Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512899
REVIEW www.postmagazine.com 40 POST NOV/DEC 2023 n complete transparency, I have to admit to being a fan and user of KRK speakers for over 20 years. So, when I heard about a portable option in the KRK line, it piqued my interest. The GoAux 4 system comes in a well thought out carry bag containing every- thing you need to get going: speakers, stands, connector cable, power cord and the Automatic Room Correction (ARC) mini microphone. Inputs include standard TRS 1/4-inch, RCA, and 1/8-inch jacks on the back panel. You can also directly con- nect via USB Type B to a computer port, or even better, choose the Bluetooth option and go wireless. On the front face are a rotary volume/standby knob, a stereo 1/8- inch headphone out and an input for the exclusive ARC feature. Due to the master/ slave design, the amplification, A/C input and all controls reside on one speaker, while the secondary monitor functions via a generous 15-foot cable connected to the primary. Finally, you can use the LF and HF filters with an optional +2dB boost or -3dB cut to further tweak your sound. IN ACTION During set-up, the well-designed speaker stands were immediately impressive. Besides allowing the GoAux 4s to be securely attached, they also easily adjust in seven incremental stages, allowing the speaker angle to be dialed in. They can even be aimed down for those who find themselves in situations where the monitors need to be placed above their listening position. To connect the monitors, I chose the Bluetooth option. A quick button press to link up, and you're good to go. I tested this feature on my laptop, desktop tower and cell. Each time, I was up and running within :30. Additionally impressive is that at no point did the Bluetooth connection ever drop, regardless of the session length. Most importantly, the speakers didn't disappoint either. Since I have some experience with other KRK monitors, my first desire was to hear them straight out of the box. No adjustments, no ARC, nothing. I have to admit, due to the small size of these speakers, I wondered if the sound would be con- fined, overly mid-ranged and void of low end? Seriously, could these really be used as an audiophile product other than to verify a mix on a small speaker? Yes! My first reaction actually was shock. I tested the GoAux 4s in multiple sce- narios: a desirable permanent studio; a less-than-desirable, on-the-go location; and a highly-undesirable, on-set, open- air garage. For one set-up, I intention- ally placed the monitors in a locale that should have made them suˆer. Large space, high ceilings, reflective surfac- es with no immediate walls or corners to help enhance low-end perception. Instead, the GoAux 4 had adequate lows; punchy, tight mid-range; and an un-hyped, high end. After going through various material, from music and cine- matic scores to vocals and voiceovers, the GoAux 4 performed exceptionally well, regardless of the situation. For my taste though, I felt the high end was still a tad dark. Rather than use the included filters, I opted to adjust for any room anomalies by implementing the Automatic Room Correction process. After placing the ARC mini microphone relative to my ear location, all it took was a brief button press to sweep through its series of test tones. Once processed, the diˆerence was subtle yet appropriate. It opened up the clarity and removed the thin veil holding back the spatiality. The sound was rich, un-hyped and enjoyable, yet non-flattering. Exactly what you need in a reference monitor. After living with the GoAux 4 for sev- eral weeks, what stood out overall was the sound quality that emanated from such a small, compact footprint. I hate to admit it, but I found myself enjoying the GoAux 4 so much that I almost preferred listening to them rather than my eight- inch mains. The only downside I found was those times when I needed to check mix ratios at high volumes. CONCLUSION While the GoAux 4 is easily at home in a permanent studio setup, it really excels at being portable. Especially for those who never know where they are going to be next or what environment they will be working in. The entire setup weighs in at just over 10 pounds and is compact enough to easily fit inside a standard carry-on. As long as you don't require excessive, in-your-face SPLs, the GoAux 4's ability to quickly adapt using the auto ARC, seamlessly connect via Bluetooth and easily achieve above-average sound quality is considerable. I highly recom- mend this product to anyone in need of confident monitoring in a portable scenario, fixed installs where space is limited, or those who want an additional reference check on compact speakers. Based in Ormond by the Sea, FL, Mike Swittel is an award-winning producer, mixer and songwriter. He's been involved in audio for music, film and television for more than 20 years. KRK'S GOAUX 4 NEARFIELD MONITORS BY MIKE SWITTEL MIKESWITTEL@GMAIL.COM CONFIDENT MONITORING IN A PORTABLE SOLUTION I VITAL STATS MANUFACTURER: KRK Systems PRODUCT: GoAux portable nearfield monitors PRICING: GoAux 3: $295.99; GoAux 4: $355.99 WEBSITE: www.krkmusic.com