Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors
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An affordable studio monitor pair with uncolored audio reproduction and built-in USB interface.
M1Active 520 USB is a studio monitoring system designed for professional studio use with an internal digital-audio interface. M1Active 520 USB is a pair of active, bi-amplified, two-way reference monitors that play from 20,000 Hz all the way down to 56 Hz to cover nearly all frequencies audible to human ears. You can take digital signal out of your computer via USB and input it to M1Active 520 USB thanks to their digital input. Priced attractively for any studio's budget, M1Active 520 USB perform with linearity, clarity, and neutrality typically reserved for monitors that cost much more.
Reference Monitoring
Alesis has built M1Active 520USB around their popular five-inch polypropylene low-frequency driver for full, smooth response in the low end and a one-inch silk dome high-frequency driver for absolute clarity in the highs. A custom crossover avoids the crucial vocal midrange, ensuring that your mixes sound the way you recorded them. The low-resonance bass reflex cabinet features radiussed edges to reduce edge diffraction and a tuned port for bass extension. A bass boost switch offers low-frequency enhancement to further accommodate for room conditions requiring a little more output in the low end.
Professional Monitoring Options
When you reach for the convenient front panel volume control, you can be confident that the power you need will be there with M1Active 520 USB's bi-amplified design delivering 25W to the tweeter and 50W to the woofer. Like the rest of the M1Active series, M1Active 520 USB are magnetically shielded, so there's never an issue of placement near computer screen, LCDs, or hard drives. The front-panel stereo 1/4" headphone output mutes the loudspeakers when connected. When you connect headphones, the main volume control automatically switches to controlling the headphone output. M1Active 520 USB feature a large, front-panel, bi-color indicator that indicates presence of signal in blue and clipping in red for instant feedback on system status.
Extensive I/O
Professional quality analog input jacks are located on the rear. Two balanced-1/4" inputs enable engineers to connect a stereo source or two mono sources. For convenient recordings, simply connect the stereo output of a mixer. You can create complete recordings with no additional audio interface. The speakers are interconnected using a standard XLR cable for secure, professional connection. For worldwide operation, M1Active 520 USB features a voltage-switchable power supply.
USB Digital Audio Interface
In addition to their capabilities as traditional monitor loudspeakers, M1Active 520 USB monitors contain a USB audio interface. Connected audio sources such as mic preamps and instruments can be recorded directly into your computer at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz. Simply plug the USB cable into your computer. No special drivers required. And when it's time to listen back to your mixes, that same USB cable sends 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz, stereo audio from computer to your M1Active 520 USBs. No more complicated interfaces and messy cable tangles.
Features
- Two-way, active, bi-amplified pair of reference studio-monitor loudspeakers
- Wide, 56 — 20,000 Hz frequency response
- Five-inch lightweight polypropylene woofer with 50W RMS
- One-inch silk-dome tweeter with 25W RMS
- Integrated USB audio interface with 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz recording and playback
- Two balanced-1/4" inputs
- Stereo, 1/4" headphone output
- Magnetically shielded for placement near TV and computer monitors
- Low-resonance cabinet with tuned bass port
- Bi-color signal/clip indicator
- Switchable power supply ensures worldwide operation
Includes
- Two M1Active 520 USB loudspeakers
- XLR interconnection cable (6 ft)
- USB cable (6 ft)
- IEC power cable
- Quick start manual
- Safety and warranty guide
Accurately hear your tracks and get USB connected too! Order today.
M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors Specifications:
- Low-frequency driver: 5" lightweight, magnetically-shielded, ultra-stiff polypropylene cone with rubber surround and high power handling voice coil
- High-frequency driver: one-inch silk dome with magnetic shielding
- Frequency Response: 56 - 20,000 Hz
- Power: 50 W / 25 W per channel RMS
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90dB weighted
- Digital Conversion: 16-bit delta sigma, 44.1kHz or 48kHz sampling rate
- Inputs: two balanced-1/4"
- Polarity: Positive signal on "+" pin creates forward cone displacement
- Input Impedance: 10k ohms
- Input Level: -10dBV nominal, balanced
- Dynamic Range: >80dB
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The KRK Expose E8B Studio Monitor at Winter NAMM 2...
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (5)
- Durable (4)
- Easy to use (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (4)
- Home studio (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Novice (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Alesis M1 Active 520 USB Studio Monitors
They include an XLR cord to connect the 2 speakers. In my opinion it's not quite long enough.
Yes it is made heavy-duty and "Industrial-strength", but 4 feet long...Read complete review
They include an XLR cord to connect the 2 speakers. In my opinion it's not quite long enough.
Yes it is made heavy-duty and "Industrial-strength", but 4 feet long, and you lose some of that
because they're straight plugs, (never seen an angled-XLR) plugging into the backs of the
speakers, so you'll barely get 3 feet (1 meter approx.) between them.
I'm using a longer cord that I had laying around.
But overall, I would tell anyone to buy them. Fantastic price to value ratio. (Bang for buck).
Only 1 small thing. The inputs are 1/4" phone plug. That would be okay if they had RCA
inputs as well. I had to buy adapters from female RCA to male 1/4 phone plug.
Sure they're cheap, about 2 dolla each. Also available right here, just type "adapters" in the
search box.
But the day your studio monitors arrive and you take them out of the box, you kind of want to
play with your toys right away and I think most of the gear which requires monitors has RCA
style output jacks.
Built like a tank. Stout and sturdy. Just heavy enough of construction that lets you know
this is professional level equipment.
Well made, no flaws.
They rival the higher priced. And in a career that spans from the 1970's to the 21st century,
I learned recording engineering from the finest teachers who worked with big names and
major labels, and I've worked in smaller studios in the 1980's, down to home studios.
These Alesis monitor speakers rival anything I've heard in my 42 year career.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not really worth the $$$
We sent them back after 2 weeks for one reason...the sound.
We are getting just as good of sound out of our Berry Ms16's, really. These are NOT compar...Read complete review
We sent them back after 2 weeks for one reason...the sound.
We are getting just as good of sound out of our Berry Ms16's, really. These are NOT comparable with the non-USB models, not even close.
Save a little more, or spend less for the Ms16's, but these are not worth it.
Reviews
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
We sent them back after 2 weeks for one reason...the sound.
We are getting just as good of sound out of our Berry Ms16's, really. These are NOT comparable with the non-USB models, not even close.
Save a little more, or spend less for the Ms16's, but these are not worth it.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Digital-analog Converter
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Flimsy Tweeters
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
Outstanding speakers. They required a few hours of break-in but sounded so much better after that. Sound is very clear and I can listen to them for hours and not tire my ears. Swicth is the beck for extra bass comes in handy. I do like the master-slave configuration since I don't have to adjust 2 volumes. The digital-analog converter is also awesome since it saves from having one extra component to deal with.
Cons: website rates it at 75W when it's actually 60W (still plenty loud) and the HF drivers seem very fragile. Sound quality is definitely not an issue. Just be careful and do not poke them.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy Connect Great Sound
Cons
- Not Found Any
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Makes Mix Edit Easier
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
Flexible connection with USB or analog cables. Very good sound for mixing or listening to pre-recorded music. A good value.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
This is my first pair of monitors for my home studio so I don't know much about them. But from right out the box these sound much better than I expected. I'm really satisfied with these. I'll be using these at home and at mobiles as booth monitors.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulkyheavy
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
I love how the sound and these are my second and the best sounded ones I have had so far.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy to set up
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Poor Sound Quality
- Usb not much punch
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
these are just ok ,but not very good for a true mix
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
They include an XLR cord to connect the 2 speakers. In my opinion it's not quite long enough.
Yes it is made heavy-duty and "Industrial-strength", but 4 feet long, and you lose some of that
because they're straight plugs, (never seen an angled-XLR) plugging into the backs of the
speakers, so you'll barely get 3 feet (1 meter approx.) between them.
I'm using a longer cord that I had laying around.
But overall, I would tell anyone to buy them. Fantastic price to value ratio. (Bang for buck).
Only 1 small thing. The inputs are 1/4" phone plug. That would be okay if they had RCA
inputs as well. I had to buy adapters from female RCA to male 1/4 phone plug.
Sure they're cheap, about 2 dolla each. Also available right here, just type "adapters" in the
search box.
But the day your studio monitors arrive and you take them out of the box, you kind of want to
play with your toys right away and I think most of the gear which requires monitors has RCA
style output jacks.
Built like a tank. Stout and sturdy. Just heavy enough of construction that lets you know
this is professional level equipment.
Well made, no flaws.
They rival the higher priced. And in a career that spans from the 1970's to the 21st century,
I learned recording engineering from the finest teachers who worked with big names and
major labels, and I've worked in smaller studios in the 1980's, down to home studios.
These Alesis monitor speakers rival anything I've heard in my 42 year career.
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
I got these for my birthday a month ago and they sound fantastic! Crystal clear at high volume. Nice flat response so what you hear is the real deal. Great for mixing/playback. I haven't used the usb interface yet so I can't review that part but I hooked them up to my Tascam multitrack with some Monster cables (dual 1/4" to RCA) and WOW! I was really suprised at how good they sound. If you're on a budget like me these are perfect. (M.F. had them on sale) Highly recommended.
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
I don't know about using these for monitoring. I bought them for listening to music on my PC at work. They are a big step up from computer store speakers unless you want to hear the kind of booming bass notes that only a subwoofer can provide.The build quality looks a little tacky compared to more expensive monitor speakers, but again, it seems a good step up from computer store speakers.I knocked them in the features department because the only signal input (apart from the built-in USB sound card) is a pair of 1/4" balanced TRS jacks that are hard-wired for a -10dBu signal level. There's no provision to connect a +4dBu source, and RCA connectors or a 3.5mm stereo TRS jack would have been more appropriate for a -10dBu input. (How come they managed to put all three kinds on the tiny '320 USB' speakers?)There seems to be some confusion in the marketing department. An M1 Active 520 USB pair is NOT the same thing as an M1 Active 520 pair with USB added. It's a different design. It's less powerful, and it's actually a pair consisting of one active speaker and one passive speaker with a proprietary six-foot cable between them. Some vendors will tell you, "A 1"-thick front baffle minimizes speaker resonance and..." That may be true of the M1 Active 520 speakers, but the front baffle of the M1 Active 520 USB speakers is only 1/2" thick (I measured it.)
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB Studio Monitors:
It took a while to set up my 520's (buffer issues finally solved by using Total Recorder 8.1), but once that was accomplished I opened up a whole new world for myself. Boy! These speakers are amazing. How Alesis makes these products and releases them at these prices is beyond me.
