Core 5
Best accurate monitoring for professional audio engineers and critical listeners.
This 2-way active nearfield monitor delivers reference-quality sound for professional studio environments. It features a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, driven by a powerful 560W Class-D amplifier. Advanced DSP technology ensures precise adaptation to your listening space for accurate audio reproduction. With versatile analog and digital XLR inputs, plus Word Clock synchronization, it offers flexible connectivity. Its robust construction and precise frequency response make it ideal for critical mixing and monitoring tasks, providing a fatigue-free listening experience.
$1359.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3295
/ 10749
#3295 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-7%
Below average
Woofer
5
/ -inch magnesium-silicate polymer
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and producers demanding precise, uncolored sound for professional work.
- Home studio owners and professionals needing top-tier monitoring in limited space.
- Engineers seeking adaptable monitors fine-tuned for their specific studio environment.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious producers and emerging artists seeking more affordable monitoring solutions.
- Mixers working on bass-heavy genres needing full-spectrum monitoring without a sub.
- Casual listeners or those without dedicated studio spaces expecting perfect sound.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Accuracy
Reference-grade transparency reveals every detail in your mix with surgical precision.
Room Adaptation
Advanced DSP seamlessly calibrates output to overcome challenging acoustic environments.
Low-End Definition
Tight, punchy bass response that remains clear even in compact studio spaces.
Connectivity Versatility
Professional XLR and digital I/O options integrate effortlessly into any studio workflow.
Build Integrity
Robust wood construction ensures long-term durability for demanding daily professional use.
Listening Fatigue
Smooth high-frequency reproduction allows for extended, comfortable mixing sessions.
Key Specs
Woofer
5-inch magnesium-silicate polymer
Tweeter
1-inch soft-dome
Amplification
560W Class-D
Frequency Response
45Hz - 30kHz
Max SPL
110 dB
Inputs
Analog XLR, Digital AES3 XLR
Outputs
Digital AES3 XLR
Synchronization
Word Clock (BNC)
Know before you buy
Yes, the Core 5 is specifically designed for nearfield monitoring. Its compact footprint and magnetically shielded design make it an excellent choice for smaller professional or home studio environments where space is limited.
The integrated DSP allows you to adapt the speaker's frequency response to your specific room environment. This helps mitigate common acoustic issues like boundary interference, ensuring a more accurate and neutral sound at your listening position.
Yes, the Core 5 features digital AES3 XLR inputs, allowing you to bypass unnecessary digital-to-analog conversions if your interface supports digital output. It also includes standard analog XLR inputs for traditional setups.
The front-ported bass reflex design is a significant advantage for placement, as it reduces the acoustic issues often caused by rear-ported speakers when positioned close to a wall. This gives you more flexibility in how you arrange your studio desk or console.
With a frequency response down to 45 Hz, the Core 5 provides a solid low-end foundation for most mixing tasks. However, if your work requires critical monitoring of sub-bass frequencies, you may eventually want to pair them with a dedicated subwoofer.
The Word Clock input allows you to synchronize the Core 5 with your digital studio equipment. This ensures that the internal digital-to-analog converters remain perfectly in sync with your master clock, preventing jitter and maintaining audio integrity.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.