Amplifiers, Speakers, Monitors

2009 Summer NAMM Show: Akai Professional has introduced the  RPM8 reference production studio monitors, specifically intended for use with the company’s MPC music production workstations and production controllers.
“There is so much low-end content in music being made today,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional, “we felt that a studio monitor specifically designed [...]

At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, Alesis introduced the M1Active 520 USB – a set of studio monitors with USB audio connectivity.
M1Active 520 USB is a pair of active, bi-amplified, two-way reference monitors that are designed to reproduce frequencies from 20,000 Hz all the way down to 56 Hz, covering nearly all frequencies audible to [...]

2009 NAMM Show: At last year’s NAMM show, we were impressed by the technology behind KRK’s ERGO (Enhanced Room Geometry Optimization) room correction system.
It’s a system that automatically measures the acoustics of your listening room and adjust/corrects the output of your monitors to compensate. (See our video demo of the KRK ERGO system).
Just in time for this [...]

KRK Systems has introduced Limited Edition Rokit Studio Monitors.
I’ve got a pair of 5″ Rokits sitting on both sides of my work area and lover them – but these bright yellow ones would look and sound even sweeter. 
Available only in the 6-inch model and at Guitar Center’s in the U.S., the Rokit6 G2CB will feature a [...]

This is a short documentary look at Chandler Limited of Shell Rock, Iowa.
Chandler specializes in remaking and reintroducing classic recording equipment based on classic EMI and Abbey Road designs that are no longer available or in some cases never were.

KRK Systems has updated its popular KRK10s to match the new RokitG2 monitors.
Description:
The industrial design of the KRK10s leverages KRK’s research and development into baffle design and fabrication. The subwoofer’s curved front now matches the Rokit and VXT monitors’ diffraction reducing shape.
Updated electronics include a ground-lift switch for combating less than perfect electrical and audio [...]

M-Audio has introduced Overdub – a new series of comic book style guides to audio studio production.
Volume One: A Guide to Studio Monitors details everything you need to know when setting up a reference monitor system.
Topics include:

How to select the right monitors
Guidelines for monitor placement
Dealing with room acoustics
Using acoustical treatment
Testing your system

There’s an M-Audio bent, [...]

Samson has introduce StudioDock, a USB studio monitor that lest you play or “stream” digital audio via USB directly to the monitors.
The monitors also provide an onboard iPod dock so you can sync, charge and play music from your iPod.
Available in 3i (3-inch woofer) and 4i (4-inch woofer) configurations, the monitors offer 2 x 15 [...]

2008 Summer NAMM Show: Mackie’s SRM 450’s have become a modern standard for live music amplification.
I’ve got a set myself, and can vouch that they sound great and are built like tanks.
Now Mackie has announced the next generation of its SRM Series, with the SRM450v2 and SRM350v2.
The new models feature efficient switching power supplies, a [...]

KRK Systems launched the second generation of their industry-standard Rokit monitor.
The second generation Rokit incorporates several technologies from the company’s flagship VXT and E8B lines, including radically radiused edges along the front of the cabinet. The new Rokits replace the current Rokit 5″, 6″ and 8″ models.
I’ve got a pair of Rokit in the Synthtopia [...]