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That's a great price for sure. The tunable speaker response with the M-Audio app is a cool feature. Have read some negative reviews about the Bluetooth interface creating popping noises, but these reports may be isolated. At any rate, looks like a good option for a studio on a budget. Never owned an M-Audio speaker. Rokits are decent low price options as well. My local Facebook Marketplace is FULL of used Rokit pairs in your price range, too. I had Rokit 5s for a long time (before upgrading to Yamahas) and liked them a lot. On foundational gear like speakers, I'm an advocate of buying the best quality you can afford and keeping it for years. Don't think I'll ever upgrade my Yamahas. If you buy these, would be cool to get a review though.  Good luck!
Last edited by DC Ron; 04/30/26 02:50 AM.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Journeyman
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I own a pair of M-Audio BX5a monitors and they are fine for my small bedroom studio.
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
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I have been using M-Audio Studiophile SP-5B near field monitors for years.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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That's a great price for sure. The tunable speaker response with the M-Audio app is a cool feature. Have read some negative reviews about the Bluetooth interface creating popping noises, but these reports may be isolated. At any rate, looks like a good option for a studio on a budget. Never owned an M-Audio speaker. Rokits are decent low price options as well. My local Facebook Marketplace is FULL of used Rokit pairs in your price range, too. I had Rokit 5s for a long time (before upgrading to Yamahas) and liked them a lot. On foundational gear like speakers, I'm an advocate of buying the best quality you can afford and keeping it for years. Don't think I'll ever upgrade my Yamahas. If you buy these, would be cool to get a review though. Good luck! Thanks so much for your detailed response! I ended up not buying them because my "studio" is a tiny corner in our tiny house and I finally concluded I just don't have the space for them at this time. I thought the decision would be based on audio quality but it came down to my tiny space!
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I own a pair of M-Audio BX5a monitors and they are fine for my small bedroom studio. Thanks for your response!!
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I have been using M-Audio Studiophile SP-5B near field monitors for years. Thank you Mario! Good to hear you are happy with those.
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Make room for the monitors.
PM me if a set of wall mounts would maybe be of interest.
You'd have to pay the shipping though ..but I'd give 'em to you if it made a difference.
You have a studio, you need monitors and I agree M-Audio speakers are nice.
I have use their BX8a's (which is a lot of speaker) and these mounts held them until I moved them. They are adjustable and I'm sure would work fine on the 6" ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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We’ve had two sets of Rokits but ultimately settled in with Kalis. Reasonable price and an 8” woofer.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Make room for the monitors.
PM me if a set of wall mounts would maybe be of interest.
You'd have to pay the shipping though ..but I'd give 'em to you if it made a difference.
You have a studio, you need monitors and I agree M-Audio speakers are nice.
I have use their BX8a's (which is a lot of speaker) and these mounts held them until I moved them. They are adjustable and I'm sure would work fine on the 6" .. Thanks for the offer but I let the deal expire. And I'm still not convinced I can fit them in my tiny space.
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We’ve had two sets of Rokits but ultimately settled in with Kalis. Reasonable price and an 8” woofer. Thanks! I guess I'd be unwilling to part with $500 for a pair! Those M-Audios were quite tempting for $220 though.
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Hi fellow headphone mixer. While I have an "OK" pair of Roland monitors, I mainly mix in headphones for several legitimate reasons. I am very happy with alternative I've found, which is VST reference emulator by dSONIQ Realphones 2 https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/dsoniq-realphones-2 I believe they do have demo. Usually you can find it with a decent discount.
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It's really not so much about which monitors you should buy as it is to spend the time to learn your particular monitors.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Hi fellow headphone mixer. While I have an "OK" pair of Roland monitors, I mainly mix in headphones for several legitimate reasons. I am very happy with alternative I've found, which is VST reference emulator by dSONIQ Realphones 2 https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/dsoniq-realphones-2 I believe they do have demo. Usually you can find it with a decent discount. Thanks for that advice! I actually bought something like this several years ago but never used it much and had forgotten about it. Next time I'm mixing I'll have to check what I already own then maybe look further into your recommendation!
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It's really not so much about which monitors you should buy as it is to spend the time to learn your particular monitors. Makes sense. But there must be some minimum requirement for decent monitors, right? The $23 gaming speakers (Creative Labs Pebble 2.0) I'm using won't cut it!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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It's really not so much about which monitors you should buy as it is to spend the time to learn your particular monitors. Makes sense. But there must be some minimum requirement for decent monitors, right? The $23 gaming speakers (Creative Labs Pebble 2.0) I'm using won't cut it! You should read the (Part 1) first 4 chapters in the book by Mike Senior called Mixing Secrets for the small Studio. Every single one of those chapters deal with the monitors and the listening environment. One of the highlighted quotes is: " The less you're going to spend on monitors, the more you should approach ported models armed with holy water and cloves of garlic." Practically every single low cost monitor is a ported model to deal with the low end. I've got the Mackie MR-5 ported monitors myself. Yeah, I would definitely upgrade to the monitors you pointed out if I was using anything from Creative Labs. So you;re making a good move. However, if you don't currently have the Mike Senior book I referenced, buy it. It's a very good investment and read on better studio practices and you will lean a lot of useful information.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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We’ve had two sets of Rokits but ultimately settled in with Kalis. Reasonable price and an 8” woofer. Thanks! I guess I'd be unwilling to part with $500 for a pair! Those M-Audios were quite tempting for $220 though. Our Kali LP 8 version 1 monitors were $350 for the pair 4 years ago. They are self powered and allow many settings for the room and proximity to walls etc. It certainly seems that the latest models have gone way up in price. Along with a zillion other things. FWIW if we like a mix on the Kalis we also like it on our living room system (Polk Audio / Yamaha subwoofer / Yamaha amp), on the Bose Audio in the Subaru and on Janice’s AirPods. Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,675
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Posts: 22,675 |
Make room for the monitors.
PM me if a set of wall mounts would maybe be of interest.
You'd have to pay the shipping though ..but I'd give 'em to you if it made a difference.
You have a studio, you need monitors and I agree M-Audio speakers are nice.
I have use their BX8a's (which is a lot of speaker) and these mounts held them until I moved them. They are adjustable and I'm sure would work fine on the 6" .. Thanks for the offer but I let the deal expire. And I'm still not convinced I can fit them in my tiny space. Literally quoting from a friend - "Thats crazy. The sound is the most important thing on a desk to make room for" 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964
Veteran
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964 |
You should read the (Part 1) first 4 chapters in the book by Mike Senior called Mixing Secrets for the small Studio. Every single one of those chapters deal with the monitors and the listening environment. One of the highlighted quotes is: "The less you're going to spend on monitors, the more you should approach ported models armed with holy water and cloves of garlic." Practically every single low cost monitor is a ported model to deal with the low end. I've got the Mackie MR-5 ported monitors myself.
Yeah, I would definitely upgrade to the monitors you pointed out if I was using anything from Creative Labs. So you;re making a good move. However, if you don't currently have the Mike Senior book I referenced, buy it. It's a very good investment and read on better studio practices and you will lean a lot of useful information. I bought that book in 2012 along with my first pair of Sony MDR7506 cans (maybe on your recommendation!) I read most of the book but then promptly forgot most everything I "learned"! And I blame the Sonys at least in part for that because I have been very satisfied with the results I've managed mixing with them. Thanks for the reminder though; I'll pull that book down off the shelf and refresh my failing memory a bit. I already missed the deal on those monitors but there will be more deals!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964 |
Our Kali LP 8 version 1 monitors were $350 for the pair 4 years ago. They are self powered and allow many settings for the room and proximity to walls etc. It certainly seems that the latest models have gone way up in price. Along with a zillion other things.
FWIW if we like a mix on the Kalis we also like it on our living room system (Polk Audio / Yamaha subwoofer / Yamaha amp), on the Bose Audio in the Subaru and on Janice’s AirPods.
Bud Thanks Bud, those Kalis sound like something I should consider when I get my space figured out!
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
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Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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