Active Monitor Speaker M‑Audio Forty Eighty, 80W, 2‑way, 8 inch woofer, 1.25 inch tweeter, XLR/TRS inputs, MDF enclosure

The M‑Audio Forty Eighty is an active two‑way monitor speaker featuring an 8" woofer and a 1.25" tweeter housed in an MDF enclosure. It provides 80 W power per speaker within a 150 W RMS system, a maximum sound pressure level of 116 dB and a signal‑to‑noise ratio of 120 dB. The compact cabinet measures 254 × 292 × 381 mm and the single unit weighs 10 kg, offering nearfield monitoring capabilities with both balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and a headphone output covering 32–22,000 Hz.

Advantages

The speaker delivers a defined two‑way frequency balance from the 8" woofer and 1.25" tweeter and provides clear monitoring with a high signal‑to‑noise ratio. Multiple input options (XLR and TRS) allow direct connection to audio interfaces and studio gear, while the MDF enclosure supports controlled low‑frequency response and reduced cabinet resonance. Compact size and moderate weight make the unit suitable for small studios and desktop setups.

Suitable for

• Nearfield studio monitoring and mixing
• Home project studios and desktop setups
• Audio editing and post‑production work

Key specifications

• Configuration: Active 2‑way monitor speaker
• Rated power per speaker: 80 W
• System RMS power: 150 W
• Maximum SPL: 116 dB
• Signal‑to‑noise ratio: 120 dB
• Woofer: 8" (20.3 cm)
• Tweeter: 1.25" (3.18 cm)
• Frequency range (headphone output): 32–22,000 Hz
• Inputs: Balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS
• Enclosure material: MDF
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 254 × 292 × 381 mm
• Weight: 10 kg

How to use

Place the monitor at nearfield listening distance, ideally forming an equilateral triangle with the listening position and the paired speaker. Connect the monitor to an audio interface or mixer using the balanced XLR or 1/4" TRS input. Adjust listening level from your interface or mixer, and use the headphone output if private monitoring is required. Position the cabinet on isolation pads or stands to reduce surface coupling and to improve bass definition.

Recommendations

For accurate nearfield monitoring, allow a brief warm‑up time at moderate volume before critical listening. Use proper acoustic treatment and isolation pads or stands to minimise reflections and cabinet vibration for more reliable mixing decisions.