Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $116

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Studio monitor pair with 4" woofer and acoustically treated cabinets.

The M-Audio AV42 monitors are encased in acoustically-inert MDF cabinets that eliminate clarity-robbing resonances. Inside, Class A/B amplification provides 20 Watts of power per channel. The two-way design features an optimized bass reflex design and OptImage IV waveguides to deliver extended bass and crystal-clear highs.Offering rear-panel RCA inputs, the AV42 speakers are compatible with all your gear. There is even a 1/8" aux input for your tablet, computer, or mobile device. The convenient headphone output allows you to work privately at any hour. Ideal for producing all kinds of media, the AV42 monitor speakers are also perfect for gaming, watching videos, and listening to music. Cables are included.

Product specs

Brand M-Audio
Model AV42 Desktop Speakers (Pair)
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Studio Monitors

FAQs

What size are the woofers on the M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors?

The M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors are equipped with four-inch woofers, which provide a fuller bass response compared to smaller models.

Are the M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors suitable for mixing and mastering?

The AV42 Monitors are well-suited for beginner to intermediate users in small home studios. While they provide clear sound, professional mixing and mastering might require more advanced monitors for greater accuracy.

Do the M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors have built-in amplifiers?

Yes, the M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors are active speakers, meaning they have built-in amplifiers, eliminating the need for an external power amp.

Can the M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors be used for gaming or casual listening?

Absolutely, the AV42 Monitors offer versatile audio performance suitable for gaming, casual listening, and multimedia applications, in addition to studio use.

What connectivity options are available on the M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors?

The AV42 Monitors feature RCA inputs and a 1/8-inch stereo auxiliary input, allowing easy connection to computers, mobile devices, and other audio sources.

Digital DJ Tips

Digital DJ Tips

M-Audio AV42 & AV32 Multimedia Speakers Review

Video thumbnail for M-Audio AV42 & AV32 Multimedia Speakers Review by Digital DJ Tips

M-Audio AV42 & AV32 Multimedia Speakers Review

Digital DJ Tips

Digital DJ Tips

Video thumbnail for Mackie CR4 vs M-Audio AV42  ||  Sound Demo w/ Bass Test by DSAUDIO.review

Mackie CR4 vs M-Audio AV42 || Sound Demo w/ Bass Test

DSAUDIO.review

DSAUDIO.review

Video thumbnail for M-Audio AV42 Unboxing, Set Up & Test by Visual Line Ltd

M-Audio AV42 Unboxing, Set Up & Test

Visual Line Ltd

Visual Line Ltd

Video thumbnail for M-Audio AV42 Powered Studio Monitors - M-Audio AV42 by American Musical Supply

M-Audio AV42 Powered Studio Monitors - M-Audio AV42

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Unboxing, review, and how to connect the M-Audio AV42 - detailed by ecologicaltime

Unboxing, review, and how to connect the M-Audio AV42 - detailed

ecologicaltime

ecologicaltime

Video thumbnail for M-Audio AV42 Cheap Monitors Review w/ Tests - Great Speakers under £100!! by Najam Reviews Tech

M-Audio AV42 Cheap Monitors Review w/ Tests - Great Speakers under £100!!

Najam Reviews Tech

Najam Reviews Tech

Video thumbnail for M-Audio AV42 Monitors: Why I Use Them by Powercoat Music

M-Audio AV42 Monitors: Why I Use Them

Powercoat Music

Powercoat Music

Video thumbnail for Mackie CR3 vs M-Audio AV42: Which is Best? by Powercoat Music

Mackie CR3 vs M-Audio AV42: Which is Best?

Powercoat Music

Powercoat Music

Video thumbnail for UNBOXING: M-AUDIO AV42 MULTIMEDIA MONITOR SPEAKERS by Analogika Production House

UNBOXING: M-AUDIO AV42 MULTIMEDIA MONITOR SPEAKERS

Analogika Production House

Analogika Production House

Video thumbnail for M-Audio AV42 Desktop Studio Monitors/Speakers Review by Beyond Soup by Jaed Arzadon

M-Audio AV42 Desktop Studio Monitors/Speakers Review

Beyond Soup by Jaed Arzadon

Beyond Soup by Jaed Arzadon

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent clarity and direction awareness for gaming audio

  • Compact size ideal for small workspaces or portable setups

  • High sound accuracy, especially in mids and highs

  • Analog volume control on speakers for easy adjustments

  • Solid bass performance for a system without a subwoofer

  • Affordable price point for beginners in music production

  • Durable build suitable for frequent relocation

  • Suitable for a variety of genres including EDM, hip-hop, and pop

CONS

  • Lacks deep bass compared to systems with a subwoofer

  • Mid to high range can be overly bright for some users

  • Not ideal for large spaces or house parties

  • Requires additional EQ for optimal TV audio performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors.

Comparisons

  • The M-Audio AV42 monitors are compared favorably for their detailed sound within their price range, but the AV32 model is noted as the option available under $100.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • In small, untreated rooms, smaller monitors like the 3.5" to 5" speakers are recommended due to their suitability for minimal bass sculpting.

    Source
  • It's suggested to use mixing headphones for bass frequencies in untreated spaces, as these environments are not ideal for bass management.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Front bass ports are preferable for setups close to walls, as they help manage room acoustics better compared to rear ports.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Multimedia reference monitors priced between $100-$200 are a midpoint choice, offering a less colored sound than stereo speakers and better quality than computer speakers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

M-Audio AV42 Monitors review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors are a commendable successor to the AV40, boasting a clean design and solid performance. While they provide a slightly more detailed low-end compared to competitors like the Mackie CR3s, they lack in power, which may become noticeable at higher volumes. These monitors are not recommended for critical mixing tasks but perform well for general small-factor monitoring. Overall, they are a decent choice for those seeking multimedia monitors without expecting top-end performance.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
glow

Flat and that's that.

These things are hella cheap but hella good. Looking to upgrade but if you are just starting out these are PERFECT for you.

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 M-Audio Studiophile AV42 Monitors, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Altec Lansing AL-SND339F Helix
Altec Lansing AL-SND339F Helix Active & Passive Monitors
1
Mooer Yellow Comp
Mooer Yellow Comp Compressor Effects Pedals
1
Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion
Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Epiphone Dot
Epiphone Dot Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Fender Player Stratocaster
Fender Player Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Squier Jazz Affinity
Squier Jazz Affinity Electric Basses
1
Fender Mustang I V2
Fender Mustang I V2 Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Solid State Logic SSL 2
Solid State Logic SSL 2 Audio Interfaces
1

Community setups

Show yours
rayhel

rayhel

Gear IQ 99

More M-Audio Active & Passive Monitors

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides