Presonus Eris E4.5 Monitors review: The best ones!
If you are looking for studio monitors that are affordable but can still provide incredible sound quality, the PreSonus Eris E4.5 might be the one for you. These studio monitors became quickly popular among home studio aficionados because they are beginner-friendly and cost-effective.
Feature Highlights
Let’s dive deeper into what the PreSonus Eris E4.5 studio monitors have to offer, especially considering their affordable price point.
Sound Quality
The PreSonus Eris E4.5 surprises everyone with its harmonious sound quality. It offers a neutral response. This makes it an incredible device for music producer beginners as it is perfect for audio mastering and mixing.
Moreover, it can capture even the most subtle details with accuracy with its well-defined and crystal-clear high frequencies. They also have an equally impressive mid-range which provides a precise and rich profile for both instruments and vocals. You can expect that they can perform equally with much more expensive speakers.
However, when it comes to the low-frequency department, you can expect a slight hiccup. Although the low-end capabilities are decent, they do not have the fullness and warmth that can be found in the mid and high ranges. If you are a deep and well-defined bass enthusiast, you may find these monitors slightly lacking in that aspect. However, you must note that they are still suitable for production work. So far, this is the only limitation in an otherwise outstanding sound experience.
Build Quality
Some buyers might raise initial concerns about their build quality because these studio monitors are incredibly lightweight. However, you will be delighted to know that these concerns are groundless. These monitors radiate reliability and sturdiness despite having a featherlight feel.
The vinyl laminated fiberboard housing failed to give any “cheap” vibes while having an attractive appearance. Moreover, they are harnessed with features like RF interference protection and a “soft start” feature in the amplifier. It stops those popping sounds during power-up which is a usual issue with other monitors. These features make the PreSonus Eris E4.5 withstand the test of time.
Where To Buy?
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Specifications
The familiar woven composite low-frequency transducer found in other PreSonus models is featured in the PreSonus Eris E4.5 as well. However, it is a bit smaller than the popular E5 model because it is only at 4.5 inches. Another familiar inclusion is the 1-inch ultra-low-mass silk-dome high-frequency transducer. This guarantees a crisp and accurate audio quality at the high end.
It is also worth noting that the frequency response appears decent at 70Hz to 20kHz on paper, but the low-end performance doesn’t quite match expectations. We advise you to add a subwoofer to your setup, especially if you prioritize a solid low-end for your music production.
Overall, the package provides a total of 50 watts (25 watts per speaker) through the AB class amplifier. These monitors can offer more than enough power for most small and medium-sized studio spaces with its maximum SPL reaching 100dB.
Tuning Options
Most users experience limited flexibility with budget monitors as they often lack acoustic controls. This is where the PreSonus Eris E4.5 truly stands out and shows its value. These monitors offer the ability to freely fine-tune both the high and low ends of the audio spectrum.
These controls are simply not just stunts. They are precise and make an impact on the sound output. This is specifically valuable because the ones who buy budget monitors usually use them in home settings. Because of this, the acoustic environment can vary greatly. To significantly elevate your listening experience, you must adjust the output to suit your specific space.
For example, if you desire for an extra bass kick, the low-end adjustment is perfect for bass-heavy music enthusiasts. At the same time, tweaking the high frequencies will provide you with the ability to smooth out any potential harshness when listening at higher volumes.
Connection Options
PreSonus continues to shine by offering a wide range of input options for the Eris E4.5 studio monitors. Located on the back of the primary monitor, you will find a balanced ¼-inch TRS input and an unbalanced RCA connection. This will provide you with the flexibility to connect these speakers to your equipment.
Moreover, the package has several cable inclusions like a dedicated ⅛-inch TRS cable and a ⅛-inch TRS to RCA cable. It is worth noting that the cable inclusions do not have ¼-inch cables which is not surprising given the price of these monitors.
Meanwhile, located at the front are the ⅛-inch AUX port and ⅛-inch headphone port. This is perfect when you want to link your smartphones to these monitors. This wide scope of connection options further enhances the versatility of the Eris E4.5.
Design
Another standout feature of the PreSonus Eris E4.5 is its attractive design. First of all, it does not attract unattractive fingerprints. This is due to its matte finish that easily blends into most studio environments. Moreover, an aesthetic and unique profile is created because of its rounded and clean edges.
It may have a dark exterior, but the subtle touch of blue adds a splash of color to it. This gives a touch of vitality to the speakers. Its illuminated PreSonus logo also adds a thoughtful detail to the visual element.
Dimensions
Despite having a large woofer, the cabinet does not extend too far. This allows the PreSonus Eris E4.5 to have a manageable and compact size which makes it easier to position on stands or desks.
Compared to other monitors in the market, these monitors are lighter with just 13 lbs (5.9kg) of weight. Although lighter speakers are valued for their portability, a bit of weight can be beneficial when reducing the vibrations.
Bluetooth
A built-in Bluetooth function is introduced by Presonus in their refreshed version of the Eris line called E4.5BT. This update offers another layer of connectivity freedom while setting it apart from the original model.
An impressive sound quality is achieved because the Bluetooth V.5 guarantees a stable and secure connection. Although this feature is tailored more to the consumer market, it can be an essential addition for those who want to upgrade their standard computer speakers or for those who want to elevate the versatility of their audio setup.
Value
The Eris E4.5 is proof that PreSonus provides a remarkable value proposition. These studio monitors provide incredible sound quality together with a decent build quality. Considering the price, it is hard to look for speakers that match the accurate and neutral audio output they provide.
If you are a budget-conscious home producer, the Eris E4.5 is an outstanding choice. Assembling a home studio can be expensive, but PreSonus saves the day by offering high-quality and affordable equipment for beginners.
Customer Review
The consensus among users is that the PreSonus Eris E4.5 provides a phenomenal value for new producers. Although there may be high-ranking monitors available, these studio monitors are hard to beat in the price range that they provide. They serve as an incredible gateway for music producer starters who are looking for an affordable yet high-quality audio solution.
Essential Speaker Placement Tips for Optimal Sound Quality
Once you purchase a new pair of studio monitors, being excited to delve into the world of pristine sound is normal. However, before you navigate the volume, it is important to understand the importance of proper speaker placement. Here are some quick tips for starters to help you achieve the most out of your monitors.
- Keep your studio monitors at a reasonable distance from the walls to avoid unwanted resonances and to minimize audio reflection.
- Keep your monitors in an upright position unless it is explicitly recommended by the manufacturers to not do it.
- Create a triangle with your sitting position by placing your monitors on either side of your workspace.
- Make sure that the tweeters of your monitors are at ear level because high-frequency sound is highly directional.
- Centralize your workspace as much as possible to maintain an even low-frequency response.
- Do not hesitate to use the tuning options that are equipped with your studio monitors.
- Consider investing in isolation pads or speaker sounds to take your speaker placement to the next level.
Exploring Studio Monitor Alternatives: Making the Right Choice
It is important to explore different options when you are setting up a studio, especially if you are a beginner. The realm of studio monitors has a broad scope of selections, and we are here to help you consider some alternatives to the PreSonus Eris E4.5. Let’s take a closer look at these options:
Yamaha HS7 – A Premium Pick
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The reputation of Yamaha in the monitor space is nothing short of incredible. A testament to their commitment to quality is their HS line. The HS7, specifically, is known for its remarkable sound balance. This makes it the perfect choice for music production. It houses premium build quality. It is a contemplative of the respected Yamaha brand. However, you must note that the HS7 falls into a higher price range compared to the PreSonus range.
Mackie CR4-X – A Stylish and Affordable Choice
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Mackie offers a strong gateway for those who want to explore studio monitors, and the CR4-X is an excellent option. Although it inclines more towards general multimedia work, it gives a bold price that is within the range of PreSonus. Furthermore, your studio space will truly have an enhanced aesthetic appeal due to the unique styling of the CR4-X. However, it is worth noting that this alternative does not offer tuning options like the Eris E4.5.
Edifier R1850DB – Versatility with Added Features
If you are someone whose studio adventures do not essentially revolve around music production, the Edifier R1850DB is a compelling choice. When it comes to balance, it may not match the E4.5. However, it provides additional features and flexibility. It is perfect for both your living room and workspace because it has a good sound quality with incredible clarity. You must also note that it inclines towards a more colored sound profile, which might not be ideal for music production purposes.
Should You Buy the PreSonus Eris E4.5?
It is no doubt that the PreSonus Eris E4.5 has its benefits. At an attractive price point, it can already offer great sound quality, practical tuning options, and a sleek design. Although its low end might cause users to crave for more, these monitors perform admirably given their budget-friendly nature.
If you are looking for affordable yet capable monitors for your setup, the PreSonus Eris E4.5 should be an option that you must consider. It is an incredible choice for those who value quality sound without breaking the bank.