Stepping into the realm of 8-inch monitors gives you access to some very good choices. One of these is the next generation Rokit 8 G4. In this review, we take a deep dive to see what this new generation brings to the table.
KRK Rokit 8 G4
Sound Quality
Build Quality
Connection Options
Design
Value
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 builds upon and improves on the previous generation in nearly every way. A robust monitor that offers a suite of features rarely seen at this price point. A great choice for serious producers making them some of the best 8 inch monitor speakers currently available.
PROS
- Outstanding Build-Quality
- Impressive New Generation Tuning
- Includes Isolation Pads
- Broad Sweet Spot
CONS
- Requires Tuning For Best Sound
Features
The new generation Rokit studio monitors offer plenty of innovative features. Let’s check them out in more detail.
Sound Quality
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 maintains excellent sound quality. As with many speakers you’ll need to break these in before they’ll be at their best.
The balance is decent. Though as is common with KRK the low end is a little more pronounced. This is great if you don’t want to add a subwoofer to your setup. But it is not ideal for flat response listening. Highs are crisp and clear. Mids are also satisfying.
The sound is warm and pleasant which is great for minimizing ear fatigue. It is an iconic sound that is found throughout the entire lineup of KRK products.
The sweet spot is also generous which makes these an excellent option for producers that move about their studio.
The big 203W Class D amplifier powers out an impressive 111dB SPL. More than enough volume for studio use. Even at higher volumes, clarity and balance are good.
The Rokit 8 G4 is an excellent sounding monitor, especially if you like to produce music with a more robust low end.
Build Quality
KRK has a history of producing quality studio monitors. The new G4 generation continues this tradition.
High-quality materials make the Rokit monitors a good long-term investment.
The pro-level materials are evident throughout the whole speaker. From the Kevlar woofers and tweeters to the quality of the LCD screen. Further attention to detail for interior components is also present. A high-quality Class D amp along with extras like a brickwall limiter is excellent.
It’s a solid monitor that will last. Well suited to the working professional that puts their monitors through their paces regularly.
Specifications
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 features an 8-inch Kevlar cone woofer for the low-end frequencies. Supplementing that is a 1-inch kevlar dome tweeter for the higher frequencies. With a Bi-amped design, each driver has an independent amp to regulate output.
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 is a large and capable studio monitor.
The frequency response sits at 36Hz – 40kHz. The extra depth to the low-end contributes to the satisfying bass response. Still plenty of room in the high-end too for maximum clarity.
Tuning Options
This is where the KRK Rokit 8 G4 shines. It features next-generation tuning functionality.
While other speakers opt for standard switches or knobs KRK has taken it a step further. You can adjust the speaker output via the onboard DSP. From here you can apply room correction, crossover, and polarity settings just to name a few. The LCD screen shows all the information you need. Navigating the menu is easy via the dial that doubles as the volume control.
Easy to use and powerful DSP Room Tuning.
There is so much you can do that it makes the Rokit 8 G4 one of the most versatile studio monitors available. Full flexibility to adjust to your studio space.
Taking it up another level is the KRK app. Simple to use and packed with excellent features. The real-time spectral analysis gives further insight into what changes you may need to make. It also guides you on speaker placement and level matching. This is perfect for first-time setup. It’s also ideal for beginners that may not be aware of the intricacies of studio monitor placement.
This new generation of tuning options is something I hope more manufacturers embrace. An innovative step that’s perfect for both new and established producers.
Connection Options
Input-wise the KRK Rokit 8 G4 keeps things very simple. A solitary combo jack supports ¼-inch TRS and XLR. There are no extra input options available.
The Rokit 8 G4 opts for a combo jack for balanced input.
If you have intentions of using RCA cables you’ll need to invest in some conversion cables.
Design
The iconic design of the KRK Rokit series is legendary. The yellow woofers are a staple of many studios. Both professional and beginner. While the design is subjective it’s hard to understate how popular these are.
There is also a white version available if you don’t like black monitors.
The latest iteration retains the iconic yellow but it is more mellow now. An improvement over the previous brighter yellow. It still makes a statement without the overbearing nature of the last generation. Plus you have the option of opting for a white model if that will suit your studio better.
The textured matte finish is also great. It doesn’t collect dust and retains a professional appearance. Add to this the large bass port and you have an attractive monitor on your hands.
Dimensions
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 is a large monitor as you would expect from an 8-inch speaker. If you are tight on space you may want to check out the smaller models in the range.
Make sure you have enough room to accommodate these large monitors.
At 22.6lbs (10.25kg) it is a hefty and durable speaker. The included isolation pads help to keep these big speakers secure. Plus they further reduce vibration interference.
Value
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 is on the expensive side. But to be honest I’m glad it is. Materials are top-notch, innovation is high and sound quality is good. You can tell that KRK was not looking at reducing costs and instead focused on making the best monitor they could. This is a clear case of you get what you pay for.
It is a big investment so if you are on the fence there are some budget alternatives available.
What Others Have To Say
KRK is a favorite among many people but especially DJs. While dedicated producers mention the slightly overemphasized low end. Something you can correct using the tuning features.
Striking The Balance
Selecting the right studio monitors is trickier than it seems. You need to accommodate a variety of factors.
One of the biggest factors is your studio space. If you have a small studio you not need large studio monitors. If your goal is to mainly use them for music production a smaller set of monitors may be enough.
Selecting the right size monitor is almost as important as the monitor itself.
But, larger monitors do offer more headroom in volume. The added size of the woofer can also give you a much better low-end response. Something that may be very important depending on the genre of music you create.
Finding the balance between your room size and the size of your monitors is important. If you want larger monitors and your studio space is small make sure to pick monitors with solid tuning options. This will help ensure you get the most out of your new speakers.
Other Options
There are some compelling alternatives to the Rokit 8 G4. Here are some other monitors worth considering.
PreSonus R80 V2 Review
The PreSonus R80 V2 is an excellent alternative if you are looking for an 8-inch monitor. The ultra-flat response is a producer’s dream. Fantastic for analytical listening while also offering a broad sweet spot.
- An excellent flat response sound profile that’s ideal for producing.
- High-quality materials and components.
- A little overpriced, keep an eye out for deals below retail.
JBL 305P MkII Review
If the size of the KRK is too large the JBL 305P MkII is a good option. The smaller 5-inch woofer still offers a rich low-end.
- Generous sound stage for filling a room.
- Smooth low-end that is very satisfying.
- Not as balanced as other studio monitors.
PreSonus Eris E7 XT Review
The PreSonus Eris E7 XT is a budget option if you want to set your studio up on the cheap. This update from PreSonus is already gathering positive reviews. Good balance, excellent build quality for the price, and a good selection of features.
- Affordable alternative to other larger studio monitors.
- Flexible connection and tuning options put the power in your hands.
- The top end is a little bright, you might need to adjust the high-frequency trim.
Should You Buy?
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 is a big leap from the previous generation. Improved styling while maintaining the KRK iconic look. Advanced tuning options that other speakers don’t offer. Plus sound that is capable and rich.
If you are looking for an 8-Inch studio monitor that packs a huge punch the Rokit 8 G4 is a great choice.
