I’ve just got a pair of Focal Alpha Twin Evo monitors with their Sub One and I’ve never heard anything like it in my life. Absolutely stunning. I know they’re entry level compared to Focals top end range, but for me (on my budget, moving up from the Alpha 65 Evo), it’s been an experience. There’s something about Focal that I just connect with, which I don’t feel with other speaker brands. It’s hard to put into words!
You're absolutely right that monitoring is a very personal, read: subjective, thing. When I finally bought my new monitors last May, I was lucky enough to spend almost 6 hours comparing nearly 10 sets of high-end monitors. I was really wanting to like Focals... but for me, man those were some of the harshest most fatiguing speakers I've heard. And I compared them to ATCs, Genelecs, PMCs, PSIs, Barefoots, Adams (which I have used for 17 years) and a few others. I ended up with a pair of ATC SCM25A Pro mkIIs, probably the most natural, musical and honest speakers I have ever experienced.
Last year, I was looking to upgrade from a 2-way to a 3-way monitor setup. I certainly agree that most brands of monitors have "their own sound". Considering that I had been on a set of Adam A7X's for several years, I was certainly dialed in to "their sound". When Adam released the new A8H's as their flagship monitor in the A-Series ... and it was around half the price of the Focal's ... I had to go with the new Adam's. I don't use any of the fancy DSP stuff either, and if you wanted a more apples-to-apples comparison- the Focal's probably more closely line up with Adam's S3V's. Any of those choices are a top-notch 3-way monitor for the vast majority of studios. Great review my man!
My Short list was ATC SCM25A, Focal Trio (previous model), and Focal Twins ST6. ATC was out of my budget, and I was concerned about the Trio's being too big for my room. I landed on the Twin ST6 with Focal Sub6. I went down the tuning my room rabbit hole and finally have the system tuned in, and it is great! The ST6 line is amazing! The analog tuning on the back really helped me dial them in with the sub. I am high passing the Twins at 60hz and the sub only handles the low lows. I can't even tell where the sub is. All of lows sound like they are coming from the Twins. Love it!
Great review of Trio 6st :) I have them as my main L&R in my 9.1.6 Atmos room with solo 6ST every where else and twin st and rear left and right :) good work with the content
Trio 6's are great, I have a pair. My Trio 11's are my favorite, but they require an extremely well treated control room. Having said that, I've got a set of the cheaper Focal Alpha Evo Twins with the Sub One in my home studio, and they're awesome too.
This is a great video with honesty. Not everyone is mastering, has no interest in being a producer. I'm all about the hobby and the creative experience. I went BIG FUN! KRK 10-3s give me the experience of a high quality home stereo without a ton of bias, but also have the ability to get a very honest flat sound as well. You can't go wrong with three way speakers! Stink'n speakers are such a hard thing to pick out. You nailed it. It's a personal thing. Focal Trio look impressive. Maybe, something to look at for the desktop setup.
I just upgraded my 14-year-old Focal Twins (the power supply in one of them is going) to the Focal Solo6 ST6. I'm using them with a Focal Sub6. It's only been a couple of days, but I like what I'm hearing so far.
I use NS-10MCs (which have the *exact* same specs as NS-10 Studios, but they were just marketed differently), and Mackie HR824 mk1 speakers. The Mackies are from the late 90s, they sound incredible, and they're the favorite speakers of my favorite teacher from audio school (according to his lessons they're spec'd perfectly), and he *knows his shit*
Dynaudio LYD48 in my homestudio. I wanted 3-way neutral sound and built in amp. I use them midfield and I'm pleased with them. I got an offer I couldn't refuse, a good deal, no regrets. I have another setup in my living room with Behringer Truth B3031A + subwoofer and that's good for lowend tuning, but not for midrange (2-way).
Thank you very much for your insightful video. I agree everyone has different needs. So if you're a singer/song writer, a mixing engineer, or mastering engineer, you will need different speakers. I currently have the Focal Twins and sub for mixing and mastering. I work with rock, blues/jazz music mostly. I tried the ATC SCM 25a's and was blown away at the separation and depth. However, the music does not sound cohesive and the instruments are all separated. I could spend the months getting used to it and get better on mixing with them,but i dont want to especially since I know my Twins so well. In addition the 6.5 bass speaker only went down to 47hz. I heard the original Trio 6's. They sounded similar to my Twins but some instruments in the mids were pushed forward. There was not enough of an improvement to switch over to them. I heard a lot of positive things on the new Trios, and they wanted some of the ATC detail while still having some fun to them. I should be getting them sometime next week.
8:28 I have the Trio6 Be’s and do hiphop. I will say for 98% of the time you don’t need the sub. But for checking mud in the super sub range, the sub comes in handy to reveal clashing and build up below 30hz when the Trio’s tend to fall off. Once I clean that stuff up, I switch the sub back off. But it is still necessary to keep the sub around.
I received the Focal Trio ST6's monitors in my studio. Bottom line is they are great. They have the improved separation and extra clarity over my old Twins. No DSP playing with things in the digital world, and the bass is very solid. Compared to the ATC 25a's I tried, the ATC sound is clearer and slightly clinical while the Focal has a textured clean sound. The texture controls the dynamics hitting your ears that they dont' get my tinnitus issue to activate like the ATC's did at the same volume. The other thing I like about the Focal's was with the added separation in the mids, with still providing a cohesive sound to them. I found myself enjoying playing music through them more than the ATC's. The ATC's however in my book are the best monitors for adjusting .5 db to get things exactly right. They are monitors for that precision detail on every track. They make you work harder, and you end up focusing on freq's more than the overall mix. Going deep into the weeds. If that is what you like, get the ATC's and a sub. But these Trio's are the right monitors for me. They sound great, provide the detail that I was not getting on my Twins which allows with todays music to get the front to back depth for instruments and vocals to sound just right.
I'm still rocking some iLoud micro monitors, since I almost never need more than that in my space, but maybe this summer I'll add a little Eris 8" sub or something. I'm a dad in a garage-under, so I'm mostly using my in-ears when I want better sound. I'm happier with a space that fits my circumstances, even if it doesn't have that future-proof do-anything aesthetic.
I have the Adam A7Vs, doing Film and TV: also Mixing Mastering on them they are True in Every area that I need with the X-ART Ribbon Tweeter from the Adam S series also the New built in Sonarworks to Export profiles" into each monitor and Close Sonarworks is Gold.
Isn't the most important thing soundwise "consistency" ? Whatever brand you love, stick to it like forever. Listen to music on them. Get your ears completely accustomed to them. So I know you're in a right place sticking to Focals.
I ended up with Neumanns as my main monitors. I started with kh120's, Did the whole getting them after a few weeks thing. I got them as for some reason I noticed myself getting irritated with digital amplifiers, of at least earlier generations. The Neumanns worked for me somehow. Then after a year and a half I went or the larger 3 way KH 310, and they do exactly what Id hoped. Id probably spin them like in this video regarding the Focals. Id imagine they both have all the attention from a design point of view and the fact they are 3-ways, Id love to hear the Focals, as Id imagine they would be quite similar to the KH310 in many ways.... My 2nd monitors are vintage Tannoy coaxials, which sound completely different and amazing!
Have you looked into upgrading the fuses? I put the pair of synergistic master fuses in my Solo 6s; what a dramatic upgrade! Pricey, but of all the tweaks, this is by far the best.
@@RecordingStudioLoser OMG!! Absolutely missing out. If you’re not sure start with a ceramic fuse. Then try the synergistic purple. That’s what I did, and was amazed at every step. Non-mendaciously speaking!
Atomic 610’s are my choice for studio monitors. Handmade in Detroit by Norman Druce, may he rest in peace. Misty Druce runs the place now. Great monitors.
Which Focal sub do you have? I just purchased a set of Solo6 ST6s last week. Haven't arrived yet. Going to test them in my mixing / mastering room and maybe add the Sub12 if needed. What do you think of that idea?
Well. I’m still on hs8’s I got about 9 years ago. They was the obvious affordable upgrade at the time from hifi speakers I spent way too long using. lol. Now I’m planning on upgrading next year to something south of 6k. Idk what yet. Sweetwater won’t let me put a deposit down and try speakers out in my room like certain TH-cam dudes. So I’ll probably have to go to Fort Wayne like the peasant I am and hope what I decide upon works well on my room.
@@BritoWorx I’ve been hoping to find some used micro mains under 6k. I’ve always wanted a sealed monitoring system.. Them and the nuemann 3 way sealed kh - ( whatever numbers 😀) are ones I want to try out. I’d just like to know with whatever I get that I don’t hate em.
I didn’t want to get rid of them. But I was kind of forced into doing something quick. I still use 8cs in another room. I love them. But if I was looking now… at their current price… it would be a hard sell.
@@RecordingStudioLoser Just checked your other vid. Very strange that you never heard back from them, esp since you run a studio! I run my 8cs in the home with the bach plugin and it's Really good. (even more expensive though 😂). Keep up the videos! I enjoy them a lot.
I remember how impressed you were with the ones that the front of house guy for Styx used. I don’t remember the name of them. Are they not appropriate for your application?
Those were JBLs. Not sure on model number. But they are cheap! They sound great. But they aren’t as analytical as I need in a speaker. If I was a songwriter and just doing that… they would definitely be an option.
I have been eying these but some comments have made me hesitant, which you touched on briefly, that they're more analytical in lack of a better word, compared to the previous generation BE´s. you want that sweet-spot between hearing everything but having an enjoyable listen too. but it sounds like you think they achieve that?
That’s a VERY taste related question. So look around the n some other takes to weigh your own opinion here. I do think the BEs were fun. These still have that focal thing… but definitely tilt much more analytical. I find there be a good balance where I’m happy. But my clients are also happy listening in the room.
yeah exactly, I'm wondering wether to go for the new ST´s or the older BE´s. I mix a lot but I also write film music and then you want to feel inspired. I will look into it some more, thanks for fun videos and thanks to the algorithm for showing them to me!@@RecordingStudioLoser
I'm watching this because I'm thinking about buying these for home audio. $7k is nothing in terms of a business expense. For a little context: An Uber driver spending $40 to $50k on their job related tool is relatively common.
I’ve just got a pair of Focal Alpha Twin Evo monitors with their Sub One and I’ve never heard anything like it in my life. Absolutely stunning. I know they’re entry level compared to Focals top end range, but for me (on my budget, moving up from the Alpha 65 Evo), it’s been an experience. There’s something about Focal that I just connect with, which I don’t feel with other speaker brands. It’s hard to put into words!
Thanks for the video. I settled on the Trio 11be's and have been impressed with the clarity and honesty of them for our work.
Finally settled on these after months of demoing and research. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Did you use an affiliate link?! 💪
I have the Kii Three and absolutely love the low level mixing with full subs!
You're absolutely right that monitoring is a very personal, read: subjective, thing. When I finally bought my new monitors last May, I was lucky enough to spend almost 6 hours comparing nearly 10 sets of high-end monitors. I was really wanting to like Focals... but for me, man those were some of the harshest most fatiguing speakers I've heard. And I compared them to ATCs, Genelecs, PMCs, PSIs, Barefoots, Adams (which I have used for 17 years) and a few others.
I ended up with a pair of ATC SCM25A Pro mkIIs, probably the most natural, musical and honest speakers I have ever experienced.
haha sounds like me abt a yr ago, u will b upgrading to SCM50 soon sir 😊
Super helpful review thank you!
Last year, I was looking to upgrade from a 2-way to a 3-way monitor setup. I certainly agree that most brands of monitors have "their own sound". Considering that I had been on a set of Adam A7X's for several years, I was certainly dialed in to "their sound". When Adam released the new A8H's as their flagship monitor in the A-Series ... and it was around half the price of the Focal's ... I had to go with the new Adam's. I don't use any of the fancy DSP stuff either, and if you wanted a more apples-to-apples comparison- the Focal's probably more closely line up with Adam's S3V's. Any of those choices are a top-notch 3-way monitor for the vast majority of studios. Great review my man!
a7x are impressive boxes especially for that footprint
My Short list was ATC SCM25A, Focal Trio (previous model), and Focal Twins ST6. ATC was out of my budget, and I was concerned about the Trio's being too big for my room. I landed on the Twin ST6 with Focal Sub6. I went down the tuning my room rabbit hole and finally have the system tuned in, and it is great! The ST6 line is amazing! The analog tuning on the back really helped me dial them in with the sub. I am high passing the Twins at 60hz and the sub only handles the low lows. I can't even tell where the sub is. All of lows sound like they are coming from the Twins. Love it!
Great review of Trio 6st :) I have them as my main L&R in my 9.1.6 Atmos room with solo 6ST every where else and twin st and rear left and right :) good work with the content
I like the Three way’s because of that midrange focus mode. That’s the most important part of the mix.
Thought the focus mode was gimmicky. But I use it a ton.
Trio 6's are great, I have a pair. My Trio 11's are my favorite, but they require an extremely well treated control room. Having said that, I've got a set of the cheaper Focal Alpha Evo Twins with the Sub One in my home studio, and they're awesome too.
This is a great video with honesty. Not everyone is mastering, has no interest in being a producer. I'm all about the hobby and the creative experience. I went BIG FUN! KRK 10-3s give me the experience of a high quality home stereo without a ton of bias, but also have the ability to get a very honest flat sound as well. You can't go wrong with three way speakers!
Stink'n speakers are such a hard thing to pick out. You nailed it. It's a personal thing. Focal Trio look impressive. Maybe, something to look at for the desktop setup.
I just upgraded my 14-year-old Focal Twins (the power supply in one of them is going) to the Focal Solo6 ST6. I'm using them with a Focal Sub6. It's only been a couple of days, but I like what I'm hearing so far.
from twins to solos.. How did you set your twins up vertical? you noticing any different in sound stage?
I use NS-10MCs (which have the *exact* same specs as NS-10 Studios, but they were just marketed differently), and Mackie HR824 mk1 speakers. The Mackies are from the late 90s, they sound incredible, and they're the favorite speakers of my favorite teacher from audio school (according to his lessons they're spec'd perfectly), and he *knows his shit*
Dynaudio LYD48 in my homestudio. I wanted 3-way neutral sound and built in amp. I use them midfield and I'm pleased with them. I got an offer I couldn't refuse, a good deal, no regrets. I have another setup in my living room with Behringer Truth B3031A + subwoofer and that's good for lowend tuning, but not for midrange (2-way).
I have the Trio 11 Be - ordered them a few years ago before the 6s were available. I have had the same experience you describe
Thank you very much for your insightful video. I agree everyone has different needs. So if you're a singer/song writer, a mixing engineer, or mastering engineer, you will need different speakers.
I currently have the Focal Twins and sub for mixing and mastering. I work with rock, blues/jazz music mostly. I tried the ATC SCM 25a's and was blown away at the separation and depth. However, the music does not sound cohesive and the instruments are all separated. I could spend the months getting used to it and get better on mixing with them,but i dont want to especially since I know my Twins so well. In addition the 6.5 bass speaker only went down to 47hz.
I heard the original Trio 6's. They sounded similar to my Twins but some instruments in the mids were pushed forward. There was not enough of an improvement to switch over to them.
I heard a lot of positive things on the new Trios, and they wanted some of the ATC detail while still having some fun to them. I should be getting them sometime next week.
8:28 I have the Trio6 Be’s and do hiphop. I will say for 98% of the time you don’t need the sub. But for checking mud in the super sub range, the sub comes in handy to reveal clashing and build up below 30hz when the Trio’s tend to fall off. Once I clean that stuff up, I switch the sub back off. But it is still necessary to keep the sub around.
I received the Focal Trio ST6's monitors in my studio. Bottom line is they are great. They have the improved separation and extra clarity over my old Twins. No DSP playing with things in the digital world, and the bass is very solid. Compared to the ATC 25a's I tried, the ATC sound is clearer and slightly clinical while the Focal has a textured clean sound. The texture controls the dynamics hitting your ears that they dont' get my tinnitus issue to activate like the ATC's did at the same volume. The other thing I like about the Focal's was with the added separation in the mids, with still providing a cohesive sound to them. I found myself enjoying playing music through them more than the ATC's. The ATC's however in my book are the best monitors for adjusting .5 db to get things exactly right. They are monitors for that precision detail on every track. They make you work harder, and you end up focusing on freq's more than the overall mix. Going deep into the weeds. If that is what you like, get the ATC's and a sub. But these Trio's are the right monitors for me. They sound great, provide the detail that I was not getting on my Twins which allows with todays music to get the front to back depth for instruments and vocals to sound just right.
I'm still rocking some iLoud micro monitors, since I almost never need more than that in my space, but maybe this summer I'll add a little Eris 8" sub or something. I'm a dad in a garage-under, so I'm mostly using my in-ears when I want better sound. I'm happier with a space that fits my circumstances, even if it doesn't have that future-proof do-anything aesthetic.
I have the Adam A7Vs, doing Film and TV: also Mixing Mastering on them they are True in Every area that I need with the X-ART Ribbon Tweeter from the Adam S series also the New built in Sonarworks to Export profiles" into each monitor and Close Sonarworks is Gold.
Isn't the most important thing soundwise "consistency" ? Whatever brand you love, stick to it like forever. Listen to music on them. Get your ears completely accustomed to them. So I know you're in a right place sticking to Focals.
Got a pair of Alpha Evo 50's last Summer. The sonic signature of Focal is indelible to say the least. Glad for you man !
I listened to those alpha evos and was surprised how they sounded for the price.
Faster, smaller tech.The future is here.@@RecordingStudioLoser
Upgrade the fuses! I have a pair of the old Alpha 65s which I upgraded with the synergistic orange fuses. What a difference.!
Thanks for the Focal info. What’s your opinion on the ATC SCM25s?
I ended up with Neumanns as my main monitors. I started with kh120's, Did the whole getting them after a few weeks thing. I got them as for some reason I noticed myself getting irritated with digital amplifiers, of at least earlier generations. The Neumanns worked for me somehow.
Then after a year and a half I went or the larger 3 way KH 310, and they do exactly what Id hoped. Id probably spin them like in this video regarding the Focals. Id imagine they both have all the attention from a design point of view and the fact they are 3-ways, Id love to hear the Focals, as Id imagine they would be quite similar to the KH310 in many ways.... My 2nd monitors are vintage Tannoy coaxials, which sound completely different and amazing!
Dude I had vintage tannoys too. Kinda wish I still had them.
I haven't heard a pair of Focal's I haven't liked!
Great share!
I’d actually be super curious to get your take on these.
Adam A8Hs - you can embed your sonarworks correction in them.
OK that’s pretty cool
What are your thoughts on the Kali IN 8 v2?
Have you looked into upgrading the fuses? I put the pair of synergistic master fuses in my Solo 6s; what a dramatic upgrade! Pricey, but of all the tweaks, this is by far the best.
I’ll be honest I’ve never heard of doing this before
@@RecordingStudioLoser OMG!! Absolutely missing out. If you’re not sure start with a ceramic fuse. Then try the synergistic purple. That’s what I did, and was amazed at every step. Non-mendaciously speaking!
Is that the audioscape golden 58 plugin? Looks like my preamp! You beta testing or did it release already?
Atomic 610’s are my choice for studio monitors. Handmade in Detroit by Norman Druce, may he rest in peace. Misty Druce runs the place now. Great monitors.
Which camera and lens are you using. Looks superb. I’ll guess Sony even though I own Canon
I came from canon. But switched to Sony ZV-E1 with a 16-35 g for talking head and a 50mm 1.2 g for broll
Which Focal sub do you have? I just purchased a set of Solo6 ST6s last week. Haven't arrived yet. Going to test them in my mixing / mastering room and maybe add the Sub12 if needed. What do you think of that idea?
i have the old sub 6. i love it
@@RecordingStudioLoser So if you're turning it down for your room, the Sub12 may be way to much. Maybe I should look at the new Sub 6 instead.
Think about upgrading the fuses.
Well. I’m still on hs8’s I got about 9 years ago. They was the obvious affordable upgrade at the time from hifi speakers I spent way too long using. lol. Now I’m planning on upgrading next year to something south of 6k. Idk what yet. Sweetwater won’t let me put a deposit down and try speakers out in my room like certain TH-cam dudes. So I’ll probably have to go to Fort Wayne like the peasant I am and hope what I decide upon works well on my room.
Barefoot Footprint 01’s or 02’s are amazing monitors for under $6k or even the PMC 6’s
@@BritoWorx I’ve been hoping to find some used micro mains under 6k. I’ve always wanted a sealed monitoring system.. Them and the nuemann 3 way sealed kh - ( whatever numbers 😀) are ones I want to try out. I’d just like to know with whatever I get that I don’t hate em.
Interesting move. You'll have to pry my 8c's from my cold, dead hands before I give them up 😂 To each his own, I guess!
I didn’t want to get rid of them. But I was kind of forced into doing something quick.
I still use 8cs in another room. I love them. But if I was looking now… at their current price… it would be a hard sell.
@@RecordingStudioLoser How much are they in the US? In NL they're 13.5k euro, should be about 15k usd?
@@RecordingStudioLoser Just checked your other vid. Very strange that you never heard back from them, esp since you run a studio! I run my 8cs in the home with the bach plugin and it's Really good. (even more expensive though 😂). Keep up the videos! I enjoy them a lot.
I remember how impressed you were with the ones that the front of house guy for Styx used. I don’t remember the name of them.
Are they not appropriate for your application?
Those were JBLs. Not sure on model number. But they are cheap! They sound great. But they aren’t as analytical as I need in a speaker. If I was a songwriter and just doing that… they would definitely be an option.
JBL 708P
You might be thinking of the 308P model. Big difference.
Wait, are you changing the Dutch & Dutch for the Focals ??
Yeah I made another video about it.
Since then there’s been more changes to the software charging for what used to be included. Weird stuff
I didn’t know they changed the tweeter. I thought they just added faster 5” woofer and sub
Quested are the best IMO.
I have been eying these but some comments have made me hesitant, which you touched on briefly, that they're more analytical in lack of a better word, compared to the previous generation BE´s. you want that sweet-spot between hearing everything but having an enjoyable listen too. but it sounds like you think they achieve that?
That’s a VERY taste related question. So look around the n some other takes to weigh your own opinion here. I do think the BEs were fun. These still have that focal thing… but definitely tilt much more analytical. I find there be a good balance where I’m happy. But my clients are also happy listening in the room.
yeah exactly, I'm wondering wether to go for the new ST´s or the older BE´s. I mix a lot but I also write film music and then you want to feel inspired. I will look into it some more, thanks for fun videos and thanks to the algorithm for showing them to me!@@RecordingStudioLoser
bad move man. ns-10's are right there on ebay 😁
What happened to the Dutch & Dutch 8C?
I talk more about it in an another video video… th-cam.com/video/7_kBC_1cRdk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CiYkhr8xWa_nSl00
@@RecordingStudioLoser the Kii Three would be the solution imo. I have loved the support and reliability. Over 5 years every day...
You probably need the bigger sub with those bigger speakers
I’ve turned my sun down hits a bit actually
Latching pedal ftw?
I need to get one
It's pronounced FOCAL not FOCAL.
Ope. Lemme scoot right past ya there bud.
Hahahaha, it's fo-CAHL.
@@RobertWrightOneManCovers you spelled it wrong, It's Focal.
@@kevinyounkins214 I thought it was Focal.
Guys I got confirmation from the company on a call today. It’s Focal
$3500!!! AaaHh!
It's called pro shit, bruh
$ 7000,- WTF?!
It’s the main thing that makes my income. Like I said in the beginning not everyone needs something like this.
I'm watching this because I'm thinking about buying these for home audio. $7k is nothing in terms of a business expense. For a little context: An Uber driver spending $40 to $50k on their job related tool is relatively common.
So many jump cuts in almost every sentence is about to give me a seizure. Good content otherwise; very interesting pov.