TEST: Focal Solo 6

 There are companies that gain ever-increasing popularity year after year until they move almost unnoticed into the top ranks in terms of popularity. The French company Focal is one of those companies that has now achieved quite a high level of recognition in the professional and semi-professional segment of studio monitors through consistently good products and the constant drive for improvement. A very popular product was the Focal Solo6 series, which has now been updated and is drawing attention with some very interesting features.

The concept of the Focal Solo6

You can forgive me for the focus, but I think it's worth mentioning that the company Focal not only has its headquarters in France, but also has its products manufactured there. The current political situation and the immense supply chain problems in the East show once again how important it is, in my opinion, to set an example in your purchasing decision and, if possible, to rely on local or at least European products and the corresponding products there to secure jobs.

The Focal Solo6 is a 2-way nearfield monitor equipped with a 6.5" TMD woofer (Tuned Mass Damper) and a 1.5" beryllium tweeter. Focal's patented Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) technology is a system that, according to the manufacturer, reduces distortion in the frequency range from 1 kHz to 3 kHz by 50%. The woofer membrane is extremely stiff, which speaks for a fast attack and good phase positioning. The speaker is also very softly suspended in order to elicit the necessary bass from the comparatively small woofer. To further support the speaker's efficiency, the Focal Solo6 monitor has a slot-shaped bass reflex opening on the front of the housing.

The use of beryllium in the high frequency range is also interesting. The steel-gray light metal is very hard and brittle, has a higher modulus of elasticity than steel and is usually used as an alloy additive. Compared to the other light alkali and alkaline earth metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) it is exceptionally toxic and harmful to health, which leads Focal to include an extra warning leaflet with the product. The descriptions “may cause cancer if inhaled”, “fatal if inhaled”, “toxic if swallowed” and “causes serious eye irritation” suggest that if the tweeter is damaged, you should immediately pack the entire box airtight and send it back to the specialist retailer. I have never come across such warnings in my career in the pro audio sector. In order to protect the tweeter from external influences, a delicate but very torsion-resistant steel grille was installed in front of the tweeter. If it is damaged, the entire box must also be packed airtight immediately.

With dimensions (H x W x D): 334 mm x 24.6 mm x 29.5 mm and a weight of 13 kg, the Focal Solo6 weighs quite a bit for its size, but is still comparatively easy to transport and place in the studio. The amplifier power is 80 W RMS for the woofer and 50 W RMS for the tweeter. According to the manufacturer, the system has a frequency response (-3 dB) of 45 - 40,000 Hz in 2-way mode. In 2-way mode, what does this statement mean? Well, the Focal Solo6 has a very useful switching option when it comes to listening via different monitors.

Auratone! Who doesn't know them, the 1-way Quakers from the seventies and eighties, who couldn't be missing in any high-end studio, simply because they sounded so horrible. They simulated the sound of the infamous kitchen radio of the time or the first generation of car “hi-fi” systems and enabled the sound engineer to imagine how the created mix would sound under the most unfavorable circumstances. Even though the kitchen radio in question has long since lost its presence compared to current boomboxes, which overall sound significantly better than their predecessors of the time and there are now HiFi systems in the car that stereo system owners of the time could only dream of, it is always helpful to know that To “recalibrate” your hearing at regular intervals with “inferior” playback. In order not to have to purchase another pair of monitors for this purpose, the Focal Solo6 monitor has a switchable focus mode, which deactivates the tweeter and assigns the animal speaker a frequency response of 110 - 10,000 Hz in 1-way mode. A very sensible setup that saves a pair of “Quaker” monitors. Otherwise, the Focal Solo6 has a maximum SPL (50-10kHz, free field @ 1m) of 110 dB.

optics

Once again, Focal places great emphasis on the appearance of the speakers with the Solo6 speakers. The housing made of MDF was veneered with side panels made of “Red Burr Ash”, which leave a very elegant impression with their dark red look. In order to avoid additional comb filter effects, the front panel has been heavily deburred at the edges and tapers towards the back. The entire workmanship is impeccable and exudes a bit of a “fine” flair.

The back of the Focal Solo6

All connections and control options are located on the back of the Focal Solo6. Focal consistently relies on the Pro approach and therefore only uses XLR sockets as inputs with an adjustable input sensitivity of -10dBV or +4dBU. To the left of the input socket there is an on/off slider for the auto standby function. Two TRS sockets labeled Focus In / Focus Out enable daisy chain operation or the connection of a foot switch for focus operation. An LED on the front of the housing provides information about the operating status.

When it comes to tone control, the Focal Solo6 offers a total of 4 control options, consisting of a Hi Pass filter, which can be used at 45 Hz, 60 Hz or 90 Hz, a Low Shelving filter, which regulates down +/- up to 3dB from 250 Hz, a low mid bandpass filter that controls desktop reflections at 160 Hz with +/- up to 3dB and a high shelving filter that uses +/- up to 3dB from 4.5 kHz. All controls are recessed, therefore protected against accidental adjustment, and must be operated with a flathead screwdriver.

Finally, we have the on/off switch, a cold device socket and a voltage selector switch placed behind transparent plastic, which enables operation both in Europe and overseas.

The Focal Solo6 in practice

Already from the first notes you can tell that the Focal Solo6 have an excellently balanced sound. Even without sound adjustment, the sound image delivered is very round, balanced and harmonious. The woofer produces an amazing deep bass, which I later boosted by around 1.5 dB for “wooferless” operation. Despite the soft suspension, the bass comes across as very tight and well-defined and in return, due to the soft suspension, it manages to reach significantly deeper in the frequency range than comparable competitors.

The midrange is also well captured, especially since the infamous center hole of many 2-way systems does not come into play here. Typical mid-range representatives such as guitar and vocals are well reproduced acoustically, so that you never lose orientation about the sound and dynamics of the all-important mid-range. However, special attention is paid to the treble range, whose beryllium driver actually offers a very unique sound. The high-frequency range is very finely resolved, is in fact very open even in the uppermost range and enables very good spatial resolution. This resolution may be a bit too “fine” for some people, but I personally liked the basic sound very much, so I didn’t have to make any adjustments in the treble range. The LMF EQ didn't have to be used either, as the speakers were used in stand mode behind a low worktop.

For the rock and heavy range, I'm actually inclined to run the Focal Solo6 without a woofer; for the dance and electronic range, I would probably use an additional woofer due to the higher demands in the deep bass range. Here, too, I would choose a woofer from the Focal Sub series, as the woofer alignment is similar in terms of membrane properties and clamping of the loudspeaker and is much easier to integrate in terms of sound than representatives from other manufacturers.

Conclusion

With the Focal Solo6, the French manufacturer has an excellent near-field monitor in its portfolio, which scores with numerous detailed solutions and a very good basic sound. In terms of sound, the monitor offers a very balanced basic sound that feels at home in almost all styles of music and mercilessly exposes weak or unbalanced mixes.

If you're looking for a nearfield monitor that sounds very good in the basic setting and doesn't put too much strain on your budget, you should definitely give the Focal Solo6 a listen.

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Additional Informations:

Focal Audio stands tall in the realm of audio excellence, revered for its uncompromising commitment to sonic perfection. Embarking on a journey marked by innovation, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Focal has redefined the benchmarks of audio performance. In this comprehensive narrative, we traverse through the captivating genesis of Focal Audio, exploring the pivotal moments, visionary minds, and the sheer passion that sculpted its illustrious trajectory.

1. Genesis:
The roots of Focal Audio trace back to the scenic landscapes of Saint-Étienne, France, where Jacques Mahul, a passionate audiophile, laid the foundation of his vision in 1979. Fuelled by a fervent desire to create speakers that would transcend conventional boundaries, Mahul set out on a quest to craft sonic masterpieces that would captivate listeners and redefine auditory experiences. Thus, Focal was born, heralding a new era of audio innovation.

2. Early Challenges and Triumphs:
Focal's nascent years were fraught with challenges, as Mahul navigated through the intricate landscape of the audio industry. Limited resources, intense competition, and the need to establish a distinct identity posed formidable obstacles. However, undeterred by adversity, Mahul and his team persevered, driven by an unwavering passion for excellence. Their dedication bore fruit with the launch of Focal's first breakthrough product, the DB13 speaker, which garnered acclaim for its unparalleled clarity and precision.

3. Innovation and Technological Ingenuity:
At the heart of Focal's ascent lies a relentless pursuit of innovation and technological advancement. The company's research and development efforts have yielded a plethora of groundbreaking technologies, from the revolutionary inverted dome tweeter to the proprietary W sandwich cone design. Each innovation represents a testament to Focal's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio engineering and delivering uncompromising sonic fidelity.

4. Artisanal Craftsmanship:
Central to Focal's ethos is an unwavering dedication to artisanal craftsmanship. Every Focal speaker is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans at the company's state-of-the-art facilities in France. From the selection of premium materials to the precision assembly process, each step is imbued with a sense of pride and meticulous attention to detail. This commitment to craftsmanship not only ensures the superior quality of Focal products but also imbues them with a timeless elegance and charm.

5. Collaborations and Partnerships:
Focal's journey towards excellence has been enriched by collaborations and partnerships with industry luminaries and visionary designers. By harnessing the collective expertise of renowned audio engineers, musicians, and designers, Focal has been able to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity. Collaborative ventures have not only expanded Focal's technical prowess but have also enabled the company to stay attuned to the evolving needs and preferences of audiophiles worldwide.

6. Global Expansion and Recognition:
As Focal's reputation for uncompromising quality and innovation spread, so did its global footprint. The company embarked on a strategic expansion initiative, forging partnerships with leading distributors and retailers worldwide. Today, Focal's exquisite lineup of speakers and headphones can be found in over [insert number] countries, captivating audiences with their sublime sonic performance and unparalleled craftsmanship. Along the way, Focal has garnered numerous awards and accolades, further cementing its status as a paragon of audio excellence.

7. Community Engagement and Education:
Beyond crafting exceptional audio products, Focal is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant community of audio enthusiasts and professionals. Through educational initiatives, workshops, and immersive experiences, the company seeks to empower individuals to unlock the full potential of their audio systems and deepen their appreciation for the art of sound reproduction. Focal's commitment to community engagement reflects its belief in the transformative power of music and its unwavering dedication to enriching lives through unparalleled sonic experiences.

8. Vision for the Future:
As Focal embarks on the next chapter of its journey, its vision remains as resolute as ever: to continue pushing the boundaries of audio excellence and delivering unparalleled sonic experiences to audiences worldwide. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, Focal is poised to shape the future of audio and reaffirm its position as a beacon of excellence in the industry.

Conclusion:
The story of Focal Audio is one of passion, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From its humble beginnings in Saint-Étienne to its global stature as a paragon of audio craftsmanship, Focal has remained true to its founding ethos of pushing the boundaries of sonic perfection. As the company continues to evolve and innovate, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Focal Audio will endure, resonating with audiophiles and music lovers for generations to come.