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£400
These are the third generation of the M1 Active series and, despite their relatively small size, they can be cranked to considerable levels. Round the back you’ll find both XLR and TRS inputs and cut/boost switches for bass, mid-range and treble. There’s also an acoustic space switch that provides some flexibility when placing these monitors near studio walls.
The Active 520s sound very clean. The treble is shiny without being coloured, and the midrange is solid and dependable without becoming distorted or cluttered. Bass will always be a little compromised on monitors of this size, but the 520s certainly don’t lack weight.
The Alesis M1 Active 520s are good performers that won’t wear you out or give you a false impression of your mix. They do a pretty good job irrespective of the music you’re looking to make.
