M-Audio BX5 Studio Monitor Review

[@JoeBoomerMusic]

Just bought them today. At the store, they beat everything else. Even the 7/8”ers for the most part. Sounds much better than the Yamaha hs5’s.

[@mdwayne741]

These sound great... I've had mine for 5 years and I still love them. Very balanced sound in my opinion. They definitely get plenty loud enough. Great review...I have always wondered about the hum. Thanks for the information.

[@Mr1Schoolmaster]

They are so underrated … they are so good

[@dwalker112]

Planning to experiment and use 5 of these to do a home theater.

[@braxton2007]

excellent i have these and they sound amazing for the price

[@captureyourphoto]

Excellent review. Clear and concise, I just pickup 3 pairs and love the sound, Don't have a woofer yet. Please let us know which model you went with.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Sorry for the delayed response! I bought the M-Audio BX Subwoofer. I don't think it's available new anymore, but you can probably find it on eBay, or somewhere similar. I actually tested this setup with 4 other subwoofers, and the M-Audio one was HANDS DOWN the best. It sounds so clean and pure and nice, and it pairs perfectly with the speakers.

[@1357973328]

Sir, I follow what you've talked about. I do not have here the actual bx 5 . So all I can believe in you. I am searching a speaker monitor as what you did want , and so also for my vlog. I am too happy with you. See you around, right here watching da ROMA con AMOR!

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Thank you! Please watch for my upcoming follow up review video on the M-Audio BX5s. I'm in the editing phase now, and plan to have it live by this weekend (or next week at the latest). There's a lot to edit for this one!

[@jasonclark4419]

You absolutely nailed it. Nice

[@aaronjurcsak8465]

Great review, are these still good monitors in 2021?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Ohhh yes for sure! I still use them to this day, and I have ZERO thoughts about replacing them. After almost 4 years, they are still incredibly clean sounding, zero distortion, amazing quality.

[@alfredomartinez4464]

@@ModernTechReviewsTV you are using a sub low frecuency extra ?

[@porschenutcase]

Good review, great products. The set up you have provides very clean and accurate sound IMHO. FYI, Monoprice sells virtually identical Monitors and the Monoprice 10" subwoofer is nearly the same. Last week I bought a pair of Monoprice monitors, almost identical to the ones you review for about $125 for the pair !!

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Very interesting! I'm curious to check out the Monoprice speakers. If only for purposes of reviewing, as I'm still extremely happy with my BX5s after over a year of using them.

[@johnvanzyl6982]

Awesome review. Really loved it!

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Thanks a ton!

[@coolshit1231]

how much better do you think these are than the bx5a versions

[@soulscientific2685]

There good! I use them when I'm making beats although I wish the mids were better!

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I could see that, although so far I've been happy even with the mids. Occasionally, I will equalize the sound a bit. But for the most part, I'm very happy with these set on flat EQ.

[@Southernkhal]

I have some old ones that finally went bad after 10 years. I'm leaning towards the BX5 crimson. The price is great for a at home producer like myself.

[@pdtrv]

dude, i think u have not enough monitors u still have a free space on ur wall:D

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Lol

[@industrycorporationenterprise]

convincing review! going to check them out tomorrow

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I don't think you'll be dissatisfied with these!

[@industrycorporationenterprise]

just got home with them and I love them, just curious I was wondering about your signal flow to your sub, im having a hard time getting my Logitech sub to work with the bx's.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Olin Morris what’s your configuration right now? (Wiring configuration I mean). For me, my sub has RCA inputs, and then XLR outputs to my two M-Audio monitors.

[@squid11160]

My solution for the ground loop humm (same exact speakers) was to use a optical spdif to a dac, and then from a dac to the speakers

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I did that originally, but the DAC I was using had some special features which were only available if I connected it to a USB port on my actual computer. So the ground noise came back. But ultimately, I resolved the issue by using the Hum-X adapters I mentioned. I have a different DAC now, which is no longer an issue, so I removed the Hum-X adapters finally.

[@deepanshuyadav4517]

Great review!

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Thank you!

[@audiosystems2291]

Thanks for the video. One question. Do you recomend them for non professional use? I dont have interfase, I wanna have my cd player or tablet connected directly to it. Is it possible?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Sorry I missed this comment!! If you still need an answer, here's my opinion: YES! I recommend them for non-professional use. For just listening to music for fun (or whatever you want to listen to), they are amazing. Sound very clear and precise and rich. However, you will need SOME sort of interface for these. They do not have typical "computer audio" inputs on them. They use XLR or TRS inputs. Technically, you can buy a 3.5mm to dual XLR cable, but I have found the quality is severely degraded when you do it this way. A DAC is probably what I'd suggest for you. I use the MOTU M2, but there are less expensive options that sound very good as well.

[@audiosystems2291]

Thanks for the response. Yes. Finally I bought the bx5d3. I'm happy with them. For the time being, i m using them with a pasive mixer and they work well.

[@spider7studio]

Hi, good video man! I just bought D3's, even better then my old BX5D2.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Very awesome!

[@ivanchristian3560]

Can these be placed near a wall? Maybe a distance of 6 to 10 inches. What do you suggest?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Yeah, you won't have any trouble with them near a wall. 6 to 10 inches is plenty of room for the air.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

You should angle them toward yourself anyway, so that should make it plenty of room even if they’re just a couple inches from the wall.

[@BizzyOutlaw]

Thanks for the review! U should have mentioned which generation u are testing. There is D1, D2 and D3 (since June 2017) available...

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

You're welcome! And honestly, I have looked everywhere, but I cannot find any data that shows me the generation of these. I bought them earlier this year, so I am guessing they are D2, based on what you said about D3 being available since June 2017.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Hmm, I just watched a review video of the BX5 D3 speaker, and it clearly shows "BX5 D3" on the back of it. The pair I have doesn't say anything, so perhaps it is first generation.

[@BizzyOutlaw]

Yeah sorry! I'm not that sure, too (after i tried to figure it out). But indeed D3 is brand-new, D2 came out in 2011 already. So i guess "The Black Carbon" - Version (October 2014) is just an updated D2 model ;) anyways. I just ordered the big brother "M-Audio BX8 D3" and I'm impressed as hell ;)))

[@Reyfox1]

@@ModernTechReviewsTV you have the carbon blacks, which I think is the 3rd gen. I have the BX5 Carbons which a version before yours. The D's are after yours if I am not mistaken with the D3 being the latest listed on M Audio website.. It looks like cosmetic changes because the drivers appear to all be the same. Either way, they are great speakers.

[@Paradroidx]

yeah iv had my old bx5.... ready? a's studiophile. for about 8 years, still kickin out noise lol. but these are going to be my next purchase... if you treat your equipment with care, it can last long tiime

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Yep. Agreed! I plan to keep these speakers for many years yet. Still extremely happy with their performance for ALL genres of music that I listen to.

[@repawnd1]

Only 8 years? My ESI n-ear 05's are 19 years old and used daily for all that time :D

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Great video great product !!

[@lesmok1341]

Hi, What does that acoustic space switch do exactly?

[@gymmaster9771]

Hi. What do j look for in the form of the subwoofer you bought to go with. Are they wired to accommodate each other or is there additional wiring needed

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Well, I specifically bought the M-Audio BX Subwoofer, which I understand is no longer available. I actually tried several different brands, and had mediocre satisfaction with them. The only one that sounded very good was the actual M-Audio sub. That doesn't mean there isn't a sub out there that works well, but I just didn't find it. But anyway, most subs like this are going to take an input directly from your computer or sound device, and then the sub itself will have separate outputs that go to your studio monitors. In my case, my current DAC has TRRS 1/4" outputs which feed directly into two 1/4" TRRS inputs on my sub. Then my sub outputs (again 1/4" TRRS) to each of my monitor speakers. I love how it sounds. Extremely clean.

[@BagusWibisono]

man, how about you if m audio do compare with HS5? which best in the price range?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Bagus, thanks for the idea. I may actually consider this. I'm planning on a follow up review video on my BX5s soon, as I am still using them and still loving them to this day.

[@markjaylandes]

Can I use an instrument cable instead of a TRS cable?

[@NanescuRadu1]

An instrument cable is a TR or TRS cable so yes you can use this with an instrument cable you can even use this with an microphone XLR cable

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Make sure it's TRS, is my only recommendation. That third channel is important in most cases. My guitar cable, for instance, is NOT TRS, and therefore wouldn't give me the proper signal balance.

[@SpellboundStats]

You had a hum because computer motherboards have shit built in soundcards generally speaking, use a digital out (like USB) to a DAC or audio interface

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

After extensive testing, it was not my computer generating the hum. It was the power in my house. I have since upgraded to an external DAC, so I now have 100% balanced system, and was able to remove the adapters.

[@joeporter107]

Well groomed clean cut gent

[@JhonnyCuenca]

Are these good for music production? I’m looking for speakers to be for gaming and music production.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I definitely think these are good for music production. I do not produce music myself, but I do produce KZbin content, and get into audio editing in a low-scale way. I rarely use headphones since these sound so good.

[@emmapablo7321]

is this speaker perfect for mixing? i ordered for one already and planing to either leave it or sell it off later..please response will be highly appreciated

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

In my opinion, yes! But I will say that pretty much ANY monitor speaker you buy is going to have at least a slightly different overall sound compared to others. As Richard Jackson mentioned, he thinks the mids could be better. But it's definitely going to depend on the type of music you are interested in listening to and/or producing/mixing. For me, these are a great all-around model of speaker. I listen to electronic music, modern pop, and alternative rock. All of these categories sound great to me. These speakers are NOT bass heavy. So if you are looking for monitors with a bit more bass, you might want to check out the JBLs, or check other KZbin reviews for other comparable speakers.

[@emmapablo7321]

i'm grateful thanks so much sir

[@gasolin75]

I would go for the new BX5 D3

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Funny story... I actually ended up sending these speakers in for warranty service. I was hearing a slight buzz on some of the mid-range sounds when listening to music. I just got word today from the RMA department that they are shipping me two brand new BX5 D3 speakers to replace these. Very excited! I may do another review on the D3s once I have them.

[@emmapablo7321]

ho that sounds great... please are there differences between bx5 d2 and bx5 carbon? i went through the manuals and all the frequency responses and specification on them are exactly the same but could it be that they might sound different even when the specifications from the company are the same

[@francise.1653]

Where do you connect the sub?

[@Sn4p_Fps]

One of This its better than 2 mackie cr4 ?

[@craigdaubbeats-rapinstrume9185]

I just got the MAudio BX8 D3s

[@DaanWens]

They good?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on them. I went with the BX5s simply because the BX8s seemed like overkill for a computer desk. Although they probably wouldn't be at this point. How is the bass on them?

[@rossfindlay24]

good vid m8 looking at these or creative T40's , not sure what to go for , also sub'd

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Just putting my two cents here: it doesn't look like the Creative T40s are studio monitors. So as for deciding between those or the M-Audio speakers in my review, it's probably a lot to do with what you are going for with your sound. If you want a flat sound (meaning as close to the original sound that the music producer intended) then you may not get that with the Creative speakers. If you have a Guitar Center anywhere near you, you may be able to go get a demo of the BX-5 speakers.

[@diraddz]

Is this an output for my microphone? Can i get sound out with using my mic ?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

There is no special input for your mic. I can't see that a mic would work if you tried to plug it in directly to this speaker. You would want to get a mixer instead, so that the impedance values are calculated properly for sending the signal into the speaker.

[@ChisomChinweike]

Why didn’t you play the sound

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I'm planning on doing a follow-up review on these speakers in the near future, where I will do some sound recordings with various microphones.

[@freshday633]

not good for pc gaming constant hum hissing background noise bought my son PreSonus Eris E3.5, 3.5 Inch, 2-way, High-Definition Multimedia Studio Monitors clean sound on everything .

[@ryanli1294]

does it come with any cables

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Just the power cable. For audio cables, you're on your own. And I'd say this is pretty standard, since there are so many different cable lengths for different environments.

[@sailen7298]

sir why does it sound airy or bassy? i just bought mine which i use for my guitar electric.

[@fpcawolff]

positioning

[@ameenalkhalidy6468]

are they any good with sound of the electric guitar?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I haven't tested it specifically, but given that they play Rock & Roll just fine, I would say they would sound good for electric guitar. However, they aren't going to push the sound like a larger speaker with a bigger amplifier that is more dedicated for that type of playback.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Depends what you mean by "airy". You probably need to adjust the input levels a bit, and possibly the EQ if you have your guitar being processed before going into these speakers. If you don't have a mixer, I would strongly recommend one.

[@lyndxnjoel6917]

Hey guys. I'm scowering the web for help. I have m audio bx5, Scarlett 2i2, I'm maxing the volume on monitors and interface but my cellphone speaker is louder... What am I doing wrong?

[@polarbearthebest9778]

what you are saying doesn't make a single sense. are you even sure u're using ur monitor speakers? sometimes windows is using monitor's speakers ( tv monitor ) and u dont even notice that

[@lyndxnjoel6917]

@@polarbearthebest9778 there's definitely sound coming from the monitors, it's just incredibly soft. I've plugged the cable directly into my cellphone and there's no problems with volume. It can only be the interface...

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Lyndxn, sorry I didn't see this comment a long time ago! Did you get this resolved? I'm sure I could help, with a little more data from you. First, how do you have your Scarlett 2i2 connected to your PC? It sounds to me like the signal coming from your computer to your Scarlet is too low on volume. You should definitely not have to max your speakers and your interface. In fact, I always shoot for MAXIMUM of 50% on the interface, and 75% on the speakers themselves. Then I turn the Windows volume up and I know I'll never push more than those units can handle.

[@alfiekennedy1657]

Would they be good for djing

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Hi Alfie, I'm incredibly sorry I didn't see this comment a long time ago! To answer, the only way I would recommend these speakers for DJing is if you are in a VERY small venue, like inside someone's living room. In a larger room, I don't think they would fill the space well enough, compared to some nice big PA speakers.

[@alfiekennedy1657]

@@ModernTechReviewsTV nothing to worry about man! I bought them and I use them for djing in my room and they work so well! Thanks for the feedback.

[@oazlast8844]

can this be used to the keyboards

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Yes, for sure. But you will need a mixer of some sort, or some way to convert your signal to the appropriate input on these speakers.

[@dennisveazey4313]

Link for the subwoofer?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Hi Dennis. I actually think the subwoofer might be discontinued for some strange reason! But it's called M-Audio BX Subwoofer if you want to search for it. You'd probably need to call around to some Guitar Centers to see if any have it in stock still. It was about $400 when I bought it. Or you might be able to find it used. I LOVE this subwoofer, and it's the only one that I found that actually sounds good when paired with these speakers. (I tried about 5 different subs)

[@davusito]

buen video!

[@jl7796]

M audio bx5d3 vs pioneer dm 40?

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Not sure on that one, although I will say that from my past experience with Pioneer speakers (not monitors), they tended to be a little extra bassy, which is not something I like. For me, if I want extra bass, I'll add a sub.

[@chrisvankirm8484]

What’s the intro music song ?????

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Elektronomia - The Other Side [NCS Release]

[@hamidssebuufu1]

I want to use the at my place at home instead of buying a sound bar or home theater is it possible or I have to buy a sound card

[@jonahwizard1]

You don't need a sound card, but your setup must 1/4" TRS

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

I agree with Jonahwizard1. You'll need a way to adapt your output into TRS or XLR. And with that in mind, if you're coming out with something like RCA, you may need a noise canceler as well.

[@Don-zj9tb]

what was the adapter tell me

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Sorry I missed this. Which adapter are you referring to? My right angle adapters?

[@Oskier94]

@@ModernTechReviewsTV he's still thinking

[@sarasartori6859]

Lol

[@Don-zj9tb]

@Miguel Melchior remind me what you want me to answer ?

[@Don-zj9tb]

@Miguel Melchior i been sleeping for 3 months

[@thevibrantwaves]

God, those squeeky vocal chops in the intro nearly made me click off the video.

[@robertburks2126]

They Suck!!! All bass, no mids. They come in and out.

[@ModernTechReviewsTV]

Hmm, I haven't had any problem like that. Maybe you just had a bad pair.