Focal Trio6 ST6 studio monitors

2024 has been another monumental year for studio monitors, with a lineup that blends cutting-edge innovation and tried-and-true classics. From first-time upgrades to studio staples to groundbreaking DSP advancements, this year’s best-selling monitors offer something for every engineer and producer. 

Whether you’re hunting for your first pair of monitors or considering an upgrade to keep your mixes on point, our list of 2024’s top studio monitors is the perfect starting point. Let’s dive in and explore what made these models stand out in studios worldwide. 

Barefoot Sound Footprint03 3-Way Active Studio Monitors

Barefoot Sound Footprint03 3-Way Active Studio Monitor

The best-selling studio monitors of 2024 were the new Barefoot Sound Footprint03s, which offer a new take on the classic Barefoot design. With a tri-amplified 3-way design, ported cabinet for extended low-end, and revolutionary SPOC technology for unmatched clarity and low latency, it’s a game-changer for mixing and mastering. 

Barefoot’s MEME technology lets you switch between classic monitor emulations, ensuring your mixes translate across systems. Built for durability and versatility, the Footprint03 is perfect for stereo and Dolby Atmos setups alike, delivering precision, power, and Barefoot’s signature sound in a compact footprint.

Kali Audio IN-8 V2 8" 3-Way Powered Studio Monitor

Kali Audio IN-8 V2 8" 3-Way Powered Studio Monitor

Last year's number-one-seller, the Kali Audio IN-8 V2, delivers pristine accuracy with its 3-way design, coaxial midrange/tweeter, and advanced DSP. This professional-grade monitor offers exceptional imaging and reduced distortion, allowing you to mix with precision and confidence. 

Updates like quieter amps, efficient drivers, and improved cabinet construction make the IN-8 V2 a standout choice for pro audio setups. Whether it’s subtle mix details or full-spectrum clarity, this monitor ensures your work translates effortlessly across any playback system.

Focal Trio6 ST6 3-Way Active Studio Monitor

Focal Trio6 ST6 3-Way Active Studio Monitor

Up a few spots from last year, the Focal Trio6 ST6 is an updated version of the classic Trio6 with advanced drivers, Dual Focus mode, and a strengthened cabinet design. This three-way monitor delivers unparalleled transparency and detail, with innovations like a beryllium tweeter and TMD-equipped midrange for reduced distortion. 

Plus, Focal's exclusive Dual Focus Mode transforms the Trio6 into a three-way, two-way, or one-way monitor at the flip of a switch, offering three monitors in one. Built for critical listening, the Trio6 excels in any studio environment, combining clarity, dynamics, and versatility into a professional-grade speaker made to elevate your mixes.

ATC Loudspeakers SCM25A PRO Mk2 Compact Active 3-Way Monitor

ATC Loudspeakers SCM25A PRO Mk2 Compact Active 3-Way Monitor

No stranger to our annual blog on best-selling monitors, the ATC SCM25A PRO Mk2s deliver unparalleled precision. With upgraded SH25-76S Dual Suspension Tweeters, the SCM25As offer extended high-frequency response and reduced distortion. This compact 3-way active monitor combines a proprietary 3" soft mid-dome driver and a 6.5" bass driver for unmatched clarity, power, and extended low-end. 

Driven by a dedicated Class A/B amp for each driver, the SCM25A PRO Mk2 offers pristine tonal accuracy and imaging, making it an ideal nearfield solution for critical mixing and production environments. Compact yet powerful, it’s pure ATC craftsmanship in every detail.

Neumann KH 120 II Two-Way Active Studio Monitor

Neumann KH 120 II Two-Way Active Studio Monitor

The Neumann KH 120 II builds on its predecessor’s reputation with deeper bass, higher resolution, and DSP-powered precision. Featuring a 5.25" woofer and 1" dome tweeter, it delivers transparent sound with linear phase performance and superb imaging. 

The onboard DSP engine enables Automatic Monitor Alignment for perfect room calibration, ensuring mixes translate seamlessly. Compact and efficient, the KH 120 II is ideal for home studios, professional setups, and multichannel systems. 

Genelec 8330A 2-Way Compact Active Monitor

Genelec 8330A 2-Way Compact Active Monitor

The Genelec 8330A delivers precise, color-free sound in a compact design powered by advanced Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) technology. Featuring a 5" woofer and 3/4" tweeter, it offers exceptional clarity and adaptability, even in tight spaces. The Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) and Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) ensure consistent accuracy on- and off-axis. With AutoCal and GLM software, you can perfectly calibrate your setup to any room, managing up to 30 Smart monitors for stereo or immersive audio. 

ADAM Audio A7V 7" 2-Way Active Studio Monitor

ADAM Audio A7V 7" 2-Way Active Studio Monitor

Building on the legacy of the A7X, the ADAM Audio A7V takes nearfield monitoring to new heights. Equipped with a 7" MLM woofer and handmade X-ART tweeter, it delivers an impressive frequency range of 41 Hz to 42 kHz. 

Rotatable HPS waveguides ensure precise imaging, whether placed vertically or horizontally, while onboard DSP and A Control software enable custom calibration for any room. With powerful bi-amplified performance and over 100 EQ tuning options, the A7V provides clear, revealing sound tailored to your space. 

Yamaha HS8 2-Way Active Studio Monitor

Yamaha HS8 2-Way Active Studio Monitor

Inspired by the legendary Yamaha NS10 speakers, HS5 studio monitors feature a powered two-way design that’s perfect for nearfield monitoring. A custom five-inch woofer and one-inch tweeter deliver powerful lows down to 54 Hz and silky-smooth highs up to 30 kHz. Plus, the dedicated room controls on the back make it easy to tame excessive bass when placed near a wall and dial in the right sound for any space.

JBL 305P MKII 5" Powered Studio Monitor

JBL 305P MKII 5" Powered Studio Monitor

Featuring a 5" woofer and patented Image Control Waveguide, the JBL 305P MkII delivers detailed imaging, a wide sweet spot, and balanced performance across any space. Refined transducers and a Slip Stream port ensure tight bass and crisp response, while Boundary EQ and HF Trim switches let you fine-tune to your room. Powered by dual Class-D amplifiers, the 305P MkII offers dynamic clarity and reliability, all wrapped in a sleek design that enhances your workflow and workspace.

Avantone Pro CLA-10 Active Studio Monitor

Avantone Pro CLA-10 Active Studio Monitor

The Avantone CLA-10 Active brings the legendary "white cone" sound back to life, faithfully recreating the iconic reference monitors that defined hits for over 45 years. Designed in collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge, these active speakers deliver mid-forward clarity, perfect for precision mixing, especially on vocals. 

With the VTPC control for variable high-frequency response, you can dial in everything from classic vertical to horizontal voicings. Featuring original drivers, a monolithic Class AB amp, and superior components, the CLA-10 offers unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring your mixes will translate flawlessly across any system.

Honorable Mentions 

Amphion One15 2-Way Passive Studio Monitor

A hyper-accurate passive studio monitor with a 2-way design and 5.25-inch aluminum woofer, delivering transparent sound in an affordable, nearfield package.

KRK ROKIT 5 G5 2-Way Active Studio Monitor

The next generation of KRK’s iconic ROKIT speakers features three voicing modes, plus 25 boundary and tuning EQ combinations to help minimize problems in acoustic environments.

Antelope Audio Atlas i8 Active Studio Monitor

A versatile active studio monitor with two 8-inch woofers, a coaxial mid and high-frequency driver, and custom digital processing system with FPGA chips.

Alex St. CinIf you’re interested in purchasing any of the studio monitors mentioned in this blog, contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.