Output and Barefoot Audio cross a new Frontier as they release their long-awaited “gold standard” studio monitors
New speakers look lovely, but do they have the performance to match?
GEAR 2021: We’d almost forgotten about Output and Barefoot Sound’s studio monitor project, announced at NAMM 2020, but it’s finally borne fruit with the launch of Frontier. Shipping as a pair, these studio speakers promise “the new gold standard in studio sound”.
Frontier is certainly a looker; it has a solid walnut base for isolation and there’s a nice bit of LED lighting going on above. There are 6.5-inch/1.25-inch coaxial aluminium drivers - designed and tuned by Thomas Barefoot - that promise flat anechoic response and low distortion, and a 200-watt combined bi-amplified architecture.
• NAMM 2021 is cancelled, but we'll be covering all the big January gear announcements right here on MusicRadar.
The forward facing tuned port, meanwhile, is designed to give you an accurate representation of the bass in your mix.
The Frontiers ship in 100% recyclable packaging and have an EcoMode that reduces power consumption, so they could be a more planet-friendly option, too.
You’ll have to join a waiting list if you want a pair of Frontiers, which will set you back $1,399/£1,259. They can be ordered direct from the Output website, and there’s a free 30-day returns policy if you’re not happy with your purchase.
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I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.
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