Behringer Truth versus Alesis M1 Active MKII

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 3:30 am

Hi there

I was wondering if I could draw on a little bit of expertise from you good people?

I have shortlisted 2 reasonably cheap active monitors but am not decided on which to go for. I have read both good and bad things about each manufacturer and model. The monitors I have shortlisted within my budget range are:

1. Behringer Truth B2031A

2. Alesis M1 Active MKII

Any advice regarding which one of these to go for would be greatly appreciated as would any critiques of the said monitors.

Kindest Regards

LiD

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 4:22 am

Hi LiD,

There are several passive monitors within the price bracket that are better than either of the two you mention, the Tannoy Reveals for example. Alternatively, if you can stretch to the Dynaudio BM5s, they are in the next league up sonically.

You will need a good amp to drive any passive monitors. If you don't yet have a good amp, consider putting the amp money towards getting active (powered) monitors.

BUT, choosing monitors is a very personal thing. Make sure you hear a few different ones using favourite CDs that you bring along. Listen also to at least one pair outside your price range so you get an idea what you are missing when you don't pay as much.

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 5:30 am

Hi Boswell

Thanks for the advice regarding the CD. This would help in ascertaining which monitors are slightly off in relation to response.

I'm intrigued now. Very Happy

The Dynaudio BM5s are around £175/$340 each. However, it would require that I purchase an amp and I'm already flat out on my spending this past couple of months. Crying or Very sad

I'm not sure if my RME MultifaceII can do the job? The manual is definitely not for the beginner. I found this section below in my manual. Does this mean that my RME could drive passive monitors?

I'm guessing this is a no...lol

Stereo Monitor Output
• Maximum output level at 0 dBFS: +17 dBu
• Dynamic Range: 116 dB (RMS unweighted, unmuted), 119 dBA
• THD+N: -100 dB / 0.001 %
• Channel separation: > 110 dB
• Frequency response DA @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz – 20.8 kHz
• Frequency response DA @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 44 kHz
• Output impedance: 30 Ohm

Regards

LiD

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 6:28 am

No, sorry, the outputs from the Multiface at at line level, suitable for driving a studio amplifier or active monitors. If you wanted to drive a domestic hi-fi amp you would have to attenuate them .

The Dynaudio BM5 Mk I passive monitor goes for around £170 each. A pair of the later design would set you back around £430.

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 6:56 am

I can tell you that I've been using Alesis M1 actives for about 4 years and I really like them. The only thing is that the bass response really rolls off as you pump up the volume, I eventually bought a sub and now I feel that I have the whole spectrum, even at loud levels. Hope this helps.

Eric

Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 3:34 am

Thanks folks

Boswell - Thanks for the clarification on the Multiface's capabilities. I will deifnitely be taking your advice regarding the Dyaudios - but not just now, I'd probably get them or something similar sometime later down the line when I feel I've outgrown whatever I buy just now. My budget would just not stretch to something like the Dynaudios just now and if I don't get something soon I'll never get going. The Dynaudios are almost twice the price of what I was considering just now and also require an amp which I haven't got (another monetary consideration). What kind of amp are we talking here anyway. Any examples? Just so I know what I would be looking at.

EricWatkins - Thanks Eric. What subwoofer did you add to your Alesis M1 Active? Also, did you just add one?

Regards

LiD

Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 6:23 am

I added the M-Audio BX10. Just one. That's all you need. You just put your main outputs for your monitors into it instaed of your monitors and then it crooseover the frequencies according to where you set it crossover. You then come out of the outputs on it into your powered monitors or power amp for your passive monitors. I really like it. I keep itunes on my PC and download all kinds of music I want to reference and I love the way the whole system sounds. Bass is punchy as hell with the BX10, if you want it to be.

Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:25 pm

Thanks for that Eric. Very Happy

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 4:47 pm

To add my 2 cents:

I work at a music store and we are a Behringer dealer. We sell every pair of the 2031A's that we get in but I see almost all of them coming back in for repairs (no sound, power going completely out, etc.). So you may want to take that into consideration.

I've had my pair of the 2031A's for a couple months now and they are fine. They are very quiet as well as sounding great. I'm satisfied with mine and haven't had any problems with them.

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