Review: Presonus Eris E8 Active Studio MonitorsG.W. Childs IV on Dec 11, 2013 in REVIEW • 0 comments

Alright, I was recently given the opportunity to try some monitors other than the ones (Genelecs) that I’ve been using for years. This

was almost a little uncomfortable for me, because I don’t like my idea of perfection challenged. I want to believe that when I bought

those Genelecs for over 2k, years ago, I would never have to even think about another monitor again. Well, Presonus really made me

question my beliefs with the Eris 8s, or E8s. And, in this review, I’m going to tell you why.

The Look

First off, and possibly the least important point, but valid at any rate- These speakers are eye candy. Honestly, when I pulled them out

of the box, my Genelecs seemed very dinky. The Eris E8s are pretty big for speakers priced at where they are. And, not only are they

a decent size, they have a very slick, matte black finish that will go well in any studio, regardless of the intended aesthetics. They also

have a very cool, dimly illuminated Presonus logo that keeps that bad ass look in your studio going, even when the lights are off.

What makes a pair of active monitors stand out from the crowd? G. W. Childs IV uses his ears and

experience to test drive the Presonus Eris E8s in his studio. Read on to discover the low-down.

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The Build

Another thing that I noticed, as I was setting the Eris E8s up, would be that these speakers are built solid. The Kevlar cones are safely

embedded, the casing feels robust, and it gives a sense that these speakers are going to be around a while. This, again, really caused

me to do a double-take, as I knew the street price of these speakers, before I even opened the box. What I took out looked like it

should go for much more! It appears to be a very thick, plastic, black casing that, again, really does seem like it’s going to last in your

studio for a long time, perhaps even the person that owns the studio, if that makes sense.

Sound Quality

So, before I even opened the Eris E8 box, I took some time and really listened to my regular speakers, that I’ve been listening to for

years. I played several tracks I’ve mixed myself, and tracks that have been mixed and mastered in a way that I believe are at the top

of the list. As always, my Genelecs sounded beautiful, even after 10-15 years. I even thought to myself, “G, I don’t know how these

Presonus speakers are going to stand up to my babies..!”

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Guess, what? They did stand up, and then some...

After going through and listening to all the same tracks, doing some mixes and running some of my favorite synths through the Eris

8s... Well, to be honest, I’m really thinking about picking up a pair for a second set of speakers. After spending a few hours listening,

and working with the Eris 8s, I was actually shocked to discover how ‘even’ these speakers really are. The imaging that takes place is

very, very similar to what I’m used to. Everything is defined and accurate, bass is contained, and precise, not over stated. They really

do stand up to my Gennies! This no doubt due, in part, to the 8” Kevlar speakers, as well as the 1.25-inch silk domes.

Conclusion

The Eris E8s from Presonus sound simply amazing for reference monitors going for the price they are going. Not only are they a great

‘first monitor’, but I would even recommend them as a secondary set of monitors. Because they can go all the way down to 35 Hz,

you’ve got a speaker that can impress your clients when you need to get loud and show off some bass, or even mix bass. But, when

it’s at a regular listening volume, it still sounds precise, and the bass is in no way overstated- a common problem with reference

monitors in the same price range. The Eris 8s are really phenomenal reference monitor, not only for the price, but just in regard to

reference monitors, in general.

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monitors, monitoring, review, presonus, home music studio, recording studio, studio

Also, if you’re a DJ that is looking to get in to studio production, you’ll be happy to know that aside from 1/4” and XLR inputs, you’ve

got RCA inputs!

Price: $400 List

Pros:

Crisp, clear sound with extremely accurate imaging for a monitor of this price.

Cons:

The packaging could be a little more environmentally friendly. Perhaps shipping boxes made of recycled cardboard?

Web: http://www.presonus.com/products/Eris

G.W. Childs IV

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More articles by this author

Sound Designer, Musician, Author... G.W. Childs has worn many hats. Beginning in the U.S. Army back in 1991, at the age of 18, G.W. began learning

electronics, communications and then ultimately audio and video editing from the Department of Defense. Upon leaving the military G.W. went on to

work for many exciting companies like Lu... Read More

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