Studio monitor design is an exercise in compromise, since there are so many variables. One example is the cabinet that houses the monitor. The materials that comprise the cabinet make a difference, and the physical shape of the monitor makes a difference. Parallel surfaces within the cabinet create resonances, edges on the exterior can create diffraction, and on and on.
Theoretically, an ideal monitor would be a perfect sphere, with no edges and no parallel surfaces. Now, sE Electronics, working with acclaimed acoustician and monitor designer Andrew Munro, have come up with a design that approaches that perfect ideal with the new Egg 150 monitors.
The Eggs (as you might guess from the name) are egg-shaped, which is a very good compromise between eliminating parallel surfaces but still being practical. They’re made from a very lightweight synthetic material and feature integral stands. There’s a port on the lower front of the cabinet. Onboard electronics would interfere with the interior acoustics of the cabinets, so all of the electronics are housed in an external rackmountable unit that offers dual inputs and subtle mid-shaping EQ control. As a nice feature, the Eggs have built-in LEDs that make proper setup for ideal listening a snap. (You can turn the aiming LEDs off so they aren’t shining in your eyes all the time.)
In use, I was impressed with three aspects of the Eggs: First, for this size of monitor (6.5-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter), they have astounding low-frequency output. The bass is tight, solid, and full, and extends quite low. Second, the midrange clarity. The Eggs are revealing without sounding sterile. Third, how loud they play while retaining clarity. There’s plenty of juice here for “visceral” listening!
Some may be inclined to write off the Eggs as a gimmick, but I can tell you that these monitors deliver on all that is promised. I found them a breeze to both track and mix on, and was loath to let them go from my studio! Once you hear these monitors, you’ll be convinced that Eggs are the way to go.
