Alesis M1Active 520 USB 2-Way 5" Stereo Nearfield Monitor (Pair)
The M1Active 520 USB from Alesis is a high-quality stereo speaker system that offers the ease-of-use of USB connectivity. Simply plug the speakers into the USB port on your Mac or PC and you're ready to go with no extra drivers to install. The 5" polypropylene woofer and 1" silk dome tweeter provide a wide frequency response that brings your audio to life.
In addition to being a great solution for your computer-based audio, the M1Active also acts as an audio interface. It has balanced 1/4" inputs so you can connect a variety of audio devices to the speakers. Audio can be played through the speakers, or directed to the computer and recorded. The interface supports audio at higher-than-CD quality of 16-bit/48kHz for crystal clear sound.
A front-panel headphone jack and volume control make it easy to control output volume and monitor privately. A switchable power supply allows you to use the speakers internationally without worry. Both speakers are magnetically shielded for safe use near video monitors.
- Professional Quality
- The lightweight and compact cabinets each house a 5" polypropylene woofer and 1" silk dome tweeter to provide a full frequency response. Bass ports on the rear of the cabinet help to extend low frequency response
- Plug-and-Play
- The USB connection allows you to plug the speakers into your Mac or PC and start playing audio right away, without installing any extra drivers
- Audio Interface
- The balanced 1/4" inputs allow you to connect a variety of audio devices. The audio can be sent through the speaker drivers, or directed to the computer via USB for recording and manipulation
- Headphone Jack
- The front-panel headphone jack lets you listen in private without disturbing others
- Switchable Power Supply
- Use the speaker system internationally thanks to the switchable power supply
- Shielded
- The speakers are magnetically shielded for safe use near video monitors
| Low Frequency Driver | 5" (127mm) Polypropylene Cone with Rubber Surround |
| High Frequency Driver | 1" (25mm) Silk Dome Tweeter |
| Amplifier | 50W/25W RMS Per Channel |
| Crossover | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Frequency Range | 56Hz - 20kHz |
| Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Connectors |
2 x 1/4" Inputs 2 x XLR Connections (Speaker Interconnect) 1 x 1/4" Headphone Jack 1 x USB Port |
| Input Impedance | 10 kOhms |
| Controls and Indicators |
1 x Volume Control 1 x Bass Boost Switch 1 x Voltage Selector Switch |
| Shielded | Yes |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Weight | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 4 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
75%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (4)
Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
- Breaks Easily
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB 2-Way 5" Stereo Nearfield Monitor (Pair):
I purchased these speakers for my Home DAW. They where easy to install, sound is great, BUT... with in three days of minimal use the power/clipping light became unstable and continues to turn on and off when ever it gets a good mind to. I went to the Alesis web site. Instructions guide me to call the customer service number. I did twice now and its been over a week. NOTHING! ! ! I shudder to think if the issue was more serious. Never again will I purchase anything from that manufacture!!! EVER!!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB 2-Way 5" Stereo Nearfield Monitor (Pair):
First of all, I'd like to say that after a few months of researching, I decided to buy these Alesis M1Active 520 USB monitors because I didn't have any money to spend but I absolutely couldn't live without some sort of studio monitors for FL Studio...
And I have to say that I am very pleased with this purchase.
I have a pretty poor performance laptop for running a DAW and especially for producing music, so having a sound card built-in and a USB connection is very convenient for me. I simply cannot afford to buy the recommended additional equipment, like an external sound card or a desktop with a fast processor. These monitors work just fine for beginner level FL studio production. Music production is an expensive hobby, so it can be hard to get into if you don't have the funds.
For FL Studio users, since you are probably wondering about the sound card. You can choose the option to run the monitor sound card on FL studio but it will start having underruns at around 70ms. So I run ASIO4ALL v2, with the buffer length at 512smp (12 ms), and i think it safe to say that it is "livable"- FL studio will experience around 300 underruns when you load a new project, but will have little to no problems with these settings while you're working.
Overall, for a poor kid like me who just wants to produce music, these monitors are great. I also think these monitors are especially great if you're someone who wants to invest as little money as possible because you just don't know if music production is for you, yet.
I also have to mention that it also took me a long time to decide which website I was going to buy these monitors from. I definitely made the right choice. These speakers were shipped on time (in 2 days) from NY to Hawaii, and the packaging was incredible. It was like triple boxed with styrofoam and airbags and the white spongy stuff. I was most worried about actually spending money that I shouldn't be spending, and then receiving a pair of broken studio monitors. No problems here.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB 2-Way 5" Stereo Nearfield Monitor (Pair):
I use the product all the time for my studio and I love them ! I have my own little studio at home and they are perfect for them ! They dont take up to much space and give great quality sound! Money well spent !
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Alesis M1Active 520 USB 2-Way 5" Stereo Nearfield Monitor (Pair):
I highly recommend these. Great sound, great price with the ability to hook up usb! What more could you ask for?!
Displaying reviews 1-4
Accessory Packages
- Price: $94.50
- GBP 60.34
Cables
-
- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
- GBP 9.19
Speaker Isolation
- Price: $39.95
- GBP 25.51
Stands & Support
- Price: $35.99
- GBP 22.98
Headphones
- Price: $24.95
- GBP 15.93
What's in the Box
- Power Cable
- USB Cable
- XLR Interconnect Cable
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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