Edirol MA-15D Digital Stereo Micro Monitors

by Edirol

Product Features

• Advanced bass enhancer
• Wooden cabinet
• 2 independent source inputs
• Magnetically-shielded
• 1/4" headphones port

Product Details

• Item Weight: 19.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0009HMRCI
• Item model number: MA-15D
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,622 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #42 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Studio Monitors

Product Description

Amazon.com

The MA-15D stereo reference monitors are ideal for computer-based recording artists seeking a high-quality, powerful set of reference speakers to use in a relatively confined space. The MA-15D’s offer a wide-range spectrum and crystal-clear audio reproduction.

The MA-15Ds feature a built-in Bass Enhancer, which operates on psychoacoustic principles that converts low frequencies into a series of overtones the human ear cannot distinguish from the original low frequencies. This allows the listener to perceive bass frequencies outside of the normal range of the speaker cone, without overdriving the woofer. With the Bass Enhancer the MA-15Ds offer a strong low-end in a very compact set of reference speakers. In addition the MA-15Ds offer a Sub-Out port, to connect a subwoofer.

The MA-15Ds accept input from digital sources through either the coaxial or optical S/PDIF ports, supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz sources. With this, you can connect digital sources directly to your speakers, keeping an unadulterated audio signal all the way to the power amplifier in your speakers. Hear exactly what you have recorded!

The MA-15Ds offer conveniently placed Volume and Tone controls. While a large studio setup typically uses a mixer to control output level to the speakers, compact desktop setups can rarely afford the space a mixer requires. This is not an issue with the MA-15Ds, as you can adjust your output volume and tone right on the front of the speaker.

You can also connect two different sources directly into the MA-15Ds, allowing you to listen to audio from any two line-level sources. You can have both your computer and your stereo connected to the MA-15Ds, for example. The MA-15Ds offer independent volume control for each of these inputs, effectively taking the place of a small desktop mixer for monitoring.

You can also plug headphones directly into the MA-15Ds and mix without disturbing other people. Plugging in headphones automatically defeats the speakers, allowing you to mix without disturbing others, and without having to disconnect anything in your setup.

The MA-15Ds are magnetically shielded for close proximity to your computer monitor.

Feature List

• 15 W + 15W Powerful Desktop Monitor (pair)
• 2-Way Bass Reflex Enclosure Type: 100 mm (4") Woofer + 50 mm (2") Tweeter
• Wooden Cabinet
• Up to 24-bit/192 kHz DA conversion for S/PDIF Optical & Coaxial Input
• 2 Independent Source Inputs; 1/8" Line, RCA-pin Line (L/R), and S/PDIF (optical & coaxial)
• Bass Enhancer
• Bass, Treble, and Individual Volume 1 & Volume 2 Controls on Front
• 1/4" headphones Port
• Magnetically-shielded
• Sub Woofer Output Port for Extra Bass Boost

Product Description

Digital Stereo Micro Monitors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb quality at an affordable price: a best buy!, July 21, 2007

By 

Juan Lleras "Juan Manuel LLeras" (Bogotá, Colombia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Edirol MA-15D Digital Stereo Micro Monitors (Electronics)

I have been using this Edirol MA-15D monitors for about a year. Sound quality is top of the line in an inexpensive package. Ideal for computer based sound edition.

Sweet spot is relatively wide: about 1.5 ft. without losing any quality. Only thing I've noticed is that vertical sweet spot is obviously below your ear level. Idealy this monitors should be higher than the usual computer table. Since I don't have any supports I decided to raise the front of the monitors by about 1/2" to 3/4" and the change was spectacular.

I find very useful to have s/pdf connectors, and the line out for a sub woofer.

Overall: a very good and affordable product full of nice features.

I find the bass enhancer a good addition, but even without this setting, the monitors produce a very balanced response, unless you force the volume, because, as is usually the case with any amplifier they start clipping.

15 Watts per channel is ideal for the type of work I do, mostly classical music editing as a hobby, but if you want rattling sound this power may be too little for you.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars At least your checkbook will sound alright..., September 17, 2008

By 

listened "lisener" (listening) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Edirol MA-15D Digital Stereo Micro Monitors (Electronics)

PRO:

-Compact size

-Appropriate for listening (acceptable frequency response, good highs and mids)

-Magnetically shielded drivers (won't damage HD's)

-Competitive price considering size + specs



CON:

-Limited frequency response, quite a bad roll off around 200 Hz

-You have to play with the BASS + TREBLE shelves to get "the right sound" (why doesn't it just made already set? this is a major flaw, marketing department to blame, but who ever said these were for pros?)

-Woofer cover tends to rattle with mid frequencies (you might as well take them off)

-Amplifier is only in the right cabinet, left powered by RCA connection (the cable that comes with it is around 10 feet long and of an inadequate gauge, IE. power dissipation)

-Only 15 watts... (depends what you want from them, but if you're doing anything remotely pro-audio, they'll distort after turning them up even half way)



CONCLUSION:

If you want a good set of computer speakers, this is a really good pick.

If you want a set of cheap studio monitors, these still fall behind and ultimately fail for the budget minded sound person. Don't cash out on these, you're better off saving up a little longer for something better.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great powered speakers!, April 5, 2008

By 

C. Eggie "DogBone" (Milwaukee, WI, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edirol MA-15D Digital Stereo Micro Monitors (Electronics)

I wanted to add a solid-performing set of powered speakers to my Mac-Pro. My criteria: High-quality sound, compact size, quality construction, multiple inputs, control placement, and TosLink (optical) audio hookup. After considerable review of numerous units I felt the Edirol set was the best. Having them in operation for several weeks now, I am extremely pleased with the sound, quality components, and construction. Edirol is part of the Roland Group; the folks that make professional electronic musical instruments and computer-related peripherals - all top quality stuff. I give these 5 of 5 stars!