We tested the KRK Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors!

KRK Rokit 5 G4 monitor

The sound of the KRK Rokit 5 series was not perfect at all as they delivered too much deeps and too loud highs. In the contrary, the new G4 delivered balanced frequencies during our tests succeeding to eliminate previous models’ flaws. As an active, close-up monitor, it is ideal for studios and sound recordings.

Let’s get to know the Rokit 5 G4 a little bit better!

The matte, black-faced, square-edged speaker weighs 4.9 kg. The iconic black-yellow colour did not change, it underwent only some refinement, the bright yellow colour was replaced by a softer, more pleasant shade of yellow. Unlike previous models, the G4 speakers received a Kevlar subwoofer and tweeter, making basses much healthier. The front bass opening was enlarged, which also results in more intense basses.

Rokit 5 iso set

The housing has a solid, high-density iso-foam cushion at the bottom to minimise resonances. Nevertheless, the way of placing the speakers matters a lot. It is also worth considering the distance from the wall, the listener’s position and the acoustics of the room. If we put the speakers in a closed cabinet or shelf, we can expect some resonances despite the iso-foam legs.

If you want a really effective solution to eliminate vibration, place a speaker pad under the speakers or even on top of them. Granite or limestone pads are best suited for this purpose. With their use, almost complete resonance free sound production can be achieved and, in addition, they even look good.

The acoustic treatment of walls and ceiling is very important especially in sound recording and mixing studios. Acoustic issues caused by echoes and vibrations can also be successfully eliminated with proper acoustic treatment.

Rokit 5 inputs and outputs

The Rokit 5 speaker has a frequency response of 43Hz-40kHz and a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 104 decibels. The monitor has a power of 55 watts. Combined the TRS, XLR connectors support balanced sound. No RCA connectors on the speaker. The back of the speaker has an LCD screen instead of many controls, and the coding is much easier thanks to the DSP system. The brand logo has been backlit to indicate standby mode.

Class “D” amplifiers

For speakers with a Class “D” amplifier, the loss is very small. In the case of Class “D” amplifiers, the audio frequency input signals are encoded as pulse width modulated (PWM) signals and control high power devices when opening and closing signal levels so that they absorb power only during the signal transitions. These types of amplifiers are very efficient and the loss is rather negligible.

KRK Audio Tools

KRK Audio Tools app

25 different EQ settings are possible, the KRK Audio Tools application can be used to place and tune the monitor. The speaker can be installed and controlled on iOS and android devices. The Spectrum RTR measures and controls the frequency range of the input audio signals, the Level Meter calibrates the monitor level, the EQ Recommendation delimits, which EQ setting is best for the room, and the Monitor Align mode tunes the direction of the monitors.

Room correction programs are very useful if the acoustics of the room are adequate, because with minimal corrections we can make the sound of the speakers almost perfect. In addition to poor acoustics, these programs tend to only degrade the sound, as acoustic faults are perceived as sound pressure faults and stopped instead of the real problem.

Listening test

The Rokit 5 G4 two-way monitor was tested in a recording studio. The home studio is owned by a sound engineer who is mostly involved in sound mixing. The acoustics of the studio were absolutely optimal, so there was no problem with that.

We first listened to David Guetta and Sia’s song Let’s Love. KRK performed very convincingly, with percussive, distortion-free deep sounds, and the mid-ranges were also present clearly and beautifully. Both the vocals and the instrumental parts were clear, and we were satisfied with the low frequencies as well.

Then we played Ofenbach’s Head Shoulders Knees & Toes. The basses were flawless, so powerful that you didn’t even need a subwoofer to help out the monitors. We discovered some inaccuracies at level of the high tones and the details were not flawless either, the stage image could have been wider, but since these are close-up monitors, this is no problem. It is also possible to listen to the speakers sound for a long time without ear fatigue, which is a very important detail in the case of a studio.

Conclusion

We had an overall positive impression of the Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors, the bugs of the previous models were successfully corrected, the bass notes were perfect thanks to the Kevlar subwoofers and the larger bass apertures. On the other hand, the treble notes were not flawless, the stage image could have been wider, but being close-range speakers this is not a serious problem. We recommend it as a reference monitor for studios, as it is also suitable for long-term listening without causing ear fatigue. The EQ settings, the LCD screen are innovations that we highly recommend.

G.H.

Written by Róbert Polgár

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