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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
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What is the frequency response of the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors?
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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.
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Are the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors suitable for mixing and mastering in a small home studio?
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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.
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What type of amplifier is used in the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors?
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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.
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Do the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors have magnetic shielding?
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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.
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What are the main components of the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Studio Monitors?
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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.
Videos
LastStopReviews
M-Audio AV40 Studiophile Review
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Setup and maintenance
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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
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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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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
200
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.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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