TEST: Akai RPM 800

 It's interesting to see which manufacturers have recently expanded their product range to include near-field monitors. In addition to the top dogs in the industry, there are always names that are by no means nobodies, but whose main focus when it comes to product care was usually in another sector. This was also the case for me with the company Akai, which now belongs to the Numark Group, and although it was able to set its first fragrance brand with the RPM8 in 2009, it was not unduly represented in my field of perception to date.

With the Akai RPM800, the successor to the product mentioned above is now at the start and is vying for the buyer's favor with various features. This test is intended to show which features make the Akai system stand out from the overwhelming competition and whether the differences are sufficient for it to become established.

construction

Ever since Apple introduced the packaging of a product as the main selling point, representatives of other product divisions have also been thinking about this topic. In the case of the Akai RPM800, this point has been highlighted very attractively using a very elegant looking piano lacquer finish. It really makes a difference, all respect! In order to top off the individual features, the 8-inch Kevlar woofer was colored red. Conclusion: the eye listens, the test was successfully passed. In order to be able to transmit frequencies above the cutoff frequency of 2.7 kHz, the Akai RPM800 also has a 1.25 inch silk dome tweeter. According to the manufacturer, the system has a transmission range of 38 Hz to 20 kHz.

In order to be able to operate an 8 inch variant properly, there should be sufficient power with enough headroom. Aware of this, Akai installed 2 Class A/B amplifiers in the housing, giving the low and mid range a respectable 80 watts RMS. What is more interesting, however, is the fact that the treble range was even equipped with 40 watts, while most other providers aim for a bass/treble ratio of 1:3.

With a size of 434 x 287 x 361 mm (HxWxD) and a very hefty weight of almost 14 kilograms per box, I can only advise against wall mounting. It is clearly better to place it on appropriate tripods, especially since the bass reflex opening in this system also radiates backwards and would therefore definitely cause problems with bass overemphasis and standing waves without sufficient distance to the next reflection surface.

What is clearly different from the standard range of other manufacturers in the scope of delivery are the strong foam wedges, which even allow for a wide variety of installation angles. These decouple the box from the ground and also ensure optimized radiation when used overhead. A really excellent idea from Akai to equip the system with these accessories.

On the back, the Akai RPM800 has numerous connection options that meet all requirements. Starting with a combination socket, which allows both XLR and balanced 6.3 mm jack plugs to be wired up to the unbalanced RCA socket. The box has a small volume control to adjust the volume. In order to adapt the box to your personal sound perception, the Akai RPM800 also has several filter circuits. With the help of a high-pass filter (60 Hz or 80 Hz), a mid-boost (approx. +2dB at 2 kHz) or a treble filter (-2dB, 0 dB, +2dB) and a bass cut (0dB, -2dB, - 4dB), the speakers can be adapted to your personal taste or to the respective room.

If you look inside the housing, you will see a complex system of protective circuits. The system was not only equipped with a switch-on delay to avoid the infamous switch-on impulse, but subsonic filters also ensure that low-frequency components are left out in the signal path and a thermal protection circuit ensures protection against overheating.

Praxis

So, monitors placed in a neat stereo triangle and all switches at zero, let's hear what the first impression is. Lo and behold, the Akai RPM800 really makes a good first impression. The spatial gradation of the individual instruments is very appealing, the depth gradation is good and the basic sound is nicely balanced, although the construction, like some other competing products of this size, has a slight tendency to be bass-heavy. Despite the comparatively stiff and light Kevlar woofer, the bass/mid speaker tends to be a certain sluggish, which affects the system's impulse behavior. Not really a problem, but noticeable.

However, this listening impression can be addressed with a subtle bass reduction of -2dB, which immediately steers the above-mentioned situation into a much more pleasant direction. If you are still struggling with spatial inadequacies when it comes to setting up the monitors, you shouldn't shy away from -4dB, it's at least worth a try. Personally, I would only consider the low cut control in conjunction with a subwoofer, but here too, personal taste decides.

There is also something similar to report about the center booster and the altitude management. I don't know whether Akai tries to compensate for the crossover frequency drops in the crossover range, but the fact remains that an increase in the sensitive midrange is a risky undertaking for a nearfield monitor. For me personally, the moderate +2dB had too much of an impact on the general sound for it to be useful for the way I work.

I also liked the treble range best in the flat version, as the -2dB version was too dull in my ears, while the +2dB already added excessive sharpness. Ultimately, as always, these are purely subjective feelings, which are based on personal listening sensations that have built up over the decades. So listen for yourself and form your own opinion.

Conclusion

With the Akai RPM800 you get a near-field monitor with very good sound properties, coupled with a very attractive design. With a red-colored woofer and the extravagant piano lacquer look, Akai proves that the visual aspect is also playing an increasingly important role in the acoustic sector these days. In terms of sound, the product is convincing across the board and clearly sets its preferences for bass-emphasized productions.

If you are looking for balanced monitoring with the necessary hi effect in terms of optics, you should definitely try out a pair of Akai RPM800s.

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Additional Informations:


For over decades, AKAI has stood as a stalwart in the realms of music and electronics, leaving an indelible mark with a commitment to innovation and a rich history that spans multiple generations. This article delves into the multifaceted journey of AKAI, exploring not only its groundbreaking products but also the individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping the company's trajectory.

**Founding and Early Years:**

AKAI emerged with a singular mission - to redefine the landscape of electronic instruments and audio equipment. From its inception, AKAI distinguished itself by introducing revolutionary products that addressed the evolving needs of musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts worldwide.

In the early years, the company assembled a team of talented engineers and designers who shared his passion for pushing technological boundaries. Together, they laid the foundation for AKAI's reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation.

**Milestones and Technological Advancements:**

AKAI's journey is marked by numerous milestones, with each product release contributing to its legacy. The introduction of the AKAI S series of samplers in the 80s was a watershed moment, revolutionizing music production. The AKAI S950, in particular, became an industry standard, coveted for its pristine sound and sampling capabilities.

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**The Team Behind the Innovation:**

At the heart of AKAI's success is its dedicated team of professionals. Visionary leaders, set the tone for a collaborative and creative work environment. Engineers renowned for their expertise in audio technology, played pivotal roles in shaping AKAI's groundbreaking products. Designers brought aesthetic brilliance to the functional excellence of AKAI's instruments.

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The collaboration between AKAI's diverse teams resulted in the creation of MIDI controllers, electronic wind instruments, and audio interfaces, each product a testament to the collective brilliance within the company.

**Global Influence and Industry Leadership:**

AKAI's influence extends beyond the music production sphere. The company has been a trailblazer in electronic and digital technologies, shaping the broader consumer electronics market. Its reputation for delivering high-quality audio and visual experiences has solidified AKAI's position as an industry leader, earning the trust of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

**Corporate Values, Sustainability, and the Human Element:**

AKAI not only values technological achievements but also places a strong emphasis on corporate responsibility and sustainability. The company, led by individuals, is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact through eco-friendly manufacturing processes, responsible material sourcing, and energy-efficient product designs.

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**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, AKAI's journey is not merely a chronicle of technological milestones but a narrative of collaborative brilliance. From the visionary leadership to the collaborative efforts of the entire AKAI team, the company's legacy is woven with threads of innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. As AKAI continues to evolve and shape the future of music and electronics, its rich history serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians, producers, and tech enthusiasts worldwide, emphasizing the profound impact that a collective of talented individuals can have on an entire industry.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of music and electronics, AKAI stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence. As the company charts its course into the future, AKAI's strategic roadmap unveils a tapestry of visionary initiatives that promises to redefine the boundaries of audio technology. This comprehensive article delves into the intricacies of AKAI's future activities, exploring the realms of technological breakthroughs, global expansion, collaborations, sustainability, and the cohesive brilliance of its workforce.

1. Technological Prowess and Product Development:
AKAI's commitment to technological innovation remains the cornerstone of its future endeavors. The company is set to unleash a new wave of products that seamlessly blend hardware and software advancements, furthering the legacy of its iconic MPC series. The R&D department, led by luminaries like [R&D executive's name], is actively exploring artificial intelligence, machine learning, and adaptive technologies to usher in an era of intelligent musical instruments.
With a focus on user experience, AKAI aims to unveil instruments that transcend traditional boundaries, catering to the evolving needs of musicians, producers, and enthusiasts. The future product lineup is expected to redefine creative possibilities, making music production more intuitive and inspiring.

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As AKAI extends its reach, the company will tailor its offerings to suit diverse musical cultures, ensuring its relevance and impact on a global scale.

3. Collaborative Synergy with Industry Stalwarts:
AKAI's history is punctuated with collaborations that have shaped the sonic landscape. Looking ahead, the company plans to intensify these collaborative efforts by partnering with industry icons, musicians, and producers. This collaborative approach aims not only to influence product development but also to create a shared narrative with influential voices in the music industry.
The collaborative spirit extends internally as well, with cross-functional teams working synergistically to bring forth products that embody the collective genius of AKAI.

4. Investment in Human Capital and Research Excellence:
Recognizing that innovation is fueled by human ingenuity, AKAI is doubling down on investments in its workforce. The company aims to foster a culture of continuous learning, providing employees with avenues for professional growth and skill development. AKAI's commitment to its employees extends beyond traditional roles, encouraging a culture of innovation where every individual's contribution is valued.