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iKEY M-Series M-808 Studio Monitors

Not to hate on M-Audio’s or Alesis’ monitors, but they have a little way to go when pitted agains the iKEY M-Series M-808s. These 8” maniacs are packed with 125 watts of distortion-free, bi-amplified power; connect via XLR, TRS, or RCA; and are about as balanced and crisp as any $600 plus competitor. After hooking these somewhat-bulky monitors up to my M-Audio Studiophiles (desktop speakers retailing at over half the price of the M-808s), my once decent-sounding mini studio turned into an audiophile’s sonic lair. In addition to (almost excessive) volume, the adjustable HF cut/boost control exposed slight noises and other unwanted sounds in my productions that snuck past compression. They’re not necessarily the ideal setup for an apartment-studio situation (the temptation to let the volume loose is always present), but the M-808s are perfect for any budget-bound producer or landlord-free DJ. Fred Miketa Pg. 132