Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $450

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Meet the Focal CMS 65, the pinnacle of the CMS line, combining affordability with top-tier quality. This studio monitor is designed for the contemporary project studio, boasting a 6.5" driver that delivers precise bass response down to 45Hz. Enjoy the luxury of world-class sound quality without the need for an additional subwoofer.

Key Features: * Part of the CMS line by Focal, known for their superior sound quality * 6.5" driver for accurate bass response * Can effectively operate without a subwoofer, reaching down to 45Hz * Ideal for modern project studios * Pricing reflects a pair of monitors

Product specs

Brand Focal
Model CMS65 6.5" Powered Monitor (Pair)
Finish Gray
Year 2010s
Categories Powered Speakers, Studio Monitors

FAQs

What is the frequency response of the Focal CMS 65?

The Focal CMS 65 studio monitor offers a frequency response of 45Hz to 28kHz, providing stable tonal balance and clarity across the frequency range, even at high sound pressure levels.

Are Focal CMS 65 monitors suitable for mixing and mastering in a small home studio?

Yes, the Focal CMS 65 monitors are well-suited for small home studios due to their nearfield design, which ensures accurate sound reproduction and detail in confined spaces.

What are the key features of the Focal CMS 65's sound performance?

The Focal CMS 65 is known for its treble definition, midrange clarity, and ability to maintain tonal balance at high volumes, making it a reliable choice for critical listening tasks.

What connectivity options are available on the Focal CMS 65?

The Focal CMS 65 features balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity with various audio interfaces and mixing consoles.

How does the Focal CMS 65 handle low frequencies?

The Focal CMS 65 provides precise low-frequency response down to 45Hz, ensuring accurate bass reproduction without distortion, which is essential for detailed audio production work.

Produce Like A Pro

Produce Like A Pro

Studio Monitor Review Pt. 2: Mid-Priced - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro.

Video thumbnail for Studio Monitor Review Pt. 2: Mid-Priced - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro. by Produce Like A Pro

Studio Monitor Review Pt. 2: Mid-Priced - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro.

Produce Like A Pro

Produce Like A Pro

Video thumbnail for Sound for Video Session: Thoughts on Near-field Monitors - Focal CMS 65, Shape 65, Solo6 Be by Curtis Judd Audio

Sound for Video Session: Thoughts on Near-field Monitors - Focal CMS 65, Shape 65, Solo6 Be

Curtis Judd Audio

Curtis Judd Audio

Video thumbnail for Focal at Musikmesse 2009 Twins, solo 6 Sub 6, CMS 50 CMS 65 Cold Chamber Video by mdjice

Focal at Musikmesse 2009 Twins, solo 6 Sub 6, CMS 50 CMS 65 Cold Chamber Video

mdjice

mdjice

Video thumbnail for BSW Presents: Focal CMS Professional Studio Monitors by BSWUSAVIDEO

BSW Presents: Focal CMS Professional Studio Monitors

BSWUSAVIDEO

BSWUSAVIDEO

Video thumbnail for Focal CMS 65 Review  chi tiết từ A-Z  nissiaudio.vn by Kiến Thức Studio - NissiAudio

Focal CMS 65 Review chi tiết từ A-Z nissiaudio.vn

Kiến Thức Studio - NissiAudio

Kiến Thức Studio - NissiAudio

Video thumbnail for Focal cms 65_sound demo_part 2(HipHop, Soul) by goodplay Lee (굿플레이)

Focal cms 65_sound demo_part 2(HipHop, Soul)

goodplay Lee (굿플레이)

goodplay Lee (굿플레이)

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Focal CMS 65.

Value and pricing

  • Owners have found deals as low as 200 euros, significantly below the typical 500 euro price, making them a potential investment opportunity for resale.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Focal CMS 65's frequency response is noted to be 45Hz ±3dB, which might not fully satisfy genres requiring deeper bass like EDM, but is still considered adequate.

    Source

User experience

  • Some concerns have been raised about the longevity of the tweeter, suggesting potential degradation over time, a factor to consider for prospective buyers.

    Source
  • After 5 months of use, owners are generally pleased with the performance of the Focal CMS 65, although some prefer the Dynaudio BM15A for overall sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Focal CMS 65, when paired with a good subwoofer, improves bass clarity compared to standalone use, which can result in a muddy low-end.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Focal CMS 65's top end shines but requires a subwoofer for balanced performance, making it suitable for genres focused on high-frequency detail.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Focal CMS65

soundonsound.com

Focal CMS 65 monitors impress with their detailed, well-balanced sound and excellent build quality. The speakers deliver a pristine audio experience, making them ideal for both project and professional studios. Though they are priced higher than average, the investment rewards users with honest, natural sound reproduction. Highly recommended for those seeking quality monitors without breaking the bank.

positive

Focal CMS 65 Review

kenrockwell.com

The Focal CMS 65 monitors shine with robust construction and stellar sound quality, ideal for both professional and Hi-Fi use. Their deep soundstage and impressive bass response often negate the need for subwoofers. Despite a slight brightness, adjustable EQ can refine their output. However, their audible hiss and hum when in close proximity, and the inconvenient back panel controls, detract slightly from the experience. For those seeking detailed audio monitoring with a touch of musical enjoyment, these monitors are an excellent choice, albeit not the most cost-effective for casual users.

positive

Focal CMS 65 Review — The Home Studio Archive

homestudioarchive.com

The Focal CMS 65 impresses with its remarkable high-end and midrange clarity, providing transparency that unveils hidden details in recordings. Its bass response outshines some pricier models, making it suitable for most projects without a subwoofer. With sturdy construction and practical features like a front mute button, it balances professional quality and home studio accessibility. While lacking a TRS input and demanding proper room setup, the CMS 65 offers award-winning performance and value, positioning itself as a top-tier choice for those seeking a monitoring upgrade.

positive

Focal Professional: CMS 65 Monitors | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Focal's CMS 65 monitors offer impressive adaptability and clarity, making them ideal for non-ideal acoustic environments. With versatile EQ and input options, they excel in delivering flat, transparent sound without the typical "disco smile" hype. While they don't quite reach the dynamic range of the higher-end Solo6s, their ability to produce detailed and balanced audio without distortion makes them a standout at their price point. If your studio setup is less than perfect, the CMS 65s are a smart choice that won't compromise on sound quality.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charlotte de Witte uses Focal CMS 65

Charlotte de Witte

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in this screenshot from her Twitter account. Thoughtfully isolated and angled with Aurlex pads.

See how Clark uses Focal CMS 65

Clark

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by throttleclark, Clark mentions working in his Melbourne studio, where he uses the Focal CMS 65 studio monitors.

See how Ian Farmer uses Focal CMS 65

Ian Farmer

Bassist, Music Producer

Modern Baseball

...
Verified via ianfarmer

Ian Farmer sites the Focal CMS 65 monitors on his list of equipment on his official website.

See how Matt Nash uses Focal CMS 65

Matt Nash

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Steinberg Studio Sessions S03E15 – Matt Nash: Part 1," British Electro House artist Matt Nash discusses his production process in Amsterdam, featuring the Focal CMS 65 studio monitors.

See how Philip George uses Focal CMS 65

Philip George

...
Verified via Facebook

Minute 0:25 of the video philip george published in his facebook profile we can see a pair of focal CMS 65

See how chipzel uses Focal CMS 65

chipzel

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

She uses a pair a Focal CMS 65 in her studio as you can see in this picture

See how Dom Kane uses Focal CMS 65

Dom Kane

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a studio tour video by MusicRadar Tech, Dom Kane showcases his use of the Focal CMS 65 studio monitors.

See how EDWAN uses Focal CMS 65

EDWAN

Music Producer

...
Verified via kit.com

VERY precise speakers!

I own these since about 4 years. They are neutral, render the dynamics accurately, and the stereo image is great. Big plus: the subwoofer is on the front, meaning you can put them close to your bedroom/studio walls!

T

Todd Howe

Guitarist

The Boxer Rebellion

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, posted by Howe on his Instagram profile, the Focal CMS 65 speakers is visible.

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 65, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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C

camilolizarazo

Gear IQ 161

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