TEST: Eve audio SC204

 Let's not kid ourselves, we all like fat midfield monitors, which are often referred to as A-monitors and impress both customers and professionals with massive sound pressure and powerful bass without an additional subwoofer. Nowadays, however, real sales/profits are usually generated in completely different sectors, whose monitors are also supposed to generate a maximum of sound quality, but have to master a shortcoming that is sometimes diametrically opposed to their field of application. We are talking about the available space and the associated dimensions of the speakers. Aware of this, the Berlin-based manufacturer EVE audio, which has recently made quite an impression with its products, especially at the thick end of the scale (see EVE audio SC408 review - https://www.amazona.de/test-eve-audio-sc408-midfield-monitore/), also has that segment in mind and covers the other end of the scale in terms of dimensions with its EVE audio SC204.

The field of application of the EVE audio SC204

If you look at the dimensions of the EVE audio SC204, you'll wonder if it's not a PC speaker by mistake. A width of 145 mm and a height of 230 mm could also still apply to one or the other speaker constellation to the left and right of the personal laptop, only the depth of 195 mm or the optically very high-quality appearance lets you know very quickly that you're not dealing with a "Mediamarkt-Top-Deal-Plastic scrap" here.

In fact, the EVE audio SC204 is the smallest variant from the EVE audio portfolio, which is still listed under the term "studio monitor". The fields of application for monitors of this size are manifold. In post-production, video editing, podcasts, mobile recording, broadcast, 5:1 or 7:1 surround satellites or even as B-monitoring in larger studios, such tiny devices of this type have to hold their own and all have to endure the same question, as there would be "Does the box have any bass at all?".

Not even a complete sound layman would expect a massive bass foundation from a 4 inch speaker, the same is physically not feasible, but an even basic sound up to 100 Hz, if necessary inflated by a subwoofer, would make the sound engineer's heart beat faster with such dimensions. According to the manufacturer, the EVE audio SC204 delivers a frequency response of 64 Hz - 21 kHz, with the frequency diagram showing an almost linear line with a small lift at about 100 Hz and a small dip around the crossover frequency. Impressive! Besides, who needs the full pound below 60 Hz in video editing, for example? Therefore, let's detach our focus from the bass and take a look at the rest of the EVE audio SC204's features, which, let's be clear, still have some special features to offer.

The construction of the EVE audio SC204

The EVE audio SC204 is an active 2-way monitor with 50 watts of power each on the tweeter and the woofer, with the crossover frequency at 3 kHz and an internally installed limiter saves the system from collapse. Speaking of tweeters, one look above the woofer and the synonym for ribbon tweeters par excellence, the name ADAM, slides through the brain twists of the expert. Interestingly, the company Eve audio was founded by Roland Stenz, who used to be the managing director of Adam Audio.

The same tweeter, called AMT RS1, can be protected against accidental damage with a protective grille, here called a "grid", if necessary. The grid adheres magnetically to the tweeter surround, whereby the manual explicitly points out not to use the grid in the wrong grid. The system's sound pressure is a maximum of 96 dB SPL. Those who are frowning here should briefly consider how far away the speaker is placed from the ear in practice. In order to rudimentarily decouple the speaker from its placement surface, 4 stick-on rubber feet were included.

With a weight of just 3.8 kg, one is inclined to use the system for flown operation. Therefore, the EVE audio SC204 not only has a microphone stand thread on the bottom of the cabinet, but also 2 mounting points on the back of the cabinet. Any resonance frequencies, which can occur when the microphone is mounted on the back and placed close to the wall, can be corrected by means of a comprehensive frequency correction, as the practical test will show later on. Incidentally, there is nothing to criticize about the workmanship of the EVE audio SC204. The precisely fitting MDF panels and the neatly applied textured varnish fit seamlessly with the metal plates on the front and rear. Maximum quality!

The front panel of the EVE audio SC204

The lower area of the EVE audio SC204 front panel, which has also been optically set off in metallic silver, contains a latched multifunction push-pull button on the bottom right, which can be used to make several settings at once. On the one hand, it functions as a standby switch, which puts the system to sleep or wakes it up in cooperation with the power switch on the back. This is done visually very appealing with an LED wreath, which depending on the function right or left indicates the status of the system. Of course, it's just optics, but it already looks very classy.

By normal turning one regulates the volume of the box, whereby from -80 dB to -48 dB per 1 step a value of 2 dB, from -48 dB to -20 dB per 1 step a value of 1 dB and from -20 dB to 0 dB (maximum) a value per step of 0.5 dB. Each 4 steps let one LED jump further.
By simply pressing you reach the sound management, which is managed by a DSP. First you have the possibility to activate a shelving filter for the high frequency range, which works above 3 kHz with -5 dB to +3 dB. The same values are also available for a bass shelving filter, which takes care of frequencies below 300 Hz.

Furthermore, a desk filter can be activated when placing the EVE audio SC204 on the desk or the meter bridge, whereby this filter takes over a combined function. Below the 0 mark, it lowers the frequencies by 200 Hz with a bandpass filter, above the mark it also boosts the range by 80 Hz with a bandpass.

The rear panel of the EVE audio SC204

To be able to amplify consumer devices if necessary, the EVE audio SC204 has a corresponding RCA input in addition to the obligatory XLR connector. On the top of the box is also the bass reflex port of the system. Otherwise, it is on the back of the EVE audio SC204 very tidy, only 3 small DIP switches provide for curiosity. Their function is quickly explained and of simple effectiveness. They represent an electronic lock so that the settings once found cannot be accidentally adjusted by the studio trainee or other persons. One DIP works for the volume, one for the EQ settings, the third has no function in this series.

The EVE audio SC204 in practice

Switching on and booting the system is completely silent. What then comes out of the speakers in terms of signal quality, however, I would not have expected. Even with a neutral EQ setting, the EVE audio SC204 has a very "grown-up" sound with much more volume than the system size would suggest. The monitors sounded extremely homogeneous and balanced, as is otherwise only known from much larger models.

To all users who still have the sound of the first generations ringing in their ears when talking about the Air Motion Transformer, I can take away any worries. The tweeter does an excellent job in terms of coloration and transparency. Nothing reminds of the sharpness found in some Adam or Kopisten products of the earlier generations. On the contrary, the EVE audio SC204 has excellent stereo imaging and depth staging, especially considering the system's dimensions. Phantom center, impulse response, all very big cinema!

But now to the big bass question. Again, considering the dimensions, I have to give the system credit for an excellent soundstage. After spending some time with the shelving and desk top filter, I even managed to tickle a very balanced bass content out of the 4-incher. Even a full-blown audio production can be realized within moderate limits with these tiny units, a fact I would not have thought possible. For me, they are clearly the best monitors currently available in this class!

Only in the final volume of the EVE audio SC204 it is necessary to keep a certain discipline. If one exceeds a strong room volume and drives the system into the saturation, it acknowledges the handling an outcry equal with a harsh sound.

Conclusion

With the Eve audio SC204, the Berlin company has a quite outstanding product in the small monitor department at the start. Whether for post-production, video editing, podcasts, mobile recording, broadcasting, surround satellites or even as a B-monitoring system in larger studios, the system produces many times the volume that one would have expected from the tiny device at first glance.

Absolute purchase recommendation!


Additonal Informations:

- Eve Audio is a German-based manufacturer of professional studio monitors and subwoofers. The company was founded in 2011 by Roland Stenz, a former owner and designer at Adam Audio, and is known for its high-quality, precision-engineered products.

The company's product range includes a variety of nearfield, midfield, and main studio monitors, as well as subwoofers and accessories. All of Eve Audio's products are designed and manufactured in Germany, using high-quality materials and components.

One of the key features of Eve Audio's studio monitors is their use of Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeters. AMT technology was developed in the 1990s and is known for its accuracy and speed, making it an ideal choice for studio monitors. Eve Audio's AMT tweeters use a folded diaphragm design, which allows for a larger surface area and improved efficiency.

Another important feature of Eve Audio's studio monitors is their use of the company's proprietary DSP (digital signal processing) technology. The DSP is used to optimize the performance of the speakers, allowing for precise adjustments to be made to the frequency response, phase response, and time alignment of the speakers.

Eve Audio's studio monitors are also designed to be modular and expandable. The company offers a range of accessories, including subwoofers, desktop stands, and wall mounts, that can be used to customize and optimize the performance of the monitors for specific applications.
In addition to their technical features, Eve Audio's studio monitors are also known for their sleek and modern design. The company offers a variety of finishes, including matte black and white, as well as a range of wood veneer options.

Eve Audio has received numerous awards and accolades for their products, including a number of "Best of Show" awards at major audio industry trade shows. The company has also been praised for its customer service and support, with a team of dedicated engineers and technicians available to answer questions and provide assistance.

Overall, Eve Audio is a respected and innovative player in the professional audio industry, known for their precision-engineered studio monitors and subwoofers. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service, Eve Audio is a brand that is sure to continue to make waves in the audio world for years to come.

- Studio monitors are specialized speakers designed for use in professional audio environments, such as recording studios, broadcast facilities, and post-production houses. Unlike consumer-grade speakers, which are designed to make music and other audio sound pleasing to the ear, studio monitors are engineered to provide a flat, neutral frequency response, allowing audio engineers and producers to accurately hear and evaluate the sound being produced.

The importance of accurate monitoring in a professional audio environment cannot be overstated. The sound of a recording can be significantly altered by the playback system used to monitor it, and any deficiencies or inaccuracies in the monitoring system can have a negative impact on the final product. Studio monitors are designed to minimize these issues by providing a clear, detailed representation of the audio being produced.

There are two main types of studio monitors: passive and active. Passive monitors require an external amplifier to power them, while active monitors have built-in amplifiers, making them more convenient and efficient for most applications. Active monitors also allow for greater control over the audio signal, as the amplifier can be optimized for the specific characteristics of the speaker.
One of the most important features of studio monitors is their frequency response. The frequency response of a speaker refers to the range of frequencies that it can reproduce, and the relative loudness of those frequencies. A flat frequency response, in which all frequencies are reproduced at the same volume, is desirable in a studio monitor, as it allows for accurate evaluation of the audio being produced.

Another important characteristic of studio monitors is their dispersion pattern. The dispersion pattern refers to how the speaker distributes sound across a listening area. A speaker with a narrow dispersion pattern will produce a focused "sweet spot" in front of the speaker, while a speaker with a wider dispersion pattern will distribute sound more evenly across the listening area.
Other factors that can affect the performance of studio monitors include the size and material of the speaker cone, the size and configuration of the speaker enclosure, and the quality of the internal components, such as the amplifier and crossover.

There are many manufacturers of studio monitors, ranging from well-known brands such as Yamaha, JBL, and Genelec to smaller, specialized companies such as Focal, ADAM Audio, and Neumann. Each manufacturer has its own unique design philosophy and approach to engineering studio monitors, and it is important to choose a monitor that fits your specific needs and preferences.

When selecting studio monitors, it is important to consider factors such as the size and acoustics of your studio, the type of music or audio you will be producing, and your budget. It is also recommended to audition multiple monitors before making a final decision, as the sound of a speaker can be subjective and dependent on the individual listener.

Overall, studio monitors are an essential tool for anyone working in professional audio production. By providing accurate and neutral sound reproduction, they allow engineers and producers to create high-quality recordings that sound great on any playback system. With a wide range of options available from various manufacturers, there is a studio monitor that is right for every application and budget.