TEST: M-Audio M3-8

 How many speakers does a nearfield monitor have? Well, given the overwhelming number of protagonists, the number two will probably cross most readers' lips. The reasons are manifold, size, weight, price and phase fidelity are only a few arguments that move the typical studio owner to this choice. On the other hand, there has been an increasing countermovement in recent times that pays homage to the original 3-way hi-fi speaker and wants to capture the crossover frequencies with an additional midrange driver, which are sometimes lost in the crossover of a 2-way system. In addition, a lower load is applied to the individual drivers, since their efficiency extends to a narrower frequency range.

With the M-Audio M3-8, the American company is preparing to put a foot in the comparatively narrow occupied terrain. The objective is to compensate for the above-mentioned disadvantages, while focusing on the design-related strengths.  The target group is once again the ambitious budget studio owner, who is looking for the next higher performance class in the near-field monitor range, due to the low retail price of less than 300, - € due to the Chinese production.


Construction

Let's first take a look at the external values of the monitor. With its almost 13 kilogram combat weight and dimensions of 268 mm x 434 mm x 285 mm, wall mounting is strongly discouraged. In addition to a decent downward torque, you would also inevitably be confronted with corresponding booming frequencies in the bass range due to the bass reflex port on the back. A stand mounting is preferable in any case, whereby in my opinion a distance of more than 1.50 meters between the speaker and the ear cup can be aimed for.

At first glance, the M-Audio M3-8 appears to be a 2-way solution, but on closer inspection, the upper speaker section turns out to be a coaxial construction of a 5-inch Kevlar midrange driver along with a 1-inch tweeter silk dome, which were arranged on top of each other in their axis. In principle, this system not only saves space, but also has the advantage of minimizing the differences in running times between the individual speakers. A Kevlar version of 8 inches is also used as the bass speaker. The crossover frequencies of the 3 ranges are specified with 450, respectively 3900 Hertz, whereby the individual speakers with 150 watts (RMS) in the bass range and 35 watts (RMS) each in the midrange and treble range have sufficiently dimensioned power outputs in Class A/B technology.

Optically one decided in the house M-Audio in contrast to the generally popular "black-as-black-can" variant of the competition for a front panel in the alemannisch coined "oak rustic in mahogany stained", whereby the result comes off clearly better than it the smug remark suggests. To avoid edge reflections, all four front panel corners were discreetly beveled towards the back. The rest of the case was made of the ever-popular medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and covered with black plastic. Four small rubber feet were glued underneath the case, which don't decouple the case from the base, but protect the underside from scratches. The workmanship of the case is impeccable in every respect.

On the rear, the M-Audio M3-8 pleasantly surprises with a diverse selection of filters to adapt the sound result to the given room parameters as practically as possible. In addition to a volume control, the 100 Hz, 1 kHz and 10 kHz ranges have a separate level control, each of which allows for a boost or cut of 6 dB in the frequency range used. All potentiometers are gridded, which facilitates a uniform adjustment in stereo operation immensely. In addition, a high-pass filter can be activated at 60 or 80 Hertz, which, however, is more suitable for an additional subwoofer operation than for resonance control. All equalizers can be switched off via a summing switch if necessary.

In terms of connection options, the M-Audio M3-8 also covers the three important areas of XLR balanced, TSR balanced and RCA unbalanced, ensuring access to almost any analog source. As expected, to prevent the sensitive components from being accidentally sent skyward in the heat of the moment, the most important protection circuits have been installed on the M-Audio M3-8, which include an infrasonic filter, overheating protection and a limiter. Good thing!


Practice

After we have placed the monitors in a proper stereo triangle at a distance of about 1.70 meters from the ear, the actual test can begin. In order to get an unbiased impression, we start with completely deactivated filters. The first impression turns out to be an expandable basic framework, even though my subjective preferences were not directly hit, as expected. Thus, the bass range convinces with a strong stroke due to the large power amp potential, but at the same time it is comparatively coarse in terms of fine detail. The Kevlar coating will have a certain share, which ensures high power handling due to its increased stiffness, but at the same time is also responsible for the above-mentioned effect.

The midrange driver in coaxial interaction with the tweeter is somewhat different from the woofer in terms of depth staggering due to its design and initially requires the listener to listen around a bit in terms of spatial resolution. However, once you get used to the sound impression, the two components, which are rather discreet overall, are very pleasant.

In the second part, we now access the filters to adjust the frequency response of the monitor to our personal habits. Personally, I was most convinced by a discreet lowering of the basses, while at the same time raising the mids and trebles. The high-pass filter, on the other hand, was not activated due to the subwoofer-less mode. Lo and behold, the initially unspectacular basic sound of the system changed after a discreet filter adjustment to a clearly more intensive sound reproduction, whereby even difficult material in the form of classical recordings did not experience any deformations due to the filter application.

As expected, the coaxial midrange/tweeter solution results in a very good low frequency response, even though the stereo triangle is much more limited in its lateral expansion than with comparable standard solutions. Everyone has to find out for themselves to what extent these advantages and disadvantages affect their personal workflow.

For my part, I very often work with guitar-heavy productions, which tend to lose some of their presence in the crossover cut with 2-way solutions. In this case, one tends to overemphasize the high-mid range, which in the end runs the risk of drifting too much into the "saw" range. This is where the M-Audio M3-8 is particularly convincing, since especially in the dreaded "midrange board" between 1 - 3 kHz no crossover frequency can register a dip.


Conclusion

With the M-Audio M3-8, the American manufacturer has a coaxial 3-way system in the program, which knows how to convince. Visually appealing and with a high maximum level, the near field monitor plays out its strengths due to the 2 crossover points, especially with midrange-oriented music. Due to comprehensive filter technology, it is also possible to optimize the preferred listening habits over three frequency ranges, if required.

A good all-rounder, which knows how to shine with extensive features.

Additional informations:

Audio Interfaces: Unlocking the World of Professional Audio Recording

Introduction:
Audio interfaces have revolutionized the landscape of professional audio recording, enabling musicians, producers, and audio engineers to capture high-quality sound and bring their creative visions to life. This comprehensive report delves into the world of audio interfaces, exploring their purpose, functionality, key features, types, connectivity options, and their significance in modern music production.

    Purpose and Functionality:
    An audio interface serves as the bridge between analog and digital audio worlds. It converts analog audio signals, such as those from microphones and instruments, into digital data that can be processed and recorded by a computer or digital audio workstation (DAW). Conversely, it converts digital audio data back into analog signals for playback through speakers or headphones. Audio interfaces ensure accurate signal conversion, low-latency performance, and provide essential features like preamps, phantom power, and monitor control.

    Key Features of Audio Interfaces:
    a. Preamps: Audio interfaces often include preamplifiers (preamps) that amplify weak analog signals from microphones or instruments, bringing them to line level for optimal recording quality.
    b. Phantom Power: Many interfaces provide phantom power (+48V) to power condenser microphones, which require it for proper operation.
    c. Input and Output Options: Audio interfaces offer a variety of input and output options, including XLR, 1/4" TRS, and RCA connectors, allowing users to connect microphones, instruments, headphones, and studio monitors.
    d. Sample Rate and Bit Depth: Interfaces support different sample rates (e.g., 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz) and bit depths (e.g., 16-bit, 24-bit), determining the resolution and fidelity of the recorded audio.
    e. Direct Monitoring: This feature allows users to monitor audio signals with near-zero latency directly from the interface, bypassing the computer's processing.

    Types of Audio Interfaces:
    a. USB Audio Interfaces: These interfaces connect to the computer via USB, making them widely compatible and convenient for home studios and portable setups.
    b. Thunderbolt Interfaces: Thunderbolt interfaces offer high-speed connectivity for low-latency recording and playback, ideal for professional studios and demanding applications.
    c. PCIe Interfaces: These interfaces connect directly to a computer's motherboard via a PCIe slot, providing extremely low-latency performance and high channel counts for professional studios.
    d. FireWire Interfaces: Although less common now, FireWire interfaces offer reliable connectivity and low-latency performance, especially for older systems.

    Connectivity Options:
    Audio interfaces provide a range of connectivity options to accommodate different recording setups and needs. They may include multiple inputs and outputs, MIDI ports for connecting external devices, digital connections like ADAT or S/PDIF, and headphone outputs with individual volume control. Some advanced interfaces offer network audio connectivity, such as Dante or AVB, for seamless integration with larger audio networks.

    Significance in Modern Music Production:
    Audio interfaces play a crucial role in modern music production, enabling musicians and producers to capture professional-grade recordings in their home studios. With the availability of affordable and high-quality interfaces, the barrier to entry for recording and producing music has significantly lowered. Audio interfaces empower artists to take control of their creative process, capturing their performances with precision, and achieving studio-quality sound in their productions.

    Considerations When Choosing an Audio Interface:
    When selecting an audio interface, several factors should be considered:
    a. Input and Output Requirements: Determine the number of simultaneous inputs and outputs required for your recording setup.
    b. Preamp Quality: Consider the quality and transparency of the preamps, as they significantly impact the recorded sound.
    c. Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your computer's operating system and connection ports.
    d. Latency Performance: Look for interfaces with low-latency performance to minimize delays during recording and monitoring.
    e. Budget: Set a budget and consider the features and quality that align with your recording needs.

Conclusion:
Audio interfaces have become indispensable tools for musicians, producers, and audio engineers, unlocking the potential of professional audio recording in both home and professional studio environments. With their ability to convert analog signals into pristine digital audio, provide essential features, and facilitate seamless connectivity, audio interfaces have democratized music production and empowered countless artists to create high-quality recordings. As technology advances, audio interfaces continue to evolve, delivering improved performance, expanded connectivity options, and innovative features, further shaping the future of audio recording and production.