To the page content

Active 2-Way Nearfield Studio Monitor

  • Tweeter: 1 inch (25 mm) 60 W silk dome tweeter
  • Woofer: 5 inch (127 mm) 40 W woofer with kevlar membrane
  • Amplifier: 100 Watts RMS bi-amp Class A / B power amp
  • Max. sound pressure level: 110 dB
  • Crossover: 2 kHz
  • Further sound adjustments: Acoustic Space
  • Frequency range: 52 - 35,000 Hz
  • Inputs: balanced XLR input
  • Balanced jack input
  • Input sensitivity: 85 mV input signal (pink noise) produces 96 dBA output level (sound pressure level at 1 m and maximum volume)
  • Maximum input level: +21 dBu
  • Input impedance: 20 kOhm balanced, 10 kOhm unbalanced
  • Protected circuit design: Overheat, Transient and Subsonic Protection Circuit
  • Output current limiting
  • Shielded against RF interference
  • Controls: Volume control, Acoustic Space switch
  • Housing: vinyl-coated MDF
  • Power consumption: 100 W
  • Power supply: internal power supply 100 - 120 V / 220 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
  • Dimensions: 254 x 176 x 197 mm
  • Weight: 6 kg
  • Including acoustic foam pads
  • Available since June 2017
  • Item number 415650
  • Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
  • Speaker size 1x 5", 1x 1"
  • Amplifier power per unit (RMS) 100 W
  • Magnetic Shielding Yes
  • Analogue XLR Input Yes
  • Analogue Input (Jack) Yes
  • Analogue Input (Mini Jack) No
  • Analogue Input (RCA) No
  • Digital input No
  • Manual frequency correction Yes
  • Frequency range min. 52 Hz
  • Frequency range max. 35000 Hz
  • Dimensions in mm 254 x 176 x 197
  • Speaker Housing - Woofer System Bass reflex
B-Stock available from 99 €
109 €
All prices incl. VAT
In stock
1

Large, loud, and separable

The M-Audio BX5 D3 is the most compact model in the manufacturer's range of active two-way near-field studio monitors, combining a bass-reflex design with a 5" Kevlar woofer and a 1" tweeter. Both drivers are powered by a Class A/B bi-amp that delivers 100W RMS and produces a maximum sound pressure level of 110dB, which is well suited to typical near-field monitoring applications. The sound can be adapted to the listening environment using the Acoustic Space switch located alongside the volume control. An unusually comprehensive set of protection circuits helps ensure reliable operation, particularly for a monitor in this price range. The package is completed by a pair of acoustic foam isolation pads for improved separation from the supporting surface.

Rear panel with connections on the M-Audio BX5 D3 active two-way near-field reference studio monitor

High standards and effective safeguards

The M-Audio BX5 D3 monitors are equipped with balanced XLR and 6.3mm jack inputs, underlining their focus on studio applications. The frequency response extends from 52Hz up to 35kHz, providing a wider usable range than many competing monitors in the same class. A combination of overheating protection, output current limiting, and diaphragm protection against excessive transients and deep bass helps ensure reliable operation under demanding conditions. Magnetic shielding against HF interference further contributes to consistent performance and clean sound reproduction.

M-Audio BX5 D3 active two-way near-field reference studio monitor

Beyond the compact class

The M-Audio BX5 D3 monitors are a convenient choice for anyone seeking plenty of power and a wide frequency response without stretching the budget. Its 5" woofer keeps the cabinet compact enough for smaller studios and desktop workspaces while still delivering the output expected from a near-field monitor in this class. Anyone intending to mount the speakers on stands should keep in mind that each monitor weighs 6kg, so a sufficiently stable choice should be made. For home recording users upgrading from multimedia speakers, the BX5 D3 represents a clear step forward in terms of monitoring accuracy and overall performance. Combining a thoughtful design with a well-rounded feature set, it offers an accessible introduction to studio monitoring that will also satisfy the needs of more experienced users.

Detailed view of the active M-Audio BX5 D3 two-way near-field reference studio monitor

About M-Audio

M-Audio is one of the best-known manufacturers of MIDI controllers, audio and MIDI interfaces, monitor boxes, and other studio equipment. Founded in 1988 under the name Midiman, the company quickly made a name for itself, always focusing on practical features and value for money. With the successful Oxygen series, M-Audio was instrumental in establishing the genre of MIDI controller keyboards for DAW-based studios. For a time, M-Audio was part of Digidesign / Avid. The brand is now part of the inMusic group and its success story continues to this day.

Better in the studio than on the go

The M-Audio BX5 D3 monitors are well matched to modern DAW-based production environments, with a maximum input level of +21dBu that provides ample headroom for the output of most standard audio interfaces. While its solid construction and weight make it less suitable for frequent transport, the vinyl-finished MDF cabinet is designed to withstand the demands of everyday use in a home or project studio. As a result, the BX5 D3 speakers are particularly well suited to permanent installations where reliability and consistent performance are priorities. The Acoustic Space control also makes it easier to adapt the monitors to different room conditions, helping to compensate for bass-related issues caused by speaker placement or limited acoustic treatment below 85Hz.

216 Customer ratings

4.5 / 5

features

sound

quality

125 Reviews

D
Greatest value / price
Daniel_G 25.02.2019
I bought 2 of these without any tryout, only based on Youtube comparisons with a studio headphone (included in the Focusrite studio set).

I am very satisfied with the sound and the stereo imaging of the speakers, actually I love just to hear music on them, not just for studio work.

Many of reviews were about lack of bass, but even for just listening to music (pop, rock, metal, southern rock, modern metal etc, blues, jazz), there is enough bass I can confirm that.

For my taste these speakers are very natural sounding, round and the notes are very understandable. Hearing them from 0.5-1m, the result is perfect.

I have currently no time to make music on them, but I can imagine full mixing and mastering processing on these ones. Of course for super-lows mix I would prefer a good studio headphone, and at the finalisation hearing your music on different speakers and headphones is always a great practice. For D4 version I suggest to add a high freqency booster potmeter.

I recommend these ones, they are loud and great!

After two years: Finally after 2 years I found the highs rolled off too much, it is easy to
make too crisp/harsh mixes on them. I found my mixes became too warm sounding
not enough aggresive on them. With the acoustic space to -4db and cross reference
with a great studio headphone (like ath m40x) the results can be much better. Stereo imaging, amount of bass is ok. For less agressive styles it can be a good monitor.
features
quality
sound
17
0
Report

Report

U
I don't know for whom it's built
UsualAsAlways 17.05.2021
Let's start with positive things:
- Great looking monitors, hands down
- They have good features such as low cut for -2 and -4 db

Negative things:
- Too much bass that can resonate and make an awful buzzing sound, once I bought soft pads it became better but I can't get rid of this sound even on -4db. I put them kinda close to the wall but it's a cheap equipment, so you can't expect a person buying it having a treated room with correct monitor placement, so I don't know who can find those useful and for whom they are built
- Volume knobs are too easy to rotate and they don't have any locking positions, so when you turn them on and off you can rotate them and not even notice

Overall: Maybe those are great when you have a correct placement and monitor stands / great soft pads but if you are searching for budget monitors for a home studio without a proper treatment - buy monitors that have ports (holes) on the front panel, this will minimize the chance of unwanted buzz on low frequencies
features
quality
sound
8
4
Report

Report

P
Patrik1610 09.01.2023
Affordable speakers that work Well to amplify book store.
features
quality
sound
0
0
Report

Report

B
Nice sound, but 150Hz hum and backplate too hot to touch
Burntfingers 04.02.2021
I bought two of these for a home studio. I was pleased with the appearance and they arrived quickly. But as soon as I plugged them in I heard 150Hz mains hum, from both. This was with nothing plugged in and at all volume levels. I tried them in different power sockets throughout my house but it didn't make a difference. Once I started using them the backplate got so hot it is unbearable to touch, and again this was on both units. Mains hum on what I believed was a step up from basic desktop speakers (which had no hum) was a very unpleasant surprise.
features
quality
sound
8
4
Report

Report