PreSonus Eris E3.5 & Sub8 review

Here I review the PreSonus Eris E3.5 near field studio monitors and the matching PreSonus Sub8 subwoofer. But, not for DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) use as I don’t think they are quite good enough for that. Instead, I bought these for use with my synthesiser in my studio.
Tech details: www.presonus.com
Monitors: amzn.to/3wV9fa3
Subwoofer: amzn.to/3wTkkdg

[@pabolo7712]

Great review! For someone on a budget, these are excellent tbh. I bought the Eris 4.5BT speakers initially, on their own. Even on their own they are half decent speakers with decent bass response, and for the price, fantastic. I just added the sub woofer last week, really excellent sound from the whole system now, punchy bass and elevates the entire setup as expected. Mainly use them for music listening this last week, but going to try them for some home music production any day now. I'm really impressed with their performance, for what are essentially cheap speakers/sub. If you're on a tight budget (like me) you could do much, much worse.

[@GTGTV]

Thanks for the video.. I bought a pair of PreSonus monitors for my editing studio two years ago. They work great with my system. I was surprised at the overall clarity and stage presence these little monitor provide.

[@alainsellier7751]

Thank you for your review. I have the Eris 4.5 and Sub8 setup and I use them for mixing and mastering. The 4 5 have a bit more mid-range than the 3.5. I am pretty happy with how this setup sound when producing and mastering and they look cool too! An investment I am not regretting.

[@tecraven]

To be honest, Alain, these PreSonos monitors and subs will definitely get you into the ballpark when mixing and, to be honest, that's all most novices and home users ever need anyway. It's different for high-end professional studios that are doing 'critical' mixing and mastering and they need to near nuances that monitors like these just do not reproduce, but that's why you can spend £30,000 to £65,000 on decent ATC monitors and the like. I personally would never need to go that far and given the crap shape of my 'small' home recording studio it would be pointless me even spending £5,000 on something more modest in the grand scheme of pro near field monitors so for my room, given the strange size and shape, my Kali IN-8's are about as far as I need to go. If I ever moved house though a decent recording studio room would be the first thing on the list of requirements for the house, that and an open fire, then, and only then would I look at spending decent money. It's more important to enjoy and as long as you check your final master in the car, on the Sonos, on the cheap ghettoblaster, if it sounds good there, then it is good and that's all that counts. Also, don't forget to do a little mixing and mastering on headphones too to make sure that final destination is going to sound ok - remember, 70 percent of people (something like that anyway) under the age of 30 listen to music on 'cans' so it's critical that you check your mix and master on headphones also to make sure there is nothing weird going on in the stereo field or any automated pans don't make the headphone-wearer get vertigo.

[@alainsellier7751]

@@tecraven Yes, I totally agree with you on that! Thanks for your reply and for your youtube channel!

[@simonram8505]

​@@tecravenThats bottom line truth.

[@JeffyG]

Awesome! I bought these for the same purpose. I use Adam Audio T7Vs at my studio desk.

[@false-set]

I bought these for my tv, felt like a better idea than a cheap soundbar... I'm really happy with them.

[@tecraven]

Oh yes, way better than a silly sound bar, in every way. Great choice!

[@nathanksimpson]

I watched this all the way to the end. Thanks!

[@tecraven]

Cheers ;)

[@busywl69]

I watch moviews with that Termblor 8 on my QLED and soundbar (found a vizio that has a sub out jack). Nice sub for a mid size room. I have the eris 5's for my DJ setup (along with a monoprice sub) and the eris 3.5 as secondary monitors (and for late late night sessions that won't BOOM the house) along with my Yamaha HS8 monitors and the Tremblor 10. I get great results. Presonus is an impressive company. We live in spoiled times with gear. Nice vid!!

[@tecraven]

Yes, they have managed to produce 'good' kit for the price. I'm happy with my PreSonus gear for monitoring my synth.

[@stephentyndall159]

I have the 3.5’s hooked up to an OLED TV and was thinking of getting the sub 8 to add some weight. They work really well with movies IMO. You’ve definitely made my mind up. Thanks

[@tecraven]

You’ve got to have the sub as it changes everything and takes it to another dimension. You’ll feel the movies as well as hearing them ;)

[@stephentyndall159]

@@tecraven Thanks man, thought so! 👍

[@clarenceewe]

@@tecraven I also have the Eris E3.5, and now I have a $200 budget to upgrade my monitor. wondering should I get the Sub8, or buy a pair of 5" KRK ROKIT 5 G4? By the way, my room is about 10'X10'. This is the only monitor used for video editing and audio recording.

[@tecraven]

@@clarenceewe To be honest, I don't think the PreSonus monitors or subs are good enough for audio mixing/mastering. I only use them to hear my synthesizer through and they are fine for that. But for mixing and mastering using a DAW on a computer via an audio interface the PreSonus Eris a Sub are. just not natural enough and they are too wooly in the mid-range so, with this in mind you'd be better off going for decent 'near field' monitors if they are for video and audio editing. I would not go for the KRK Rokit's as they are too bass heavy and flavoured, no good for mixing and mastering. Yes, I know loads of people on KZbin use them, but loads of people eat McDonalds and KFC too ;). I use a KRK subwoofer (10 inch) with Kali monitors, but for the sub it is not so important as subs don't have mid and upper frequencies to worry about and you are only getting very low end from them. For just a little more than the KRK Rokit's. you could get some Yamaha HS-8 monitors, 8-inch with plenty of bass so you won't need a sub at all. Or, the Yamaha HS-5, which are decent, but like all 5-inch woofers they lack bass (and this is the same of the KRK 5-inch Rokit too) they would benefit from a subwoofer at a later date and at that point, given your room size, similar to mine, I'd go with the 10-inch sub from either KRK or Yamaha. If you don't mix lots of club/dance music that has heavy bass and synth patches the Yamaha HS-8 monitors will be great for you. Or if you do mix heavy dance music I'd get a sub to help you feel those sub-synth notes for dance tunes and you'd need a sub for this sort of music even with an 8-inch woofer in your main near field monitors.

[@clarenceewe]

@@tecravenThanks for the great advice, I'll take a serious every word you wrote here, appreciate it!

[@motomuso]

I like the idea of having small monitors like these to save on the electric bill, to save my Focals heating up the room and just to save the bigg'uns for my work. I watch TV on my work rig and I don't need hi-wattage monitors for that - or even for writing/sketching out compositions. And I agree - all controls should be on the front of studio monitors. Even with a Mackie Big Knob I still have to do a reach-around to power-on the big monitors.

[@HAYDENMUSICTV]

Thank you .. Great review .. Really helped me decide which monitors and sub to purchase.

[@tecraven]

Super!

[@matthewblue7839]

If one used a reference pair of measurement microphones, then we would hear accurately. Thx for being honest about their limitations and utility.

[@ethanwood5318]

I cannot figure out how to connect this sub to the speakers. i have bought two aux cables with 3.5mm converters as well as two rca to aux cables. Do I need another input in my audio interface?

[@nightmisterio]

what about the next step up from it?

[@DeeJayJim73]

in mine setup(zen air,presonus 5 xt,sub 8)it can't go up more than 1/4 of the gain way!! if I start the gain volume up more than 1/4, it plays very loud and squeaks. the set certainly plays very well without a problem, but I think that the sub gain is very low

[@way2go636]

this + Sonarworks = perfect mix

[@tecraven]

I’m not sure about that.The monitors still have to be decent to start with even when using Sonarworks as the latter only makes some kind of attempt to compensate for poor room acoustics, not bad speakers. Not that these speakers are bad, but they’re not good enough for mixing.

[@sirgriott]

​@@tecraveni have the 5inch they are very very good without the sub. A sub with sonarworks would surely fix my problem, this speakers performed well against my Tannoy system 800 but only lacks bass because of the driver and cab size imo.

[@Jdub0126]

Thanks for the video! I have Eris 4.5 monitors for a few years but I am finding it too difficult to get good mixes when I produce music on them. I wanted to ask your advice.... if you were me would you buy Sub8 to pair with the speakers in hopes of a better bass response or just buy bigger speakers all together? What is the cheapest speaker that you would consider truly acceptable for mixing and mastering? I agree with you that the Eris speakers seem to lack some clarity or depth

[@tecraven]

Ok, I'll point out a few things here. The Eirs, with or without sub, are nowhere near good enough for mixing and mastering, not in any environment. They are more for using with TV systems or, as I do, with a synthesiser, but certainly not mixing and definitely not mastering. What is worth remembering here is that the room and its acoustics and the acoustic treatment is way more important than the monitors. If, like me, you only have a small studio in a second bedroom for example the acoustics will definitely not be ideal and no matter how good a job you do with acoustic tiles and bass traps the room still won't be ideal, not even close. To get an ideal acoustic space to mix and master it would have to be a larger space with some seriously good sound engineers (I'm talking Deutsche Grammophon level here and not some local bod who has just done an engineering course at Barnet College). So, now I've got that out of the way spending £8,000 on a pair of ATC monitors would be pointless - sure, they would be superb, but you'd never get the best out of them unless you have aforementioned 'Deutsche Grammophon' engineer come in and set up the room acoustics for you. On a budget the Yamaha HS8 monitors are hard to beat. They cost £230 each (UK) and have 8" drivers in them that go down to 38 Hz (on paper at least, in a regular second bedroom, living room, home space, they will probably not go down to anywhere near that - it's simple physics, but the same applies to a sub too - chances are your room won't be able to reproduce those low on-paper specs due to size, shape and acoustic treatment) and, thus, they have more than enough bottom end for mixing and mastering without the use of a sub. Also, later on, if you fancy mixing and mastering for night clubs and you need to be able to 'feel' the sub bass frequencies you can add a KRK S10.4, which cost about £325 and you'll have all basses covered - pun intended. See how you get on with Yamaha HS8's first as they have enough bass. I only have a sub as I compose stuff with sub bass, such as synth pads, and I need to know if I have the bass 'feel' coming out in the mix also. HS8s are better than KRK Rokits and more accurate in my opinion.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

Hey, great video... came for the sub 8 review but stayed for the entertaining explanation of your setup. Nothing I would personally use but, I understand exactly what the E3.5's do performance wise by your explanation. Does anyone know if the Sub8 can keep up with a larger bookshelf-- 5.25" to 6.5"

[@tecraven]

Sub8 should still go a 'little' lower due to being an 8" driver and tuned in a different way to regular bookshelf speakers. Having said that, if you don't want to shake the earth you could go for 6" speakers and just hit the 'loudness' button (as in the old days) or EQ up the bass and treble a trifle to compensate, just don't to mental with the regular volume if you EQ up the bass and treble though.

[@heber67]

Hi, great review. May I ask what is the studio monitor wall bracket brand? Thanks

[@tecraven]

So sorry. I bought them at the same time that I did this review about two years ago and there is no brand on them. I am sure I bought them from Argos in the UK.

[@birhankar]

Hi thanks for the great video. I have a question though. Let's say I hooked up my synth to "TRS" input and my laptop to "RCA" input on 3.5 monitors. How can I add a Subwoofer to Eris 3.5 pair without sacrificing one of the audio sources? If I get the Sub8, I guess I will have to use Sub's Inputs for both synth and laptop and TRS output to TRS input of 3.5. But I can't find alternatives to Sub8 which has both input and outputs at the same time. Meanwhile, monitors such as EDIFIER R1280DBS has subwoofer output. In this scenerio, I would have to use monitors' inputs for audio interfaces and sub output to hook up a subwoofer, which is the exact opposite to Eris system and I think it is more user friendly to control monitors & sub's volume directly from monitors. But now, no RCA inputs on Edifier... To use both synth and laptop, I have to go Sub > Monitors and only capable sub is SUB8 with it's both inputs. If I go Monitors > Sub, I have to change input for Laptop or Synth manually each time.. Am I correct with all these? What do you suggest?

[@tecraven]

The Eris 3.5 monitors plug into the Sub8 subwoofer, then the subwoofer will have two jack cables that go into the R and L of your synth. Page 5 of the manual - pae-web.presonusmusic.com/downloads/products/pdf/Eris_Sub8_Owners_Manual_EN_03112021.pdf - has a visual diagram showing how they would hook up. Just substituted the mobile phone in this description for your Synth, only use the TRS sockets above the RCA ones.

[@Nelsont0258]

Hey man! So I am connecting my eras 3.5 monitors to my eras 8 sub via TRS 1/4 cables and the sub isn't producing any sound at all. When I use the $7 RCA cables from Walmart they work but there is a buzz. Am I doing something wrong?

[@tecraven]

RCA can typically give a buzz as they pick up electrical interference from things like internet routers - they are bad for that. With TRS cables, I'd have to see a photo of how you have them hooked up, unless you can explain?

[@lucasjuniorproducer]

Hi how are you, i Have a question please...how do i connect this subwoofer to the audient Nero i just bought? Just plug a TRS Jack from the SUB out on the back to the Audient Nero ( Monitor Controller) in the Left IN TRS of the Presonus Sub? Thank you if you can answer. I cant find anything about this metter on the web. How actually connect a Sub to the Audient Nero Sub connection out.

[@tecraven]

On the rear of the Audient Nero you have the ‘MAIN’ (says MAIN above the two quarter inch female jack sockets) speaker outputs with L at the top and R at the bottom. Plug a TRS jack into each of the Left (L) and Right (R) of these outputs and the other ends plug into your Right and Left quarter inch female jack INPUT sockets (the ones that say INPUTS). On the back of the sub you’ll need another pair of TRS quarter inch jack to jack cables to go from the Sub Speaker Output (says Output) RIGHT and LEFT. The other ends go into your Eris Right and Left speaker inputs. Hope this is clear. This is how I’d do it. Alternatively, you can do as you say, just plug the SUB out from the Audient into the Sub and plug the speakers into the MAIN speaker out on the Audient.

[@timparker4228]

Thumbs up for the comment on a front switch and lack of faffing. I'm sure the rest of the video will be good too.

[@SMarie2222]

Do the monitors themselves come with the right cable to plug into the back of the Keyboard? I just ordered them hope I know what I am doing.

[@tecraven]

No. Well, I think they might come with a phono to mini headphone jack, but can't remember. I had to buy the 3/4 inch jack cables to go from keyboard to subwoofer.

[@SireKat]

What speakers do you recommend with good mid range for mixing & mastering?

[@tecraven]

Kali IN-8 is what I have. They have an 8-inch bass driver so no need to add a sub and they are reasonably priced and 3-way. Or the Yamaha HS-8, very similar. Or if you want a bit smaller, Yamaha HS-7 or HS-5 - super little monitors that won't break the bank.

[@ramli1111]

I've got the speakers, will the sub be good enough for a casual audiophile for listening to music, watching movies and gaming? Also will the sub go well with any other speakers that has the same connections?

[@tecraven]

Absolutely, sub will be great for audio listening and movies and gaming, superb for al three. Yes, will work with any speakers that have similar connections. Because bass frequencies don't really have any 'audio flavour' they don't have to be matched to the same brand speakers. Just set the crossover to a little higher than the lowest frequencies of the main left and right speakers. If it sounds too muddy and woolly in the mid-range you know the crossover is not set right, adjust until mid-range is clear, but still bass weight at the bottom. You don't want the sub to muddy the mid-frequencies.

[@jdsimz8147]

When the monitors are connected to the sub when you turn off the monitors that's the sub automatically turn off too?

[@tecraven]

No, that is a minor setback, you have to also turn the power switch on the back of the sub. I wish it wasn’t like this, but that is how all subwoofer and satellite systems work, it is not a PreSonus only thing.

[@saintreem]

My dummy speaker on the eris monitors doesn't work with sub, what am I doing wrong?

[@tecraven]

Sounds like something isn't connected up right. Double-check your cable connections with the instructions to make sure you haven't got something wrong.

[@user-uz4yi8im9f]

Tec Raven PLeAse HeLP ! :D I am on the fence between the KRK S8.4 and Presonus Eris Sub 8, even prior to finding both your video reviews. You have the experience, if you had only one to pick, which and why? We are curious between these x2 *Great options. If a factor, I have the Eris E5 monitors (x2) on order, adding these to my current set of quality 25W monitors. Now the Sub... I note that KRK sub seems pretty awesome... Class D vs Class A/B -> do you notice any latancy, lag, or delay? Specifically, Which sub is clearer, and/or volume dependent?

[@tecraven]

KRK, all day long. Build quality is better, bass deeper and more weighty and better control over volume etc.

[@user-uz4yi8im9f]

Thanks !!!!!!!!! :D @@tecraven

[@kingkorg7583]

Is it possible to use bluetooth function with subwoofer ? I suppose I would need an output from Eris 3.5 to connect to Sub8 input. Which sadly, it doesn't have. Is it correct or I miss something ?

[@tecraven]

Neither the Sub 8. or the Eris 3.5 have bluetooth, so no. You could be an optional bluetooth audio device that you could plug into the sub/eris combo to stream to it.

[@kingkorg7583]

@@tecraven I’ve just seen your monitors are non bt version, but there are Eris 3.5 BT as well. But still without output.

[@tecraven]

@@kingkorg7583 If they are bluetooth you just bluetooth up your iPhone (or whatever) to the PreSonus and hit play - that's it. Not sure what you mean by output.

[@kingkorg7583]

@@tecraven Well, Eris 5 BT for example, it has an sub out. So, you can connect your phone to Eris 5 BT via bluetooth and from there by cable to subwoofer. With Eris 3.5 and 4.5 you don’t have that option.

[@shauncarroll4479]

Thinking of getting e5xt's and sub8 with scarlett 2i2 for computer set up or would recommend something else?. I have momentum 3's headphones and want an audio setup that sounds similar love bass but also like hearing all the vocals and details in songs. Will be used for music/movies/gaming, possibly might start playing around with making own music.

[@tecraven]

Shaun, this set up will be fine for general music listening, gaming and movies, super for that. But for mixing and mastering music via a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), such as Logic Pro, Garage band or Ableton, it would not be good enough as they are a little coloured and just don't have the detail. Having said that, if you are just going to be starting out composing and playing around with music in a DAW they will be fine and then when you get better and more experienced you could always upgrade to something better when that time comes so I'd probably buy what you suggest and see where your composing and mixing and mastering leads.

[@shauncarroll4479]

@@tecraven cheers for the insight! i'll go this set up, doesnt break bank and does what i want :) (unless i can get a good sale price on adam audio t5v and sub)

[@tecraven]

@@shauncarroll4479 Shaun, don't bother with the Adam T5V, they are rubbish, too much ringing comes off the front plastic cover and they don't have the clarity either. Yes, they are marketed as 'near field monitors for mixing and mastering' but at the end of the day they are budget and only a little bit better than the PreSonus ones. Remember, there is a reason that ATC (and other high end makers) make monitors that cost £40,000. For me, the first step on the ladder to anything that could be considered usable for mixing work would be the Yamaha HS range, HS8 (no sub required by the sounds of it for your purposes) or the HS5 with a sub. But you really have to be spending a good few grand on monitors for serious mixing and mastering work so don't go getting all wrapped up between budget speakers like the PreSonus and the Adam T5V as they are all 'budget' and most speakers under £500 a pair will be the same. Once you jump to £3,000 a pair then you are in the territory of noticing a difference.

[@shauncarroll4479]

@@tecraven okay thanks heaps for the information. I'm not going to all out on a system will mainly be used for listening, i'll just play around with making some dnb and electronic stuff when bored. So ill rule out adam audio, my options will be krk rockits or behringer nekkst or presonus e's with a sub. I'll get which ever has the best sale on em they all seem decent for what i want, i just got drawn to adam audio thinking they very quality so will last for many many years.

[@shauncarroll4479]

oh and sub 100% needed for me i listen to mainly bassy music, i live for the bass but also really enjoy clarity to be able to hear all details. If you heard music i listen to you would understand haha

[@mountains-bychristopherp.456]

Hi. This is Chris fro Greece. Can you tell me how the connection will be made if i buy the sub to use it with the eris 3.5 on a pc sound card?

[@tecraven]

The 3.5 monitors connect to the sub and the sub connects to the PC.

[@mountains-bychristopherp.456]

@@tecraven Do the monitors work with the sub off?

[@tecraven]

@@mountains-bychristopherp.456 No, you'd have to disconnect it altogether and have monitors going direct into your device.

[@extrememod_ahu]

Great video, thank you! I'm looking for a compact 2.1 setup to be able to mix and master - but I'm very tight on space. What is the bare minimum would you recommend?

[@tecraven]

Hmmm. Realistically these PreSonus are not good enough for mixing or mastering as they just don't have the revealing clarity required. The cheapest end of the monitor 2.1 system that I can come up with that has the details and flatness required would be a pair of Yamaha HS5 monitors (they come in black or white) at about £280 for a pair and on top of that if you really want a sub I'd use a KRK S8.4, at about £250. So around £430 for the sub and monitors. Not sure what your budget is, but really, anything less than this is going to be dodgy for mixing and mastering. What I've recommended here is the very bottom of the ladder to what I consider to be a 'usable' near field monitoring system. I review the KRK sub here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57doI19dsqsetE - Also, you might be able to save a bit used as the Yamaha's come up used all the time. Shop around the usual sites for best prices.

[@extrememod_ahu]

@Tech Raven many thanks. Back in the day I used Event 20/20 monitors but they are too big. Definitely want to go 2.1 setup. Budget is up to £700 so it's more a question of space. The monitors have to be good enough for mix n master. I need as small sub as possible dimensions-wise. Do you have any experience in M-Audio monitors like the new BX5 D3?

[@tecraven]

@@extrememod_ahu No experience on the BX5 exactly, but I'd imagine they are in the same ballpark as the PreSonus Eris range, not good enough for mastering. M-Audio are a budget manufacturer, like Behringer, not great in my opinion. I'm familiar with the Yamaha HS range and they are superb. Not perfect, but at this price you won't get perfect, you'll get 'usable'. Perfect would be a pair of ATC SCM100ASL Pro monitors ;) The Yamaha HS range, (no smaller than 5 though) are definitely usable for mixing and mastering.

[@extrememod_ahu]

@@tecraven hahaha yeah those ATC pieces are amazing but chances are, my wife will kick me out just thinking about them :) I've been looking at HS5 series and going to try them out. As for the sub, the Presonus Eris8 just about fits the space so going to try it out. Thank you for all the advice

[@tecraven]

@@extrememod_ahu I'm in a similar boat to you re space, but I'd still go for the KRK, it's not as large as you think and just has a nicer smoother bottom end to the PreSonus one.

[@Spacerboy]

Still have my Fostex PM0.5 MkII. Do you think the Sub8 would go well along with those monitors?

[@tecraven]

Absolutely, they would be a perfect match.

[@Spacerboy]

@@tecraven thx. Or should I better replace the Fostex with Eris E5XT?

[@tecraven]

@@Spacerboy I wouldn't, Foster monitors are perfectly ok, decent monitors with a surprisingly good bass extension. I'd keep them as Eris no better, Fostex might even be better to be honest but not heard them side-by-side with Eris so can't really comment on that.

[@Spacerboy]

@@tecraven actually, I tried the combination Fostex + Sub8 and the E5XT solo and decided to keep the Fostex PM0.5 MkII. The Fostex are just enough for the room I mix with (25m2), sub8 is way too much even at low gain and E5XT are not much better sounding than the Fostex :-)

[@Rayvvvone]

I like how the host explains why we can't evaluate sound from a video.

[@tecraven]

Basically, if I put two mics in front of each monitor and another mic in from of the sub then, sure, you'd hear music been played, but you would not be hearing the same thing as me because your computer speakers are different, your room is different, your room acoustics are different etc etc, so the only way for sure that you'd know exactly how these monitors and sub would sound would be for you to come over to my house and sit in my seat and listen for yourself.

[@billharrisjr.3597]

Sometimes you need to explain common sense/the obvious to people. Helps to even the playing field.

[@reggiehayter2265]

How do you connect the subwoofer to the monitors? For some reason, I am not getting sound to the sub.

[@tecraven]

That's really simple. Simply take the Two R and L outputs from the Sub into the R and L inputs of monitors. On page 5 of the manual there is a diagram showing this, see this link to pdf manual on PreSonus site: pae-web.presonusmusic.com/downloads/products/pdf/Eris_Sub8_Owners_Manual_EN_03112021.pdf

[@reggiehayter2265]

@@tecraven Thanks! I realized that I had to plugin the RCA to the sub and connect it to my music source for it to work. I appreciate your help!

[@tecraven]

@@reggiehayter2265 Glad you got there, Reggie.

[@zestlyfentertainmentzle256]

Are Kali Audios good too L-6

[@tecraven]

Never heard the LP-6 Kali's to be honest. Though I do own a pair to second wave IN-8 monitors in white and they are superb, but they are a 3-way co-axial design. I think the LP-6 are only 2-way so they are not going to be as good as the IN series. But, again, I've never heard them. My guess is they will be at least as good, if not better, than the PreSonus offerings as PreSonos don't really make near field mixing monitors, they are more just 'computer' monitors to be honest. The Kali LP-6 is designed for near field monitoring so I suspect they will do a better job.

[@marc3734]

How does the presonus sub 8 compare to the KRK sub 8 you have in your studio. Which one do you think is better and why?

[@tecraven]

KRK is way better. Much meatier with deeper slam and more control. Designed more for mixing and mastering while the PreSonos is more for plugging into your TV for better TV sound, or as I am here to hear my synthesiser.

[@marc3734]

@@tecraven Thanks for saving me time and money! Lastly, I don't know if you ever heard the yamaha hs8s sub, but do you think this KRK 8 is better than the yamaha hs8s?

[@tecraven]

@@marc3734 I used to own the Yamaha HS8 monitors and they were superb. Never heard the sub though so can't comment on it, but if the Yammy sub is as good as the HS8 monitors it should be a decent one. The KRK is really solid, well made and heavy and sounds amazing. Remember, when it comes to Subs the subwoofer does not have to be the same make as the monitors as the sub bass frequencies and lower frequencies do not have the same importance. It is not like matching a centre speaker to a front Right and Left speakers in a surround sound TV system for example so go for whatever Sub works for you.

[@marc3734]

@@tecraven Thanks a lot! Much appreciated.

[@charlesung886]

What brand of TRS cables are you using?

[@tecraven]

Roland, but don't bust a gut over this, there is no difference in sound quality between the cheapest and most expensive cables on the planet. Most of it is horseshit marketing. You might get ever so slightly better electrical and radio interference shielding, that's about it. Roland, Klotz or Mogami are all superb cables. I personally love Klotz and Roland as they just 'feel' good, but no difference in sound quality between any of them and don't listen to anybody who tells you there is. What you are paying for with more expensive cables are better quality XLR or Jack connectors that don't break off in sockets and better quality materials, that's all, nothing that makes a sonic difference.

[@charlesung886]

@@tecraven This was very informing. Thank you!

[@jasonnight1640]

Hi .. l have aa Yamaha PSR SX900 Series Digital Keyboard at home. I have a Presonus Eris Sub8BT .. I just bought it last week to enriched the bass sound. The keyboard has internal built-in speakers. I like doing recording my play on thd keyboard. Did l make the right choice to have the subwoofer? Beside that, should l add the monitor speakers 3.5 or 4 5 model? Wishing for hear your advise. Thank u.

[@tecraven]

PSR-SX900, nice home keyboard and I'm familiar with the built in speakers, have heard it compared to the PSR-SX700 and the Korg PA-700, it's a nice speaker system build into the SX7900 for sure. Have you noticed much difference with the sub? I suspect so. The new PreSonus Eris Studio 4 are £100 each new and look interesting, or the PreSonus Eris 3.5 second gen if you want the smaller ones. I'd buy them from a dealer (or Amazon) who will be happy to take them back if, after you try them for a few days, you feel the build-in SX900 speakers are doing a better job for the mid-range and upper frequencies. The PreSonus are kind of near-field monitors so they have to be quite close (no more than 6 feet or so) away from your ears. If the sub has thickened things out in the bass department, and I'm sure it has, especially with the synthersizer sounds from the 80s (Roland Jupiter etc) and synth pads and you are happy with what it is doing it makes sense to hook up some monitors to see if that improves over the built-in speakers. It will either do it for you, or it won't. I am not convinced it will be better, but it will be different and it is just a case of if you prefer the new 'different' sound that new near field PreSonus monitors will give. Definitely worth trying it to see how you feel. You'll know pretty much straight away.

[@jasonnight1640]

Much thanks for your kind reply. The truth is that the Presonus Eris subwoofer is still with the dealer. I placed the order last week. One of my friends will be heading up North on Tuesday, and he will collect it from the dealer. Hopefully, the subwoofer will do a good job. Hopefully, it matches with the built-in speakers. The built-in speakers on each side of the keyboard are (15 watts + 10 watts X 2), which are actually good and powerful, and deliver rich sounds except that it can't deliver the bass that l want to hear. With the subwoofer, l feel it can enrich the overall sound system with the keyboard. Thanks again. Have a nice day, yahh!!😮

[@tecraven]

@@jasonnight1640 Although the PSR SX900 has 5.11 inch speakers I suspect they are not the best quality drivers in the world, they are usually quite budget jobs that are built into keyboards, even a £2,000 keyboard. I know it is a different analogy, but a mate of mine does expensive car audio installs and a few years back he did on on a brand new £200,000 Porsche and the speakers that he removed that came with the car were the cheapest crappy little things imaginable, the type that cost about 75p to make. Not that the Yamaha keyboard you own will be this bad, but those speakers and amp are budget, they are just tuned with DSP to sound as they do so the PreSonus stuff might have a better sound with the sub/monitor combo. Again, all you can do is plug them in and give them a go. But, remember that the PreSonos kit is still budget, designed for gamers etc. If you really wanted to get a noticeable difference in sonic performance, to take advantage of the Yamaha keyboard quality sounds you'd have to spend a few grand on some monitors. Let me know how much of an improvement the PreSonus stuff makes compared to the built-in speakers, will definitely be interested.

[@yigitboylu8543]

even if i set the low freq crossover to 130 hz, my eris 3.5s still playing down to 50hz (with some db loss) Is there something wrong ?

[@tecraven]

3.5's will always play down to their maximum of 50hZ, when you adjust the crossover on the sub you are only adjusting the frequency of the sub, not the 3.5 monitors. So, no, nothing wrong.

[@yigitboylu8543]

@@tecraven what if 3.5s are badly distorting at 100hz ?

[@tecraven]

@@yigitboylu8543 Not sure. Could be the source that is distorting perhaps?

[@yigitboylu8543]

@@tecraven some measurements show its distortion, by the way what is the hp filter for? Shouldn't it block low freq sent to mains ?

[@tecraven]

@@yigitboylu8543 Not sure then, about distortion. The HP filter is 'high pass' and it allows higher frequencies to pass through while cutting the bass.

[@chorusofcron713]

Thanks!

[@tecraven]

Welcome.

[@staplercut]

I have E3.5 but it lacks bass for me. I was thinking of two options: sell these and get E5 or get Sub8 and pair with E3.5. Mostly listening to music/playing games. E5 has added convenience of not having a sub under my feet, but will it's bass output be enough?

[@tecraven]

No. The E5 still only has a 5.25” driver - not enough to move air for deep bass - not even close. If you don’t want a sub, but you want bass you are really going to have to get the E8XT, which has an 8” woofer, enough for bass, but they will be physically larger on your desk. Also, they still won’t give quite as much low end as the Sub8, even though the latter uses an 8” driver also because the sub is tuned differently to go down to 30Hz while the E8XT only goes down to 35 Hz so. Or as much bass extension. I’d go with the sub. It is quite small by Sub standards.

[@erickpanccioni2926]

brother, I just didn't understand if his system is mono or stereo, the connections are all in one box and only makes a jump to another, if I use two outputs from my interface does it work in mono?

[@tecraven]

It's a stereo set up. Many more 'budget' set-ups use this system. Instead of two speakers with an amp in each there is only one amp in one speaker and a cable runs across from the right output of the amp section in the left speaker to give stereo. It will be stereo with two monitor output from your audio interface.

[@cerinicholls6143]

The 3.5’s are acoustically designed to be sat on a desk or shelf, improves them immeasurably

[@yigitboylu8543]

Really ? Is it a mistake to use isolation pads under

[@cerinicholls6143]

@@yigitboylu8543 defo, much better lower frequencies when direct to shelf in my experience

[@daemeonation3018]

I've been VERY confused about these people playing an audio test of speakers over KZbin. 😂

[@tecraven]

I know, it's so stupid and one of my pet hates. Another are people who do software tutorials and feel the need to stick a stupid picture-in-picture of their face, which usually overs up part of the software interface they are giving a tutorial on. I want to see the software interface, not a stupid face in a circle in the corner - aaarrrrhhhhh.

[@PrezidentHughes]

As quiet as a mouse's tea party 😂😂😂😂

[@tecraven]

😉

[@bond6915]

Hello. Есть 2 версия, eris e5 bt 2nd gen,какая лучше?

[@tecraven]

Спасибо за обновление

[@fedism]

Yea internet routers are interference hell.

[@themarcos150591]

If your room is not treated you cannot say what these monitors actually sound like. Not to mention you have them just against the wall. No wonders you think what you hear is not professional level.

[@tecraven]

Firstly, my room is treated, you can’t see the ceiling and all the other walls. Secondly, before I even heard the monitors I knew they weren’t professional because they are super cheap. There is no way on earth anybody could make a monitor this cheap at a professional level. The actual monitor system probably cost less than $10 each to manufacture ($15 for the one with the amp in it) in China and the sub probably only cost $18 in parts and manufacturing costs in China. You would have to spend 10 times the retail price of three cheap monitors to get close to a professional level. I know one of them is in a corner, I have no choice due to the small limitations of my room, but my ears compensate for that, because I know how that makes them sound. End of verse, chapter, and story.

[@zolwikwkurwik]

Would the Presonus sub8 be a good match with Kali IN-8 speakers?

[@tecraven]

Definitely not, nowhere near good enough. PreSonus speakers are more of a computer speaker quality, or budget home cinema sort of quality. I have a KRK S10.4 with my Kali IN-8 monitors.

[@zolwikwkurwik]

@@tecraven I do have limited space and only sub8 will fit in my space. Just ordered it, hope it will be enough for amateur mixing.

[@tecraven]

@@zolwikwkurwik It will be fine, you'll feel the kick from it.