As the audio quality of Desktop entertainment improves, and the production values grow more lavish, the need for better computer game and DVD speaker monitoring becomes more apparent. The growing and somewhat neglected market that is multimedia music production is in fact a healthy and evolving industry.
M-Audio has addressed the desktop multimedia monitoring issue directly, with the introduction of the Studiophile DX4, a pair of relatively small, self-amplified, shielded 2-way speakers, that borrow heavily in design from that company's existing series of studio monitors, but specifically target the desktop playback and production market.
The Studiophile DX4 consists of a powered main speaker that ultimately offers 18 Watts per channel of amplification, and a passive satellite, connected to the main via a supplied speaker cable.
A pair of 1/4" inputs offer both balanced and unbalanced connectivity, in addition to the pair of RCA line inputs. Both sets are summed for simultaneous use, should the need arise. The front panel availability of both a volume control knob and an 1/8" headphone jack is a welcome feature, and a rear panel midrange boost switch represents the lone tone control in the minimalist M-Audio design scheme.
The Studiophile DX4 is an innovative monitoring solution for the gamer or desktop music creator, offering studio quality performance and design at a fraction of the cost.