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Average Price: $462

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

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Description

Dive into the sonic purity with the Focal CMS 50, a compact studio monitor that marries high-end clarity with a robust low-end, perfect for the modern musician's project studio. Its 5" driver ensures a solid bass response, while the 1" Al-Mg inverted dome tweeter delivers pristine highs. Ideal for those seeking professional-grade sound without the studio-grade price tag, the CMS 50 stands out as a testament to Focal's commitment to quality in every note.

Key Features:

  • 5" Polyglass cone woofer for dynamic lows
  • 1" Aluminum-Magnesium inverted dome tweeter for crystal-clear highs
  • Bass extension down to 55Hz, ensuring full-spectrum sound
  • Compact design, fitting seamlessly into any studio setup
  • Focal's renowned build and sound quality, at a project studio-friendly price

Product specs

Brand Focal
Model CMS50 5" Powered Monitor (Single)
Finish Gray
Year 2010s
Categories Powered Speakers, Studio Monitors

FAQs

Are the Focal CMS 50 monitors suitable for mixing and mastering in a small home studio?

Yes, the Focal CMS 50 monitors are well-suited for mixing and mastering in small home studios due to their compact size and accurate sound reproduction, providing detailed stereo imaging and a balanced frequency response.

What are the main connectivity options for the Focal CMS 50?

The Focal CMS 50 features balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity with various audio interfaces and mixing consoles.

How does the Focal CMS 50 handle bass frequencies given its 5-inch woofer size?

Despite its compact 5-inch woofer, the Focal CMS 50 delivers impressive bass response with clarity and precision, making it suitable for critical listening and mixing tasks.

Is the Focal CMS 50 monitor shielded for use near computer screens?

Yes, the Focal CMS 50 is magnetically shielded, allowing it to be placed near computer screens and other electronic devices without causing interference.

What kind of room size is ideal for using Focal CMS 50 monitors?

The Focal CMS 50 monitors are ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, providing clear and detailed sound without overwhelming the space.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focal CMS 50.

Setup and maintenance

  • A stereo pre-amplifier with pre-outs is recommended for adjusting volume effectively with multiple sources.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The unbalanced RCA inputs are preferred for short cable runs, offering simplicity in home setups.

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Use cases and applications

  • Small audio mixers like Mackie and Behringer can enhance functionality, allowing mixing and multiple source playback without needing a home theater receiver.

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  • CMS 50 monitors are favored for regular listening and mixing, particularly in non-EDM genres where extreme low-end isn't essential.

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User experience

  • Using a mixer requires manual level setting, as they typically lack remote control functionality.

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  • Users praise the CMS 50 for its clarity and non-fatiguing sound, making it ideal for mixing rock and blues, but recommend a sub for bass-heavy genres.

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  • Users replacing Neumann KH 80 with Genelec 8030c noted improved sound due to the extra inch in cone size, enhancing low-end performance.

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Software and compatibility

  • Connecting via a 3.5mm to RCA cable to a computer or TV is a practical interim solution for immediate use.

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Comparisons

  • Owners suggest the CMS 65 offers better bass response than the CMS 50, making it more suitable for genres needing deeper low-end frequencies.

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  • Focal Shape series, particularly Shape 65/50/40, feature passive radiators, offering a clearer top end and more air compared to Neumann's warmer, refined sound.

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  • Neumann KH 80 DSP is praised for its compact size, delivering a refined sound with less airiness than Focal, making it an appealing choice for small monitors.

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  • Genelec 8030c monitors are noted for their cloudy bottom end, requiring EQ adjustments around 6kHz to reduce tweeter harshness, and ceiling treatments to manage reflections near 1kHz.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Focal CMS65 & CMS50 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Focal CMS 50 is praised as a well-balanced and capable nearfield monitor, offering detail and precision that rivals pricier models. Its high-quality build and balanced tone make it an excellent choice for small spaces. However, it lacks low-end extension due to its size, and the front volume controls may be challenging to replicate across both speakers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the CMS 50 delivers impressive performance for its price, making it a strong contender in the crowded field of studio monitors.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
bobguido7

"These are very flat and accurate and translate perfectly to my favorite Sennheiser HD600 headphones"

"These are very flat and accurate and translate perfectly to my favorite Sennheiser HD600 headphones"

analoguejunkie

Killer monitors

These monitors sound so amazing it is absurd. I absolutely love them. I don't know what else to say.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Misch uses Focal CMS 50

Tom Misch

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Clearly we can see Tom is using Focal CMS 50's

See how Flashmob uses Focal CMS 50

Flashmob

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

Here is my studio in Milan. The monitors are Focal Twin6Be along with CMS50s for mixing.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Focal CMS 50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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