones. Although it doesn't sound like that to me, maybe you are mixing up which ones you're hearing? Thanks

[@marktyler3381]

There is nothing like enough damping in those speakers.

[@mranalog241]

If you’re talking about the cutaway shot of the isobaric structure, I’m sure the damping was intentionally left out to make the photo clear. At this price point, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t skimp on a few dollars worth of poly-fil.

[@theanitmeme]

I guess quitting twitter makes me unworthy of entering your giveaway. Thanks anyway.

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha you don’t have to use Twitter or anything to enter! Just a way to get in contact with you if you win!

[@Vesohag]

First! Yay! ^^

[@Producelikeapro]

Yay!

[@AdamTait-hy2qh]

Eye-wateringly expensive

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, compared with speakers like Kali, Pre Sonus etc that we have reviewed yes, compared to other high end speakers out there these would definitely be on the cheaper side, it's all comparative. (edited for spelling!).

[@BLeeFAFO]

Can we just stay on NS-10's and avoid the ensuing option paralysis?! No? 😂

[@Producelikeapro]

Ouch! I used to love my NS-10s, operative word is 'used to'

[@sonyphotoguy6601]

Antelope always sounds good but is never without problems. And I don't trust what they say after my experiences.

[@Borismill]

Too much 'stuff', processing, digital mojo, etc. THE MORE YOU MESS WITH IT, THE MORE IT SOUNDS MESSED WITH. Next thing you know you'll have to create an account and type a password into your speakers to use them. No thanks, I'll keep my speakers without computers inside of them.

[@PrantoKoX]

😂 @2:41" - "Shall we do it on the ground?" he asks her.... 🤭😉 BTW, nice concept with the isobaric woofers, but... 4 issues I see with these speakers: -there might be some reason why the big speaker guys like ATC, PMC, Tannoy or Genelec haven't gone that way? It's not like they lacked R&D or the innovation or the financial means. -too much digital gimmickery and poor adjustment options all at the back with that tiny China-product-level mini display. -too expensive, like more than double the price they could & should be. -it's Antelope. Enough said. 🤐

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi PrantoKoX, thanks for your message! Just to respond to your points 1) There are many very high end (HiFi etc) speaker manufacturers that use isobaric (it's very expensive to do), so to be competitive I doubt many speaker manufacturers would try this, my guess is they don't have much of a mark up on these speakers, a point another poster made here. The same argument can be made for passive radiators or active subwoofers on the side like Barefoot which hardly anyone else does 2) Having tested 100's of speakers the set up is no more complex or difficult to do than any/many more expensive speakers 3) In comparison for what they do and who they compete with they are not expensive, they aren't competing with Kali or Presonus, two companies we love for the price 4) I don't have fixed opinions on Antelope, the last 4 years of using them they have been reliable for us, from what I can tell there was some issues several years ago before then, Many thanks!

[@PrantoKoX]

@@Producelikeapro Hey Warren - thanks for the answer and for your thoughts. Yes, I knew isobaric was being used in hifi speakers (as ever overpriced, as is the rule in hifi circles😉), I meant applications in the pro audio monitoring field. Interesting that you mentioned the passive radiator - IIRC Mackie was actually the company that brought that to studio monitoring, with the much loved and rather affordable first HR824s, somewhere in 1996, approx a decade before Barefoot started operations. R.e. the setup controls, what I mean is that many companies offer more elegant and practical front panel or remote setup & speaker tuning solutions - those controls on the back are truly awkward in practice, requiring full back panel access while at the same time making it impossible to hear in real time what one is achieving by fiddling with those controls, and I guess you know on which devices (and in which price range) that same kind of mini-LCD screen can be found. R.e. Antelope, well, I base my distrust on buying 2 of their products, including one of the very first Orions, only to soon struggle to get rid of them ASAP due to glitches and certainly not living up to their marketing. Plus, I obviously had a look around, and the bad stories seem to abund. R.e. price, I guess we live on different price perception planets, ha ha! Of course I didn't think they should compare with Presonus or Kali or Alesis or ESI etc, that's evident, but... think Dynaudio, KRK, Eve, or even Neumann/K&H and Focal - of which Antelope have none of the loudspeaker manufacturing experience, track record or credibility. I guess it's OK for a brand to aim to place itself as a top tier studio monitoring name but, hey, that has to be earned first, like the ATCs and PMCs of the world have, through the years. That's why, to me (and to others, too, it would appear), these are priced too ambitiously, too steeply. Cheers!

[@FireMoon42]

5 grand and they stick all the adjustment on the back? Really, cos leaning over the back of a speaker or standing behind one really is exactly how you want to make objective adjustments? Surely you wait until it can be remotely controlled before releasing it?

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for your comment! I have used so many speakers that have adjustments on the back, that are much more expensive. I like to listen and consider, not personally seeing settings on the back as being that inconvenient.

[@FireMoon42]

Antelope have a bit of reputation with regards to software and i don't really trust the longevity of any speakers with onboard dsp.​@@Producelikeapro

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing@@FireMoon42

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

It’s all fun and games til your speakers break down and the company will do nothing to help. Learned this the hard way with the ilouds. Never buying a new line of products ever again. Reputable products with good reputations only moving forward.

[@Producelikeapro]

Please let me know more about what happened? How long did you have them?

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

@@Producelikeapro woofer on the main control micro stopped working, they don’t sell spare parts, and will not provide schematics, parts lists or offer repair. One of Mtm gen 1 calibration tone stopped going up all the way up so in calibrated mode there’s a high end boost on my left speaker. Both mtms have insane hum and noise. After weeks of arguing with ik support and them offering no help. Their only solution was buying more speakers lol. When they work, they are amazing speakers for the price but each speaker you’re rolling the dice on spending 500-1000$ for a few years of use. Both Micro and mtms I had for about 3 years. I bought both sets after watching your reviews and you were spot on about the sound, but new videos on new ik products may need a disclaimer and save the viewers a bad decision.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@Genital.Wartzeneggerthanks ever so much for sharing. Where are you based?

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

@@Producelikeapro Ontario,Canada

[@Producelikeapro]

This is very important information and definitely helps shape my discussion on speakers@@Genital.Wartzenegger