What is the primary driver configuration of the Behringer B1031A?

The B1031A features a two-way driver configuration. This includes an 8-inch long-throw woofer for bass and midrange, and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter for high frequencies.

Is the Behringer B1031A an active or passive monitor?

It is an active monitor, meaning it has built-in power amplifiers. Specifically, it uses a bi-amplified design to power the woofer and tweeter separately.

What controls are available on the rear panel?

The rear panel includes controls for high-frequency and low-frequency adjustments. It also features room compensation controls to tailor the sound to your specific acoustic environment.

What are the intended applications for this monitor?

The B1031A is designed for professional studio mixing and mastering. It is also suitable for general multimedia playback and high-fidelity home listening.

How does the silk dome tweeter affect the sound?

The 1-inch silk dome tweeter is designed to provide crystal-clear highs. Silk domes are typically known for producing a smooth high-end response that reduces ear fatigue during long sessions.

Does this monitor require a separate amplifier?

No, the B1031A is self-powered. You can connect it directly to an audio interface, mixer, or other line-level sources.

Can I adjust the bass response to suit my room?

Yes, the monitor includes low-frequency controls and room compensation settings. These allow you to reduce or boost frequencies to account for placement near walls or in corners.

Is the B1031A sold as a pair or a single unit?

The B1031A is typically sold as a single unit. Users requiring a stereo setup will need to purchase two monitors.

How does it compare to the Yamaha HS5?

The B1031A features a larger 8-inch woofer compared to the 5-inch woofer on the Yamaha HS5. This generally allows the Behringer to produce deeper bass frequencies, though the HS5 is much smaller in physical size.

What makes the woofer 'long-throw'?

A long-throw woofer is designed with a suspension system that allows for greater excursion (movement). This allows the 8-inch driver to move more air and produce more accurate and impactful bass.

Is this monitor suitable for mastering?

Yes, its design goal is accurate audio reproduction. The neutral frequency response and adjustable acoustic controls make it a functional tool for mastering tasks.

What is the typical price range for a single B1031A unit?

The typical price for a single Behringer B1031A monitor is approximately £160. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

Gear article

Behringer B1031A Truth Active Studio Monitor

The Behringer B1031A Truth is a bi-amplified active studio monitor designed for accurate audio reproduction in mixing and mastering environments. It features an 8-inch long-throw woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, providing a wide frequency response suitable for professional studio and multimedia applications.

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Overview

The Behringer B1031A Truth is a high-performance active studio monitor engineered to provide a neutral and transparent listening experience. As part of Behringer’s 'Truth' series, it aims to deliver audio accuracy that is essential for critical listening tasks. The unit is built around a bi-amplified architecture, ensuring that the woofer and tweeter are powered by independent internal amplifiers to reduce intermodulation distortion and improve efficiency.

Design and Key Features

The B1031A utilizes a two-way design consisting of an 8" long-throw woofer for low-frequency reproduction and a 1" silk dome tweeter for high-frequency clarity. A standout feature of this model is its customisability; the rear panel is equipped with comprehensive controls for low-frequency and high-frequency adjustment, alongside room compensation settings. These controls allow users to calibrate the monitor's output to account for specific acoustic challenges, such as corner placement or reflections in untreated rooms.

Sonic Character

Designed for precision, the B1031A is characterized by its ability to produce accurate bass and crystal-clear highs. The 8" woofer provides sufficient extension for monitoring low-end content without the immediate necessity for an external subwoofer, while the silk dome tweeter avoids the harshness often associated with metallic diaphragms. This neutral sonic profile makes it a viable tool for mixing, mastering, and general high-fidelity multimedia playback.

Target Audience

This monitor is primarily targeted at home and project studio engineers who require a large-format 8-inch monitor at a competitive price point. It is particularly well-suited for users engaged in music production, video editing, and podcasting where accurate tonal balance is required. Its versatility also makes it an option for high-end multimedia setups where standard computer speakers are insufficient.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other monitors, the B1031A sits in a competitive market. For those seeking smaller footprints, the Yamaha HS5 offers a more compact solution, though with less low-end extension. In the high-end professional tier, models like the Genelec 8050B or Neumann KH 120-II offer superior precision and build quality but at a significantly higher price point. The M-Audio Forty Eighty provides a similar 8-inch driver configuration with integrated DSP, while the Behringer 1C-BK serves as a more basic entry-level alternative for non-critical listening.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary driver configuration of the Behringer B1031A?: The B1031A features a two-way driver configuration. This includes an 8-inch long-throw woofer for bass and midrange, and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter for high frequencies.
Is the Behringer B1031A an active or passive monitor?: It is an active monitor, meaning it has built-in power amplifiers. Specifically, it uses a bi-amplified design to power the woofer and tweeter separately.
What controls are available on the rear panel?: The rear panel includes controls for high-frequency and low-frequency adjustments. It also features room compensation controls to tailor the sound to your specific acoustic environment.
What are the intended applications for this monitor?: The B1031A is designed for professional studio mixing and mastering. It is also suitable for general multimedia playback and high-fidelity home listening.
How does the silk dome tweeter affect the sound?: The 1-inch silk dome tweeter is designed to provide crystal-clear highs. Silk domes are typically known for producing a smooth high-end response that reduces ear fatigue during long sessions.
Does this monitor require a separate amplifier?: No, the B1031A is self-powered. You can connect it directly to an audio interface, mixer, or other line-level sources.
Can I adjust the bass response to suit my room?: Yes, the monitor includes low-frequency controls and room compensation settings. These allow you to reduce or boost frequencies to account for placement near walls or in corners.
Is the B1031A sold as a pair or a single unit?: The B1031A is typically sold as a single unit. Users requiring a stereo setup will need to purchase two monitors.
How does it compare to the Yamaha HS5?: The B1031A features a larger 8-inch woofer compared to the 5-inch woofer on the Yamaha HS5. This generally allows the Behringer to produce deeper bass frequencies, though the HS5 is much smaller in physical size.
What makes the woofer 'long-throw'?: A long-throw woofer is designed with a suspension system that allows for greater excursion (movement). This allows the 8-inch driver to move more air and produce more accurate and impactful bass.
Is this monitor suitable for mastering?: Yes, its design goal is accurate audio reproduction. The neutral frequency response and adjustable acoustic controls make it a functional tool for mastering tasks.
What is the typical price range for a single B1031A unit?: The typical price for a single Behringer B1031A monitor is approximately £160. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.