Thanks to a finely crafted balance between performance and affordability, PreSonus has consistently ranked as one of our favorite studio gear brands. And that legacy is in good shape with the refreshed Eris Pro range.
In this review, we take a deep dive into the new and impressive PreSonus Eris Pro 6, a high-quality, well-priced coaxial studio monitor that punches well above its price point.
Our website is a central hub for gear reviews and guides. We are passionate music and gear nerds, and after over 15 years in the industry, we’ve seen it all.
We’ve had the chance to review countless monitors, including many PreSonus options. But beyond our own testing, we’ve taken it a step further and engaged with our friends in the industry for even greater insight into PreSonus’s new Pro series.
Features
The refreshed Eris Pro line features six and eight-inch options with a complimentary ten-inch subwoofer for those who need more low-end performance. Below, I take a detailed look at the family’s smallest member.
Sound Quality
The previous iteration of this coaxial studio monitor offered solid and dependable performance, and that remains the case with the new Eris Pro 6; if anything, most of the changes appear to be cosmetic rather than technical.
The bass response is still crisp and defined with a healthy amount of punch. The large front-facing port delivers a satisfying response, but some might want a little more oomph.
Don’t get me wrong—I like refined and precise bass, and the Eris Pro 6 excels at providing definition. However, if you work with bass-heavy genres or productions, I would suggest adding a subwoofer or opting for the larger 8-inch model.
The Pro series is the top of the line offering in PreSonus studio monitors.
The mid-range is fantastic, with the central point source delivering a smooth transition from the lows to the mids. I’ll admit coaxial designs are challenging to execute well. While not perfect, the Presonus Eris Pro 6 does an admirable job of curtailing some of the prevalent issues that can arise in coaxial monitors.
The top end is clear and equally precise without any harshness. It might not be ultra-refined, but working in tandem with the rest of the range, it results in a harmonious and well-balanced profile that is never dull.
The coaxial design also delivers a wide sweet spot, making it an excellent addition to a broader multi-speaker arrangement. The imaging and spatial positioning are superb, making pinpointing elements within the field effortless.
While it might not offer enough presence for some bass-heavy genres, the Eris Pro 6 is remarkably well-rounded. Within this price bracket, it shines as one of the leading choices.
Build Quality
The PreSonus Eris Pro 6 is at the top of the PreSonus lineup of studio monitors, and its build quality reflects this status. While it might not be the cheapest monitor, it perfectly balances quality with price.
The cabinet is tough, with a vinyl-laminated coating over medium-density fiberboard. The laminate’s texture is resistant to scuffs, and fingerprint marks are not an issue.
High build quality at a reasonable price point.
The drivers match this quality with a woven glass fiber composite woofer and a silk dome tweeter. Supporting this is a high-quality bi-amped setup.
Excellent connection points and reliable switches complete a solid package that can withstand the rigors of frequent use. As always, PreSonus nails the balance, making the Eris Pro 6 an excellent investment in quality and longevity.
Specifications
Diving into the specifications highlights the robust performance on offer. The 6.5-inch woofer and 1.25-inch tweeter in a coaxial setup offer a response that reaches as low as 35Hz—the top-end hits 20kHz, which is pretty typical for studio monitors.
High Max SPL with low distortion.
The 140-watt bi-amped setup also delivers impressive volume levels, with a peak SPL reaching up to 106dB at one meter. Performance remains constant as you increase volume, but as always, expect some discrepancies in the sound profile as you approach the limit.
Tuning Options
When you compare the PreSonus Eris Pro 6 to other studio monitors, this is perhaps the only area that could use improvement.
On the speaker’s rear you’ll have access to Mid and High knobs with a range of -6dB to +6dB. Supplementing these controls is a Low Cutoff with Flat, 80Hz, and 100Hz choices for smooth integration with subwoofers.
The Eris Pro 6 has limited but effective tuning controls.
The other notable tuning control is the Acoustic Space switch, which has -4dB, -2dB, and 0dB settings. If you are experiencing sonic issues associated with bass buildup (due to factors like wall or corner placement), these options will help remedy the situation.
On the surface, these are solid controls, but other studio monitors offer deeper flexibility to sculpt and adjust output to your preference. If maximum tuning flexibility is high on your list of priorities, the Eris Pro 6 might not be the monitor for you.
Design
Regarding aesthetic design, the PreSonus Eris Pro 6 features a revamped and more refined appearance compared to previous PreSonus offerings.
I’ve always liked the appearance of PreSonus monitors, but this latest generation is a notch above. It has a clean and professional design that will seamlessly integrate into any studio setting.
The Eris Pro 6 is an excellent choice for multi-channel applications.
On the technical side, the forward-facing port makes integration in smaller spaces easier as it opens up closer placement to rear walls. Where possible, aim not to place these right up against a wall, but the Acoustic Space controls can always assist if you have no other choice.
Of course, the main differentiating factor is the coaxial design. By providing a single acoustic point source, the resulting listening experience is spacious and nuanced with excellent dimensionality—an ideal choice for dealing with modern audio applications like Dolby Atmos.
Coaxial designs can sometimes present issues around top-end distortion, but modern designs remedy these classic issues exceptionally well. The PreSonus Eris Pro 6 is a fine example of this meeting of old-school design with new-era precision.
Dimensions
Another advantage of a coaxial design is the reduction in overall height. The woofer and tweeter occupy the same space, allowing for a more compact profile. Unlike a rectangular shape, the PreSonus Eris Pro 6 is more square, making placement easier.
The Eris Pro 6 is shorter in height thanks to the coaxial design.
At 17 lbs. (7.7 kg), these are far from the lightest monitors available but are also not overly heavy and bulky. If anything, the thick MDF housing ensures stability and heft to minimize vibrations and rattle. The PreSonus Eris Pro 6 is also wall and ceiling mountable with appropriate brackets.
Inputs
The PreSonus Eris Pro 6 offers a refined set of connection options that can handle nearly any line source. You’ll have access to an unbalanced RCA point and a balanced TRS and XLR option.
The PreSonus Eris Pro 6 offers balanced and unbalanced connection options.
As this is a professional studio monitor, the Eris Pro 6 doesn’t feature other consumer-style connections. There is no headphone jack, Bluetooth, or AUX-in. Considering the target market, this is unsurprising, but if you want these features, you’ll need to look at alternatives.
Value
While the Eris Pro line of studio monitors sits at the pinnacle of the PreSonus lineup, it still represents solid value for money. Standing toe to toe with comparable speakers, the Eris Pro 6 is a reasonably priced option, especially if you work with multi-channel material and need several monitors.
However, suppose you are a bargain hunter and do not work in a professional setting. In that case, I would suggest exploring either the base Eris line or the Studio line. Both offer solid performance at a cheaper price point than the premium Pro series.
Dealing With Coaxial Challenges
Coaxial studio monitors offer fantastic benefits, like improved phase coherence and a more uniform dispersion pattern. But this design can also lead to some issues that manufacturers must overcome.
One of the primary issues is an irregular off-axis response, which can lead to sound coloration. Another common pitfall is poorly designed crossovers, which can lead to further frequency response irregularities. Finally, potential distortion is another major issue manufacturers need to address.
As technology and sound design have evolved, so have the tools available to manufacturers to address these issues. Advanced crossover design can smooth out frequency response issues. Waveguide technology can help minimize coloration, and intelligent amplifications, tuning, and DSP can smooth out performance.
PreSonus has consistently shown that it knows how to take the best of what a coaxial monitor can offer and implement designs to help mitigate the potential pitfalls. The result is a smooth and consistent performance with all the benefits of coaxial monitors.
Alternatives
If you are looking to buy a studio monitor in the 5-7 inch range, there are some enticing options available. Below, I take a quick look at some leading alternatives to the excellent PreSonus Eris Pro 6.
Focal Alpha 65 Evo
The Focal Alpha 65 Evo is another high-quality studio monitor worth considering. It offers excellent sound and a fresh design that looks great in a studio.
- Lively and accurate sound profile.
- Impressive bass extension for a 6.5-inch woofer.
- Temperamental standby. Thankfully, you can switch it off.
Focal Alpha 65 Evo
Kali Audio IN-5
Next on our list is another coaxial option, this time in a 3-way configuration. The Kali Audio IN-5 also offers a solid selection of tuning flexibility.
- Neutral response for precise studio work.
- Excellent directivity and imaging.
- It is much taller than the more compact Eris Pro 6.
Kali Audio IN-5
KRK Rokit 7 G5
The final option I want to highlight is the cheaper KRK ROKIT 7 G5. This large studio monitor offers excellent bass response and an engaging sound profile.
- Powerful output and a high max SPL.
- Detailed tuning flexibility with DSP room tuning.
- Doesn’t offer an RCA connection.
KRK Rokit 7 G5
Our Verdict
As I mentioned in the introduction to this review, PreSonus is one of the most consistent players in the studio monitor scene. I’ve reviewed multiple options from them, and in each instance, one thought always came to the surface—outstanding value and dependability.
The PreSonus Eris Pro 6 is an excellent studio monitor with impressive performance and a highly competitive price tag. With an updated look and that familiar, engaging sound, it is still among the best 6.5-inch studio monitors you can buy today.
