What is the total power output of the M-Audio Forty Eighty?

The M-Audio Forty Eighty delivers a total of 150 watts of bi-amplified power, providing high-quality audio with significant headroom for detail.

Does the M-Audio Forty Eighty support wireless audio?

Yes, it features Bluetooth 5.0 capability, which allows for wireless streaming from mobile devices and computers without the need for audio cables.

What is the purpose of the 'Instant Listening Modes'?

These modes allow users to switch between a flat reference sound for mixing and a 'hyped' mode that simulates consumer environments like car stereos or earbuds.

How can users customise the DSP settings on this monitor?

Users can tailor the sound using the built-in DSP crossover and EQ, which are further accessible via the M-Audio Studio Control App.

Who is the primary target audience for the Forty Eighty?

It is designed for music producers, DJs, and content creators who require versatile, high-quality sound for both studio and live use.

Can the M-Audio Forty Eighty be used for live DJ performances?

Yes, its 150-watt output and punchy audio characteristics make it suitable for live club performances as well as studio mixing.

What does 'bi-amplified' mean in the context of this monitor?

Bi-amplified means the monitor uses two separate internal amplifiers—one for the high-frequency driver and one for the low-frequency driver—to ensure cleaner and more efficient power delivery.

Is there a dedicated app for these monitors?

Yes, the monitors are compatible with the M-Audio Studio Control App, which helps manage and adjust the internal settings.

How does the Forty Eighty compare to the Yamaha HS5?

While the Yamaha HS5 is a classic choice for neutral mixing, the Forty Eighty offers additional modern features like Bluetooth 5.0 and DSP-based listening mode simulations.

Does this monitor require an external amplifier?

No, the Forty Eighty is an active monitor, meaning the power amplifiers are built directly into the speaker cabinet.

Can I use the Forty Eighty for professional mixing?

Yes, by using the 'Flat' setting in the Instant Listening Modes, the monitor provides a reference-grade sound suitable for professional mixing tasks.

What is the typical price for a single unit?

The M-Audio Forty Eighty is typically priced at approximately £156, making it a competitive option in the mid-range studio monitor market.

Gear article

M-Audio Forty Eighty Active Studio Monitor

The M-Audio Forty Eighty is an active bi-amplified studio monitor designed for producers, DJs, and content creators. It features 150 watts of power, integrated DSP for room correction, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for wireless audio streaming.

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Overview and Technical Design

The M-Audio Forty Eighty is a professional-grade monitoring solution designed to bridge the gap between critical studio mixing and everyday media consumption. The unit employs a bi-amplified architecture delivering a total of 150 watts, ensuring sufficient headroom for dynamic audio production. It is specifically marketed towards a multi-disciplinary user base, including music producers, DJs, and digital content creators.

Technically, the monitor incorporates an internal Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engine. This system manages the crossover points and EQ curves, allowing users to fine-tune the output to compensate for room acoustics or specific monitoring requirements. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 technology provides a wireless alternative to traditional wired setups, facilitating quick reference checks from mobile devices without additional cabling.

Instant Listening Modes

A defining feature of the Forty Eighty is the 'Instant Listening Modes' functionality. This allows the user to toggle between different sonic profiles instantly:

Flat Reference: Provides a neutral frequency response for accurate mixing and mastering decisions.
Hyped Mode: Simulates standard consumer playback environments, such as car stereos or earbuds.

This feature is designed to help producers ensure their mixes translate effectively across various listening platforms without needing to export files and test them on multiple external systems.

Genelec 8050B Bi-Amped Studio Monitor Dark Grey (Single)

Integration and Control

The monitor is designed to work in tandem with the M-Audio Studio Control App. This software interface provides deeper access to the internal DSP settings, allowing for more granular control over the EQ and listening modes than would be possible via hardware switches alone. This app-centric approach aligns the hardware with modern workflow expectations for creators who prefer software-based control of their hardware environment.

Sound Character and Application

The sound profile of the Forty Eighty is described as clear and punchy, prioritising detail to assist in identifying nuances within a mix. Because of its high power output (150W) and DSP flexibility, it is suitable for a variety of high-volume environments, ranging from home studio mixing to live DJ monitoring in a club setting. The ability to switch between analytical and 'hyped' sound profiles makes it a versatile tool for those who need both accuracy and a preview of consumer-end playback.

Market Comparison

In the studio monitor market, the M-Audio Forty Eighty competes with established models like the Yamaha HS5, though it offers more integrated DSP and wireless features than the Yamaha. While it does not reach the high-end price bracket of professional reference monitors like the Genelec 8050B, Neumann KH 120-II, or Focal Shape 65, it provides a feature-rich alternative for users who require built-in room correction and Bluetooth flexibility at a lower price point. For budget-conscious users, it serves as a more powerful and feature-dense option compared to entry-level monitors like the Behringer 1C-BK.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total power output of the M-Audio Forty Eighty?: The M-Audio Forty Eighty delivers a total of 150 watts of bi-amplified power, providing high-quality audio with significant headroom for detail.
Does the M-Audio Forty Eighty support wireless audio?: Yes, it features Bluetooth 5.0 capability, which allows for wireless streaming from mobile devices and computers without the need for audio cables.
What is the purpose of the 'Instant Listening Modes'?: These modes allow users to switch between a flat reference sound for mixing and a 'hyped' mode that simulates consumer environments like car stereos or earbuds.
How can users customise the DSP settings on this monitor?: Users can tailor the sound using the built-in DSP crossover and EQ, which are further accessible via the M-Audio Studio Control App.
Who is the primary target audience for the Forty Eighty?: It is designed for music producers, DJs, and content creators who require versatile, high-quality sound for both studio and live use.
Can the M-Audio Forty Eighty be used for live DJ performances?: Yes, its 150-watt output and punchy audio characteristics make it suitable for live club performances as well as studio mixing.
What does 'bi-amplified' mean in the context of this monitor?: Bi-amplified means the monitor uses two separate internal amplifiers—one for the high-frequency driver and one for the low-frequency driver—to ensure cleaner and more efficient power delivery.
Is there a dedicated app for these monitors?: Yes, the monitors are compatible with the M-Audio Studio Control App, which helps manage and adjust the internal settings.
How does the Forty Eighty compare to the Yamaha HS5?: While the Yamaha HS5 is a classic choice for neutral mixing, the Forty Eighty offers additional modern features like Bluetooth 5.0 and DSP-based listening mode simulations.
Does this monitor require an external amplifier?: No, the Forty Eighty is an active monitor, meaning the power amplifiers are built directly into the speaker cabinet.
Can I use the Forty Eighty for professional mixing?: Yes, by using the 'Flat' setting in the Instant Listening Modes, the monitor provides a reference-grade sound suitable for professional mixing tasks.
What is the typical price for a single unit?: The M-Audio Forty Eighty is typically priced at approximately £156, making it a competitive option in the mid-range studio monitor market.