Industry legends KRK are perhaps best known for their Rokit monitor series. Their iconic styling and distinct sound have made them a popular choice for hobbyists and professionals, and their latest fifth-generation series is arguably the best iteration of this legendary series to date.
The KRK Rokit 7 G5 sits comfortably between the larger 8-inch and smaller 5-inch models. It offers ample tuning flexibility, punchy and satisfying output, and the iconic styling synonymous with KRK studio monitors.
We’ve tested and reviewed KRK monitors in the past, but we’ve also had dozens upon dozens of other monitors come across our desks. Over time, we’ve fine-tuned our testing procedures to ensure we get the most comprehensive insight into every monitor we review.
Over 15 years in the industry have also shown us that wider feedback is essential. We’ve cultivated a long list of industry insiders whose opinions we trust to give us even deeper insight into the products we review. But let’s not dwell any longer; let’s dive into how the impressive KRK Rokit 7 G5 scored in our tests.
Features
The new fifth-generation Rokit series brings with it a suite of improvements that bring this iconic monitor series into the modern era. Below, we dive into what is new and what KRK has decided to keep unchanged.
Sound Quality
If you were to conduct a survey to define the iconic aspects of the KRK sound profile, some key features would rise to the surface. The Rokit series offers punchy and satisfying sound with deep low-end but perhaps not as clinical as one might want for certain studio applications.
This has forever changed thanks to the improvements and flexibility the new G5 series offers. For KRK lovers, you don’t need to fear. These monitors still feature the option to have that iconic and powerful sound profile at your fingertips, but with the new voicing options, the KRK Rokit 7 G5 will also appeal to a broader base of people.
The KRK Rokit series is an industry staple.
These voicing options are the biggest new feature, allowing this series of monitors to instantly adapt to different tasks. The first is the Mix voicing profile. It’s a flat and balanced profile that is perfectly suited to studio work where detail and accuracy is paramount.
The next voicing option is Focus. This mode elevates the mid-range with a noticeable yet well-controlled boost. It’s ideal for working with vocals and instrumental components that tend to dominate this frequency range. Refinement and balance of this critical range have never been easier, and it’s an excellent choice for voice-over applications.
The last voicing mode is Create. This mode is all about boosting and elevating, with both the low-end and top-end displaying a boost. This smiley-type curve is perfect for testing how your creations might sound on consumer-level speakers. It’s also a perfect voicing mode for casual listening.
The KRK Rokit series has a reputation for punchy sound.
Between these three voicing modes, the KRK Rokit 7 G5 is exceptionally versatile, making this generation the most flexible Rokit series ever. While in the past, you’d need to be aware of the nuances of the KRK Rokit sound profile and adjust your mixing style accordingly, you can now switch between modes and have full confidence in your decision-making process.
With these changes, the KRK Rokit 7 G5 is among the best in this price category. It will retain its popularity as a go-to choice for beginners, experienced hobbyists, and industry professionals looking for a cost-effective solution to kit out their studios.
Build Quality
The new fifth-generation KRK Rokit series is as tough as ever. KRK has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality products at an enticing price, and this remains unchanged.
At the heart of the KRK Rokit series is the high-quality Woven Kevlar aramid fiber woofer, which helps deliver tight low and mid response. Supporting this is the brand-new silk dome tweeter, which now features a copper cap, a first for the KRK Rokit series.
High build quality at an approachable price.
An efficient amplifier combination and the ultra-tough PVC vinyl-wrapped MDF enclosure, which includes structurally reinforced high-impact polystyrene, support this. But it doesn’t stop there. KRK also includes a faceplate with rigid steel grilles to protect the drivers.
From head to toe, the KRK Rokit 7 G5 displays all the hallmarks of a well-crafted product that will be a mainstay of your studio for years to come.
Specifications
The KRK Rokit 7 G5 also boasts impressive specifications that put it comfortably on par with and above much of the competition in this price bracket.
Within the cabinet is a set of two class D amplifiers, one for the woofer and one for the tweeter. The woofer features a 97-watt amp, and the tweeter features a 48-watt amp for a combined output level of 145 Watts.
Loud output and a broad response.
This power configuration helps the KRK Rokit 7 G5 reach a maximum SPL of 110dB. Loud and punchy output is a hallmark of KRK Rokit monitors, and the latest generation does not disappoint in this area, with clean and precise performance even at higher levels.
The KRK Rokit 7 G5 also offers a broad frequency range of 36Hz-40kHz with a response of 45Hz-36kHz. It has ample punch and depth in the low end to provide satisfying bass performance and room in the top end to deliver crispy highs.
Tuning Options
The new Voicing Modes are the star of the show, but KRK is not content with these and offers even deeper customization options via the onboard tuning controls.
The rotary function dial on the monitor’s rear controls the wealth of options. The small screen is bright and clear, allowing for simple and intuitive navigation. The menus offer a range of boundary and tuning combinations to further refine and fine-tune the output.
Ample flexibility to sculpt the output.
These features help address and correct any problems you might face based on your studio’s acoustical environment. While it might seem a little overwhelming, having access to these features is essential if you want to get the most out of your studio monitors.
When you combine this fine-detail capability with the easy-to-use voicing modes, the KRK Rokit 7 G5 becomes the most flexible and versatile KRK Rokit monitor ever.
If I were to nitpick at anything with the KRK Rokit series, it would be the slightly underwhelming functionality of the KRK app. While you can control some things remotely, you can’t switch between the new voicing modes on the fly via the app. This would have been a really enticing addition, and I hope it gets added to the app in the future.
Design
The KRK Rokit series’ styling is one of its most defining characteristics. The eye-catching yellow woofers have graced the studios of professionals worldwide.
While the yellow was a little too bright in the past, the previous generation and this latest series feature a more restrained yet still inviting hue of yellow. It has a more refined and professional appearance, retaining what made Rokit monitors iconic.
The Rokit 7 G5 looks great with or without the grille.
Beyond the obvious eye appeal of the KRK Rokit 7 G5, the series retains its forward-facing bass port. This not only adds to the aesthetic profile but also helps deliver tight and controlled bass that is punchy and rich without a hint of muddiness.
I’ll be the first to admit that most studio monitors are not inherently that attractive. Design limitations are always present, but KRK has mastered the balance between function, form, and aesthetic appeal.
Dimensions
While the KRK Rokit 7 G5 offers a slightly smaller woofer than the 8-inch model, it is noticeably more compact than its bigger sibling. It’s over 1.5 inches shorter, more narrow, and an inch shorter in depth. If space is an issue for you but you still want a big woofer, the KRK Rokit 7 G5 is a good choice.
The KRK Rokit 7 G5 is a large studio monitor.
The KRK Rokit 7 G5 weighs 16.87 lbs. (7.65 kg), practically identical to the previous generation. It offers an excellent combination of heft and stability without making the monitor feel too cumbersome.
Inputs
KRK uses the same input configuration as the previous generation four series. You’ll have access to a combo jack that supports balanced TRS and XLR connections. It’s a no-frills approach but one that works as intended.
Simple and effective balanced input options.
The lack of an RCA connection might disappoint some people. Still, you’ll want to use TRS or XLR for most studio applications. The KRK Rokit series also offers no further connection options, such as Bluetooth streaming, Aux-In, or a headphone port.
Value
The KRK Rokit series has always struck an excellent balance between performance and price; the latest generation retains this quality. Prices inevitably rise over time as the cost of materials and research and development increases, but KRK has managed to keep the new series reasonably priced.
Isolation pads decouple your monitor from surfaces.
I’ve always appreciated options in this price bracket. It’s an excellent entry point for artists who want reliable monitors but are unwilling to spend big on top-end choices.
The inclusion of a grille-free baffle, which is great if you want that iconic yellow woofer to shine bright, adds to the value proposition. Also within the box is a set of isolation pads, which further add to the value on offer.
Keep It Fun
Creating music is a highly rewarding creative pursuit, but as with any creative pursuit, it can be challenging to stay motivated. There are ample tips and resources online that give excellent insight into how to stay motivated, but I want to focus on just one small aspect that has helped me greatly.
More than anything else, it’s important to keep the process fun. Remembering why you began your creative journey and reflecting on your accomplishments can help reset your mental state, but sometimes, you need to break free and have some fun.
Staying motivated can be challenging.
Whenever I feel a creative glut, I take time to enjoy music, both my own creations and those of my favorite artists. I’ll dabble around and toy with ideas without an expressed goal. Sometimes, you need to let your mind wander in new directions without placing too much expectation on yourself. You’ll often find this liberating process leads to new ideas that spark your motivation.
So, if you ever feel doubt creeping in or your motivation lacking, take some time to inject the fun back into your creative process.
Alternatives
If you are still deciding whether the KRK Rokit 7 G5 is the right monitor for your needs, it is worthwhile exploring some other options. There are ample options available, and the quality of offerings in this price bracket continues to increase with each passing year.
Tannoy GOLD 5
The 7-inch KRK’s sheer size might be too much for some studio spaces. If you want something a little more compact, the Tannoy GOLD 5 is a good alternative at a similar price point.
- Ultra-refined dual concentric drivers deliver superb point-source imaging.
- Ample character with an eye-catching gold and black design.
- Less tuning flexibility than what the KRK Rokit 7 G5 offers.
Tannoy GOLD 5
Pioneer DJ VM-70
The Pioneer DJ VM-70 is another attractive 7-inch studio monitor that offers good flexibility to sculpt output to your liking. It also offers an RCA connection point, which some people might need.
- Satisfying sound that you can tweak to different applications.
- Attractive design and is noticeably cheaper than the Rokit 7 G5.
- The sound profile is less refined or balanced.
Pioneer DJ VM-70
Kali Audio LP 8 V2
Kali Audio is a relatively new brand, but it has already made a big splash in the industry thanks to a talented and experienced team at the helm. The 8-inch LP-8 V2 offers excellent sound and high build quality.
- Balanced sound profile that is ultra-accurate.
- Loud output and near non-existent distortion at higher levels.
- While functional, the tuning controls are less user-friendly than the KRK Rokit 7 G5.
Kali Audio LP 8 V2
Our Verdict
I’ll admit that based on the initial information, I was already highly confident that the new fifth-generation Rokit series would be a huge hit. After spending time testing and assessing the new KRK Rokit 7 G5, my confidence was valid.
This latest series offers improvements in multiple areas and is a worthy successor to previous ROkit generations. My favorite feature is the new voicing modes, which open up the possibilities of using this monitor in situations where, in the past, I might have looked at alternatives.
The build quality is also exceptional, and the iconic design is hard to beat. With an approachable price tag, the KRK Rokit 7 G5 is sure to become another popular choice for both beginners and industry professionals.
KRK Rokit 7 G5
Overall Rating (9/10)
