M-Audio tends to be fairly hit or miss, especially with their lower-budget products. However, every once in a blue moon they really nail it. Let’s take a closer look and see what the BX5 D3 studio monitors have to offer.
Final verdict
The M-Audio BX5 D3 is an excellent option for those looking for quality studio monitors at an affordable price. The monitors offer a balanced frequency response, a powerful output, and a solidly durable design. The I/O and controls are also well-designed and easy to use. I highly recommend them.
What I like
- Accurate sound representation.
- Wide frequency response range.
- Powerful enough for medium to large-sized studios.
- Durable build quality.
- Affordable.
What I don’t like
- The bass response is somewhat lacking.
Why you should trust this review
As a producer and audio engineer for over 15 years, I’ve laid fingerprints on a wide range of gear in all sorts of setups.
I’ve learned how to stretch a budget, working with everything from second-hand monitors from a buddy to cheap pawn shop desktop speakers.
I’ve mixed on consumer-grade models, repurposed radio speakers, high-end studio monitors, and everything in between.
This hands-on experience, along with years of problem-solving in different recording environments, has taught me what monitors are worth investing in – and which aren’t.
Power and frequency response 3.9
The BX5 D3 has a power output of 100 watts, which makes it perfect for medium to large-sized recording studios. The monitors have a frequency response of 52 Hz to 35 kHz, which is fine, although you may want to invest in a good subwoofer at some point, later on, to compensate for the early roll-off.
I found my subjective listening experience to be totally fine, aside from noticing a bump in the upper bass region. This may have been a problem, but I was able to correct it entirely by adjusting the LF switch to -4 dB.
Other than that, there’s really no reason why monitors this cheap should perform so well.
I/O and controls 4.5
The M-Audio BX5 D3 has a variety of I/O options, including XLR and TRS inputs, as well as a volume control and an LED power indicator. The monitors also feature a high and low-frequency control, which allows you to fine-tune the sound to your specific needs.
As I had mentioned earlier, setting the LF attenuation switch to -4 dB fully fixes some issues with the upper bass frequencies. The controls are well-designed and easy to use, making it easy to get the perfect sound. Otherwise, everything is straightforward.
Build quality 4.0
The M-Audio BX5 D3’s build is pretty sturdy. The design seems durable and more than able to withstand the rigors of professional audio production.
The monitors feature a ported enclosure design that helps reduce distortion and increase bass response. They’re also magnetically-shielded, which helps prevent interference from other electronic devices.
Compared to other studio monitors
While the M-Audios are an amazing choice for the money and some of my favorite budget monitors speakers, here are a few comparisons to consider before purchasing.
M-Audio BX5 D3 vs M-Audio BX4
The BX5 D3 and the BX4 both belong to the same product family and share some similarities. However, the BX5 D3 has more power and a slightly wider frequency response. I would probably go with the BX5 D3, but you can’t go wrong with one or the other.
See the M-Audio BX4’s current price
M-Audio BX5 D3 vs JBL 305P Mk2
The BX5 D3 and the 305P are both quality studio monitors, and both offer a balanced and accurate sound representation. However, the M-Audio has a bit more juice, with a power output of 100 watts compared to the JBL’s 82 watts.
The BX5 D3 also has a slightly wider frequency response. The price difference isn’t much, but the M-Audio is definitely more affordable.
Read the full JBL 305P Mk2 review
M-Audio BX5 D3 vs PreSonus Eris Studio 5
The BX5 D3 and the Eris Studio 5 are both perfectly fine choices. However, the M-Audio monitor is slightly more powerful and has a wider frequency response. I recommend going with the BX5 D3.
See the PreSonus Eris Studio 5’s current price
Who are the M-Audio BX5 D3 studio monitors best suited for?
The BX5 D3 monitors are a great choice for anybody looking for a cheap pair of studio monitors. While their bass response is a bit lacking, the overall performance is far better than the price suggests.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazon
