M-Audio Dx4?

[Wireneck]

Anyone heard or own a pair of these? I have a pair of Event 20/20 monitors that I've been mixing on for a while. Most of my recording is done on outboard gear but im looking for a smaller set of monitors to leave hooked up on my computer setup for editing. It also wouldn't hurt to be able to use them as a 2nd reference when mixing. Im thinking the smaller driver would be a nice balance against the 8" that my Even'ts have.
I doubt that they are all that great since they are powered and only cost $150. Do they have any merit for mixing or are these things just a set of expensive computer speakers being labeled as monitors by M-Audio?
I did a search but didn't find much info from anyone who had actually heard them. I don't think the guitar center near me is carrying this model.
Thanks in advance.

[ssscientist]

I took a peek @ the M-Audio web site because I've been looking for something like this too. I used Radio Shack Minimus 7's forever in a very similar role to what you're describing.

You go to your GC I'll go to mine and we can compare notes. I don't expect to be blown away by the volume - the PC Magazine reviews quoted on the web site say they're not particularly loud - but I'll look for things like stereo imaging, bass response and clarity and you should do the same.

[Wireneck]

Sounds like a plan man. I need to find out if my guitar center is even carrying this model. I believe they are about 20 watts per channel so your probably right about low volume.
I just need something small enough that they fit on my desktop. At the same time I would at least like them to be comparable to a cheap home stereo. Sometimes when I mix on my events I can get away with alot more bass because of the larger driver. When I monitor back on smaller speakers its a little too boomy so it would be nice to have another reference.
I will report back if I manage to hear these things.

[Wireneck]

Bump........

[ssscientist]

Bump? Nothing from my end - maybe this afternoon...

[jeffree]

Tascam also just released a little $99 system with a sub (2.1) for such purposes. I heard it very briefly in a shop last month, and it sounded OK while walking by. It might be worth a quick listen.

J.

[ssscientist]

At GC this afternoon - they had none of the Dx4's in stock but I did hear these for the same $150. They sounded very solid in the bottom end with a necessarily small 'sweet spot' to go with the small cabinet. I didn't really get a chance to judge the imaging but compared to the other low-priced powered monitors I listened to (Event, Alesis, etc) they were the only ones that didn't assault your ears with nasty top end.

Considering they're powered they cost less than I paid for my Minimus 7's and the amp back in the day.

I think I found my new speakers. But don't take my word for it - go and give them a listen for yourself.

[Wireneck]

Sccientist- that $150 is for a single speaker not a pair. I made the same mistake when I was originally digging around for info on a secondary small set of monitors. I found 2-3 reviews from different magazines that gave the M-Audio Dx-4's nice reviews. I would much rather hear some user reviews but thats at least a start. Ill see if I can dig up the links.

[jeffree]

Scientist, you may want to read Future Music's monitor shoot-out from a few months back. Judged by a group of pros, this lengthy review (in two parts) ran a blind test with a selection of monitors that included the KRK 5s. As I recall, the KRKs didn't do very well. The low end, in particular, was criticized as too hyped to be useful.

But nothing beats a good listen, as you've done. If they work for you, then there's your answer. I'm just suggesting that this review might point out a couple of other good candidates in your price range.

Best,
J.