What is the primary purpose of the Tannoy Reveal 802?

The Reveal 802 is designed for mixing and mastering applications in a studio environment. It aims to provide clear, crisp, and transparent audio for accurate monitoring.

How much power does the internal amplifier provide?

The monitor features 100W of custom-tuned amplification. This power is distributed via a bi-amplified system to the woofer and tweeter.

What size are the drivers in the Reveal 802?

It is equipped with an 8-inch low-frequency woofer and a 1-inch soft-dome high-frequency tweeter. This combination supports an extended frequency response.

Is the Tannoy Reveal 802 an active or passive monitor?

It is an active monitor, meaning it has built-in power amplifiers and an active crossover. It does not require an external power amp to function.

What is the benefit of the front-firing bass port?

The front-firing port helps provide a more pronounced low-frequency performance. It also allows the monitor to be placed closer to walls without the bass turbulence issues often found in rear-ported designs.

Can the sound of the monitor be adjusted for different rooms?

Yes, the Reveal 802 includes volume and EQ settings on the unit. These controls allow the user to customise how the monitor reacts to the specific acoustics of their room.

What makes this monitor suitable for mastering?

The use of premium-grade components and an active crossover results in a balanced and transparent sound. This accuracy is vital for making final adjustments during the mastering process.

How does the Reveal 802 compare to the Yamaha HS5?

The Reveal 802 features a larger 8-inch woofer compared to the 5-inch woofer on the HS5. This generally results in deeper bass extension and higher power handling for the Tannoy model.

Is the Tannoy Reveal 802 sold as a pair or a single unit?

The Reveal 802 is typically sold as a single monitor. Users usually purchase two units to create a standard stereo monitoring setup.

What is the typical price range for this monitor?

The Tannoy Reveal 802 typically retails for approximately GBP 149 per unit. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Does the monitor include DSP (Digital Signal Processing)?

Unlike the M-Audio Forty Eighty which features DSP, the Reveal 802 uses a traditional active crossover and analogue EQ settings for room adjustment.

What type of tweeter does the Reveal 802 use?

It uses a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter. This design is intended to provide clear and non-fatiguing high-frequency reproduction.

Gear article

Tannoy Reveal 802 Studio Monitor

The Tannoy Reveal 802 is an active, bi-amplified 8-inch studio monitor designed for mixing and mastering applications. It features 100 watts of custom-tuned amplification and a front-firing bass port to provide a clear, transparent, and balanced audio profile across a wide frequency range.

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Overview

The Tannoy Reveal 802 is a professional-grade studio monitor engineered to deliver high-fidelity sound for critical listening environments. As a bi-amplified system, it employs dedicated internal power units for both the high and low-frequency drivers, ensuring that each component operates at peak efficiency. The design focuses on providing a transparent and balanced output, which is essential for engineers and producers who require an accurate representation of their audio during the mixing and mastering stages.

Design and Construction

The monitor is built around an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter. A notable design choice is the inclusion of a front-firing bass port. Unlike rear-ported monitors, this configuration allows for more flexible placement within a room, including positions closer to walls, while providing a more pronounced and direct low-frequency response. The integration of premium-grade components and an active crossover ensures optimal audio fidelity across the entire frequency spectrum.

Technical Features

The Reveal 802 is powered by a 100W custom-tuned amplifier module. To assist with room integration, the rear panel includes adjustable volume and EQ settings. These controls allow the user to customise the monitor's response to suit the specific acoustics of their workspace. The extended frequency response offered by the 8-inch driver makes it particularly suitable for genres that require detailed monitoring of sub-bass and low-mid frequencies without the immediate necessity of an external subwoofer.

Target Audience and Use Cases

Due to its size and power, the Reveal 802 is best suited for medium to large studio spaces where a fuller sound is required. Its transparent character makes it a tool for professionals involved in mixing and mastering who need to hear subtle details in their recordings. While it offers a balanced response, the 8-inch woofer provides enough low-end extension to satisfy electronic music producers and film composers who work with dense, bass-heavy arrangements.

Comparative Analysis

Within the studio monitor market, the Reveal 802 occupies a competitive space alongside other 8-inch and high-performance models.

Large-Format Alternatives: Those seeking premium precision often look towards the Genelec 8050B or the Neumann KH 120-II, though these typically carry a higher price point.
Mid-Range Competitors: The M-Audio Forty Eighty offers DSP-based tuning, while the Focal Shape 65 provides a different approach to driver design with passive radiators.
Entry-Level/Compact Options: For smaller rooms, the Yamaha HS5 or Behringer 1C-BK may be considered, though they lack the low-end extension and power of the 802's 8-inch configuration.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Tannoy Reveal 802?: The Reveal 802 is designed for mixing and mastering applications in a studio environment. It aims to provide clear, crisp, and transparent audio for accurate monitoring.
How much power does the internal amplifier provide?: The monitor features 100W of custom-tuned amplification. This power is distributed via a bi-amplified system to the woofer and tweeter.
What size are the drivers in the Reveal 802?: It is equipped with an 8-inch low-frequency woofer and a 1-inch soft-dome high-frequency tweeter. This combination supports an extended frequency response.
Is the Tannoy Reveal 802 an active or passive monitor?: It is an active monitor, meaning it has built-in power amplifiers and an active crossover. It does not require an external power amp to function.
What is the benefit of the front-firing bass port?: The front-firing port helps provide a more pronounced low-frequency performance. It also allows the monitor to be placed closer to walls without the bass turbulence issues often found in rear-ported designs.
Can the sound of the monitor be adjusted for different rooms?: Yes, the Reveal 802 includes volume and EQ settings on the unit. These controls allow the user to customise how the monitor reacts to the specific acoustics of their room.
What makes this monitor suitable for mastering?: The use of premium-grade components and an active crossover results in a balanced and transparent sound. This accuracy is vital for making final adjustments during the mastering process.
How does the Reveal 802 compare to the Yamaha HS5?: The Reveal 802 features a larger 8-inch woofer compared to the 5-inch woofer on the HS5. This generally results in deeper bass extension and higher power handling for the Tannoy model.
Is the Tannoy Reveal 802 sold as a pair or a single unit?: The Reveal 802 is typically sold as a single monitor. Users usually purchase two units to create a standard stereo monitoring setup.
What is the typical price range for this monitor?: The Tannoy Reveal 802 typically retails for approximately GBP 149 per unit. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Does the monitor include DSP (Digital Signal Processing)?: Unlike the M-Audio Forty Eighty which features DSP, the Reveal 802 uses a traditional active crossover and analogue EQ settings for room adjustment.
What type of tweeter does the Reveal 802 use?: It uses a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter. This design is intended to provide clear and non-fatiguing high-frequency reproduction.