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Description

Experience exceptional audio fidelity with the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors, a perfect marriage of professional-grade components and compact design. These monitors are engineered for home studios and desktop listening, delivering an impressive soundscape that rivals much larger systems. With 4" polypropylene-coated woofers and 3/4" ferrofluid-cooled silk dome tweeters, the AV 40s provide punchy bass and crisp treble, offering a balanced sound response across the spectrum.

The inclusion of M-Audio's proprietary OptImage III wave guide technology ensures superior stereo imaging and detail, so you can experience your music with clarity and precision. These speakers are built to meet the demands of modern musicians, producers, and audiophiles alike. The Class A/B amplifier architecture contributes to their robust sound output, making them a reliable choice for any audio project.

The AV 40s are housed in sturdy MDF wooden cabinets with a bass reflex design, enhancing low-frequency performance for genres that demand a bit more punch. Whether you're producing the next big hit, enjoying a movie, or gaming, these monitors offer the dynamic range and detail you need. Plus, their magnetic shielding ensures they won't interfere with your other electronic devices, making them ideal for desktop setups.

Key Features:

  • 4" Polypropylene-coated Woofers
  • 3/4" Ferrofluid-cooled Silk Dome Tweeters
  • OptImage III Wave Guides for Superior Imaging
  • 20W per Channel Amplifier with Class A/B Architecture
  • Magnetic Shielding for Interference-free Desktop Use
  • Balanced 1/4" TRS and Unbalanced RCA Inputs
  • 1/8" Headphone Output and Stereo Auxiliary Input
  • Volume and On/Off Controls
  • Custom MDF Cabinet with Bass Reflex Port Design

FAQs

What is the frequency response of the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors?

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors have a frequency response of 85Hz to 20kHz, providing clear and accurate audio suitable for various studio applications.

Are the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors suitable for mixing and mastering in a small home studio?

Yes, the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors are well-suited for mixing and mastering in small home studios due to their accurate sound reproduction and compact size.

What type of amplifier is used in the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors?

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors use a 20-watt per channel amplifier with Class A/B architecture, providing reliable power and performance.

Do the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors have magnetic shielding?

Yes, the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors are equipped with magnetic shielding, allowing them to be placed near video monitors and other electronic equipment without interference.

What are the main components of the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors?

The main components include 4" polypropylene-coated woofers, 1" ferrofluid-cooled silk cone tweeters, and OptImage III tweeter wave guides, all contributing to their high-quality sound output.

LastStopReviews

LastStopReviews

M-Audio AV40 Studiophile Review

Video thumbnail for M-Audio AV40 Studiophile Review by LastStopReviews

M-Audio AV40 Studiophile Review

LastStopReviews

LastStopReviews

Video thumbnail for Review: M-Audio® AV 40 - Monitor Speakers by MoGaming

Review: M-Audio® AV 40 - Monitor Speakers

MoGaming

MoGaming

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors..

User experience

  • Owners appreciate that the AV40s handle low-quality sources well, performing impressively with devices like Android phones, which highlights their forgiving nature.

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  • Some owners have extended the life of their units by attaching CPU heat sinks to dissipate heat better, preventing common overheating issues.

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  • Some find the AV40s lacking in clarity when distinguishing highs from mids, particularly with deep-voiced singers, suggesting a limitation in vocal separation.

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  • Owners report a slight hiss from the speakers when powered on, noticeable only when no music is playing, and a channel imbalance at very low volumes.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite age, some units are still functioning well after over 15 years, indicating potential durability when maintained properly.

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  • These monitors excel in genres like hip-hop, rap, and electronica, delivering bass impact that headphones can't match, making them suitable for bass-heavy music enthusiasts.

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  • Ideal for home DAW users as an entry-level monitor, providing a defined soundstage and clarity that highlights recording flaws.

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Features and functionality

  • The EMI/EMC shield, although appearing mechanically redundant, is critical for preventing 60Hz hum and protecting the PCB from transformer interference.

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  • The powered speaker includes a 1/8" aux and headphone output on the front, with RCA and 1/4" TRS inputs on the rear, offering versatile connectivity options.

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  • The left speaker includes amplifiers, inputs, and outputs with a volume control that glows blue when powered, which some find distracting in dim lighting.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Using higher voltage-rated capacitors, such as 100V for 220uF and 50V for 22uF, is recommended for increased safety and longevity.

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Build quality

  • Thermal damage indicators include discolored solder masks and plastic headers, suggesting potential overheating issues in long-term use.

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  • The enclosure is notably rigid, producing a deadened sound when knocked, indicating solid construction for this price range.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Successful repairs often involve replacing capacitors C12 and C13, even when they show no physical damage, to resolve volume issues in the left speaker.

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  • To achieve optimal sound, it's advised to place the speakers at ear height due to extremely directional tweeters; desk stands or angled positioning can help.

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Comparisons

  • Some owners prefer the AV40s over Alesis M1 320s, noting better overall sound quality, though the M1s offer an integrated audio interface for those lacking external options.

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  • These speakers are considered better than similarly priced 2.1 systems, offering a sharper soundstage and more controlled bass performance.

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Value and pricing

  • At $120, the AV 40s deliver significant performance for the price, with many owners recommending them as a first step into studio monitors.

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Critic Reviews

M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Speakers Review - Videomaker

videomaker.com

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 studio monitors offer impressive sound quality for desktop use, producing clear and even audio without emphasizing any particular frequency. Their silk dome tweeters provide smooth highs, while the four-inch woofers deliver ample bass, enhanced by a bass-boost feature. The inclusion of front auxiliary input and headphone output adds convenience. However, at 14 pounds, these monitors aren't very portable, and their $200 price tag may seem high for some users. Overall, these monitors are a worthy investment for those seeking quality sound in a compact form.

positive

M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 review | Yktoo

yktoo.com

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 studio monitors deliver clean, natural sound with an impressive frequency response, especially for their price. Compact and powerful, they're a great choice for desktop use. However, their plain design and rear power switch might not impress everyone, and the lack of sound equalization could be a downside for some. Overall, a high-quality, cost-effective option for musicians and audiophiles alike.

positive

ModSynergy.com - Review 164 - M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Desktop Speaker System Review @ ModSynergy.com

modsynergy.com

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors impress with their balanced sound and robust construction. Praised for their clarity and dynamic range, they excel in delivering high-quality audio across various media formats, especially when paired with a good sound card. While not the most portable option due to their weight, and hindered by a short cable and thin speaker wire, these monitors still offer an exceptional listening experience. Their balanced bass and treble distribution allow them to perform well without additional bass boost, making them a top choice for those seeking professional-grade sound at a reasonable price.

positive

SlashGear Review - M-Audio Studiophile AV40 - SlashGear

slashgear.com

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors deliver phenomenal sound quality, impressing even self-proclaimed non-audiophiles with their crystal-clear notes and intense realism in gaming. While their size may be a downside for desk setups, they shine in performance, especially for music-oriented activities like Guitar Hero. Despite a bulky presence, their audio prowess more than compensates, earning a strong 4.5 out of 5 gears in this review.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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wormhole_audio

Rock solid, workhorse entry-level monitors.

These were my first set of monitors ever. After listening to KRK's JBL's and other lower end monitors, I realized I had my hands on a decent set of monitors. These things have been running strong for 5 years now, and I did lots of mixes and masters on them (using headphones to frequently reference the low end since they don't go very low into the sub range) for the EDM scene. I've got over 200K plays in about a year on songs I mixed and mastered on these monitors, and the tracks have been played a major festivals to multi-thousand person crowds. They aren't too low end heavy, relatively flat. GREAT set of entry level monitors. I still use these for my vinyl listening setup.

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