The Lowdown
The M-Audio BX8-D3 studio reference monitors are updates to the company’s popular BX-D2 series monitors. The bi-amplified monitors have an 8″ woofer and XLR balanced and 1/4″ balanced / unbalanced inputs at the rear for connecting your DJ or production gear’s outputs. The BX8-D3 has a bigger sound and is a good option in the 8” monitor speaker market, though it’s competing with other more popular brands models such as the KRK Rokit 8. The bass switches make it more adaptable to different rooms, and you’ll need it since the BX8-D3 has more low end than the smaller BX5-D3. Overall, the better option in M-Audio’s current monitor line.
First Impressions / Setting up
The M-Audio BX8-D3 is the big brother of the BX5. As the name suggests, the BX8-D3 has an 8” woofer made of kevlar and 1.5” silk tweeter. Running those is 150 watts of power.
Pretty much the same as the BX5, theBX8-D3 connects to your interface by XLR or 1/4” balanced/unbalanced. It also has the low-frequency switch where you can boost or cut your low end to best suit your listening environment.
In Use
It makes sense that the BX8-D3 and the BX5 share the same sound signature. But with more wattage behind it and a larger woofer, you get a more accurate representation of your low frequencies as compared to the BX5 which lacked in that area. Depending on what you are looking for in a pair of monitor speakers, you may or may not need a sub when using theBX8-D3 .
The switch at the back is useful since the BX8-D3 has more low end compared to the smaller BX5-D3. This can be especially useful if you have a room which has trouble with bass frequencies, or if you’re positioning it close to a wall or corner.
The same complaints we have of the BX5-D3 apply to the BX8-D3 as it does the supposed light in front of the speaker helps with finding the sweet spot easier but is quite silly. Amazon reviewers liked how affordable it is, though and is a great upgrade from consumer speakers or smaller speaker monitors.
Conclusion
The BX8-D3 has a bigger sound and is a good option in the 8” monitor speaker market, though it’s competing with other more popular brands models such as the KRK Rokit 8. The bass switches make it more adaptable to different rooms, and you’ll need it since the BX8-D3 has more low end than the smaller BX5-D3. Overall, the better option in M-Audio’s current monitor line.
