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Barefoot Sound Footprint03 6.5-inch 3-way Active Studio Monitor Pair

260W Active Studio Monitor with 6.5" Subwoofer, 3.5-inch MF Driver, 1" HF Driver, MEME Voice Emulation, and Spectrally Optimized Conversion (pair)
6 Write review Item ID: Footprint03
$1,995.00

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The Most Versatile Footprint Yet

Footprint03, the next evolution of Barefoot Sound Footprint studio monitors, comprises a 6.5-inch, 3-way active studio monitor pair equipped with newly designed drivers and reimagined DSP. Footprint03 is also the first pair of Barefoot monitors outfitted with patented SPectrally Optimized Conversion (SPOC) technology, delivering clearer sound than ever. As the most compact Footprint monitor yet, the Footprint03 fits seamlessly into small studio spaces; it also has rear VESA mounts for smooth integration in immersive audio setups. And like all Barefoot offerings, this monitor pair retains built-in MEME (Multi Emphasis Monitor Emulation) technology, eliminating the need for multiple sets of reference monitors. Put your best foot forward with the Footprint03 and enjoy clear, accurate, and revealing sound in the most compact and affordable package yet.

Related Videos: Footprint03 6.5-inch 3-way Active Studio Monitor Pair

Updating Barefoot’s sonic signature

Barefoot Sound took a slightly different approach to speaker design when devising the Footprint03. Unlike other Barefoot monitors that leverage Dual-Force subwoofers, the Footprint03 brandishes a single front-firing 6.5-inch subwoofer and a side-firing port. And thanks to the port’s high degree of damping, the speaker delivers impressive transient response and reduced chuffing. The other drivers include a new 3.5-inch aluminum cone midrange and Barefoot’s signature 1-inch ring radiator tweeter. After listening to it ourselves, Sweetwater can confirm that the Footprint03 delivers pro-studio sound in a compact package.

Patented SPectrally Optimized Conversion

The Footprint03 is the first Barefoot monitor to feature the company’s SPectrally Optimized Conversion (SPOC) technology. SPOC splits the high and low frequencies and runs them through separate conversion channels. The lows are attenuated to better fit the ADC (analog-to-digital converter); meanwhile, the high frequencies proceed through the processing steps at full resolution. Barefoot Sound tells Sweetwater the Footprint03’s all-new DSP and SPOC technology turn the monitor’s already sensational converter into something unattainable by any other means.

Loaded with MEME technology

With the Footprint03, you’ll never need a secondary set of reference monitors. Barefoot Sound’s MEME (Multi Emphasis Monitor Emulation) technology enables you to audition your mixes through spot-on models of common reference sources, such as standard consumer playback systems, vintage NS10s, and classic mix cubes. Thanks to MEME technology, you’ll no longer have to wrestle with a crowded workspace, external power amplifiers, or vintage speakers with hard-to-find replacement parts to get a tried-and-true set of alternate reference monitors.

Barefoot Sound Footprint03 Active Studio Monitor Pair Features:

  • Barefoot Sound’s smallest offering yet
  • 3-way architecture spans a 1-inch dual radiator tweeter, a 3.5-inch aluminum-cone midrange driver, and a 6.5-inch aluminum cone subwoofer
  • Damped side-firing port reduces noise and improves transient response
  • Reproduces an ultra-wide frequency range
  • All-new DSP optimizes performance
  • Patented SPectrally Optimized Conversion (SPOC) technology uses two conversion channels to ensure full-resolution sound
  • MEME technology gives you 4 speaker voice models for easy secondary reference
  • Includes rear VESA mounts for immersive audio setups
  • Built-in limiters protect your drivers from damage

Additional Media

Studio Monitor Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Powered: Yes
  • Power Configuration: Tri-amped
  • Quantity: Pair
  • LF Driver Size: 6.5" Woofer
  • LF Driver Type: Aluminum Cone
  • MF Driver Size: 3.5"
  • MF Driver Type: Aluminum Cone
  • HF Driver Size: 1" Tweeter
  • HF Driver Type: Ring Radiator
  • LF Driver Power Amp: 100W
  • MF Driver Power Amp: 100W
  • HF Driver Power Amp: 60W
  • Total Power: 260W
  • Frequency Response: 45Hz-40kHz
  • Maximum Peak SPL: 101 dB SPL
  • Features: MEME Technology Voice Emulation, SPOC Technology
  • Enclosure Type: Side Port
  • Enclosure Material: MDF Cabinet, Aluminum Baffle
  • Height: 13.25"
  • Width: 9.25"
  • Depth: 9"
  • Weight: 17.5 lbs (each)
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 01-0262-01

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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5

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Insane value for the price + great customer support

I come from a Dynaudio BM5mkIII pair + Dynaudio 9S sub setup, which was great. I moved and couldn't bring my setup with me, so I decided to give this pair a try when I heard the announcement and the good reviews showing up.

These sound very different from my previous setup. My very first listen was quite underwhelming to be honest, with the lowend lacking a little bit, but I knew I had to give it time because I'd been listening to music solely on Airpods Pro + ATH-M50X headphones for the last 8 months till I could get my new home studio setup.

I've been recording bass, producing and mixing on these for about 1.5 month now, and since then my ears have got a lot more used to them, and now I can finally say that they're fantastic.

The stereo image separation is very precise. I feel I can easily hear a difference between tracks panned 10L and 20L. I can hear subtle dB adjustments and be a lot more assertive with my decisions. I feel like I'm doing a lot fewer movements to get where I want.

The depth of field is great too - hearing reverbs and delays layers behind vocals, guitars etc is phenomenal. I feel like I have a really precise 3D representation of the music.

The transients in these are FAST. Makes working with compressors and transient designers very easy.

I hear saturation/distortion with so much more ease now, and it's kind of ridiculous to realize how saturated some of the songs I've heard over 200 times are.

Even though the low end is said to go till 45Hz, I can definitely hear till 32Hz-ish, and the low end is TIGHT. I do miss hearing those really subby subs (30-20Hz) a little bit, which I heard with my 9S sub. I work with a lot of pop/R&B music, so I might add a sub to my setup in the future. If you don't need to hear that low, I'd say you're totally fine working solely with these.

The only issue I had with these was that my pair's serial number was among the early batches affected by a louder noise-floor/hiss issue (google about it). My pair's noise-floor was definitely louder than usual and would sometimes flicker a high-pitched noise too. I reached out to Barefoot Sound and their customer support was stupidly quick in answering. Dan called me less than 1 hour after I opened my ticket and offered to service my pair for free with 2 weeks downtime, or wait 4 weeks to receive a replacement pair.

My replacement pair arrived today, the day I'm writing this review. The hiss is pretty much gone. It's not DEAD silent - I don't think I've ever heard a pair of monitors that is DEAD silent, and I've heard many high end ones. But the level is normal now - not noticeable on my sweet spot 3.5ft away, only if I glue my ears to the tweeter.

Can't recommend these enough!
by Rafael Freitas from Nashville, TN on

Amazing speakers at an amazing price

If you are interested in these speakers or have been researching these speakers, you will probably find some early buyers have experienced a noise issue. I was one of them. The first pair I had were super noisy. The noise was very present from beyond the listening position and in the listening position it was pretty bad how loud the noise was. I was disappointed because I didn't want to have to ship them to barefoot as I was in the middle of a few music opportunities. Sweetwater being the amazing company they are sent out a replacement pair. The replacement pair, the noise is significantly less. Noise is still a little present in the listening position and will randomly sputter and get louder in one speaker, but overall the noise is at much much quieter level than the first pair and something I can easily work with. If they haven't yet, I hope they get the noise issue fixed ASAP because I wouldn't want the issue to cloud how good these speakers truly sound. Even with the noise issue they are better than anything I have worked on thus far

Now to the sound. These sound phenomenal. Every time I use these speakers I am blown away by how good they sound. They have been a gift to produce/mix/master/listen on for the past months. The detail is amazing, they are very revealing and you can instantly hear what is a good mix and what needs to be adjusted. Translation has been amazing too. I feel if I nail it on these speakers the song will sound beautiful everywhere else. They have taken the music I am working on to the next level. For $2k, I don't think there is a better option on the market in that price range. 3-way speakers are definitely the move and to be able to work on 3-way speakers at a more affordable price is a no brainer. And the MEME controller is an added bonus. Even though I mostly keep it in flat, it is nice to know you have the option to check how it would sound on other systems.

I am giving these speakers a 5 star rating for the value for money, they honestly look beautiful, they feel solid, and they have that amazing barefoot sound and barefoot features. I blown away on how they made these speakers for just under $. It felt like a necessity for me to upgrade to these at the time and to me the sound outweighed the noise issue 10 fold, but if you are nervous about the noise issue I may suggest waiting a little bit until we know the noise issue is 100% resolved or consistently at an acceptable level (like the replacement pair i received) so you don't have to deal with shipping them for repair or getting a replacement pair. And if you do research on these speakers you will see a common review is how good they truly sound. Overall couldn't these speakers enough. Much love.
by Sion Louks from Los Angeles, CA on

Entry Monitors to the Barefoot Brand?

Upgraded from KRK's & the Difference is Phenomenal! I was really leaning towards the FootPrint 01's or the FootPrint 02 but these I feel are a really good entry Monitor for Barefoot incase you're doubting to blindly swing $ on the other Models. Plus the MEME Technology Emulates different Monitor Specs to reference mixes to. Just make sure it comes with your order as mine did not come it (Support did take care of it). Ive listened to mixes on Adams & Focal monitors around this price & these definitely rise above those. $ For this Model is well worth it if you're upgrading from Budget Speakers like KRKs or Yamahas HS & looking for something worth the cost.
by Diego Vazquez from Pierre, SD on

Love the Details

Upgraded from Hs8's and I will say this is quite and ugrade me for my near field monitors. I also have a pair of 3 way midfield monitors and surprisingly the low end is comparable to those. I have used these monitors to mix and master a recording and the details were noticeable. Love these as my main mixing monitors.
by Gerald Johnson from Atlanta on
Music background: Mastering Engineer

budget hi end studio monitors.

I spent weeks searching for the right pair of studio monitors, from Adams to dynaudio and even vintage passive systems. I had been able to demo Adam audios newest stuff, at guitar Center and will say that Adam may have a clear high-end. But if you're looking for the perfect monitor to mix like a professional, these are the ones. I sit about 4 feet from them. And they Are exactly what I've been searching for. The three-way system, allows you to hear the fullness in different frequency ranges. And I noticed that the remote does not only control EQ but depth and width the music, allowing you to listen to the entire mix and focusing on different areas out outside of your daw which speeds up decision-making. They also look absolutely stunning and match all the other equipment in my studio. I've read online that the footprint 01 have a weird low end. I don't notice it on these and I assume it's because of the low woofer, pointing in the same direction as the other two. They did take a couple listening sessions to start to break them in. But I noticed when flipping between really well mix songs on Spotify, I can accurately hear the transients, of hit songs And see where my mixes lay. The thing that makes these speakers so exceptionable, is that they're smaller than they look, and produce a similar sound you would hear in expensive studios on a small scale. In smaller locations. You don't have to have a perfect mix room to hear detail and clarity in your mixes. They definitely are Nearfield, but I would recommend listening to them further than normal, and I assume it's because if it's three-way design. The only downside is that because it's Lowest is around 40 something hz, I would recommend a sub if you're producing EDM or club music. But these are studio monitors and deliver the flat sound that you need to hear exactly what's going on in the music. The more I mix with them. I noticed the hi-fi mode is like a mix between a Kirk, and an apple laptop, where when the kick lies in the right frequency, will change it, bumps louder. in terms of enjoyment I personally think that Adams sound better, but better doesnt mean accurate and thats why these get 5 stars. I started hearing mix decisions I didn't agree with in some of my favorite tracks, and also being brutal with vocals when the computer said something different from what the speakers were sharing.
by Ju-lyon from Coeur d'Alene, ID on
Music background: producer singer songwriter
See also: Active Speakers, Barefoot Sound, Barefoot Sound Active Monitors
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