I've been thinking for a while, that my next interface needs to have AES out, and my next speakers need to have an AES option for input. Just an itch in my mind, you're the first one I've come across that kinda confirms a theory I've had.
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Do you have any thoughts on the RME ADI's AES vs say the Trinnov Nova's AES?, Obviously the Trinnov will have eq correction. But I think I heard you mentioned in another video (or this one) that RME's AES has a filter?
@ I actually did a PMC 6-2 review part 2 and update where I clear up the ADI thing and turns out, it was my prism that was doing something weird with the AES signal, not the ADI! I do think the trinnov is a good investment though but the RME can’t be beat as a dedicated converter in my opinion. If you are looking specifically for a monitor controller with monitor correction, the trinnov is great but it doesn’t have a great converter in it and it best used in concert with other pieces of gear you have or with AES out
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR thank you for the clarification in both the ADI and trinnov. Right now I am leaning towards the rme adi with genelec 8330s. I've also considered the Neumann MT 48 (using a Dante to AES3) adapter out for the genelecs.
@ honestly, I’d strongly consider the Apogee Symphony Mk 2 Special Edition 2x6 or the Lynx Hilo as well! They are more expensive but I do regret specifically selling my Apogee. The AES adapters should be fine but my SPDIFF to AES adapter was finicky on my prism lyra. Messed up the sound a bit but Dante would be more power and probably better stability!
Agree with your feedback. Definitely require some break-in and AES is necessary. They also run at 96k so if you use that sample rate in your DAW, you'll get the best response. I'm on board with your feedback about SoundAlign, but I think if you use it purely for the shelving filters, it can work pretty well. On mine I do a light bass boost from 151hz (2-3dB) and a slight treble cut at 5500k (2-3dB) just to warm up the sound slightly. BTW, SoundAlign is minimum phase, not linear phase. If it was linear phase it would add latency which does not happen :) Another tip in terms of room treatment - I use PSI AVAA's in my room to deal with room modes and it helps a ton to handle all the bass that these speakers put out. Anyway thanks for the video and glad to see more 6-2's out there!
@@dewaldomusic thank you very much for pointing that out to me and for the room treatment recommendation! Congrats as well on your new monitors and thanks for tuning in 🙏
I was going to get these monitors, but I ended up going with the ex machina pulsars and I couldn’t be happier, but these were definitely a close second great review by the way
@@TouchToneDSG congrats on the pulsars! I’ve only heard consistently great things about them and hope to hear them myself someday soon. Out of curiosity, when you demo’d the PMCs, did you connect them VIA Analog or AES? Thanks for tuning and the kind words 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR no fam analog that’s the reason I didn’t go with him. I’m not a huge fan of DSP at all. I was thinking about a couple other monitors as well that were true analog but the ex machina did it for me
@@TouchToneDSG ahhh makes sense. You can bypass the DSP eq entirely in the PMCs, that’s what made them sound the best in my opinion! Even though they are analog inputs, the Pulsars are DSP monitors too though right?
Just read up on them, the Pulsars have the similar DSP technology with an internal AD/DA converter so there seems to be no way the bypass that round trip! Very interesting technology, I’m glad you like them and I’m definitely curious to try them someday!
Good review bro! You really hit on a lot of great points. I'm on the fence about getting the PMC 6-2s. I also have an RME interface setup, currently all AES outputs are occupied. That's really interesting that you're noticing that much of a difference between XLR to AES but the way you explain it makes sense. I have a smaller room but it is treated heavily. I'm trying to get away from DSP-heavy speakers (currently using a Genelec's with 2 Subs). I feel like I can solve the AES issue. My main concern now is if I would be too close to the monitors (given my room dimensions) and if I would be able to trouble-shoot/ calibrate some of the known room issues that I currently have with the PMC sound align software. Anyways, this is the best review I've heard yet on the 6-2's. Stoked for you, they look like they sound great in your room!
Thank you man! The issues I ran into with the ADI totally caught me off guard! The DAC filters in the RME and the filter in the PMCs together didn’t get along well for sure but you’ll definitely wanna keep a good 4.5 feet away from the 6-2s for sure! Sounds like you have a really awesome set up over there bro, definitely let me know if you end up with the PMCs and thanks for tuning in 🙏
Great review, lots of people are scared during this breaking period or not using AES. They are super easy to mix and produce on, it's incredible. Just one small detail in the placement of yours, the ATL holes should be towards the inside, not the outside. In other words your L speakers is where your R speaker should be and vice-versa (it's in the manual). Most brands do the opposite it's true. Cheers !
@@WhoIsAlexElliott Congrats on grabbing the Pulsars! I haven’t gotten the chance to try them yet but hope to sometime soon. When you demoed the PMCs, did you connect them via Analog or digitally via AES?
I have a question. Does the behavior of RME's DAC filter apply to all RME products? I want to use AES through my UFX, but I wonder if the DAC filter has a significant effect on the sound.I subscribed. It's good content.
So when you connect via AES to the RME, so long as there’s no deemphasis or anything else weird in the device like with the fireface 802, you’ll be able to use the RME without issue and won’t interact with the DAC filter at all. You have to pass through the DAC chip to hear it at all which is something I may not have said correctly in this video now that I think about it! Hopefully this answers your question and thank you for the sub! 🙏
Love your videos. Your newer one kind of lead me away from the scm25 for sure I’m in the market for high end near-fields. Very curious about your opinion on the focal trio6 as I want something good for production that I can mix on. I heard you were doing a review soon.
@@Stonerose17 thank you! I was planning to do the in depth review of the monitors this week but the demo pair is taking a lot longer to come in than expected - working on getting a pair if for a proper review soon, will follow up with everyone who mentioned the Trios so far! Thanks for tuning in 🙏
This fellow's issue was NOT the 6-2's AD stage. Glad he's now getting great sound, but what he is describing prior to using AES really just does not happen going into them analog unless something ELSE in your output chain is amiss.
Amazing review. Thank you! So, I have an Apollo Twin X Duo. I dont think it has AES capability so would you recommend using a converter? If so, any reputable brands?
Thank you for supporting my channel! I definitely recommend the RME ADI lineup for pristine conversion and for the option of AES out monitoring as well!
This couldn't be coming out at a better time. Was actually on the fence of ATC vs PMC's and this helped give me the final sway in the PMC direction - largely because of the lack of need for sub integration and the more honest audio presentation for mixing. Have a pair of PMC 6's coming my way! In regards to the AES vs Analog Input, what DAC were you using when you were feeding the PMC's analog signal? I have a Prism Lyra 2 I adore for feeding my Genelecs right now, and would be sad to lose the sound of its DA conversion if I went digital. Were you feeding it a Prism Lyra as well when you were hearing the sonic negatives you mention in the video, or something with a worse DA? Great video! Thanks, Marc
@@marcroube313 Amazing Marc! Congratulations on the PMC 6 order! You’ll definitely enjoy the pair. As for the DAC I used analog that didn’t work as well, I used both the Lyra, and the RME ADI 2/4 via analog in. Both DACs historically sounded really good with analog speakers. With the PMCs, I definitely favor the AES in sound much more, I don’t believe it has much to do with the DAC and more to do with the second round trip inside the monitors. That said, the Lyra 2 has an AES out option but it requires an RCA to AES cable adaptor. I got mine from Mogami and I think this would a perfect option for you hope this helps 🙏
@@kalebyrd126 video on AES connection to Digital monitors comes out tomorrow at 2 PM! Feel free to hit that notification bell to get notified as soon as its out 🙏
I could not find anywhere that those monitors have A/D converters. Those Class D amplifiers do not convert your audio from A/D. They simply provide power to your monitors. I spoke to PMC as well as Sweetwater. I think what you heard by going AES was either a combination of bit rate and a jump from 48k to 96k, possibly. I also had a question about the way you have those monitors set up, PMC recommends the grill facing inward, you have them facing outward, do you find a benefit to doing so? thanks for everything you do for the audio community bro!! loving the channel and content. much love.
@@jeremyontheconsole thank you for the support bro I appreciate this! If you’re curious about the A/D conversion, check the manual on page 18 under the “signal flow” section. It notes 24 bit A/D conversion. It’s a little hard to notice in there and was hard to figure out but I combed through the manual and then returned to my distributor to clarify this. It does indeed have a converter in there from what I’ve been explained and based on the manual. Let me know when you find the part! I wish I could attach image references in these comments sometimes 😂 would help us! As far as why I’ve got them inverted if because to have them the opposite way, it’s recommended to have at least a 5 foot distance between the tweeters from what I was told my distributor. Since I don’t have a huge space, I have them oriented this direction instead. Same way mixing engineer Teezio and Greg Well have theirs oriented for space as well! Sounded a bit too focused in the top end otherwise for me! Hope this helps bro and thanks again for the kind words. Keeps me going! 🙏
@@jeremyontheconsole this is the actually manual. They don’t supply the full manual in the box, just the startup guide. Follow that link above, it has the real thing!
Great video! What interface are you using, and how do you have the whole thing set up? I just want an idea so I can reference for a future purchase. Thanks!
@@UpliftedProductions thank you 🙏! I’m currently using the prism Lyra for my PMCs. The 802 has a signal emphasis on the AES path and the ADI can’t bypass the DAC filter chip without sacrificing volume control. Only caveat with the prism is that you need a different type of cable to use AES monitoring with it! Otherwise it’s brilliant for this case use. Hope this helps 🙏
This video left me really confused. I’ve ordered the 6-2 and was planning to connect it to my Apollo Twin X along with a Focal Sub 6 and a footswitch. Now it seems I need to buy a new audio interface and figure out how to connect a subwoofer with a switch. I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed at this point. Is the difference with AES really that significant, making it essential?
Im in the same boat man. I dont know what to do. Apollo Twin X Duo and really wanting these monitors. Im doing more research in regards to AES with these and our interface. Ill keep you posted if I find anything. Please do the same!
If the monitor changes that much switching from Analog to AES, that's super concerning. Thanks for letting us all know. If the ADC is bad, that doesn't bode well for the DAC inside them either...
You'd think so, but upon doing some digging, supposedly the DAC AKM chip is the same one thats found inside the crane song solaris while the A/D chip source is still unknown. The DAC sound impressive - to say the least. Therefore, the foregoing information conversely bodes quite well for the DAC! Still getting to the bottom of the tech behind this special monitors. I'll continue to update the channel as I discover more! Thanks for tuning in 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR It's interesting. I would suspect PMC is using top notch ADC as well! I'm just really surprised you hear that big of a difference. They market it as if there's no discernable difference running analog or digital
@@MrBassyk you know what, I’m gonna connect them via analog again tomorrow to remind myself of how different it is! I’ll be back to report after having used them for this long 👌
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Lookin forward to hearing! For what it's worth, I have the Dutch & Dutch 8cs. I run them analog because of a specialized monitor controller I use. I just couldn't live without it. I tried the AES and I did hear a slight difference, but I wouldn't say one was worse or better. I tried the PMC 6-2s as a demo and only ran them analog. Maybe that's actually why I skipped them! The D&D's sound pristine via analog in or digital in. But they're of course a different kind of monitor entirely too.
The amplification is not digital, it's analog (class D) - digital amplification doesn't exist. For some reason they must be converting the analog inputs into digital (I guess for DSP on the speaker) then back again and this two step process must be degrading the signal? The AES inputs don't go through two steps of conversion, just the one, resulting in a better sound I suppose? I haven't heard this feedback from anyone else however, you sure there wasn't anything wrong with your analog signal path?
@@CollectiveIntelligenceMusic yes, it’s solid state amplification with an D/A converter strapped to it feeding the amp directly. I just coined it “digital amp” because of how it’s setup but it hasn’t gone over too well lol. That said, my analog signal chain is pristine, sounds great. The AES bypass just sounded that much better. I wouldn’t think the round trip would be so obvious but it was. Not just for me either. Other owners of the PMCs have noted this in the comments and my friend who bought his had the same experience. Hope this helps, best of luck!
Just because you go through AES doesn't mean you bypass the DSP. I just checked lol. I tried and you still never bypass that. Im not exactly sure what is being bypassed by going Analog vs AES, the DSP still sees the digital signal and analog signal the same. Im trying to look into this as well, I'm freaking out over here hahah
@@jeremyontheconsole you can basically bypass the phasing/aliasing in the minimum phase DSP EQ by not activating it, but the DSP is always “ON”. That said, the A/D converter is bypassed using AES. Follow this link for the full manual where it explains signal flow. www.pmc-speakers.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Studio-Range-User-Guide.pdf If your manual does have a signal flow portion, it’s not the full manual. In the box, the startup guide says to find the full manual online.
Good content bro. Have you heard the Kii 3s? Buddy of mine went from ATC 50s with JL Fathom subs, to 8-2s then most recently moved to the Kii3 BXT system. Says the Kiis are in a different league.
Thank you! I actually have yet to try the kii3s, I’ve heard tremendous things about them and hope to try them soon. Might be a demo pair lying around somewhere! Thanks for tuning in 🙏
Went to Cali for work and heard some more dope speakers with great low end. Came back home and was about to drop 7K on an ATC sub but thought I should explore options because I hated having a separate sub with the ATC and I find have a stereo sub pair necessary as well to not run into major room issues (so 14k on subs). I had the chance to demo a lot of monitors in my room and had an eye opening experience. I think great work can be done on ATCs. I had a very deep connection with ATC monitors and had to take a step back to understand if I was enjoying the way they sounded more than they were helping me do my job. I’ll go in depth about this in a later video this week!
Appreciate the videos. I'm looking to buy the PMC 6s as a big upgrade from the Mackie HR824s that I've had for years. I don't have any of the AES interfaces you mentioned, Prism RME etc. I use a DJM900 Nexus Pioneer DJ Mixer as my soundcard/interface, however It DOES have a Master Digital out (albeit a single out.) Do you think I Could I make that work? it's going to be pretty expensive if I've also got to buy a high end AES capable interface to get the most from the 6s.. Plus I really like using the DJM900 mixer as my interface. Cheers.
Thanks for tuning in Alex! I believe that DJM mixer has a RCA digital master out which should work for your needs. I use an RCA to AES converter cable to connect my speakers. That said, I’d double check if you can still use volume functions digitally that was as well! I don’t see why it wouldn’t work but you’d have to double check the manual or call/email the support to make certain you can do all of the above before buying. Hope this helps! 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Thanks for the Response! It has a digital section but only has 1 S/PDIF Digital (RCA) Out so I'd need a splitter to go L and R. However for the main Master Outs the DJM900 has a standard XLR one and also an RCA White and Red Master out too.. that would be great if I can just go out from that RCA Master out into the 6s using the converters cables you mention. Is there a RCA to AES Converter cable/brand you could recommend? The Volume functions should still work as the mixer is running digitally over USB into my Mac,, but like you said, I will double check. cheers!
@AlexProspect that S/PDIF out is perfect you won’t need a splitter! It’s just a single RCA to AES cable and then you will daisy chain the monitors. So one RCA to AES cable from your DJM to you left speaker, and one AES to AES cable from you left speaker to your right speaker. Then in the back of the speaker, you’ll be able to select AES left and AES right on your speakers 👌
Awesome bro, happy to help! Just make extra sure your mixer is able to push out an aes signal from that S/PDIF port and you’ll be all good to go. If not, Google “Hosa Digital Audio Interface S/PDIF Coax to AES/EBU” and that will be able to take that stereo RCA channels 1/2 split and send it to a single AES in and out connection. Theres a couple cheaper workarounds no matter what and I’m happy to help where I can! Thank you for the sub bro 🙏
Before you went AES, May i ask if you were running the 6-2 directly from the Interface sans any decent monitor controlller in the analog audio path? Even with hifi setups with Dacs feeding directly into poweramps even RME adi 2 and such I usually find this robs the sound of punch etc and sounds kindof flat in my opinion. Although even some audiophile people love this direct kind of setup I remain sceptical of it. Im currently feeding PMC Result 6 from a RME UFX via a Drawmer MC 2.1 and I find it sounds great in a fully treated room. Result 6 dont have any DSP built in but still class D amps. I have an honestly hard time believing internal PMC dacs would be better then RME or other even more highend DACs. Although Im not too afraid of AD/DA roundtrips as its been proven many times even 20s of roundtrips cant be detected in blind A/B tests in many cases. Anyway try this with normal hifi setups as well, feed a poweramp directly from any dac. A quality preamp in the analog realm is important or it robs something from the signal in my opinion. This could have something to do with impendance matching and such. Just dont insert any old mackie bigknob, presonus central station or any fully passive unit. Get a quality active monitorcontroller. Im on a budget and the Drawmer is the one I can currently afford and the "treshold unit" I wouldnt go any lower price/quality than personally. Just every timed i tried feeding analog from various dacs directly into poweramps its always been better for me when ive tried with a preamp in the chain as well. Direct from dac/interface to monitor is more "neutral" but has lacked some excitement. This is something that im actually worried about if I should choose later to try to replace my Drawmer unit with a Trinnov Nova and also using the Nova as the monitorcontroller. If it will become more flat without that active monitoring controller in the chain or if the Trinnov will hold its own in that regard. All of that being said, in your situation and in everything audio I think its best to keep an open mind. I would obviously try to feed the 6-2s with AES as well. But also in feeding anything analog to be mindful of the dac/preamp/monitorcontroller being used to feed a studio monitor or poweramp feeding a set of speakers.
@@gtk_NO Lynx Hilo, Prism Lyra and RME ADI 2/4 (at my own studio) were used to test the analog signal path and I’ve used a drawmer for over a year with ATC 45s and Focals. It wasn’t much different for me, just slight distortion/sweetness or airy saturation from the drawmer - but fairly transparent from my recollection. I appreciate the suggestion though! You’d have to hear the new PMC monitors to see the difference from analog to AES yourself. Roundtrips usually aren’t this noticeable, but also always noticeable to me. The trinnov is a great monitor controller and fantastic room correction unit for sure from what I’ve heard. The DAC is better inside the grace designs m905 and I’m not certain how the trinnov DAC sounds against your RME interfaces. The only great RME dac I’ve ever used was in the ADIs personally after having the UCX, baby face, and 802 on hand. Nevertheless, the result 6’s are great. Enjoy them and thanks for tuning in! 🙏
The break in period is a myth to get people to second guess their thoughts. If a speaker needs a break in period, they should be done in the factory they are built in, if they truly believe it will make a difference
@@dougleydorite Burn in periods are not a myth. Speaker company’s often do the burn ins on their cones before they ship off their speaker but some don’t. Saves companies money to get the consumer to do the burn in instead so I understand the motive there (even though it was annoying for sure). This is formally called a “Run in” time. That said, “breaking in” headphones and analog stuff in general is a myth. Hope this helps and thanks for tuning in 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR I hear you… the ex machina’s I got they burn burn in and test the drivers in house, simultaneously. The burn in dilemma is insulting to the customer imo
@@victorsimic1796 I have yet to compare them side by side. The Kii3s so different with its cardioid dispersion pattern vs a traditional class D driver setup like with the PMC. The Kii3s are also a lot pricier but I hope to do a full review on those monitors in the near future!
@@A_cure4pain Technical they are solid state amps, but the monitors are digital and the amps receive a digital signal. The conversion and amplifying in one dual stage unit at the end of the signal path - as per PMC’s manual which is why I kept referring to digital amp. That said, you’re right technically so thanks for clarifying!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR the reason I used such harsh wording is because if a guy like me, who currently uses Amphion One18s, looks to a guy like you for guidance, it is key that the basics are right. So sorry for coming across as a d*ck. I enjoyed one of your previous videos, and I was hoping your review and tips for the 6-2s would guide me towards them. You’re clearly sharp enough to do a great job. You have done in other videos. Please keep that up.
@@A_cure4pain Glad you’re enjoying the videos man. I can only ever promise that I’ll do my best and have fun doing so. There’s plenty of information surrounding the monitors sound and my experience with them in depth, notwithstanding your comment on my language. I can’t guarantee I’ll present every word in just the right way to appease all viewers but I will always be honest, thorough and clear about my reviews and experiences. Best of luck.
@@chrismitchell523 if there enough room for the tweeters to be 5 feet apart or more, tweeter go on the inside. If it’s less than 5 feet apart then inverting the position optimizes the stereo image and dispersion. Just depends on the setup. Hope this helps!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR what's your source for this? mine are more than 5 feet apart and my PMC rep had me set them up with the ATL ports on the inside before tuning.
@@chrismitchell523 there’s a dude name Teezio who mixes hip hop and rnb stuff, he’s doing pretty well and talks about his PMCs a few times, him along with Greg Wells and Bainz all have them set up this way. The source of the advice comes from a gentleman named Maurice who works with PMC. I haven’t spoken with him directly but he is most likely reachable through PMC! Best of luck 🙏
You are the kind of guy that no one shouldnt follow the reviews, because I can expect change any time and say that the PMC is not good and Blah blah blah, I saw your video about ATC after buy mine (fortunately) because you looks so enthusiastic about the MKII and then your last video about the ATC saying that is the woman toxic, I think have followers is a responsibility, go out and say I spend X money in speakers then later say I was wrong is not something serious, IMO ATC are great (maybe not the best) but some people are looking for serious people that supports expensive decisions not kids that change this as a matchbox cars, I feel that you have a problem in your room or something, I use mine with trinnov (which is my best investment by far) and it works great in conjunction with the Atcs, now you depend of the digital converter of these speakers, if one of these days you want to use a advance room corrections, this will be a nightmare for you 100% I think, so good luck
Dude. seriously try using a different office chair without a back to reflect behind your ears. Probably would open up your perception of the room better. Honestly! Also, are you set up symmetrically inside your room? All the best
@@thevaultrecordingstudio I usually use a black fold out chair because of my posture. I was hoping the back office chair would look better though for my RUclips videos but it’s typically used only by clients or collaborators. Everything is laser measured to symmetry within 3mm. Thanks for tuning in!
@@davidelmquist8670 Placement changes based on monitor distance. Contact PMC for more details or check out Teezios and Greg Wells monitor orientation on RUclips for reference. Thanks for tuning in!
I don't believe the AES vs analogue thing. PMC have either made a shit speaker (and considering people spend thousands on mastering converters for their D-A, that's unlikely), you've somehow got a faulty pair, or something got messed up in the signal before the speaker. There's no way Behringer would make a monitor with discernibly different sounding analogue and digital inputs, never mind PMC.
I've been thinking for a while, that my next interface needs to have AES out, and my next speakers need to have an AES option for input. Just an itch in my mind, you're the first one I've come across that kinda confirms a theory I've had.
@@Seraph137 especially if you’re interested in mastering records, Class D amplification and AES are definitely the future in my opinion
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Do you have any thoughts on the RME ADI's AES vs say the Trinnov Nova's AES?, Obviously the Trinnov will have eq correction. But I think I heard you mentioned in another video (or this one) that RME's AES has a filter?
@ I actually did a PMC 6-2 review part 2 and update where I clear up the ADI thing and turns out, it was my prism that was doing something weird with the AES signal, not the ADI! I do think the trinnov is a good investment though but the RME can’t be beat as a dedicated converter in my opinion. If you are looking specifically for a monitor controller with monitor correction, the trinnov is great but it doesn’t have a great converter in it and it best used in concert with other pieces of gear you have or with AES out
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR thank you for the clarification in both the ADI and trinnov. Right now I am leaning towards the rme adi with genelec 8330s. I've also considered the Neumann MT 48 (using a Dante to AES3) adapter out for the genelecs.
@ honestly, I’d strongly consider the Apogee Symphony Mk 2 Special Edition 2x6 or the Lynx Hilo as well! They are more expensive but I do regret specifically selling my Apogee. The AES adapters should be fine but my SPDIFF to AES adapter was finicky on my prism lyra. Messed up the sound a bit but Dante would be more power and probably better stability!
Agree with your feedback. Definitely require some break-in and AES is necessary. They also run at 96k so if you use that sample rate in your DAW, you'll get the best response. I'm on board with your feedback about SoundAlign, but I think if you use it purely for the shelving filters, it can work pretty well. On mine I do a light bass boost from 151hz (2-3dB) and a slight treble cut at 5500k (2-3dB) just to warm up the sound slightly. BTW, SoundAlign is minimum phase, not linear phase. If it was linear phase it would add latency which does not happen :) Another tip in terms of room treatment - I use PSI AVAA's in my room to deal with room modes and it helps a ton to handle all the bass that these speakers put out. Anyway thanks for the video and glad to see more 6-2's out there!
@@dewaldomusic thank you very much for pointing that out to me and for the room treatment recommendation! Congrats as well on your new monitors and thanks for tuning in 🙏
I was going to get these monitors, but I ended up going with the ex machina pulsars and I couldn’t be happier, but these were definitely a close second great review by the way
@@TouchToneDSG congrats on the pulsars! I’ve only heard consistently great things about them and hope to hear them myself someday soon. Out of curiosity, when you demo’d the PMCs, did you connect them VIA Analog or AES?
Thanks for tuning and the kind words 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR no fam analog that’s the reason I didn’t go with him. I’m not a huge fan of DSP at all. I was thinking about a couple other monitors as well that were true analog but the ex machina did it for me
@@TouchToneDSG ahhh makes sense. You can bypass the DSP eq entirely in the PMCs, that’s what made them sound the best in my opinion! Even though they are analog inputs, the Pulsars are DSP monitors too though right?
Just read up on them, the Pulsars have the similar DSP technology with an internal AD/DA converter so there seems to be no way the bypass that round trip! Very interesting technology, I’m glad you like them and I’m definitely curious to try them someday!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR very true but for some reason, they sound really natural to me
Good review bro! You really hit on a lot of great points. I'm on the fence about getting the PMC 6-2s. I also have an RME interface setup, currently all AES outputs are occupied. That's really interesting that you're noticing that much of a difference between XLR to AES but the way you explain it makes sense. I have a smaller room but it is treated heavily. I'm trying to get away from DSP-heavy speakers (currently using a Genelec's with 2 Subs). I feel like I can solve the AES issue. My main concern now is if I would be too close to the monitors (given my room dimensions) and if I would be able to trouble-shoot/ calibrate some of the known room issues that I currently have with the PMC sound align software. Anyways, this is the best review I've heard yet on the 6-2's. Stoked for you, they look like they sound great in your room!
Thank you man! The issues I ran into with the ADI totally caught me off guard! The DAC filters in the RME and the filter in the PMCs together didn’t get along well for sure but you’ll definitely wanna keep a good 4.5 feet away from the 6-2s for sure! Sounds like you have a really awesome set up over there bro, definitely let me know if you end up with the PMCs and thanks for tuning in 🙏
Great review, lots of people are scared during this breaking period or not using AES. They are super easy to mix and produce on, it's incredible.
Just one small detail in the placement of yours, the ATL holes should be towards the inside, not the outside. In other words your L speakers is where your R speaker should be and vice-versa (it's in the manual). Most brands do the opposite it's true. Cheers !
Actually, PMC (if you call 'em) may suggest you do this if your listening triangle is small (it gets the mid and tweeter farther apart).
I felt same when I demoed both 8-2 and 6-2. Ended up going for Ex Machina Puksar at the time and now I’m on amphion 👌.
@@WhoIsAlexElliott Congrats on grabbing the Pulsars! I haven’t gotten the chance to try them yet but hope to sometime soon. When you demoed the PMCs, did you connect them via Analog or digitally via AES?
@@RAYNETHESAVIOURanalogue
@@WhoIsAlexElliott thanks for the response and tuning in 🙏
Okay, I see your video on how to make the connections. Sorry for asking in the previous post. Great stuff!
@@UpliftedProductions haha no worries bro! Happy to help and thank you for the support 🙏
Great feedback. Thank you.
@@desmondbosire My pleasure bro 🙏
Hey man could you do an Video explaining What to Look out for in speakers past 2000bucks Range for a pair? ❤would be nice to hear your Perspektive
I most certainly can! I think this is a very relevant topic to most of us in the audio game! thanks for the suggestion 🙏
I have a question. Does the behavior of RME's DAC filter apply to all RME products? I want to use AES through my UFX, but I wonder if the DAC filter has a significant effect on the sound.I subscribed. It's good content.
So when you connect via AES to the RME, so long as there’s no deemphasis or anything else weird in the device like with the fireface 802, you’ll be able to use the RME without issue and won’t interact with the DAC filter at all. You have to pass through the DAC chip to hear it at all which is something I may not have said correctly in this video now that I think about it! Hopefully this answers your question and thank you for the sub! 🙏
Love your videos. Your newer one kind of lead me away from the scm25 for sure I’m in the market for high end near-fields. Very curious about your opinion on the focal trio6 as I want something good for production that I can mix on. I heard you were doing a review soon.
@@Stonerose17 thank you! I was planning to do the in depth review of the monitors this week but the demo pair is taking a lot longer to come in than expected - working on getting a pair if for a proper review soon, will follow up with everyone who mentioned the Trios so far! Thanks for tuning in 🙏
This fellow's issue was NOT the 6-2's AD stage. Glad he's now getting great sound, but what he is describing prior to using AES really just does not happen going into them analog unless something ELSE in your output chain is amiss.
@@bryanlegrand3975 there was actually something going on that I didn’t expect to happen with brand new monitors. Video incoming next week on this!
Amazing review. Thank you! So, I have an Apollo Twin X Duo. I dont think it has AES capability so would you recommend using a converter? If so, any reputable brands?
Thank you for supporting my channel! I definitely recommend the RME ADI lineup for pristine conversion and for the option of AES out monitoring as well!
This couldn't be coming out at a better time. Was actually on the fence of ATC vs PMC's and this helped give me the final sway in the PMC direction - largely because of the lack of need for sub integration and the more honest audio presentation for mixing. Have a pair of PMC 6's coming my way! In regards to the AES vs Analog Input, what DAC were you using when you were feeding the PMC's analog signal? I have a Prism Lyra 2 I adore for feeding my Genelecs right now, and would be sad to lose the sound of its DA conversion if I went digital. Were you feeding it a Prism Lyra as well when you were hearing the sonic negatives you mention in the video, or something with a worse DA?
Great video!
Thanks,
Marc
@@marcroube313 Amazing Marc! Congratulations on the PMC 6 order! You’ll definitely enjoy the pair. As for the DAC I used analog that didn’t work as well, I used both the Lyra, and the RME ADI 2/4 via analog in. Both DACs historically sounded really good with analog speakers. With the PMCs, I definitely favor the AES in sound much more, I don’t believe it has much to do with the DAC and more to do with the second round trip inside the monitors. That said, the Lyra 2 has an AES out option but it requires an RCA to AES cable adaptor. I got mine from Mogami and I think this would a perfect option for you hope this helps 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Any way you could do a tutorial on how to set them up with the AES?
@@kalebyrd126 I definitely can. I’ll have it out in a couple days!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR You're amazing 🙏
@@kalebyrd126 video on AES connection to Digital monitors comes out tomorrow at 2 PM! Feel free to hit that notification bell to get notified as soon as its out 🙏
I could not find anywhere that those monitors have A/D converters. Those Class D amplifiers do not convert your audio from A/D. They simply provide power to your monitors. I spoke to PMC as well as Sweetwater. I think what you heard by going AES was either a combination of bit rate and a jump from 48k to 96k, possibly. I also had a question about the way you have those monitors set up, PMC recommends the grill facing inward, you have them facing outward, do you find a benefit to doing so? thanks for everything you do for the audio community bro!! loving the channel and content. much love.
@@jeremyontheconsole thank you for the support bro I appreciate this! If you’re curious about the A/D conversion, check the manual on page 18 under the “signal flow” section. It notes 24 bit A/D conversion. It’s a little hard to notice in there and was hard to figure out but I combed through the manual and then returned to my distributor to clarify this. It does indeed have a converter in there from what I’ve been explained and based on the manual. Let me know when you find the part! I wish I could attach image references in these comments sometimes 😂 would help us! As far as why I’ve got them inverted if because to have them the opposite way, it’s recommended to have at least a 5 foot distance between the tweeters from what I was told my distributor. Since I don’t have a huge space, I have them oriented this direction instead. Same way mixing engineer Teezio and Greg Well have theirs oriented for space as well! Sounded a bit too focused in the top end otherwise for me! Hope this helps bro and thanks again for the kind words. Keeps me going! 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR I checked page 18 and it's the last page in my Manual, which the last page is about the PMC8 sub.
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR that makes sense, I might have to give it a try since I am in a smaller room as well!! good looking out bro.
@@jeremyontheconsole www.pmc-speakers.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Studio-Range-User-Guide.pdf
@@jeremyontheconsole this is the actually manual. They don’t supply the full manual in the box, just the startup guide. Follow that link above, it has the real thing!
Great video! What interface are you using, and how do you have the whole thing set up? I just want an idea so I can reference for a future purchase. Thanks!
@@UpliftedProductions thank you 🙏! I’m currently using the prism Lyra for my PMCs. The 802 has a signal emphasis on the AES path and the ADI can’t bypass the DAC filter chip without sacrificing volume control. Only caveat with the prism is that you need a different type of cable to use AES monitoring with it! Otherwise it’s brilliant for this case use. Hope this helps 🙏
This video left me really confused. I’ve ordered the 6-2 and was planning to connect it to my Apollo Twin X along with a Focal Sub 6 and a footswitch. Now it seems I need to buy a new audio interface and figure out how to connect a subwoofer with a switch. I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed at this point. Is the difference with AES really that significant, making it essential?
Im in the same boat man. I dont know what to do. Apollo Twin X Duo and really wanting these monitors. Im doing more research in regards to AES with these and our interface. Ill keep you posted if I find anything. Please do the same!
Yes its a big deal day and night diffrence try rme it would be cheapest aes interface
@@lexforte8699 I got feedback from PMC, they say its almost impossible to hear a difference. Between analog and digital
@@jerrymartinbeats5653 which RME???
If the monitor changes that much switching from Analog to AES, that's super concerning. Thanks for letting us all know. If the ADC is bad, that doesn't bode well for the DAC inside them either...
You'd think so, but upon doing some digging, supposedly the DAC AKM chip is the same one thats found inside the crane song solaris while the A/D chip source is still unknown. The DAC sound impressive - to say the least. Therefore, the foregoing information conversely bodes quite well for the DAC! Still getting to the bottom of the tech behind this special monitors. I'll continue to update the channel as I discover more! Thanks for tuning in 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR It's interesting. I would suspect PMC is using top notch ADC as well! I'm just really surprised you hear that big of a difference. They market it as if there's no discernable difference running analog or digital
@@MrBassyk you know what, I’m gonna connect them via analog again tomorrow to remind myself of how different it is! I’ll be back to report after having used them for this long 👌
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Lookin forward to hearing!
For what it's worth, I have the Dutch & Dutch 8cs. I run them analog because of a specialized monitor controller I use. I just couldn't live without it. I tried the AES and I did hear a slight difference, but I wouldn't say one was worse or better. I tried the PMC 6-2s as a demo and only ran them analog. Maybe that's actually why I skipped them! The D&D's sound pristine via analog in or digital in. But they're of course a different kind of monitor entirely too.
The amplification is not digital, it's analog (class D) - digital amplification doesn't exist.
For some reason they must be converting the analog inputs into digital (I guess for DSP on the speaker) then back again and this two step process must be degrading the signal?
The AES inputs don't go through two steps of conversion, just the one, resulting in a better sound I suppose?
I haven't heard this feedback from anyone else however, you sure there wasn't anything wrong with your analog signal path?
@@CollectiveIntelligenceMusic yes, it’s solid state amplification with an D/A converter strapped to it feeding the amp directly. I just coined it “digital amp” because of how it’s setup but it hasn’t gone over too well lol. That said, my analog signal chain is pristine, sounds great. The AES bypass just sounded that much better. I wouldn’t think the round trip would be so obvious but it was. Not just for me either. Other owners of the PMCs have noted this in the comments and my friend who bought his had the same experience.
Hope this helps, best of luck!
Just because you go through AES doesn't mean you bypass the DSP. I just checked lol. I tried and you still never bypass that. Im not exactly sure what is being bypassed by going Analog vs AES, the DSP still sees the digital signal and analog signal the same. Im trying to look into this as well, I'm freaking out over here hahah
@@jeremyontheconsole you can basically bypass the phasing/aliasing in the minimum phase DSP EQ by not activating it, but the DSP is always “ON”. That said, the A/D converter is bypassed using AES. Follow this link for the full manual where it explains signal flow.
www.pmc-speakers.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Studio-Range-User-Guide.pdf
If your manual does have a signal flow portion, it’s not the full manual. In the box, the startup guide says to find the full manual online.
Good content bro. Have you heard the Kii 3s? Buddy of mine went from ATC 50s with JL Fathom subs, to 8-2s then most recently moved to the Kii3 BXT system. Says the Kiis are in a different league.
Thank you! I actually have yet to try the kii3s, I’ve heard tremendous things about them and hope to try them soon. Might be a demo pair lying around somewhere! Thanks for tuning in 🙏
You seemed very happy with ATC, what made you want to try and switch to PMC?
Went to Cali for work and heard some more dope speakers with great low end. Came back home and was about to drop 7K on an ATC sub but thought I should explore options because I hated having a separate sub with the ATC and I find have a stereo sub pair necessary as well to not run into major room issues (so 14k on subs). I had the chance to demo a lot of monitors in my room and had an eye opening experience. I think great work can be done on ATCs. I had a very deep connection with ATC monitors and had to take a step back to understand if I was enjoying the way they sounded more than they were helping me do my job. I’ll go in depth about this in a later video this week!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR I get it now wow, thanks for sharing your experience with us.
My pleasure 🙏 thank you for tuning in!
Appreciate the videos. I'm looking to buy the PMC 6s as a big upgrade from the Mackie HR824s that I've had for years. I don't have any of the AES interfaces you mentioned, Prism RME etc. I use a DJM900 Nexus Pioneer DJ Mixer as my soundcard/interface, however It DOES have a Master Digital out (albeit a single out.) Do you think I Could I make that work? it's going to be pretty expensive if I've also got to buy a high end AES capable interface to get the most from the 6s.. Plus I really like using the DJM900 mixer as my interface. Cheers.
Thanks for tuning in Alex! I believe that DJM mixer has a RCA digital master out which should work for your needs. I use an RCA to AES converter cable to connect my speakers. That said, I’d double check if you can still use volume functions digitally that was as well! I don’t see why it wouldn’t work but you’d have to double check the manual or call/email the support to make certain you can do all of the above before buying. Hope this helps! 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Thanks for the Response! It has a digital section but only has 1 S/PDIF Digital (RCA) Out so I'd need a splitter to go L and R. However
for the main Master Outs the DJM900 has a standard XLR one and also an RCA White and Red Master out too.. that would be great if I can just go out from that RCA Master out into the 6s using the converters cables you mention. Is there a RCA to AES Converter cable/brand you could recommend? The Volume functions should still work as the mixer is running digitally over USB into my Mac,, but like you said, I will double check. cheers!
@AlexProspect that S/PDIF out is perfect you won’t need a splitter! It’s just a single RCA to AES cable and then you will daisy chain the monitors. So one RCA to AES cable from your DJM to you left speaker, and one AES to AES cable from you left speaker to your right speaker. Then in the back of the speaker, you’ll be able to select AES left and AES right on your speakers 👌
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR YO! That's awesome, really helpful info man. Subscribed Btw. 🙏
Awesome bro, happy to help! Just make extra sure your mixer is able to push out an aes signal from that S/PDIF port and you’ll be all good to go. If not, Google “Hosa Digital Audio Interface S/PDIF Coax to AES/EBU” and that will be able to take that stereo RCA channels 1/2 split and send it to a single AES in and out connection. Theres a couple cheaper workarounds no matter what and I’m happy to help where I can! Thank you for the sub bro 🙏
Before you went AES, May i ask if you were running the 6-2 directly from the Interface sans any decent monitor controlller in the analog audio path? Even with hifi setups with Dacs feeding directly into poweramps even RME adi 2 and such I usually find this robs the sound of punch etc and sounds kindof flat in my opinion. Although even some audiophile people love this direct kind of setup I remain sceptical of it. Im currently feeding PMC Result 6 from a RME UFX via a Drawmer MC 2.1 and I find it sounds great in a fully treated room. Result 6 dont have any DSP built in but still class D amps. I have an honestly hard time believing internal PMC dacs would be better then RME or other even more highend DACs. Although Im not too afraid of AD/DA roundtrips as its been proven many times even 20s of roundtrips cant be detected in blind A/B tests in many cases.
Anyway try this with normal hifi setups as well, feed a poweramp directly from any dac. A quality preamp in the analog realm is important or it robs something from the signal in my opinion. This could have something to do with impendance matching and such. Just dont insert any old mackie bigknob, presonus central station or any fully passive unit. Get a quality active monitorcontroller. Im on a budget and the Drawmer is the one I can currently afford and the "treshold unit" I wouldnt go any lower price/quality than personally. Just every timed i tried feeding analog from various dacs directly into poweramps its always been better for me when ive tried with a preamp in the chain as well. Direct from dac/interface to monitor is more "neutral" but has lacked some excitement.
This is something that im actually worried about if I should choose later to try to replace my Drawmer unit with a Trinnov Nova and also using the Nova as the monitorcontroller. If it will become more flat without that active monitoring controller in the chain or if the Trinnov will hold its own in that regard.
All of that being said, in your situation and in everything audio I think its best to keep an open mind. I would obviously try to feed the 6-2s with AES as well. But also in feeding anything analog to be mindful of the dac/preamp/monitorcontroller being used to feed a studio monitor or poweramp feeding a set of speakers.
@@gtk_NO Lynx Hilo, Prism Lyra and RME ADI 2/4 (at my own studio) were used to test the analog signal path and I’ve used a drawmer for over a year with ATC 45s and Focals. It wasn’t much different for me, just slight distortion/sweetness or airy saturation from the drawmer - but fairly transparent from my recollection.
I appreciate the suggestion though! You’d have to hear the new PMC monitors to see the difference from analog to AES yourself. Roundtrips usually aren’t this noticeable, but also always noticeable to me. The trinnov is a great monitor controller and fantastic room correction unit for sure from what I’ve heard. The DAC is better inside the grace designs m905 and I’m not certain how the trinnov DAC sounds against your RME interfaces. The only great RME dac I’ve ever used was in the ADIs personally after having the UCX, baby face, and 802 on hand. Nevertheless, the result 6’s are great. Enjoy them and thanks for tuning in! 🙏
The break in period is a myth to get people to second guess their thoughts. If a speaker needs a break in period, they should be done in the factory they are built in, if they truly believe it will make a difference
@@dougleydorite Burn in periods are not a myth. Speaker company’s often do the burn ins on their cones before they ship off their speaker but some don’t. Saves companies money to get the consumer to do the burn in instead so I understand the motive there (even though it was annoying for sure). This is formally called a “Run in” time. That said, “breaking in” headphones and analog stuff in general is a myth. Hope this helps and thanks for tuning in 🙏
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR I hear you… the ex machina’s I got they burn burn in and test the drivers in house, simultaneously. The burn in dilemma is insulting to the customer imo
@@dougleydorite I totally agree, I was pulling my hair out trying to get through my burn in period 😂
How are the 6-2s compared to Kii Three?
@@victorsimic1796 I have yet to compare them side by side. The Kii3s so different with its cardioid dispersion pattern vs a traditional class D driver setup like with the PMC. The Kii3s are also a lot pricier but I hope to do a full review on those monitors in the near future!
Jesus dude, Class D is NOT a digital amp.
I can't believe nobody else has called you out on that.
@@A_cure4pain Technical they are solid state amps, but the monitors are digital and the amps receive a digital signal. The conversion and amplifying in one dual stage unit at the end of the signal path - as per PMC’s manual which is why I kept referring to digital amp. That said, you’re right technically so thanks for clarifying!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR the reason I used such harsh wording is because if a guy like me, who currently uses Amphion One18s, looks to a guy like you for guidance, it is key that the basics are right. So sorry for coming across as a d*ck. I enjoyed one of your previous videos, and I was hoping your review and tips for the 6-2s would guide me towards them.
You’re clearly sharp enough to do a great job. You have done in other videos.
Please keep that up.
@@A_cure4pain Glad you’re enjoying the videos man. I can only ever promise that I’ll do my best and have fun doing so. There’s plenty of information surrounding the monitors sound and my experience with them in depth, notwithstanding your comment on my language. I can’t guarantee I’ll present every word in just the right way to appease all viewers but I will always be honest, thorough and clear about my reviews and experiences. Best of luck.
Don't you have them set up backwards? mid drivers should be outside with the ATL ports towards the inside.
@@chrismitchell523 if there enough room for the tweeters to be 5 feet apart or more, tweeter go on the inside. If it’s less than 5 feet apart then inverting the position optimizes the stereo image and dispersion. Just depends on the setup. Hope this helps!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR what's your source for this? mine are more than 5 feet apart and my PMC rep had me set them up with the ATL ports on the inside before tuning.
@@chrismitchell523 there’s a dude name Teezio who mixes hip hop and rnb stuff, he’s doing pretty well and talks about his PMCs a few times, him along with Greg Wells and Bainz all have them set up this way. The source of the advice comes from a gentleman named Maurice who works with PMC. I haven’t spoken with him directly but he is most likely reachable through PMC! Best of luck 🙏
You are the kind of guy that no one shouldnt follow the reviews, because I can expect change any time and say that the PMC is not good and Blah blah blah, I saw your video about ATC after buy mine (fortunately) because you looks so enthusiastic about the MKII and then your last video about the ATC saying that is the woman toxic, I think have followers is a responsibility, go out and say I spend X money in speakers then later say I was wrong is not something serious, IMO ATC are great (maybe not the best) but some people are looking for serious people that supports expensive decisions not kids that change this as a matchbox cars, I feel that you have a problem in your room or something, I use mine with trinnov (which is my best investment by far) and it works great in conjunction with the Atcs, now you depend of the digital converter of these speakers, if one of these days you want to use a advance room corrections, this will be a nightmare for you 100% I think, so good luck
Emilio Walks
Windler Locks
@@ClarkChuma-h9g PMC rocks
Morar Shoals
Dude. seriously try using a different office chair without a back to reflect behind your ears. Probably would open up your perception of the room better. Honestly!
Also, are you set up symmetrically inside your room?
All the best
@@thevaultrecordingstudio I usually use a black fold out chair because of my posture. I was hoping the back office chair would look better though for my RUclips videos but it’s typically used only by clients or collaborators. Everything is laser measured to symmetry within 3mm.
Thanks for tuning in!
@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR love it man!
You have mixed up the left/right placement
@@davidelmquist8670 Placement changes based on monitor distance. Contact PMC for more details or check out Teezios and Greg Wells monitor orientation on RUclips for reference. Thanks for tuning in!
I don't believe the AES vs analogue thing. PMC have either made a shit speaker (and considering people spend thousands on mastering converters for their D-A, that's unlikely), you've somehow got a faulty pair, or something got messed up in the signal before the speaker.
There's no way Behringer would make a monitor with discernibly different sounding analogue and digital inputs, never mind PMC.
I posted an update on my PMC speakers with some interesting news that touches on your concerns here, definitely check it out for some more answers!