TOP 6: Best Studio Monitors Under $150 (Pair) - Best Desktop Speakers For Music Production (2022)

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

6 Budget Studio Monitors Under $150 (Amazon Links): ◾ Mackie CR3-X Studio Monitors (Black) - amzn.to/2AKVYHP ◾ Mackie CR3-X Studio Monitors (White) - bit.ly/3tgqnDW ◾ M-Audio BX4 Studio Monitors - amzn.to/3oZofOs ◾ Presonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitors - amzn.to/39Z4T7G ◾ JBL 1 Series 104 Studio Monitors - amzn.to/3cPvAh3 ◾ Alesis Elevate 5 MKII - amzn.to/3vlPGWZ ◾ Pioneer DM-40 - amzn.to/3cuH0VI

[@olictizzyyhb]

So cheap I wish I have the money

[@yehudarex529]

i guess it is kinda off topic but do anybody know of a good place to watch newly released movies online ?

[@edwardrodney254]

@Yehuda Rex Flixportal =)

[@yehudarex529]

@Edward Rodney thank you, signed up and it seems to work =) I appreciate it !!

[@edwardrodney254]

@Yehuda Rex Glad I could help xD

[@heyraylux]

Me listening to the comparison through my displays built in speakers: "hmm they all sound pretty good."

[@crashoutvergil]

LOLLLL

[@franciscopagan5820]

Lmfao

[@leswhite3524]

I had a similar thought. I've been mixing with higher quality Dell 5.1 desktops. They don't sound bad but they don't sound pro. Good enough to hear the subtle differences between the test subjects.

[@zerosoma33]

You’re obviously a beginner

[@leswhite3524]

@@zerosoma33 ...and you're obviously the most advanced producer on the planet... with NO sense of humor...

[@striverfor7628]

7:02 Alesis Elevate 5 MKII - good for $130 7:42 Studio monitors under $100 - Presonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitors 10:20

[@smky91]

The size of the room and sound treatment makes a lot of difference also, bigger cones doesn't always translate to better sound, especially in a small room.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

So true!!

[@smky91]

@@EdwardSmithMusic keep up the good work mate 👍

[@ceemartin9063]

@@EdwardSmithMusic for a large room what kind speakers you advice me ?

[@SquarededBeats91]

So which means for a small room i must buy small monitors?

[@smky91]

@@SquarededBeats91 not a must, as such. But having too large a cone in a small room will not translate to accurate sound reproduction and make mixing off the monitors difficult. It’s all relative at the end of the day.

[@andreasmikellides]

I would love to have the Presonus Eris E3.5. The perfect balance between bass and vocals!!!

[@ChrisDupont-lw5tz]

The JBL sounds clean

[@NamNaz]

I have Presonus 3.5. They are just amazing for the price. Edit: they blew out after 2 years. No reaction. When turned on it just hums loudly. So I am not alone hier. Sound is good, but qulity is not.

[@RKM8506]

Mine are on their way. Should be with me today or tomorrow!

[@raullaranga3807]

Amazing sound for that price specialy mid range tones.

[@ina00203]

I want a monitor for reference, can we plug it directly to laptop without using an audio interface(external sound card)

[@RKM8506]

@@ina00203 yes it will, it's how I use mine currently, except with desktop

[@ina00203]

@@RKM8506 Thank you so much 😊

[@Spoony2121]

ive owned the cr3, bx4, and e3.5s.... the presonus is the only one i have left... i extremely suprised by the durability and quality. these things were left on for days straight many many times and these things are still going strong for over 2 years now! great video man!

[@joaocavalcanti9303]

Making a Brazilian producer very happy here!!!!

[@zeinqduuuhaudible8543]

The M-Audio Bx 4 would do for me🔥 I just found them more appealing and would fit in my bedroom perfectly

[@JoseCastillo-ol8eh]

The bx5 d3 would be a better option in my audio

[@pogoism1]

The 3.5s would fit in my bedroom studio project perfectly

[@2bc]

I have the presonus Eris E3.5 Bluetooth version. They sound amazing and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for great sound. Also the Bluetooth is so convenient if I want relax to some music or listen to a podcast while light gaming. Definitely worth the extra money for me

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mevsmyself2560]

The Presonus Eris E3.5 would be my pick because by now I feel like a knew them already because of your previous reviews on them whilst I haven't experienced their quality or heard them up and close You've discussed every detail thoroughly about the Presonus brand & because of your channel I received an great feel towards them,Keep up and also nice song

[@vincentsrevenge5912]

did u buy them?

[@mevsmyself2560]

@@vincentsrevenge5912 not yet bro

[@vincentsrevenge5912]

@@mevsmyself2560 lmao anything else?

[@ocassionaljunkieforyou]

The Alesis and the M-Audio are the best sounding ones, really balanced. The Pioneer was ok but it has too much bass, not good for reference. The Presonus just lacks bass, and the Mackie is just not good.

[@nivektek2681]

nice review.what is the brand of the speaker that you using in your setup in the background?✌✌

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Yamaha HS8 - amzn.to/3KR1uZ1

[@nivektek2681]

@@EdwardSmithMusic thank you

[@Ryzilience]

The pioneer sounds good for low bass frequencies which is what i love.

[@deirulaloo07]

I've been watching your comparison videos and studio set-up and I can't never get my eyes off the Presonus 3.5!!

[@Tarunds_Music]

Thank You, Edward The Alesis and Presonus are my favourites , I have been watching your videos for more than year and your videos are very helpful A studio Monitor would really be helpful to me

[@p4ccosbets471]

I’m making my own home studio, so I really want the Presonus Eris E3.5! Your channel so great, your videos are very nice :)

[@ЕтанДрешковка]

4:50 Mackie CR3-X 4:56 Pioneer DM-40 5:03 Alesis Elevate MK-II 5:10 JBL 1 Series 104 5:17 Presonus Eris E 3.5 5:24 M-Audio BX-4 5:30 Mackie CR3-X 5:37 Pioneer DM-40 5:44 Alesis Elevate MK-II 5:51 JBL 1 Series 104 5:58 Presonus Eris E 3.5 6:05 M-Audio BX-4

[@RahulSimaro]

I agree that Presonus speakers can't go wrong at the price point. I'll surely like to have them added to my studio setup. They are good options to experience studio monitors for producers like me who do everything on headphones. Even if you progress and need to have big monitors, these still can be the second monitors to check your mixes and be confident. 👍 Edit: I saved up some money and got Kali LP 6 monitors for my studio. 😊

[@jakegenocide]

They just don't live long, sounds amazingly flat though. Mine just died on me.

[@RahulSimaro]

@@jakegenocide oh that's sad. I hope you'll get another pair of studio monitors soon. 🙂 BTW I got Kali LP 6 and I love them. Now I think my decision to save up and go for a decent pair was right.

[@pipespeeps5349]

@@jakegenocide bruh what?

[@PX.60]

@@jakegenocide and a bad hiss after 3 months for me

[@samgayney88]

@@PX.60unfortunate, I’ve seen a good amount of reviews on Amazon mention them either dying or having hissing issues, I’ve had mine for two years now, and left them on last year almost 24/7, still no majors issues, this was with them hooked up with a Logitech sub too, which apparently having powered speakers also being amped aren’t the greatest combo.

[@gabrieljohn321]

Your the best bro, just waiting for this video, u kind a read my mind i really hope i get the alesis elevate because i hav audio coming frm my laptop speaker which spoils the mix

[@armaan__music417]

I desire the JBL 1 series 104 Because I love the looks of it and with JBL I don't have to worry about audio output...

[@jasongardner2207]

I have been in the music business and recording for 40 years and used monitors that cost more than an automobile , the JBL 104 are fantastic for the money . Heard all the others and dont agree with any of this video

[@kayban7641]

​@@jasongardner2207 Very true. The JBL had the most clear sound of the lot. The more important thing is to determine which of these would be the best for 'studio monitoring for recording purpose', where the object is to faithfully reproduce a neutral sound from the recorded track. In case of casual listening, the objective is quite different, namely, one can choose to add whatever audio enhancements/coloring one likes. This aspect has not been sufficiently addressed.

[@jasongardner2207]

@@kayban7641 I agree with what you are saying and its not the best sounding monitor that helps record but in my experience using monitors that cost as much as a house and some cheap studio speakers for 200 euro and 48 years of making music , in my opinion ....yamaha or jbl wipe the floor

[@assafsasson6643]

I am a beginner young producer and I really want the Presonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitors and if I will win them I will be so happy :D

[@unknown75332]

They are amazing, ofc paired with some decent sound interface

[@garrettendi]

The Eris E3.5s were the best thing I bought for my studio in years!

[@isia9466]

Got the presonus 3.5’s along with two 5.25’s and it’s changed my life

[@jonathanpaulpohsngap5024]

I love low end and crisp highs when it comes to music so i see the Alesis as a good choice especially for the price its absolutely worth the money.

[@kasunwanni]

Mackie CR3-X Studio Monitors are just Fireeeeee

[@emseabeats2169]

M-Audio BX4 Studio Monitors looks the best overall. I go with these.

[@JoseCastillo-ol8eh]

The bx5 d3 would be a better option in my audio

[@kalana3141]

Mackie CR3-X ❤️ Bcs im Mackie fan✌️ Budget man

[@dimitriosdrisas1480]

Great video! The Alesis Elevate 5 MKII !

[@joaocavalcanti9303]

Man!! I just love the Alesis one!!! That's the one that I want!!

[@Animize]

Picked up the Presonus Eris E3.5 BT a few weeks ago. Even in 2022 they are a good value option especially for the little space that they take up. But yeah, it's kind of a hit or miss and something that unfortunatly is not often talked about in KZbin-videos reviewing them. They are small. And just as small as they are, they are no "wonder-speakers". They get loud, they have good high ends and mids... They have existing lows (which seem to be like seriously just cut off at some frequency instead of fading out) - so if you need to work with lower frequencies you should either get bigger speakers - or a sub).... For my setup they are fine. I really love the Bluetooth function to connect my Macbook for work - or my PC for productivity... And they are still better than most PC-Speakers, but... Everyone looking to buy them as the solution for everything - should lower their expectations - then they may actually get surprised in a good way :-).

[@kanedonovan490]

Do they have a 3.5mm aux?, I’m unsure and want to use these to plug into my moniter directly!!

[@davidvierabarreras]

I mostly produce Metal and Symphonic genres... My room is small and I can´t afford big loud volumes there... I´m wondering if I can be good with a presonus 3.5 or have to look something bigger. I mix with headphones, but sometimes I need to rest my ears and have a more spatial sound coming from external speakers... Can you tell me what do you think about, with this info... PRESONUS 3.5 will be fine?

[@kanedonovan490]

@@davidvierabarreras sounds good man, I just bought n hopes that it’s all good to go for me, just do the same thing 😂

[@kaafaa8036]

min 80 - 20.000 Hz , that mean we cant hear the sub ( 50hz) :o

[@timofee.]

do you still use them now? I purchased them earlier this year but returned them because i saw lots of reviews saying it would break down after a few weeks to months of usage

[@Axel-xl2vh]

I really want to have the white mackie studio monitors because now I only have a set of headphones and I really want to have a set of studio monitors to reference

[@flowmaka]

Which do you suggest between Eris 3.5 and Jbl 104 for sound and portability? Thanks in advance.

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go Eris 3.5

[@flowmaka]

@@EdwardSmithMusic Thank you my friend. I trust your judgement and the Eris brand is a lot cheaper. Thanks a million.

[@assafmusic7911]

Hey i am a young music producer and my dream is to own a real big studio and i want to start in a small bedroom studio and unfortunately i don't have enough money to buy a studio monitors so i will be very very hapy if i will get any of the studio munitors that you mentioned in the (amazing) video but my favorite is the Presonus Eris E3.5 so thank you about the great recommendations in this chanel :D

[@rudegardt5735]

thanks this comparison was really nice only thing i would have also liked to see was frequency response curves for the different monitors and commentary on that.

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

To be honest, I'm recommending the JBLs not necessarily for monitoring, but for home listening. They have clarity, but do not travel far in sonic distance. Perfect for a small room, or for an apartment situation where you don't want to alert the neighbors to your music. But even more specifcally, if you listen to a lot of rock and popular music, these speakers bring out the VOCALS well, and it can a nice plus to give your favorite singer a boost of vocal presence. I do use the JBS's for mixing at home, so I actively compensate for the brighter vocal range/high-end in my mix, so that the final mix is evened out.

[@s1gnex]

They are way more expensive then said in the video. In my country they're 224 euro's.

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

@@s1gnex Ah, yes, I remember when they first came out (the first ones had no USB function), I got them for about $100 American Dollars. Now they are $150 after about two years. It seems that oftentimes new products start out small, then gut you you later. Like a fish!

[@Kedamawi_key]

Thank you 🙏

[@cm9016]

Those Presonous 3.5 would be amazing 😍

[@teeziet111]

I got the Alesis they are good for producing in a home studio

[@Nehemiahn1]

Presonus and the M-Audio are my choice... Edward keep up the Good works Man.

[@diegopl4144]

Which one of them could be best for a guitar multieffects pedal directly connected? Thanks!

[@joaocavalcanti9303]

I wish the Alesis one!! They are perfect!

[@richardburfoot8638]

Would the Presonus or Alesis work well with for use with a Roland piano for home use?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Yeah, they would work okay I guess

[@blueslenderman6553]

Dude speaker aside the music is pretty good good job man

[@YS_Production]

I just ordered the Alesis. Hope I like it!

[@seanlangton7989]

How did you like them?

[@DJXecute]

This was very helpful. Great comparison about the Pros and Cons. Thanks

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TalquitoEnLaNapia]

Great channel! 🙌🏻 Dali spektor 1 vs Jamo s803. Which do you recommend for a small room?

[@TheCrosx731]

Would you recommend something like the Presonus for a gamer, and KZbin content creator to edit video? Or is it better to get a cheaper Logitech Z333 with a sub

[@mexicoenprotesta2710]

whats the max whats on each? wich one is the better for bas ?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

The Pioneer and Alesis are defs best for bass. Alesis has bass boost as well so, they should definitely be considered.

[@81hwany]

I am planning to buy a pair of monitor speakers because I only have headphones for my home studio now. I was thinking to get the JBL 104, but with your sound test, The Alesis Elevate 5 MKII is the king of this comparison and I hope I will win for them. Thank you for the reveiw.

[@JaejunL]

I am thinking which ones to get the M audio bx5 or Presonus eris e 4.5? Which one should I get?

[@olictizzyyhb]

I love Mackie cr3-x studio monitors for my studio setup

[@sebrura]

Great vid. Which of these have the least harsh treble? Looking for monitors which don’t tire the ears.

[@mariac5432]

I’m just getting started on music production, I don’t know much, but I think I would pick the Presonus Eris 3.5

[@dr.papadopolis7171]

SAME

[@granturismo5742]

For 4" woofer monitors people should look into Edifier MR4. Flatter response and less booming or erratic high than all of these. However, I really encourage to go with one with 5 or 6" minimum woofer if you are serious about business.

[@Top15MusicVideo]

4:57 Pioneer 5:13 Jbl 5:17 Eris 3.5

[@mauricioDS6514]

Im looking for music reference monitors with true sound, without caring for price would you choose eris 3.5 or alesis elevate 5?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would Elevate 5 to be honest

[@mauricioDS6514]

@@EdwardSmithMusic thanks so much, i really wish i had found your yt earlier, youve helped a lot

[@mrinmoynath667]

Which one should I pick for my electronic drum kit?

[@gabricardi4182]

Are presonus good for djing in my bedroom? Are there better alternative with similar prices for djing?

[@kristinasmith8363]

I would like the M-Audio monitors. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@prolificbeats3150]

Hey man i want to ask you what monitor in this video i will buy if producing trap or modern hip hop beats, by the way thankyou for this video i appreciate🙏🙌

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Hey man! I would go with the Alesis Elevate 5 mkII…. Thanks for watching!! Btw, the link of these monitors is in the description.

[@pkeaton1]

The Presonus Eris E3.5 would be perfect for my set up, Love your reviews. Thanks!

[@rickylui81]

Better Pioneer dm40 or Hercules dj monitor 42? Thank you

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go Pioneer!

[@shubhamkachare9345]

Hi Edward, which are best studio monitors for electronic music production between Presonus Eris E3.5 and Alesis Elevate 5 MKII ?!, I am looking for flat/balanced sound response rather than boomy bass. Thanks!

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go for the Alesis Elevate 5 MKII - amzn.to/3vlPGWZ

[@shubhamkachare9345]

@@EdwardSmithMusic Thanks so much!!

[@rafaell1644]

alesis elevate 5 mkii vs pioneer dm50d which one is better? Thank u

[@JuanSanchez-go6zm]

Alesis Elevate 5 MKII or Presonus Eris 3.5? THNKS!!!

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go Elevate 5

[@JuanSanchez-go6zm]

@@EdwardSmithMusic Thnks bro! And Elevate 5 or Edifier MR4? Haha THNKS!!

[@UptownMusicPRO]

got the Eris E3.5 i can say they are perfect

[@johnmurphy2655]

Hi, I am looking for a bit of advice. I am an aspiring dance music producer and I am planning on improving my production this year and taking it all a bit more seriously and potentially making it into a living. My current monitor is set up as follows. I have a set of Rokit 5 Rpg3 and a Focusrite 2i2. I am currently in the market for a better / second set of monitors for another reference, however, I am and not sure what to get. This is what I am looking to achieve in my studio. I want to be able to switch between 2 sets of monitors, dim the volume, mute the volume and also switch between stereo and mono and alos switch between headphones. Also, I would like the new set of monitors to complement the frequency of my rockits I currently have, as in, when I flick between the 2 sets of monitors they don't sound much the same, but rather have different curses on the spectrum, etc for mixing like a car/iPhone/studio/club, etc I have a DJ setup that I would like to channel through the same 2 sets of speakers which I am currently doing by using 1/4 jacks through the line inputs on the Focusrite 2i2. I also have a Rode NT1 but I don't use it much only when recording other Artists as I don't sing myself. My budget is about €500. And I am currently considering the following: Option 1 Keeping my current set up and buying 2 x Yamaha HS 7 or Yamaha HS 7 MP (Not sure of the difference) Mackie Big Knob Passive Option 2 Selling my Focusrite 2i2 Mackie Big Knob Studio 2 x Yamaha HS 7 or Yamaha HS 7 MP (Not sure of the difference) Option 3 Either one of the interface options above but changing the monitors to 2 x Adam T7V or similar? Thanks and looking forward to hearing what you guys think.

[@benjamin-collie]

I just got a pair of presonus 3.5. They are better than any other 5 inch I have had

[@DjEnyoi]

Hello bros, what inexpensive monitors do you recommend for tech house production? are the presonus e3.5 enough? Thank you!

[@Prakashdevroy]

I would love to start with the Presonus 3.5. love its simplicity

[@Trevins.V.Official]

among these the best ones for rap trap drill which are they?

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go with the Alesis Elevate 5.

[@denisa80]

Hello! What is better for playing electroacoustic guitar and multimedia, M-Audio BX4 or JBL 104 ?

[@JoseCastillo-ol8eh]

The bx5 d3 would be a better option in my audio

[@laconicol]

I was thinking of getting the Presonus 3.5.

[@Digmen1]

Good video, but I would have like to know exacly which connectors each one had eg guitar jack or RCA?

[@jonasirw1]

Do you use a different if I’m not new here? Seriously though - very helpful vid. Thank you

[@EllieRose1997]

Thanks, I need to get some studio monitars..

[@EllieRose1997]

I wuld like the Oresonus Eris 3.5 Studio monitars for my studio, it would help me a lot!

[@believeinyourself3934]

So I think alesis would be good for me,Should I buy it?

[@bronzepofficial]

Alesis Elevate 5 MKII would be great! Thank you! 🔥🔥🔥

[@poblano6212]

If I were to be chosen, I’d pick the presonus monitors :))

[@ShadowBeats1]

do all these monitors have a stand that you can buy?

[@svitlanaostapchenko5642]

Hija,what do you recommend for electric guitar via an app like GarageBand ? I’m into sound quality not “Loud “tnx

[@davehayter312]

Thanks for this review. I have a pair of Presonus Eris E3.5 on order! I almost went for the Mackie CR3-X but the hissing noise would drive me nuts. I've read other reviews of the hissing and now you mentioned it as well, so, sorry Mackie.. No go. Presonus for me! 👍

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Good choice!

[@MrChona90]

i did the same!

[@ЕтанДрешковка]

I just wanna ask how the low end (40-70 Hz) sounds? I read that the freq response is only from 80 Hz in the 3.5. Did you have any problems with that (assuming you are a music producer/mixing engineer)

[@answerthedamnquestion1604]

pleas tell me what is the best speakers for music mixing and mastering pleas

[@locky699]

Al hacer la pruba de sonido me gustaron los m audio bx4 y los jbl para produccion se sienten con un sonido mas claro y plano

[@JCo-dl6vl]

The guitars sound nice on the JBLs

[@schifo.official]

great video man! we all needed this

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Thank you so much!!

[@scarsthefirst]

New subscriber here, will appreciate any of those sweeties and helpful tips for my budget studio I'm trying to set up. I live in Nigeria though.

[@mehulmehta1288]

Quite helpful ...Thanks

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Astronomater]

most excited to try out the presonus eris 3.5 monitors.

[@hamzabg1492]

Eris 3.5 or cr3 or m-audio bx4 for mixing and mastering a rap songs ??

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go Eris E3.5 - amzn.to/39Z4T7G

[@obertsonny7353]

Hey Edward! Which one among these do you recommend for orchestral film scoring?

[@ManAndBeast]

Any of these have a USB connection?

[@sandovalbeats1995]

Hos better “ M-Audio bx5 o Hercules av? Thanks , interesting content

[@EdwardSmithMusic]

I would go M-Audio BX-5 - amzn.to/3zKS3Ei

[@JoseCastillo-ol8eh]

Bx5 d3

[@prabhuja7554]

Is a prepared room Must ??for mixing monitors like these

[@Isaac-wc4he]

Im only 15 years old and can’t really have a job right now or have any sort of money income but I really enjoy making music so I would love the Presonus Eris 3.5 🙏

[@PootuBoy]

Presonus 3.5 they are active monitor? Please quick reply 😊

[@tatish4k]

please can you exactly tell me how tall and how wide this the edifier mr4 is? i want to know as CM not inch.. it is important for me to know, since i have restricted space for my desk and i want to know if it precisely fits my desk . also 1) can you tell me if this item is good for price? 2) does it have sound distortion? 3) how good is bass? 4) how about 3d sound ? 5) is it good for listening musics?? is it richer and fuller ?