TEST: KRK GoAux 4

Whether it's coffee, pizza or whatever unusual products, many things are now "To Go", i.e. "to take away". Articles, which are otherwise stationary fed or used, can now also be packed and used where you are. Well then, why not transfer the same to the audio sector, KRK Systems will have asked itself and therefore created a very portable speaker called KRK GoAux 4. Let's see what demands the company, which now belongs to the guitar giant Gibson, will meet with these very special speakers.

The construction of the KRK GoAux 4

"No, what are the cuddly", so or so similar one or the other user will already react to the really very portable near field monitors, similar statements might have already taken owners of Havanese, Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers. In fact, the speakers, which are made of plastic in China, can easily pass for PC speakers with their dimensions of (H x W x D): 205 mm x 136 mm x 140 mm and should also fit on a very small table. In terms of transportability, such dimensions are hard to beat.

But why should you call transportable speakers your own at all, especially since you have a serious competitor in the field of small luggage with high-quality headphones? Well, if we look back to the heyday of recording studio culture, there were not only real "rock stars" on and backstage, but there were also various engineers who had a legendary reputation especially in the mixing field and were hired just like studio musicians for various sessions. Analog recording studios were giants of technology and it was impossible to be able to mix your recordings in every loo as you do today. So it was common for the mixing engineer to get on the next plane and carry in his luggage, besides his most important outgear like compressors, EQs, etc., if possible a couple of portable nearfield monitors to which he was tuned in to better judge the final result.

Since today everyone can set up his home recording studio in any room of his home, this area is reserved only for the Champions League of artists, where studio stays can be deducted as advertising costs and money ultimately does not matter. However, near-field monitors still offer a different listening impression than headphones, even though the physical conditions could not be more diametrically opposed, especially as far as the bass range is concerned.

Already during the unpacking of the KRK GoAux 4, one notices the different weights of the two speakers, which has a very simple reason. The housing of the left speaker contains the entire electronics of the system, the power supply and the power amplifier, which brings out of the 4" woofer (33 watts) and the 1" tweeter (17 watts) nevertheless stately 50 watts per monitor, whereby I am very sure, we are talking about peak power, which probably then depicts between 15 - 20 watts RMS. The right monitor is only supplied with a supplied speaker cable and is basically a passive speaker. Of course, this principle is not completely new, because who does not know the legendary JBL Control One, which was also available in an active version many decades ago and whose principle is identical to the KRK GoAux 4. P.S. Who has the chance to get hold of old Control One, whose membrane has not yet decayed, absolutely buy, the new ones do not even have the same sound quality.

Both speakers of the KRK GoAux 4 are protected against external influences by black grilles, and the cone of the woofer was of course colored in the typical KRK yellow. According to the manufacturer, the KRK GoAux 4 offer a frequency response at -3 dBSPL from 60 - 20,000 Hz and at -10 dBSPL from 55 - 22,000 Hz at a maximum level of 98.5 dB, although especially the specifications in the bass range should be considered with the necessary abstraction. In order to give the small enclosures a bit more bass volume, both speakers have a bass reflex port on the back at the top, which radiates to the rear.


The accessories of the KRK GoAux 4

It's rare enough that nearfield monitors get a separate paragraph in the accessories section, but what KRK includes here is truly remarkable. For one thing, there's the padded, durable carrying case in which the two speakers rest in two separate compartments. The middle section, also padded, is occupied by two speaker stands onto which the monitors can be fixed by means of two supplied screw knobs, and then their angle of inclination can be changed. Two pockets on the side and another in the lid contain a Quick Start Manual in seven languages, a power cord (the transformer is inside the cabinet!), the speaker cable for the right speaker and, as a special feature, a special measuring microphone, which, in conjunction with appropriate control electronics, allows a rudimentary calibration of the monitoring situation in the bass range.

Connections and control options

Except for the master volume knob on the front, all control options are located on the back of the left speaker. In addition to a mini jack AUX In, a USB In and two TRS jacks, the system can also be supplied with signals via Bluetooth. Four small pushbuttons with the corresponding LEDs control Bluetooth pairing, activation of the ARC calibration process and a two-band tone control consisting of treble and bass. Depending on the brightness of the respective LED, the bands offer a 3 dB cut, a flat setting or a 2 dB boost.

Furthermore, the socket for the four-pole speaker cable is located on the back, which can only be removed from the socket with a bit of fiddling once it has sunk into the housing. Well, for an official jack solution it gets a bit tight with the space available on the back of the active box. Otherwise, there is still the On / Off switch and a two-pin power plug socket, since due to the plastic housing the cold device solution is not necessary. As already mentioned, here again an extra point for the internal power supply, I'm sure an external solution would have been cheaper, but also much more annoying.


The KRK GoAux 4 in practice

The first sound impression of the KRK GoAux 4 reminds me of a high-end boombox, which is not surprising due to the dimensions, but with a very high approach to sound quality. KRK has actually managed to transport a large part of the well-known KRK sound with its open, well resolved sound image actually into these tiny speakers. The midrange is very dominant, is nicely transparent and reproduces classic midrange instruments like guitar and vocals well. The high-frequency range also knows how to please, especially when you initiate a decent boost using the push buttons on the back.

Speaking of push buttons, of course you have to make compromises with these cabinet dimensions, so you can still accept the rear access with the "Walk Behind-Push-Walk In Front-Listen-Repeat" workflow. However, the "LED light levels" tone control is a bit confusing and not really easy to read, so you should take your time with the tone control management.

Regarding the bass reproduction, every user will be aware that a 4-inch speaker cannot physically produce deep bass and certainly cannot replace an official studio monitor, which is not the approach of the KRK GoAux 4. I was all the more surprised that at least in the three-digit Hertz range, the bass reproduction was unusually tight and at least the "audible" bass range appeared well perceptible. The bass response improved even more after I had calibrated the speakers via the measuring microphone. By means of two measurement passes, the electronics reduced several booming frequencies of the room and boosted the lower bass ranges, which was reflected in a stable and pleasant bass sound.

In summary, the KRK GoAux 4 offer a much more grown-up sound than the first optical impression would suggest. The concept is coherent, the dimensions tiny, the sound good and the accessories excellent. A well-rounded thing and much more than a toy.

Conclusion

With the KRK GoAux 4, the company carries a tiny but surprisingly good-sounding near-field monitor system in its portfolio. The very transportable speakers offer much more sonically than one would give them credit for at first glance, and even manage to deliver a surprisingly round bass sound considering a 4-inch bass speaker thanks to the included calibration microphone.

Anyone who prefers to do mobile recording or editing work on the road with monitors rather than headphones should definitely give the monitors a try.

Additional informations:

KRK Audio is a renowned company in the audio industry, specializing in the design and manufacturing of professional studio monitors and related audio equipment. Established in 1986, KRK has become a trusted brand among music producers, engineers, and artists worldwide. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of KRK Audio, covering its history, products, reputation, and contribution to the audio industry.

History and Background KRK Audio was founded by Keith R. Klawitter, a passionate musician and audio engineer. Recognizing the need for accurate and reliable studio monitors, Klawitter set out to create a company that would deliver superior sound reproduction for professionals in the music industry. Since its inception, KRK Audio has been committed to innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technology into their products.

Product Line KRK Audio offers a comprehensive range of studio monitors that cater to the diverse needs of audio professionals. Their product line includes:

Rokit Series: The Rokit series is one of KRK's most popular and affordable options. It features a range of active studio monitors, including the Rokit 5, Rokit 7, and Rokit 8. These monitors provide accurate frequency response, extended bass, and detailed imaging, making them ideal for recording, mixing, and mastering.

b. V Series 4: The V Series 4 monitors are designed for professionals who demand precision and clarity. With advanced drivers and boundary EQ controls, these monitors deliver transparent and balanced sound across the entire frequency spectrum. They are available in different sizes, including the V4, V6, and V8.

c. Classic Series 5: The Classic Series 5 pays homage to KRK's iconic Expose E8B monitors. These monitors combine modern technology with a vintage design, offering exceptional performance and aesthetics. They are equipped with Kevlar drivers and an onboard DSP engine for optimal sound reproduction.

d. Subwoofers: KRK also offers a range of subwoofers, such as the 8s2, 10s2, and 12s2. These subwoofers enhance the low-frequency response of the studio monitors, providing a more accurate representation of bass-heavy content.

Technological Innovation KRK Audio has been at the forefront of technological innovation in the audio industry. They have developed several proprietary technologies to ensure exceptional sound quality and performance:

Kevlar Drivers: KRK pioneered the use of Kevlar material in their monitor drivers. Kevlar is lightweight, yet rigid, allowing for accurate and detailed sound reproduction across the entire frequency range.

b. Waveguide Design: KRK's monitors feature a unique waveguide design that helps to minimize diffraction and optimize the dispersion of sound. This technology ensures a wide sweet spot and precise imaging.

c. DSP-driven EQ: Many of KRK's monitors are equipped with onboard DSP (Digital Signal Processing) engines that allow users to tailor the frequency response according to their room acoustics and personal preferences. This feature enhances the accuracy and adaptability of the monitors.

Reputation and Industry Recognition KRK Audio has earned a solid reputation within the audio industry for its commitment to quality and innovation. Their products have been widely praised by professionals and are commonly found in professional studios, recording facilities, and home studios alike. KRK has received numerous industry awards and accolades for their monitors, including the prestigious TEC Award.
Contribution to the Audio Industry KRK Audio has made significant contributions to the audio industry by consistently delivering high-quality studio monitors that meet the demanding standards of professionals. Their monitors have played a crucial role in facilitating accurate sound reproduction during recording, mixing, and mastering processes. KRK's commitment to innovation has raised the bar for audio quality and inspired other manufacturers to strive for excellence.

Customer Support and Service KRK Audio is known for its excellent customer support and service. They offer warranty coverage on their products and provide assistance to customers through their dedicated support team. Additionally, KRK's website features a knowledge base, user forums, and resources to help users optimize their audio setup and troubleshoot any issues.

Conclusion:
KRK Audio has established itself as a leading manufacturer of professional studio monitors and audio equipment. With a rich history, innovative technologies, and a strong commitment to quality, KRK continues to be a trusted choice for professionals in the music industry. Through their dedication to accurate sound reproduction and customer satisfaction, KRK Audio has played a vital role in shaping the audio industry.