PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors Review
When it comes to studio monitors, the PreSonus Eris 3.5 has quickly garnered attention for its impressive blend of quality, versatility, and affordability. Designed for near-field music production, desktop usage, and high-fidelity audio playback, these powered monitors offer a lot for their size. In this review, we’ll delve deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if they are the right choice for your audio needs.
Overview of PreSonus Eris 3.5
The PreSonus Eris 3.5 studio monitors are compact active speakers designed specifically for multimedia, gaming, and studio-quality music production. Featuring a sleek black design, these monitors are an aesthetically pleasing addition to any desktop setup. Their dimensions of 5.5″D x 6″W x 8.3″H make them ideal for smaller spaces without sacrificing sound quality.
Key Features
- Active Media Reference Monitors: The Eris 3.5 boasts a 3.5-inch woven-composite woofer and a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, providing clear and accurate audio reproduction.
- Powerful Amplification: With 50 watts of Class AB dual amplification (25W per side), they deliver sufficient loudness without compromising tonal balance.
- Flexible Connectivity: They come equipped with various inputs, including ¼-inch TRS balanced inputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, and a front-panel ⅛-inch TRS stereo aux input for convenient connections.
- Room-Tuning Controls: High- and low-frequency tuning controls allow users to customize their audio output according to room size and speaker orientation.
- Headphone Output: An integrated headphone amplifier on the front panel allows for easy switching between speaker and headphone listening.
Sound Quality
Neutral and Accurate Sound
One of the standout features of the Eris 3.5 is its neutral sound profile. Many users have noted that these monitors provide an accurate soundstage, making them an excellent choice for mixing and mastering. The woven-composite woofers generate tight bass, while the silk-dome tweeters deliver articulate highs.
Compact Yet Powerful
Despite their small size, these monitors pack a punch. The 50W dual amplification ensures that the sound remains clear and balanced even at higher volumes. Users have reported that they can fill a room with sound without distortion, making them suitable for various applications, from gaming to music production.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal
The Eris 3.5 features a professional, minimalist design that avoids flashy elements or excessive LEDs. This understated appearance allows them to blend seamlessly into any environment, whether in a home studio or a modern office setting.
Build Quality
However, some users have expressed concerns about the cabinet build quality, describing it as feeling somewhat cheap. While the monitors perform well, the materials used may not withstand heavy wear and tear over time. Additionally, the included cables are viewed as mediocre, which could be a downside for those seeking a complete package.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Neutral, accurate sound with an excellent soundstage
- Powerful amplification for compact speakers
- Flexible connectivity options
- Adjustable high- and low-frequency controls
- Integrated headphone output for convenience
- Professional design suitable for various environments
Cons
- Build quality may feel cheap to some users
- Included cables are of average quality
- Bass response may not satisfy those looking for deep low-end performance
User Experiences
Feedback from users has largely been positive, with many praising the Eris 3.5 for its impressive sound quality and versatility. Users transitioning from older or lower-quality speakers have reported significant improvements in audio fidelity. While some users have mentioned the build quality concerns, many agree that the sound performance justifies the purchase.
Overall Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Considering the features, sound quality, and user feedback, we would rate the PreSonus Eris 3.5 studio monitors a solid 4.5 out of 5.
Ratings Breakdown
- Sound Quality: 4.8/5
- Design and Aesthetics: 4.4/5
- Build Quality: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
- Connectivity Options: 4.7/5
Conclusion
The PreSonus Eris 3.5 studio monitors are an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience without breaking the bank. With their neutral sound profile, powerful amplification, and versatile connectivity, they cater to a range of uses from multimedia consumption to serious music production. While there may be some concerns regarding build quality, the sound performance is impressive, making these monitors a worthy investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Eris 3.5 be used for gaming?
A: Yes, the Eris 3.5 studio monitors are great for gaming, providing clear sound and an expansive soundstage that enhances your gaming experience.
Q: Do these monitors come with a subwoofer?
A: No, the Eris 3.5 does not include a subwoofer. However, you can pair them with a compatible subwoofer, like the Eris Sub 8BT, for enhanced low-end performance.
Q: Are these monitors suitable for professional music production?
A: Yes, the Eris 3.5 offers studio-quality sound, making them suitable for music production, mixing, and mastering in a home studio setting.
Q: Can I connect my phone to the Eris 3.5?
A: Yes, the front-panel ⅛-inch TRS stereo aux input allows you to connect your phone or other audio devices easily.
Q: How do I adjust the sound settings?
A: The Eris 3.5 features high- and low-frequency tuning controls on the back panel, allowing you to customize the audio output according to your listening environment.
Yet Another Amazon Reviewer –
I considered several options, including Edifier in a similar price range and Klipsch at double the cost. I use these mainly as basic studio monitors, nothing professional, but I have a discerning ear for music. The PreSonus speakers sound fantastic, and I’m really pleased with their quality both in terms of appearance and feel. I purchased the Bluetooth version, which is handy in a pinch, but I strongly recommend using them wired for a significant improvement in sound quality. If you don’t need wireless connectivity, save the extra cost and go for the simpler wired version. In my opinion, a subwoofer isn’t necessary unless you’re using them for home theater purposes. I use them strictly for music at my desk and rarely turn the volume above 50%; they’re more than adequate for a 4×4 room. Highly recommended!
T. Eddy –
Review of PreSonus Eris E3.5
Pros:
Cons:
I’m not an audio engineer or an audiophile, but I do own several headphones in the $100-$300 range along with a headphone amp and DAC. My goal was to upgrade my 15-year-old PC speakers, and I knew I could do better.
These speakers, labeled as “Multimedia Studio Monitors,” deliver impressive accuracy. They have a sound profile similar to my headphones, which also have a flat response curve. While they produce bass, don’t expect it to shake the room. I won’t delve into the audio details since other reviews have covered that well, but if you want precise speakers for your computer setup, these are an excellent choice. However, they might not be ideal for filling a large room, like for a TV.
For those new to studio monitors, be aware that while the speakers themselves use quality components, the included cables leave much to be desired. I’ve attached a photo of what comes in the box (the power cable is not pictured). The speaker wire connecting the two monitors is about 6 feet long and looks like 18 AWG. I opted for 14 AWG wire, but 16 AWG would have been easier to work with. The provided 1/8″ to RCA cable is only about 5 feet, so I had to buy a longer one to connect to my PC. The power cable is a standard IEC7 non-polarized connector, approximately 6 feet in length.
For setup, the full manual isn’t included but can be downloaded from presonus.com by searching for Eris E3.5. It contains valuable information about placement and adjustments beyond the quick start guide. Generally, the volume on the monitor should be set around the 11 o’clock to 12 o’clock position. Once you set this, avoid adjusting the monitor’s volume; instead, control audio from your source. I found that with the monitors set at 11 o’clock, the signal from my computer was too loud, making it necessary to turn down the source volume significantly. RCA attenuators can help reduce the volume before it reaches the monitors. While I couldn’t find them on Amazon, you can search for “Harrison Labs 12 dB RCA Line Level Attenuator” for options in the $30-$40 range, as of March 2018. This allows for a better volume range, and I typically listen at around 40% on my PC.
Additionally, I purchased Wellcn 26 Pcs Ferrite Cores to eliminate occasional crackling sounds. These can be placed on the power and RCA cables a couple of inches before they connect to the monitor. While they aren’t necessary for the speaker cable between monitors, they won’t cause any harm either.
When positioning the monitors, aim for an equilateral triangle between your ears and the two monitors. For example, if you’re sitting 3 feet from the front of the monitors, they should also be placed 3 feet apart and angled toward you. If done correctly, you shouldn’t see the sides of the monitors, and your ears should align with the tweeters. Since mine are mounted high on a wall, I tilted them down and placed them on their side, which is supported by these monitors. Make sure to mirror the monitors for a wider soundstage. Once everything is set up, avoid fiddling with the equalizer or acoustic tuning initially; let your ears adjust by listening to music for a few days. If adjustments are necessary, it’s better to reduce than boost settings.
Lastly, for portability, I bought an extra power cable and packaged the provided 1/8″ to RCA cable and speaker cable in a small ziplock bag. Now, I can easily disconnect everything and be ready to go.
I realize this is quite a bit of information, but I hope you find it helpful and enjoy your new speakers.
Update (December 2018):
These monitors have been performing well with no issues. I’m considering purchasing a second pair for my workbench. Since my initial review, I’ve changed my setup to include a Maker Hart Loop Mixer, allowing me to connect multiple computers and adjust levels. This setup also lets me play music while on conference calls. I no longer use the RCA Line Level Attenuators, as the loop mixer provides adequate volume control.
Ernesto Medina –
Met my expectations
Good sound quality and decent performance
I use them for listening to music and occasionally for editing videos and audio
I recommend them.
Benjamin García –
When paired with a smaller set of monitors that struggle with low frequencies, this product significantly enhances the overall sound depth. Highly recommended!
T. Eddy –
This isn’t my first experience with small near-field monitors. I’ve owned two other pairs before, both of which sounded subpar. Currently, I mix and listen on Yamaha HS8s set up on isolating stands in a heavily dampened (although mostly untreated) bedroom. However, I needed a more portable speaker solution to accompany my laptop and small interface for production sessions away from home. I was looking for above-average sound quality at a price that wouldn’t sting too much if they got damaged in transit.
After reading countless reviews on various pro-audio retail websites, I chose these monitors over other similarly priced options due to their consistently positive feedback. Despite my skepticism about entry-level studio monitor reviews, I’ve been producing and mixing music for over 10 years, so I understand the importance of critical listening. Nonetheless, I encourage readers to take my claims with a grain of salt, especially if you haven’t had the chance to audition these speakers yourself.
Now, onto the Eris E4.5 monitors.
Wow.
At the time of purchase, they were priced just under $200. I can confidently say these are a rare exception to the “you get what you pay for” rule in audio equipment. While they might not impress in the same way larger, pricier speakers do, I was genuinely taken aback by their sound quality. Since I bought these primarily for mixing, I focused on their performance at low-to-moderate levels. They can fill a room, even reaching uncomfortable volumes in the right setting, but I don’t need them to be that loud.
Just above the average speaking volume, these monitors deliver astonishingly good sound for their size. The bass and sub-bass won’t rattle your walls, but it suffices for my needs. They feel sturdy and don’t have strange resonances that complicate mixing; they don’t resonate excessively when tapped. The included adhesive foam pads don’t provide significant isolation, but they adhere well and prevent sliding on smooth surfaces. If isolation is a top priority, consider investing in some Auralex or desktop stands.
Overall, they perform admirably across the frequency range. While they aren’t perfectly flat, they also lack the excessive coloration found in other small near-field monitors. This neutrality is a significant advantage. They excel in the midrange and treble, delivering impressive clarity at low volumes. In a quiet room, you’ll easily hear the nuances of your mix.
I’ve already taken them on a trip to a mountain cabin, and they kept pace when inspiration struck. As someone who primarily produces electronic rock, being able to discern the details in the low end is crucial. The bass may not be earth-shattering, but it’s present, providing exactly what I need if I know what to listen for.
At home, I have them connected to my modest AT-LP120 turntable with a MicroPhono preamp (yes, the Behringer model). The manual recommends using the on-board “low cutoff” control for bass attenuation if placing them close to a wall. However, I’ve found better results by ignoring that advice, keeping the switch at 0, and positioning them about 2 inches from the wall on a bookshelf. I’ll need to upgrade a couple of other components in my vinyl setup before I feel like these speakers are outmatched.
In summary, these monitors sound far better than expected given their size and price. I won’t delve into the subjective, unquantifiable sound aspects, but I can assure you that they offer more than their worth. If you have realistic expectations for near-field monitors at this size and price, you’ll likely be as impressed as I am.
Daniel –
The service was excellent; it arrived from the US on time without any issues with customs or shipping, and the product was in great condition. It’s SUPER good!
Ernesto Medina –
Excellent audio quality with a flat EQ and near-field response. They also feature adjustable bass and treble controls on the back. Highly recommended; they impress with their small size and powerful performance.