M-Audio BX8 D2

4.5 (34)

3 Critic Reviews

8 Reviews

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Page last updated Jan 15, 2026

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The M-Audio BX8 D2 studio monitors are a compelling choice for any project studio, offering a potent blend of power, precision, and practical design. These active monitors deliver a total of 130 watts across an 8" Kevlar woofer and a 1.25" high-frequency driver, ensuring that your mixes are faithfully reproduced with clarity and depth. The Kevlar material is both lightweight and robust, providing tighter bass and more accurate midrange frequencies compared to traditional paper cones.

Designed with space-saving in mind, the BX8 D2 fits comfortably in smaller studios without sacrificing sound quality. The rear-ported design enhances low-end response, making sure you don’t miss the crucial bass elements in your mix. Meanwhile, the redesigned Class A/B amplifier offers efficient performance with dynamic playback, making these monitors not just powerful, but also reliable for long sessions.

Additionally, the BX8 D2's compact and magnetically shielded build makes them resistant to electromagnetic interference, so they can sit comfortably alongside other electronic gear without issue. Whether you're an aspiring producer or a seasoned engineer, the M-Audio BX8 D2 provides a balanced audio experience that can elevate your studio work to the next level.

Key Features:

8" Kevlar woofer for tight bass and accurate mids
1.25" high-frequency driver
130 watts of total power from a redesigned Class A/B amplifier
Rear-ported design for enhanced bass response
Compact footprint ideal for smaller project studios
Magnetically shielded to prevent electromagnetic interference

Videos

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Mat HD

M-Audio BX8 D2 Review (a detailed 13-minute analysis)

Mat HD

M-Audio BX8 D2 unboxing (Large Speakers)

Sup3rSaiy3n

"M Audio BX8 d2 Studio Monitors" Review 2014 Home Studio

88Beats

M-Audio Bx8 D2 Review - Studio Monitors 2014 -

GaragebandandBeyond

I just acquired new Studio Monitors. Unboxing BX8 D2 Studio Monitors

The Aludas

Reviews

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PROS

Eliminates the need for a subwoofer, offering full sound
Versatile use across studios, homes, and as a PA system
Excellent clarity and transparency in sound
Strong performance in the mid-range and highs
Impressive bass quality without being overwhelming
Provides good value for the price
Suitable for a variety of production steps besides mastering

CONS

Hisses in the high frequencies when on
Requires a subwoofer for optimal performance below 30db
Generates slight noise when not playing music at high volumes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio BX8 D2.

Comparisons

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The JBL 308P MkII and ADAM Audio T7V are suggested alternatives with powered capabilities, potentially offering better sound depending on personal preference.
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The KEF Q150, while a possible option, may not deliver the same bass impact due to its smaller size compared to the BX8 D2.
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Philharmonic AA speakers reportedly offer superior bass and sub-bass compared to M-Audio AV40, creating a significant audio quality difference, especially on bass-heavy tracks.
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Users suggest avoiding Yamaha HS8 for music listening due to its neutral and critical sound, which may not be as pleasing as other options.
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Use cases and applications

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For those prioritizing bass, maintaining an 8" woofer size is recommended to achieve similar levels of depth and volume as the BX8 D2.
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The BX8 D2 is praised for EDM production, particularly when used in acoustically treated rooms to enhance the low-end performance.
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Features and functionality

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Coaxial designs like the Tannoy Gold 8 are worth considering for their unique soundstage, though they may stretch the budget.
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The Focal Alpha 80 and Presonus R80 are premium options if budget permits, potentially offering superior sound quality in the same woofer size category.
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User experience

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Owners report a minor noise issue that develops over time but describe it as negligible and non-intrusive during production work.
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Owners of Philharmonic AA speakers note that they deliver a dramatically improved bass response compared to M-Audio models, with the difference most noticeable on tracks with significant bass content.
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Value and pricing

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Considered the best value within their price range by users who acknowledge the existence of superior, more expensive alternatives.
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Philharmonic AA speakers are considered a cost-effective alternative, providing high-quality audio at a lower price, with the potential to invest in a separate amplifier for future upgrades.
Source

Critic Reviews

Good For Mixing? - M-Audio BX8 D2 Review

midilifestyle.com

The M-Audio BX8 D2 studio monitors deliver impressive sound quality at an affordable price, making them a standout choice for budget-conscious musicians. While lacking EQ and room controls, these monitors compensate with clear, accurate sound and superb bass response, eliminating the need for a subwoofer. Their solid build and included isolation pads enhance performance by minimizing vibrations. However, the rear-positioned volume knob and power switch may inconvenience some users. Despite minor drawbacks, the BX8 D2 offers exceptional value, especially for mixing tasks, earning it a positive nod from critics.

positive

Full Review

[Review] M-Audio BX8 D2 active pro monitors listening test

tnt-audio.com

The M-Audio BX8 D2 monitors deliver a powerful, deep bass and a refined high range that defy their price tag. With a robust build and thoughtful design, they offer a lifelike dynamic range and a surprisingly good soundstage. However, the midrange can feel a bit thin, particularly with vocals and strings, and they lack RCA inputs, which may inconvenience some users. Despite minor concerns like a slight hum and the absence of a dust cover, their quality-to-price ratio is exceptional. These monitors challenge the stereotype of harsh pro gear, offering a HiFi-like experience that's hard to beat at this price.

positive

Full Review

REVIEW: Nearfield Audio Monitors Group Test - Definition

definitionmagazine.com

The M-Audio BX8 D2 monitors impress with their remarkable value for money, offering a well-balanced sound at an accessible price. However, they fall short compared to competitors in the group, lacking in bass response, stereo imaging, and clarity in complex mixes. While their simplistic rear panel controls limit customization, they remain an excellent budget option for those who prioritize cost over high-end performance.

neutral

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 34 Ratings

5 star

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mersenne

119

almost 9 years ago

Pretty clear, budget monitors.

These were my fallback monitors for a long time. I bought the matched pair for $200 on Amazon from a studio that was refurbishing their crap and kept them in a box for a while until I moved into an apartment. That was that, and my normal monitors were too loud for the neighbors.

I don't think I can say much more. They eliminate the need for a sub, and are awesome for the price. They're used in AES schools for a reason!

alexbagheri

133

almost 8 years ago

The most versatile monitors in the world.

I know this may be objectively untrue, but after having used these in 3 different homes, for studio mixing, active listening, and more, and even, one time, as a PA system in a pinch, these still are my favorite monitors to date. Eat it, Yamaha.

nick_karalexis

273

over 10 years ago

Sweet Speakers Dude

Great monitors for the price. They hiss a bit in the high frequencies when they're on, and you'll need a sub if you want 20-40 hz.

trevor_p_dericks

120

over 10 years ago

Love them!

Owned them for a few years now. These are powerful monitor speakers and are very clean in the mid range and highs. They are clean to about 30db in the bass range then a sub woofer is needed to compliment them. just have to make sure the sub is made to spec well with the bx8.

fluidkarma

over 11 years ago

High quality at a reasonable price

Just got these for 249 EUR, pretty impressed of the transparency and clarity, even in the 60 to 30 Hz range. Sounding very powerful, yet linear and crisp.

From Gear Setup

ta_deck

200

about 10 years ago

Good choice.

Very good monitors. Nice bass, good clear sound. When not playing and turned loud - make little noise, but this don't bother when making track.

perceptic

150

almost 12 years ago

Great for the price!

These are unbeatable for the price range. They aren't absolutely perfect in the low frequencies but this can be heard in monitors for two or three times the price!