This article reveals all the high performing and strongly build best studio monitors under $500. A great thing about having such a high budget is that there are many options to choose from, and one of these will match your requirements as close as possible.
In other words, when you are willing to spend such a good amount of money, you are going to get:
- Ultra-clean sound quality,
- A punchy and proper low-end response,
- Very low noise levels.
In addition to these points, you may get additional features and studio compatibility options.
Check out the below section to see the must-have features and controls in a studio monitor.
Also check: Best budget studio monitors – This Year’s top picks!
A Quick and Effective Studio Monitor Buying Guide
I really believe that having certain things clear in your mind before buying a pair of studio monitors speakers helps in making faster decisions.
For this reason, here are five different aspects that makes a studio monitor sound great, offer versatility and match your requirements in best possible way.
1) Tweeter and Woofer size
The first thing that I almost see in a monitor is the size of drivers. There are two main types of drivers on a speaker. One is a tweeter for reproducing high frequencies, and the other is the woofer to emit low-end frequencies, also known as bass.
The size of both these drivers determines the loudness of the speaker. If you’re a small or an average-sized room, then below mentioned studio monitors would be sufficient for such spaces. For such areas, you can go anywhere from 3-5 inch monitors. They will cater to an excellent audio response.
However, for a large room or studio, a 7-inch or a larger-sized monitor becomes vital to provide enough sound loudness and match the sonics of a room.
2) Connectivity options
The next thing to look at is the type and quantity of connectivity ports.
If you want a studio monitor to pair up with an audio interface, you must look at studio monitors with a TRS connectivity type.
Other output ports you may see are:
- AUX inputs,
- Un-balanced RCA ports,
- COAX, OPT options,
- Headphone inputs,
- Balanced XLR inputs.
Therefore, check the output on the device that you want to connect the monitors.
3) Front Vs. Back ported
Each monitor has a port to improve the low-end response. You may see it as a hollow circle or a flat rectangle.
These ports may be located on the front panel below woofers or the backside of the monitor as a hollow circle.
So, which one should you choose?
As a quick tip, if you have a small room and limited work desk space, I recommend going with Front-firing ports. The monitors with front-firing ports can be easily managed in tight spaces.
The issue with backfiring ported monitors is that you cannot place them very close to the walls. Doing so will result in low frequencies accumulating in a specific corner and giving you a false impression of the audio or your mix.
4) Frequency Tuning & other Additional features
Frequency tuning is another decisive feature that you’ll see most of the monitors offering in this price range.
Such features help tune the monitors according to the room type and sound response by either increasing or lowering the monitor’s low and high-end response.
As a bonus and to make the deal even sweeter, few monitors offer exclusive extended additional features. We will be covering them as we see different monitors one by one.
5) Power to Size ratio
Power to size ratio in a monitor is a term that I recently coined.
It means that the size of a monitor and its power go hand in hand. A giant monitor speaker with prominent tweeters and woofers should have high power support. If the monitors are big and powerful is deficient, it does not matter how good the components are because they will not get enough energy.
Under this category, a single monitor should have a minimum of 50 W power. It will make sure that both tweeter and woofer deliver punchy and clean audio.
Related: 11 Things to consider before buying Studio Monitors!
Best Studio Monitors under $500
Finally, time to see the best studio monitors under $500. Here is a quick list to speed things up and help you understand each monitor better.
| Best studio Monitors under $500 | Frequency tuning | Balanced input | Un-Balanced inputs | Power for a single unit(W) |
| KRK Rokit G4 7″ | Yes | 2 | 0 | 145 |
| Adam Audio T7V | Yes | 1 | 1 | 50 |
| Eris E8 XT | Yes | 2 | 1 | 130 |
| Yamaha HS5 | Yes | 2 | 0 | 70 |
| JBL Professional 308P MkII | Yes | 2 | 0 | 112 |
| Mackie MR 6.5 | Yes | 2 | 1 | 65 |
| KRK Rokit G4 5 | Yes | 1 | 0 | 55 |
Now, let’s understand each monitor in more detail.
Related: Best Studio Monitors under $300 for audio professionals!
1) KRK Rokit 7 G4 Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1 inch,
- Woofer size – 7 inch,
- Frequency response – 45 Hz to 20 kHz,
- DSP-driven Onboard EQ with Visual LCD,
- Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Back panel volume controls and input ports,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR combo inputs,
- Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
- Power: 145 W.
check the price of KRK Rokit 7 G4 on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The 7″ monitors from the KRK Rokit G4 series are the best studio monitors under $500. The new G4 monitors are entirely redesigned from the previous G3 monitors. You’ll see a new cabinet material, a whole new design, a different tweeter, and, an exclusive onboard DSP. Everything has changed for the better.
In addition, the newly designed tweeters and woofers increase the sweet spot for monitoring purposes. It allows them to increase the sound flow and enhance dispersion.
Not to forget, the front port allows a user to fit monitors in a compact environment and get a punchy low-end response.
The monitor incorporates all the features on the rear panel like combo XLR/TRS ports, a volume/controller knob, and a display that lets you adjust frequencies and EQ settings accordingly as per your requirement.
The tuning, however, depends hugely on how your space reacts to specific frequencies.
The DSP onboard on the monitors plays a significant role in fine-tuning the audio by letting you manage EQ and Setup. The EQ section helps you to alter the sound as per your studio.
There are five options to choose from the EQ section. Next, the setup section lets you control the overall settings of the monitor and the display itself.
For keeping these sections fun and short, it is finally time to conclude. The KRK Rokit G4 studio monitors are good-looking, performance-packed, and well adjusted for this new generation of producers.
Pros
- An exclusive display to maintain and adjust the sound of monitors,
- Newly designed and improved driver performance and cabinet durability,
- Free app to control the monitors that lets them adjust according to the room.
Cons
- I cannot find any!
2) ADAM Audio T7V 7 Inches Powered Studio Monitor
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1 inch,
- Woofer size – 7 inch,
- Frequency response – 45 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Balanced XLR & un-balanced RCA inputs,
- Dedicated knobs to control High frequencies & volume,
- Power: 65 W.
check the price of ADAM Audio T7V on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
Both KRK and Adam Audio Studio monitors offer excellent sound quality and punchy enough low-end response. However, I feel that the low-end response is a bit better on the Rokit speakers, and that is why we have placed T7V studio monitors in second place.
A great thing about these monitors is that they give you ultra tidy and sharp transient details that help an engineer differentiate between all the frequencies quickly.
And the tight low-end on these monitors turn out useful in situations where you need to filter multiple low-end frequencies.
Related: Top-Notch Professional quality studio monitors under $1000.
However, it is a personal preference if you want a flat or slightly colored low-end response. If you wish for good bass feedback, go with the KRK G4 7″ monitors.
On the rear side of the monitors, you get all the necessary controls like a volume knob, sliders for shaping high/low frequencies, and one XLR balanced input.
Related: Best Studio Monitors for mixing and mastering!
These controls allow an artist or editor to shape the sound to complement the acoustics of a room and the monitor placement.
A thing to note here is that if you have super compact work desk or a tight studio, you may need to adjust the low-end response of the monitors as they have a back firing bass port.
Pros
- Sharp transients,
- Ultra clean high and mid frequencies,
- Enough sound loudness for small to mid sized spaces.
Cons
- A dim bass response,
- No TRS inputs available.
3) PreSonus Eris E8 XT 8″ Near Field Studio Monitor
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1.25” silk dome,
- Woofer size – 8” reinforced,
- Frequency response – 35 Hz to 20 kHz,
- DSP-driven Onboard EQ with Visual LCD,
- Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Back panel volume controls & frequency tuners,
- Balanced TRS, XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs,
- Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
- Power: 130 W.
check the price of PreSonus Eris E8 XT on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The PreSonus Eris line of studio monitors offers an excellent transient detailing, wider stereo image to improve monitoring sweet spot, and an accurate low-end response.
There is nothing fancy in Eris 8 monitors. They look simple, deliver clean audio, and have all the necessary controls. The main exclusivity that comes with Eris studio monitors is due to bluish-black woofer finish and eye shaped tweeter dome.
It feels great to use these monitors, is what I can say from my personal experience with Eris 8. The tweeter and the woofer focus highly on harmonic retention and super deep low-end response going down to 35 Hz.
Related: Best studio monitors for Small Rooms or Studios!
You can also cut the low-end of the monitors using sliders on the back of the monitor to connect a sub-woofer.
On the rear side of the monitor, you get all the necessary controls and input ports. There are three different input ports like balanced XLR, TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs.
In addition, the monitor has three dedicated knobs to control volume, mid and high frequencies, and two sliders to adjust acoustic spacing and low cutoff. How you use these frequency tuners depends on the studio size and sound response.
In conclusion, I would say that these are one of the best studio monitors under $500 as they have a very good transient detailing and a perfectly balanced low-response with very low noise levels.
Pros
- A clean and accurate sound response,
- Strong build quality with an elegant design,
- Offers enough inputs for professional use cases.
Cons
- Mid- frequencies could’ve been better.
4) Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor Pair
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1” dome,
- Woofer size – 5” cone,
- Balanced TRS and XLR inputs,
- Frequency response – 54 Hz to 30 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Back panel volume controls & frequency tuners,
- Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
- Power: 70 W.
check the price of Yamaha HS5 on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
Yamaha HS5 studio monitors are one of the flattest studio monitors I have ever used. The HS5 do not add any frequency boost to the sound coming out of the speakers and may seem dull to a person not related to audio professions.
Since Yamaha HS5 does not add any colour to the sound, these monitors are widely used by music producers and mixing engineers. The HS5 are one of the best studio monitors under $500 for people who want to expand their mixing or editing quality.
The monitors have a super clean and well-separated top-end with a punchy and smooth low-end. It has the perfect top to the low-end ratio that you can find in a monitor.
The monitor houses a few connectivity ports and frequency tuning options. You get a single XLR and TRS inputs in terms of inputs, whereas to tune the monitors, you get all the good stuff such as room control/calibrators and high-frequency trim slider.
Also, the Yamaha HS5 monitors are often compared to the KRK Rokit studio monitors for similar use cases and speaker size. But, I would say that it is a matter of personal preference to go with super flat and un-coloured HS5 monitors or with KRK Rokit speakers, which tend to add a bit of colour in the low-end frequencies.
Pros
- Clean transients,
- Noise free drivers,
- Super flat monitors providing an accurate sound reproduction.
Cons
- Can’t found any!
5) JBL Professional 308P MkII
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1″ soft dome,
- Woofer size – 8 inch,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR inputs,
- Frequency response – 45 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Back panel volume controls and input sensitivity,
- Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
- Power: 112 W.
check the price of JBL Professional 308P MkII on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The JBL 308P MKII impresses me with its stereo imaging, meaning that sound comes to you at the same time from both speakers if they are correctly set. In addition, the port is a double-flanged design to deliver an even more powerful low-end response.
The tweeter and woofers in the MKII JBL monitors are designed to deliver punchy low-end and highly accurate high-end frequency. I cannot find anything lacking in terms of sound quality. It is best for people requiring careful sound analysis and accurate audio reproduction.
Related: Best studio monitors under $200 that offer a great versatility!
The design looks very glossy, which is a drawback for me as I carry my monitors everywhere, increasing the probability of scratching them. Nonetheless, the monitors look outstanding and can match the theme of any studio or room.
Let’s move on to see the connectivity options with JBL 308 MKII.
Most of the controls and ports are on the back panel of the monitor. The backside of the monitor incorporates a volume knob, balanced XLR, and TRS ports.
In addition, dedicated sliders help shape the monitors’ sound as per the acoustics and size of a room. For this purpose, there are sliders for adjusting boundary EQ, HF trim, and input sensitivity.
The JBL 308P MKII is one of the best Studio Monitors under $500. It delivers super balanced audio, tight and punchy low-end with ultra-clean high-end frequencies. These monitors are perfect to fit a small or medium-sized room. However, the number lacks additional features and exclusivity.
Pros
- Provides two types of balanced o/p ports,
- A super clean audio with punchy low-end,
- Accurately designed for professional uses.
Cons
- Lacks exclusivity.
6) Mackie MR Series, 6.5″ Studio Monitor
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1″ silk dome,
- Woofer size – 6.5″ polypropylene,
- Frequency response – 38 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS, XLR and RCA inputs,
- Back panel volume controls and inputs ports,
- Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
- Power: 65 W.
check the price of Mackie MR 6.5″ studio monitors on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The Mackie MR line of studio monitors brings the performance of Mackie Flagship products into an affordable segment. These monitors offer pretty similar quality and experience when compared to premium Mackie monitors.
I love how the monitors are build and designed. The cabinet has a matt black finish and a distinct pattern to shape the sound around tweeters and woofers for a comprehensive monitoring sweet spot. And the black finish makes it easier to blend the pair easily in a studio or a room.
In addition, the sound loudness is high enough for a medium-sized room or a studio. The tweeters are located in line with woofers to avoid any sound delay. Therefore, helping artists to hear the tracks as clearly as possible.
All the features and controls are present on the rear side of the monitors. There is a volume knob, acoustic shaping slider, high-frequency filter, balanced XLR/TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs.
All these controls allow you to connect to various equipment and adjust the sound of the monitors according to the space you are in.
The Mackie MR 6.5″ monitors offer any producer enough versatility in sound shaping, connectivity, and use cases. They perfectly match the requirements of any producer or an editor looking for a flat enough monitor with detailed transients and robust bass response.
Pros
- Cost effective mixing monitors,
- Ultra low vibrations or humming noise.
Cons
- A bit colored bass response.
7) KRK Rokit 5 G4 Studio Monitor Pair
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1 inch,
- Woofer size – 5 inch,
- Frequency response – 45 Hz to 20 kHz,
- DSP-driven Onboard EQ with Visual LCD,
- Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Back panel volume controls and input ports,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR combo inputs,
- Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
- Power: 55 W.
check the price of KRK Rokit 5 G4 on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The only reason why KRK Rokit 5″ monitors are last on my list is because of their small size. These monitors offer the smallest size out of all the monitors we have seen before.
But, that does not mean that they lack performance or any important control or feature. It only implements that it cannot be as loud as other monitors due to its small size. And that can be a bummer for a medium to the broadly spaced studio.
Related: Best studio monitors for home studio!
Therefore, I recommend buying Rokit 5 monitors if and only if you have a small or an average-sized room. These speakers offer enough loudness to match the sonics of small spaces efficiently.
Not to forget, the audio quality is very crisp with a well-balanced bass response, and since the monitors are front-ported, you can even fit them in tight spaces or small work desks.
Furthermore, all the features and controls are located on the backside of the monitors. It offers balanced XLR/TRS combo inputs, a volume knob, and DSP to control and tune the sound of the monitors.
Using the DPS, you can choose from five different frequency presets and setup options to make the monitors react well to your studio. On an ending note, there is no doubt that these are one of the best studio monitors under $500 for small spaces and studios.
All in all, The KRK Rokit 5″ monitors offer great versatility in terms of their frequency tuning options and are perfect for a studio with limited space. They deliver an excellent top-end sound with a punchy and deep low-end response.
Pros
- DSP room tuning,
- Perfect for average sized rooms,
- Flat response making them great for studio,
- A very clean and responsive high and low end.
Cons
- Not fit for large spaces.
Conclusion
Here you go!
These were the best studio monitors under $500. All these monitors cater mostly to people who want a clean and accurate reproduction of sound like a sound engineer or studio artists.
Since these monitors fall in a budget category, they can fit easily into small or medium sized studios or rooms. If you are getting a pair of monitors, do make sure to calibrate your studio monitors so that the sound of both the monitors complement each other.
Related: Best studio monitors under $100 that actually sound good!
Lastly, I hope you liked this article. As we are at the end of this article, tell me your top picks for studio monitors under 500 dollars.
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