Don't get the name of these speakers confused; they are speakers that monitor recordings and sounds. Unlike the average consumers who could settle for anything that decently puts out their music or the hardcore gamers who hunger for explosive bass, true audio fanatics are always looking for the puriest and the most true-to-source equipments. "Monitors" are speakers that do just that, aiding studio recording artists in reproducing the sound the way it was recorded. M-Audio is famous for providing high quality audio equipments for home recording artists and many other prosumer needs. At the budget-line of their professional studio monitors series is the StudioPro 3 Professional Desktop Audio Monitors. MSRP USD $129.95



Construction ( 9 /10)

Enclosed in medium-density fibreboards, the StudioPro3 are solid, well-constructed, and seem to be able to take a punch. The drivers are protected by a layer of fine black metal mesh. Power/Volume knob, Headphone Jack, and Aux In are located in the front of the left casing - nothing special or fancy. M-Audio also included two solid speaker stands that would tilt the speakers towards the listener in the upright position.


Sound ( 7.5 / 10)

Perhaps those who have been looking into these speakers are already set on a 2.0 speaker setup. Indeed, among cramped spaces, a large subwoofer is not always so ideal. Unfortunately, due to the small size of desktop speaker drivers, most are not able to achieve the proper reproduction of the lowest octave. As such, the sound will always be lacking that rich feel and powerful presence comparing to that coming out from 2.1 setups.

Nonetheless, the StudioPro 3 produce amazingly crisp and clear sound. Unlike the average multimedia speakers, the Pro3 reproduce sound in little coloration. The highs are not overly bright, although the obvious presence of treble might require users coming from standard single full-range drivers some time to get used to. The mids are also well-balanced. While not as smooth as those produced by good full-range drivers, such as the ones on Logitech's Z2300, they are more than enough to properly reproduce my entire vocals collection. As for the bass, they are definitely present. Upper bass is well asserted, as well as mid bass. However, like most 2.0 speakers, lower bass is lacking. As such, lower notes (drums) have "kicks," but lack extension. The bass boost switch on the back of the left speaker definitely helps to enhance the presence of the lower-end, but it's nothing that would make sub-lovers ditch their 20lb block.


Conclusion ( 8 / 10)


So, who should get the StudioPro 3? Certainly not gamers, as grenades and explosives would not shake your walls. However, if you are a music person with the need to shave off some space in your room and are looking for a pair of high quality 2.0 desktop speakers, look no further. The StudioPro 3 offer amazing performance in clarity and accuracy that no multimedia speakers can match.