There aren’t too many decent studio monitors on the market for around 100 euros. Edifier, for example, has the R1280(test). A simple design and good technology are propagated with the Edifier MR4. Available in black and white, the technical specifications of the studio monitors promise good things. Considering the price, we’ll find out for you whether you should consider investing the money.
Technical data
| Product: | Edifier MR4 Studio |
| Dimensions (H x W x D): | active 140 x 228 x 197.5 mm passive 140 x 228 x 184 mm |
| Weight: | 4.5 kg |
| Frequency range | 60 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio: | > 85 dB(A) |
| Tweeter: | 1 inch |
| Mid-woofer: | 4 inch |
| Power output: | 42 watts total power (21W + 21W) |
| Inputs: | RCA, 1/4-inch TRS, 3.5mm aux |
| Price: | € 99.99 * |
Design and workmanship
The two monitors of the Edifier MR4 studio speakers come in a matt design. Available in black and white, the latter is the more striking design due to the appearance of the black drivers. There is also a small lettering with the manufacturer’s name on the front.
Differences between the two monitors can be seen at first glance. There are two jack connections and the volume control on the right-hand monitor. The volume control is also used to switch between the two available sound modes: monitor and music. More on this later.
Edifier specifies a frequency range of 60 Hz to 20 kHz for the MR4 Studio, which the 2-way system should achieve. This consists of a 1-inch tweeter and a 4-inch woofer.
Thanks to the compact MDF housing, you’ll find a place for the MR4 on any desk. Underneath we find rubber feet to improve the decoupling from the surface. The cabinet is generally well made.
Further connections and controls are located on the back of the active speaker (right). First of all, the bass and treble controls, adjustable +-6 dB are possible. Directly below this we find an RCA and a TRS input. Finally, there are the terminal strips for the passive speaker (left). Next to it is the fixed mains connection. There is no power switch.
The box also contains a speaker cable for connecting the two monitors, as well as an RCA to jack and a normal jack cable. Thanks to the available connections and the supplied cables, you are equipped for almost any use in your home studio.
Practical test: Commissioning, operation and importantly: the sound
After establishing the power supply and connecting the two monitors, you can get started straight away. We connected our input device using the RCA to jack cable supplied.
To switch on the speakers, briefly press and hold the volume control. The LED next to it then lights up. The control itself has a clearly perceptible grid when adjusting. If the control is briefly pressed once, you can switch between the two different sound modes.
Sound
The two different sound modes are Monitor and Music. The first is suitable for mixing and producing music; the frequencies are reproduced more flatly. The music mode provides a more dynamic sound by boosting the mids and highs.
We do not get below 60 Hz in bass reproduction. This is noticeable with movies and bass-heavy music. Of course, you won’t miss the bass, but it’s not too intense and doesn’t mask the mids and highs.
The mids are well balanced and provide a good sound image for voices and instruments. High frequencies are reproduced in detail. Due to the low bass threshold, we recommend a small adjustment of the treble. Tastes differ, but despite the adjustment, the treble is not too sharp.
We attest the Edifier MR4 Studio a good sound. We can particularly recommend the speakers at moderate volumes. If the volume is turned up, the sound is distorted and does not reflect what the speakers are capable of.
Conclusion
Visually, the Edifier MR4 Studio are quite impressive. The simple design in white with the black drivers and the high-gloss driver is a real eye-catcher and can even be an eye-catcher when used in the studio.
In keeping with its use in the studio, we can also say that the sound is just as good as the look. One small drawback is the bass, which could be a little better. In terms of sound, you will probably only miss it in very bass-heavy moments.
Edifier also offers plenty of connection options on the MR4. The speakers can be connected via RCA or TRS. There is also the option of connecting headphones via a jack on the front.
In terms of quality, the entire concept fits with a few minor details that could have been better. Of course, we must not forget that with € 99.99 we are in a very affordable price segment and are getting a very good product for it.
- chic, simple design
- connection options
- good workmanship
- great sound experience
- Sound not 100% balanced
Edifier MR4 Studio
Design and processing
Equipment
Ease of use
Sound quality
Price-performance ratio
91/100
For the price segment around 100 euros, the Edifier MR4 Studio offers an all-round good package with a stylish design and great sound.
