Presonus Eris E3.5 Review

Are you looking for computer speakers that won’t break the bank?

The Presonus Eris E3.5 is an affordable and portable option that won’t disappoint.

It’s perfect for multimedia purposes like watching movies, playing video games, and listening to YouTube videos, but it may not be the best choice for professional mixing and mastering.

Let’s take a look at what makes this monitor so great and see if it fits your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Eris E3.5 is more suitable as a computer speaker than for studio monitoring.
  • It is good for multimedia purposes like movies, video games, and YouTube videos.
  • The frequency response of the Eris E3.5 is not flat, requiring correction for a balanced mix.
  • The Mackie CR3-X and JBL 305P Mk2 are alternative options with more neutral performance.

Power & Frequency Response

The Eris E3.5’s power and frequency response isn’t ideal for studio monitoring. Its frequency accuracy is off, with significant dips and peaks in the mid-range that can cause vocal and guitar tracks to be lost or sound inaccurate. Additionally, harmonic distortion increases at higher volumes, making the Eris E3.5 unsuitable for mixing and mastering.

However, its power and frequency response is good enough for multimedia purposes like movies, video games, and YouTube videos.

I/O & Controls

When it comes to I/O & Controls, the Eris E3.5 is equipped with a few options. On the front panel, features include an On/Off switch, volume control, auxiliary, and headphone jacks.

At the rear, there are two unbalanced RCA inputs and two balanced TRS inputs. Acoustic tuning knobs allow cutting and boosting of low and high-shelf frequencies, and the speakers require adjustment with these knobs for flatter response.

The single monitor is powered, with the second connected via line-out using speaker cables. Overall, the Eris E3.5 provides enough options for basic multimedia purposes.

Build Quality

Your Eris E3.5’s build quality is highly reliable, with a boxy cabinet and muted blue silk woofer. It can withstand bumps during travel, making it an ideal speaker for multimedia purposes. Its design is simple and unassuming, and its small footprint makes it suitable for use as a standard bookshelf speaker.

Its durability is impressive, and its design aesthetics will surely please. The acoustic tuning knobs allow you to fine-tune the response, enabling you to get the most out of your Eris E3.5.

Comparison

Choosing between the Presonus Eris E3.5 and other studio monitors can be difficult, so let’s compare.

Performance-wise, the Mackie CR3-X is a comparable alternative to the Eris E3.5, priced at $100 for a pair. The Mackie monitors are slightly more neutral in performance, but both have ported designs, leading to bass resonances.

The JBL 305P Mk2 is superior to the Eris E3.5, and highly recommended if budget allows. In terms of price, the Eris E3.5 is much more affordable, making it a great option for beginner producers on a tight budget. However, for professional mixing and mastering, the JBL monitors are superior.

Target Audience

Frequently, the Presonus Eris E3.5 is best suited for those looking for affordable computer speakers. It’s not ideal for professional mixing and mastering due to its performance limitations.

Those wanting a more neutral sound should consider alternatives like the Mackie CR3-X or the JBL 305P Mk2.

The Eris E3.5 is great for multimedia purposes like movies, video games, and YouTube videos. It’s also a well-built and durable option, with a boxy cabinet and muted blue silk woofer.

Its simple design and small footprint make it suitable for use as a standard bookshelf speaker. It’s available for purchase at Sweetwater and Amazon.

Conclusion

The Presonus Eris E3.5 is an affordable and portable monitor that has great power and frequency response, I/O and controls, and build quality. It’s a great choice for multimedia purposes such as movies, video games, and YouTube videos.

However, it may not be the best choice for professional mixing and mastering.

So if you’re looking for an affordable and portable option for computer speakers, the Presonus Eris E3.5 is an option worth considering.

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