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Sterling Audio

Description

The Sterling MX8 Black bi-amplified, powered studio monitors combine top sound quality with next-generation materials to meet or exceed the most demanding needs of audio professionals working in project studios. They sound great, have a stylish matte black finish, 8” LF drivers, 1” tweeters, high- and low-frequency control switches, balanced XLR and TRS inputs and unbalanced RCA connectivity. The MX8s are similar in form and function to the MX3s and MX5s, however, the MX8s are the largest monitors in the series, with the deepest bass response and loudest output.

Sterling MX8 Studio Monitor Rear Panel

Wide dispersion

The back of the monitors feature a balanced XLR input, a balanced TRS input and an unbalanced RCA. They have a robust power switch, rotary level dial, high-frequency filter with three parameters—+2dB, –2dB and neutral 0—and low-frequency filter with three parameters—+3dB, –3dB and neutral 0. These features allow you to tune your speakers to your room for optimal playback monitoring when mixing and producing so you’re assured the best sound possible. MX8 monitors deliver 125 Watts of high-efficiency, low-distortion, Class A/B amplification with 37Hz–22kHz frequency response.

Sterling MX8 Studio Monitor Front View With Computer Screen, DAW and EQ

Superior damping

The front of the monitors feature acoustically engineered 8” low-frequency drivers with superior damping. This minimizes any sonic artifacts and unnatural resonance to ensure a clean, natural sound for referencing your mixes. It has a four-layer voice coil which provides greater motor force for outstanding low-frequency performance. The 1” silk-dome high-frequency tweeter features a powerful neodymium magnet for a smooth and natural high-frequency response.

A project studio desk with recording equipment on it and two Sterling MX8 Studio Monitors setup as a stereo pair on stands.

Outstanding performance

The MX8s are designed to provide optimal frequency dispersion even when listening off-axis. This means they’ll sound great in imperfect acoustic environments, like most home and project studios, to give you an accurate representation of your music. The bi-amplified Class A/B design ensures superior transient response and a natural bass presence. They also look fantastic with a sophisticated dual matte black finish and backlit Sterling logo, looking as good in your studio as they sound to your ears.

Features

  • 8" low-frequency driver with acoustically engineered cone design
  • 4-layer voice coil provides greater motor force for outstanding low-frequency performance
  • 1" silk-dome tweeter feature powerful neodymium magnets
  • 125 watts of high-efficiency, low-distortion Class A/B amplification with 37Hz–22kHz frequency response
  • Bi-amplified Class A/B design ensures superior transient response and natural bass presence
  • Rear-port design reduces low-frequency turbulence and distortion

Specs

General
  • Size: Near-field
  • System type: Active
  • Configuration: 2-way
Drivers
  • Low-frequency driver: 8"
  • Mid-frequency driver: Not specified
  • High-frequency driver: 1"
  • Full-range driver: Not specified
  • Driver type: Proprietary cone
Sound
  • Frequency response: Not specified
  • Max peak SPL: Not specified
  • Amplifier class: Class A/B
  • Output power: 125W
Onboard Features
  • Input connectors: XLR, TRS, RCA
  • Standby mode: Yes
  • Acoustic space control: Yes
  • Power indicator: Yes
Other
  • Enclosure type: Ported

Reviews

4.52

33 Reviews

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Amazing Bang for the Buck!
Bang for your buck
So far so good

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Excellent!

I tried to get another monitor to pair with my M-Audio BX5's (I will not mention the company for reputation sake) and they didn't work. I went back to GC and after speaking with one of the reps, he walked me over to the Sterlings. I listened to them and was battling between the Sterlings and KOK's. But they had these on sale so I got them. Simple set up, simply plugged in everything from the old monitors, played with a few settings since this is connected to a workstation pc for studio work...and BING!!!! These speakers only needed one setting to get up and running. I have tried multiple genres and let me tell you, these things can handle everything I threw at them. I would suggest these for a smaller studio setting, but they definitely get big sound. I am highly impressed because I thought nothing could beat my old BX5's...lol. Enjoy if you get these. You won't be disappointed.!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Nice for the price!

I use a pair of these for electronic and guitar music recording and have found them to have great stereo imaging and nice room-shaking low end. It has a plastic housing as opposed to the wood and glossy piano finish of my Event ASP, which, IMO, sounds a tad clearer…BUT you can get great mixes with these Sterlings, though I would use another pair of speakers (preferably 5") or headphone monitors additionally for more accurate mixing. The main con that I have though is that the build quality lacks compared to a Yamaha, for example, that has pristine trim and finish; If you are ocd like me and look closely, you will see the monitor's top plastic surface has uneven sheen in certain areas and there are some uneven areas where the speaker come meets the housing (when viewed under lighting at an angle). Mind you, most people won't notice these; I'm an engineer by profession and super OCD, that's why I noticed these.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Home Studio28
  2. Amateur Recording17
  3. Professional Recording16
  4. Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing3
  5. Performances2
Cons
  1. Bulky/Heavy3
  2. Limited Functions2
  3. Not Durable2
  4. Unreliable2
  5. Pricey / Poor Value1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced21
  2. Professional Musician7
  3. Novice4
Pros
  1. Good Audio33
  2. Easy To Use27
  3. Durable14
  4. Versatile14
  5. Compact5

Reviewed by 33 customers

  • I Need One to Replace One, but....

    1

    submitted2 months ago

    byDavid

    fromDetroit

    They were $100 less early this year when I just missed getting one to replace one I have that died on me. I've read reviews that said the circuitry burns out on these. I barely used mine, but I did leave them powered on except for when I wasn't home for extended periods of time.

  • DO NOT buy this product!!

    1

    submitted2 years ago

    byDanny

    fromVernon, Ct

    I purchased this product December 13th, 2022. About 2 weeks ago one of them died. ( I purchased 2 of them). I tried getting in touch with Sterling directly, with no luck. Doesn't say much for customer service.

  • Excellent!

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byCharles

    fromWasington, DC

    I tried to get another monitor to pair with my M-Audio BX5's (I will not mention the company for reputation sake) and they didn't work. I went back to GC and after speaking with one of the reps, he walked me over to the Sterlings. I listened to them and was battling between the Sterlings and KOK's. But they had these on sale so I got them. Simple set up, simply plugged in everything from the old monitors, played with a few settings since this is connected to a workstation pc for studio work...and BING!!!! These speakers only needed one setting to get up and running. I have tried multiple genres and let me tell you, these things can handle everything I threw at them. I would suggest these for a smaller studio setting, but they definitely get big sound. I am highly impressed because I thought nothing could beat my old BX5's...lol. Enjoy if you get these. You won't be disappointed.!

  • Best studio monitors I have used - balanced range

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byJames

    fromSF Bay Area

    Used these for 3 years now. Balanced sound quiet or loud. Low end is excellent (Below 60Hz)

  • Amazing sound for the price tag

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byAbhikalp

    fromRound rock

    I bought a pair yesterday and plugged my I pad using harbingers lV 12 mixer. I played test music for studio monitors from you tube and I was blown away by the clarity ans richness of the sound. It was too good to believe that I could hear those details and fullness with a monitor at that price. Sterling has nailed it with these 8 inches...kudos to Sterling team

  • What a difference.

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byJAMES

    fromDryden Mi.

    Hooked them up for the first time in my home recording studio last night. I have been mixing and recording with head phones only and all I can say is WOW what a difference. These speakers sound fantastic. First set of monitor speakers I have purchased and I cant believe I waited so long to get a set. Right away I could hear some eq changes that needed to be made that I could not hear through the headphones. These monitors are big built quite sturdy. There is no hissing or any other unwanted noise. These things are loud!!! Very happy with purchase and cant wait to spend more time mixing with them, I am sure they will help my mixes.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byDroidiphile

    fromSF Bay Area

    Do these have speaker stand mounts or do they just sit on top of a pedestal stand ?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I apologize for the inconvenience, this item is no longer available.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byInfo

    fromEast Brunswick NJ

    Is this good for alesis turbo electric drums

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byFA

    fromwest Mesa, AZ

    wondering about weight, complete physical dimensions, sturdiness and comparison of product quality with other studio monitors. Can it be safely used as a gig monitor as well as in studio?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Dimension: W 10.32" x H 15.55" X D 12.20" Weight: 34.17 lbs. Material: MDF box with plastic front....... I guess the right person got this question. I have over 50 years experience..... I had a pair of MX3s. I decided I needed bigger and got the MX5. Bigger still so I got the MX8s. I liked them so much I bought another pair. Amazing. Dollar for dollar, bang for the buck, these are the best we have. I'll put them up against anything in their price range and then some. No. Maybe some vocals and light guitars. Monitors, home speakers etc, are meant to play CDs, MP32, signals taken through a mixer. They're all compressed. Signals from a gig are not.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byHector

    fromEast Rockaway, NY

    I want to buy a pair of these nice speakers. Can I connect two of these to my iPhone. Will I get stereo sound using two speakers. What kind of cable do I need to connect these two to my iPhone? Many thanks!

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Cannot connect to your iPhone

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byRich

    fromTaylor, Michigan 48180

    Do, all the cords,etc come with these speakers?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byjeremy

    fromseattle wa.

    do these come in a pair?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    This is for an individual monitor.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byDusty

    fromNC

    Do these monitors come with the power cable needed?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes they do.
    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes, it does.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byUlrick

    fromFlorida

    Is the price for the pair of speakers or only one?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    This is for one speaker

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byLance

    fromMI

    Are there two monitors for $149.00 or is the price for one monitor? I thought in the store I saw them two in a box.

    Open Reply - Ronald
    This is just for the one.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byjammin james

    fromnashville, tn

    Is this price for one monitor or a pair?

    Open Reply - Beau
    The price is for a single monitor.
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