Focal Alpha 65 Evo + Sub One 

Yeah! I’m really impressed. I’ve had the Evos since I got them for this video, and actually now also have the Shape 40s to demo as well, video coming soon on those! Sub one is so good!

A PAIR of Sub Ones??!?! Wow that’s probably insane! Haha

@@Duskmos not really. It’s just a 4-way system on the left and right

@@djrobtech Cool haha, I just thought one Sub One was legit, so I imagined two would be bass heaven lol

@@Duskmos you can always attenuate the output of each sub. I made it -12db to sit as the lower frequency response of the Alpha Evo Twins. So essentially it’s a 4 way mastering system as the tops sit on top of each sub as a stack.

@@djrobtech Nice! That sounds like a great setup (pun intended)

They're a solid set and I've really enjoyed them so far. I did end up buying them in the end, if that says anything haha. Thanks for stopping by and for watching the vid!

So true! I thought I had it good with my last set of monitors but these were next level. I'm sure there's another big jump between these and the next level (and maybe again even higher up) but I feel like it's definitely diminishing returns at some point and these are perfect for my home studio use. Still liking the Alpha Evo 65s? I didn't end up keeping the sub, it was too big for my old space, though I just moved so I might literally add it to the mix lol.

i made similar jump from 5inch mackies to focal alpha 65's ... i'm thinking about the alpha sub

@@thlee3 im not sure if my room is big enough for a sub. But still thinking about it.

The sub is not only physically large, but the bass is massive too! It’s definitely good to consider your room size, but even in a smaller room I was hearing low end extension that was so clear I couldn’t believe it. I’m used to bass synths thinning out on the lower end and this thing just kept going. I’ve never played a subwoofer like that haha 😆. Is it necessary? Probably not. Will you enjoy it? I can’t see how you couldn’t haha. Good luck with your decision making!

@@Duskmos That is a completely different perspective and I must agree. 👍🏼

Oh man you’re gonna be in good shape then haha, the sub one is insane! I couldn’t believe some of the low end I was getting on some synth patches - really nice. Let us know how it goes!

@@Duskmos Thanks man! will do!

Oh that's awesome! The Shape series seems like they're amazing! The Sub One is a heavyweight for sure. I take it you're enjoying your setup?? How long have you had that combo?

@@Duskmos doing a complete Studio Rebuild,I’m hearing everything,solid tight hear everything,critical listening,slowly getting everything back together kept my 6.5 EVO for my Moffit 6 piano synth,Love them ,had them for about 7 weeeks

The sub is nuts! It's also very big but the sound is outrageous haha. I was playing bass synths so low it was insane. I say keep the HD25s as just another reference. I love mixing on my monitors and then listening on every source possible - through bluetooth speakers, crappy ones and good ones - apple EarPods, laptop speakers - phones. I always put myself in the shoes of the end user, so it's gotta translate! Let me know what you think once you get a chance to check them out locally! I'm impressed with this setup and I think it definitely represents a great value for the quality!

If you go with the Focals, play a series of low piano runs with sustain using various piano sounds. I just got them and everything is great with them, except for lone, clean piano sounds. When I play certain piano chords or runs at lower registers there is a distinct crackle/distortion from the Focals. I've found numerous posts online about this. I'm trying to rectify, but will most likely have to change them for another speaker since piano is a primary instrument for me. I've changed cables, lowered levels, moved the speakers, changed room acoustice, etc. It's the speakers themselves. Occurs at low volumes too.

@@Duskmos Yes, I'll keep the HD25s (and M-Audios) and add some Austrian Audios and will also get a Mackie Big Knob studio so I can A-B it all easily enough. Thanks

@@dr.emilschaffhausen4683 I produce EDM and am far from being a musician so hopefully the issues you have experienced won't affect me! Still, your point underlines the importance of demoing even though the demo room won't represent my home studio which is currently untreated.

I meant to mention that I use Audified's excellent Mix checker pro which is a good tool for alternative listening devices 😊

Haha yeah I had to definitely cross-reference against lots of sources to make sure I felt good about my finished mixes for sure, I do that anyway, but you're right, the VXTs were definitely a little flattering to your mix haha.

I definitely think they're good for music! I use them as monitors for my music making. I think they're on the verge of flat (which is great for mixing) but have some low end emphasis esp with the sub. As far as listening to them with a TV, YMMV on the setup, but, like most speakers, there is a sweet spot where everything sounds "the most correct" but you can definitely move around the space and things still sound good. I think it's not the best choice for home theater (there are speakers designed for that after all) but I think no matter what these will sound great, in lots of contexts!

I tweaked it infinitely so I'm not sure where it ended up haha. There's so much dialing in you have to do based on placement and room acoustics that I don't have any recommendations that would translate universally. I can say it is really impressive though. Playing synths in low registers I didn't even know existed haha. =)

@@Duskmos gotcha, thanks! Ordering one today

@@joshcouton8744 Exciting! Let me know your thoughts once you get it set up!

I had the 4in VXTs which sounded very impressive for their size (crazy bass) but the Focals sound more detailed and have a better separation between instruments and just sound tighter. They feel like they're not "trying as hard" if that makes sense. If the VXTs were 1080p HD, the Focals are closer to 4k, haha. Hope that helps!

@@Duskmos Great! Thanks!

I didn't feel the need to tweak for my room, but you surely can if you feel the need!

Yep! Your source goes through the sub first, so basically the sub pulls the lowest end frequencies and then passes on the rest to the monitors! Pretty standard connectivity, and that means only the two outputs are needed from your source too. Hope that helps!

@@Duskmos Thanks... Is it correct to say that with teh sub taking care of the bass the mids & tops will be improved on the monitors... Or am I just imaging that'll be the case?

You are correct! Not only can you go to lower frequencies with the sub, you basically take the low end “responsibilities” of the main monitors “off their shoulders” so they’re freed up to focus on just the mid and higher frequencies. This setup usually leads to more accurate sound because the mid-bass driver on the monitor isn’t having to reproduce the mids *and* the lows. Sometimes you see (often pretty expensive) “3-Way” monitors, that have a tweeter, mid driver, and a bass driver, and that setup is basically trying to incorporate a “sub” in the same box. I like the 2.1 setup “components” because that means the sub can be tuned and have its own cabinet focused solely on that low end reproduction, but of course high-end 3-way speakers are highly engineered too but there’s a bit of a compromise I think in those designs.

@@Duskmos Thanks.. That's really helpful for me and helps me to clarify my decision.. hopefully for other folk reading this too.. I'm finding my way amidst such a vast field of choice.. As well as a small home studio i get people together in small groups (20 - 30) for listening experiences/dancing (music doesn't have to be too loud.. Just clear).. i know that high end Hi-Fi speakers are best for this but do you feel the monitors and the sub will be enough to fill a 30 x 30 foot space with rich tones and frequencies or are they best suited for near field listening.. If so what would be your recommendation for powered speakers to go with this sub?

One other question in relation to the Focal Sub One... I'm also considering a Klipsch R-120SW which is Active.. Do you know if that will be compatable with the Focal EVO's.. It costs a lot less money but I know the quality of sound is there.