When it comes to studio monitors, M-Audio is best known for its budget BX series. While they are decent multimedia reference monitors, they were not a go-to choice for more serious studio work.
The new Forty series is a big step forward in the right direction. It has some fantastic features and, more importantly, a balanced sound profile that is far more appropriate for studio work. In this review, we check out the smallest entry in the new series: the M-Audio Forty Sixty.
Reviewing and testing monitors is a big part of our site. Over the years, we have reviewed dozens of monitors, everything from budget choices to high-end studio-grade gear. In that time, we’ve developed a detailed process to assess each monitor.
We’ve also teamed up with like-minded industry experts to get even deeper insight into the products we review, which is essential, especially with studio monitors. Every studio is different, and every professional has different needs. The result is a comprehensive look at any monitor that we review. So, let’s dive in and see what Forty Sixty has to offer.
Features
The M-Audio Forty Sixty delivers reliable sound in an attractive package. It also takes an interesting approach that merges the old with the new, blending the features you might see on more consumer-focused options and presenting them in a professional studio product.
Sound Quality
We’ll kick things off with the most important assessment for any studio monitor. Based on the initial reveal of the Forty series, I had some reasonably high expectations and was hopeful that M-Audio could deliver a worthwhile contender in an increasingly competitive space.
Once I got my hands on the M-Audio Forty Sixty and ran it through our tests, I was pleasantly surprised that my high expectations were met. This is a great-sounding 6.5-inch monitor at a reasonable price point.
The new Forty Series offers excellent sound quality.
The low-end offers ample depth and punch while retaining precision. I put it through its paces with a range of genres, but considering our background in the DJ world, I paid extra attention to its performance with bass-heavy electronic music genres. The Forty Sixty performed well, delivering a tight and satisfying low-end response.
Moving into the critical mid-range, I opted to test out vocal-heavy songs along with some voiceovers and was impressed with the definition and vibrancy. The same solid results were present when I challenged the monitor with more instrumental compositions.
High accuracy for studio applications.
The top end is on the bright side, which is not a bad thing in itself. However, some professionals may find an overly bright top end a little fatiguing for longer sessions. For what it’s worth, I ran these over the course of a full day and didn’t find the top end overly bright for my tastes.
Directivity and projection were also impressive, with a generous sweet spot that didn’t lose any tonal accuracy as you approached the boundaries of its projection range. The response is well-controlled and nice and flat, making it a good choice for a range of studio tasks. M-Audio has crafted an impressive monitor that can compete with some of the other popular choices in this price range.
Build Quality
The Forty Sixty’s construction and component quality earn this punchy monitor some more points. The solid vinyl-wrapped MDF cabinet offers enough heft and robustness to give it a premium feel.
Excellent component quality and a solid cabinet.
The finishing is superb, and the internals are equally great. It has a professional-grade Burr-Brown A-D converter and a bi-amplified Class AB power configuration. The Kevlar woofer and soft dome tweeter are also high-quality.
The connection points at the rear, along with the trim control, feel solid and reliable. The forward-facing buttons also meet the high standards I expect from a piece of gear that needs to last the distance in a busy studio.
Specifications
As mentioned in the previous section, M-Audio has opted for a Class AB power configuration with a total of 100 Watts: 60 Watts for the low-frequency driver and 40 Watts for the high-frequency tweeter.
The power setup provides an impressive maximum SPL of 113dB. I never work at high volumes for long periods, but I like having the headroom available. When I did push the M-Audio Forty Sixty to its limits in a DJ practice session, I was satisfied with the consistency at higher volume levels and the low amount of distortion.
Impressive reach into the lower frequencies.
The broad 120 by 90-degree coverage pattern was also great for both studio work and DJ practice sessions. The frequency response of 39Hz—22kHz (-10dB) was also ample to deliver satisfying low-end performance with enough reach in the top end to deliver crisp detail.
The M-Audio Forty Sixty also features Bluetooth, which I’ll cover in more detail later, but for reference, it offers version 5.3 with a range of 100ft (30.5 m). From top to bottom, the spec sheet is impressive and lives up to the stated figures in testing.
Tuning Options
In some ways, I like the approach that M-Audio has taken with the Forty Sixty regarding tuning controls, but with that approach come some minor quibbles and questions that I had a hard time shaking off.
Convenient forward-facing Speaker Mode button.
At the front of the unit is a simple button to switch between three modes: Hype, Flat, and Custom. The Hype mode is great for casual listening and DJ practice sessions, with an elevated bass response and a boosted top end. The Flat mode keeps the response tight and linear for critical listening, while the Custom mode works with the settings you’ve established on the Control App.
This is where my concerns begin. I’ll admit I enjoy the convenience of using a mobile app to tune the monitor. It’s fantastic not having to reach around to the rear, return to your seated position, and then go back to make further changes. The app itself is straightforward and offers a decent range of tuning flexibility, including customized presets and a 5-band EQ.
Handy app but at the cost of onboard controls.
However, I would have liked this to be a supplementary option to onboard controls. Call me old school, but tactile control is not something I want to give up. This raises questions like how long M-Audio will support the app and what happens if you don’t have your phone with you. As mentioned, decades of personal bias are a thing, so you’ll need to consider your stance on app controls.
Design
The M-Audio Forty Sixty offers a modern and attractive aesthetic that catches the eye. The golden yellow gives me KRK vibes. Still, the rest of the design instantly separates and gives it its unique character.
The wide waveguide also adds eye appeal, but on a technical side, I wonder why it offers such a hard edge. The choice to continue with the same golden yellow hue for the branding and functions completes the look. I’ve seen ample bland and lifeless-looking monitors in my days, and the M-Audio Forty Sixty is not one of them.
Attractive and modern styling.
The decision to offer the Speaker Mode button on the front is also welcome. It’s easy to reach and great for switching back and forth to test how your latest creation might sound on commercial speaker systems.
The rear-facing port does an excellent job of delivering a satisfying bass response, but it could inevitably be slightly problematic if you need to place these monitors close to a wall. If you have no choice but to place these near a wall, I suggest playing with the Control App to fine-tune your EQ to compensate for any bass build-up.
Dimensions
The M-Audio Forty Sixty is a relatively large monitor due to its 6.5-inch cone. However, if you are familiar with monitors of this size, it comfortably fits into the type of dimensions you would expect. Having said that, you’llyou’ll need to ensure you have adequate space available.
The Forty Sixty is a large monitor with a weighty cabinet.
The Forty Sixty is also quite hefty, thanks to the solid MDF cabinet. At 15.8 lbs (7.2 kg), it certainly isn’t light, but this heft does add to its premium feel and confidence in its durability. As always, ensure any stands can comfortably handle the weight.
Inputs
Connectivity is one area where M-Audio has opted to blur the line between studio and consumer features. The result is a versatile monitor that can handle both professional applications and casual listening needs.
You’ll have access to TRS or XLR connection points at the monitor’s rear. Notably absent is an RCA connection. While it isn’t a mandatory requirement, I always appreciate having all three available for maximum connection flexibility.
Two balanced input options plus Bluetooth streaming.
The lack of RCA connectivity becomes more evident when you factor in the marketing of the M-Audio as a good choice for DJ practice sessions. Many entry-level DJ controllers feature RCA connectivity, so not having it here is a missed opportunity.
The M-Audio Forty Sixty shines because it includes Bluetooth connectivity. Pairing is quick and seamless, and you don’t need to disconnect the primary connection to access it.
It is excellent to be able to tackle studio work but then effortlessly jump into casual listening when you are done, and I took full advantage of this when testing this monitor. Add to this the easy-to-access Speaker Mode switch, and the Forty Sixty shines as a jack of all trades that is simple and easy to use.
Value
The M-Audio Forty Sixty is a noticeable step up in quality from M-Audio’s other monitor options, and with that does come an increased price point. However, it is still aggressively priced and is noticeably cheaper than many other 6—to 7-inch monitors.
Added functionality like Bluetooth adds to the value proposition, and I can imagine that excluding detailed onboard tuning controls went a long way toward keeping the price down and making the Forty Sixty an appealing alternative to other popular monitors of this size.
The build quality and audio performance are also excellent, making the M-Audio Forty Sixty a good investment for people who want a set of quality monitors while still aiming to keep costs down.
Test To Impress
Owning an excellent set of studio monitors is vital to crafting excellent mixes. However, what might sound good on one system might only sometimes translate how you think when played on a different system.
Testing your creations in various settings gives you deeper insight into any areas you want to tweak. Often, this requires you to test your latest project in multiple locations, which can be time-consuming and can also break your workflow if you are in the zone.
Testing your projects can give you deeper insight into potential issues.
This is why I like the Speaker Mode option available on the M-Audio Forty Sixty. Instant access to a more consumer-based sound profile that emulates what your latest creation might sound like on a car stereo system or earbuds is a big timesaver and can give you vital information when making mixing decisions.
However, even if your studio monitor doesn’t offer this feature, it is good practice to always test your projects in different environments. If you test, you’ll more than likely impress.
Alternatives
There has never been a greater range of options for people looking to buy studio monitors. So before you hand over your hard-earned money, it’s worthwhile having a look at some alternatives. Below, I quickly examine a small selection of those alternate choices.
Mackie CR5BT
For those who want to stretch their budget, the latest iteration of the CR series from Mackie is worth considering. This pair of monitors features many consumer-focused features while offering solid sound performance.
- Affordable entry-level monitors for those on a budget.
- It features excellent connectivity, including RCA and a headphone jack.
- Less tuning flexibility and is not as flat as the Forty Sixty.
Mackie CR5BT
Pioneer DJ VM-70
If DJ practice sessions are a primary function of your studio monitors, consider the punchy Pioneer DJ VM-70. This attractive monitor packs a meaty punch while offering studio work features.
- Vibrant and engaging sound profile with tuning flexibility.
- Attractive styling and rock-solid build quality.
- No Bluetooth connectivity.
Pioneer DJ VM-70
Tannoy GOLD 7
Stepping up in price is the excellent Tannoy GOLD 7. This dual concentric monitor offers outstanding point source imaging and has a distinct focus on critical listening applications.
- Exceptional sound quality to handle various studio tasks.
- Premium quality components and reliable construction.
- The retro-inspired aesthetic might not be to everyone’s tastes.
Tannoy GOLD 7
Our Verdict
The M-Audio Forty series is a true maturing point for M-Audio studio monitors. I like M-Audio as a brand, and they make some fantastic gear, but its studio monitor offerings were often a second choice for me.
The M-Audio Forty Sixty overcomes these past hesitations and positions itself as an appealing choice within this price range. Its combination of excellent sound, convenient features, and dependable build quality makes it worth picking up, especially if you are aiming to keep costs down without sacrificing quality.
M-Audio Forty Sixty
Overall Rating (8/10)
