When it was initially revealed, the new M-Audio Forty series instantly caught my eye. At a surface level, it looked like a serious contender in an increasingly competitive market. After testing out the smaller Forty Sixty model, I was eager to try out its bigger sibling.
The M-Audio Forty Eighty lives up to my expectations, with a well-controlled and neutral response that still offers some joy and delight for casual listening situations. Loud output levels and robust build quality support this.
After over 15 years in the industry, I’ve had a lot of studio monitors come across my desk for review. In that time, we’ve developed and refined our testing process to ensure we deliver comprehensive reviews you can trust.
We also leverage our broad network of industry experts to elevate our testing scope beyond our studio setting and into the wider array of situations where studio monitors are essential. So, let’s dive into why we confidently recommend the new M-Audio Forty Eighty.
Features
The M-Audio Forty Eighty is a punchy 8-inch studio monitor with interesting and useful features. While it isn’t perfect, it has also become one of my favorite M-Audio studio monitors that they have released.
Sound Quality
While I never disliked M-Audio monitors, they were rarely my go-to choice for more serious studio applications. They were more than fine and capable for beginners, more casual applications, and light editing work, but they lacked the finesse I demand for more intensive work.
That has changed with the release of the Forty series. The Forty Eighty delivers in many key areas I assess when reviewing studio monitors. The most striking improvement from other M-Audio monitors is the well-controlled and neutral sound profile. The balanced sound profile makes this a decent choice for critical listening applications.
The Forty Eighty is the largest option in the Forty series.
The low-end offers ample punch and precision, and the 8-inch woofer left me grinning from ear to ear. Even at louder volume levels, the bass remained tight and focused without distortion or aggressive warmth. Reliable low-end performance.
The mid-range was also solid, with good definition and character across this critical frequency range. I tested a wide array of genres and am impressed with the clarity and depth offered. Everything from vocal performances to detailed instrumental compositions offered a delightful listening experience.
The Forty Eighty is an excellent choice for studio applications.
The top end was clear with a hint of brightness. Overly bright monitors fatigue my ears but I didn’t experience any issues over longer sessions. The right amount of sparkle without resorting to an aggressive top-end boost to provide the illusion of clarity.
As mentioned previously, the Forty Eighty is among the best studio monitors ever from M-Audio. It offers a refined and engaging sound profile for studio work and the option for a more hyped sound profile, but more on that later in the tuning section.
Build Quality
The Forty Eighty also scores highly in our build quality tests. The rugged cabinet features an MDF frame with vinyl wrapping. It is solid and robust, and the wrapping is expertly applied.
A robust cabinet and high quality components.
Component quality is also high, and the Forty Eighty features a professional-grade Burr-Brown A-D converter and a Class AB power configuration in a bi-amplified setup. This is another nod to how this studio monitor is a step above other M-Audio offerings.
The Kevlar woofer and soft dome tweeter are other high-quality additions. Excellent buttons, dials, and connection points complete the premium feel. There is little to fault here. The only caveat is that since these are new, their potential longevity is still unknown.
Specifications
The impressive specs were one of the initial things that drew my attention to this new studio monitor from M-Audio. But numbers and words on paper matter little until you put the monitor to the test, and thankfully, the M-Audio held its own and lived up to the details on paper.
The frequency response is generous, and the M-Audio Forty Eighty can dig deep into the low end. At 32Hz at -10dB, the Forty Eighty delivers punchy and satisfying low-end performance. This impressive low-end performance makes it an inviting contender for people wanting a set of monitors for DJ practice sessions.
High output volume and excellent low-end reach.
The high Max SPL of 116dB solidifies it as a good choice for DJing in the studio or at home. Performance in the upper range is also clean with none to minimal distortion as we pushed the studio monitor to its limits.
Under the hood is the Burr-Brown A-D converter. The power configuration offers 150W of total power, with 80W for the low-frequency driver and 70W for the high-frequency driver. The Class AB bi-amplified approach also ensures that each amp is finely tuned to its corresponding driver.
Tuning Options
There are both positives and negatives in this area. However, before I dive into the details, it’s worth mentioning that some of this is personal bias based on years in the industry and a preference for certain approaches. Your mileage may vary.
I’ll start with the positives. The M-Audio Forty Eighty offers a forward-facing Speaker Mode button that allows you to switch between Hype, Flat, and Custom.
Hype mode alters the curve to more closely resemble consumer-style sound profiles with elevated low-end and top-end. It is ideal for casual listening and DJ practice sessions. Flat mode is best suited for critical listening applications and is the go-to choice for studio work. The last mode directly links with the settings you’ve set on the Control App. At this point, I’ll jump to the negatives.
The Control App features a 5-band EQ.
I’m all for embracing new technology, but I don’t particularly appreciate losing tactile onboard controls. The app works well and offers an impressive range of tuning flexibility with customized presets and a 5-band EQ. It’s also a very convenient tuning option.
This is all fine and good until you don’t have your phone. I would have liked some more onboard controls beyond essentially two presets. An app also requires support to maintain compatibility with new operating systems. How long will M-Audio continue to support this app? Only time will tell.
It could be that I’m a little old-school-minded, but I would have loved to see more onboard controls to complement the convenient app functionality.
Design
The aesthetic design of the M-Audio Forty Eighty is another element that caught my eye. This is a smart and stylish monitor that expertly balances form and function with design flair. The goldish yellow of the cone draws the eye and matches well with the logo branding and text. The hard edge surrounding the waveguide adds to the eye appeal.
Attractive styling.
I also like the decision to have forward-facing controls. It allows for easy access to both the Speaker Modes and Bluetooth Pairing. However, you’ll still need to reach around the back for volume control. A rear-facing port can be problematic in tighter spaces, but with some tweaking of the EQ via the app, you should be able to accommodate any room-based issues that arise.
Dimensions
As expected, the M-Aduio Forty Eighty is a large studio monitor due to the 8-inch woofer cone. Finding appropriate space for these big speakers may be challenging in smaller studios.
The Forty Eighty is a large studio monitor.
Likewise, due to the solid MDF cabinet, the Forty Eighty is quite heavy—22 lbs. (10 kg). While it does add to the premium feel of the speaker, you’ll need to double-check the weight capacity for any stands you use.
Inputs
The M-Audio Forty Eighty offers two primary input options on the monitor’s rear: an XLR connection and a 1/4″ TRS connection point. Notably absent is an RCA connection. While far from a dealbreaker, this limitation did limit the types of DJ controllers I could connect to the Forty Eighty.
Two input options plus Bluetooth connectivity.
Bluetooth connectivity is also available, which is an uncommon feature for monitors that focus on studio work. Bluetooth connectivity facilitates connection to the M-Audio Studio Control app and opens up the option to stream music.
When you combine the ability to switch to Hype mode via the front-facing Speaker Modes button, you can rapidly go from serious studio work to casually listening to streamed music within seconds.
Value
The quality level on display in the M-Audio Forty Eighty results in a much higher price tag than many other M-Audio monitors. But context is key. This is a highly capable studio monitor that is in a different league compared to cheaper options.
While the price might be higher, it is still competitively priced against similar offerings. The addition of Bluetooth control also adds to the value proposition.
When I factor in the sonic performance, build quality, and feature set, the M-Audio Forty Eighty represents good value for money. It is a worthwhile option if you are looking at 8-inch monitors in this price range.
Using Monitors For DJ Practice
A pair of 8-inch studio monitors is a great choice for practicing your DJ sessions at home. These larger monitors offer louder volume levels and solid low-end performance, making practice time a fun and engaging experience.
To get the most out of your sessions, I have a few tips to offer. By far the most important is to make sure the monitors are correctly positioned. They should be at ear level and ideally pointing towards you to form a triangle. Finding the sweet spot will ensure you achieve maximum sound quality.
Large studio monitors are a good choice for DJ practice sessions.
While most studio monitors offer flat sound, you might want to experiment with settings to get a more “club-like” sound profile from your monitors during your practice sessions.
If you want to increase bass response, you’ll need to look at investing in a subwoofer. Don’t blindly push your monitors to breaking point with over-EQing or excessive volume, and of course, be mindful of your ears. Tinnitus is no joke, so don’t listen to excessively loud music for long stretches.
Alternatives
If you are considering purchasing an 8-inch studio monitor, there are many choices available. Below, I take a quick look at some alternatives worth considering before committing to the M-Audio Forty Eighty.
Mackie CR8BT
For those looking to acquire a set of 8-inch monitors with Bluetooth functionality but on a smaller budget, the third-generation Mackie CR8BT is a good alternative.
- A complete two-speaker setup for the price of one Forty Eighty.
- Attractive styling and a forward-facing headphone jack.
- It’s not as loud or as neutral as the Forty Eighty.
Mackie CR8BT
Tannoy GOLD 7
The Tannoy GOLD 7 is a more compact alternative. It offers impressive studio-quality sound and a superior imaging experience compared to the Forty Eighty, and it’s within the same price range.
- The sound profile is neutral and exceptionally refined.
- Eye-catching dual concentric drivers in a sleek black box.
- Minimal tuning controls and no Bluetooth connectivity.
Tannoy GOLD 7
JBL 308P MKII
The NAMM TEC Award-Winning JBL 308P MKII is another excellent choice worth considering. This 8-inch monitor offers a lower price point while still delivering excellent sound performance.
- Well-balanced sound with a wide sweet spot.
- Excellent value for money and onboard tuning controls.
- Lacks Bluetooth and is less eye-catching than the Forty Eighty.
JBL 308P MKII
Our Verdict
M-Audio has made a huge leap forward with the Forty series. I can comfortably see myself using these in a variety of situations. They are more than capable enough for studio work, excellent for casual listening, and a loud and engaging choice for DJ practice sessions.
The M-Audio Forty Eighty also offers excellent build quality and an attractive look that will blend well into any studio setting. With a competitive price point, I can see it as a leading choice in this price bracket and well worth considering.
M-Audio Forty Eighty
Overall Rating (8/10)
