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Barefoot Sound is known for its innovative design, expert craftsmanship, and class-leading performance. Founded in 2006 by scientist, engineer, and inventor Thomas Barefoot, the brand has quickly become one of the leading high-performance studio monitor manufacturers.
While developing semiconductor manufacturing technology for Intel in the early 2000s, Thomas spent his spare time pursuing his passion for music. He quickly became known as a speaker and acoustics guru in online recording forums, and often shared his belief that every step of the production process requires the same level of sound quality, dynamic range, and bass extension.
In 2004, Thomas designed a groundbreaking all-in-one approach to monitoring that utilizes multiple drivers to deliver balanced, detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum in any environment. Today, Barefoot studio monitors are used in recording studios all around the world by everyone from GRAMMY-winning engineers like Butch Vig, Chris Lord-Alge, Eddie Kramer, and Jack Joseph Puig, to world-class performing artists such as Dave Grohl, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, and more.
In this Buyer’s Guide, we’ll talk about each of Barefoot Sound’s studio monitors, including the best-selling Footprint and MicroMain Series, as well as the popular MasterStack12 and MiniMain12. We’ll break down the technology and design differences between each model to help you find the perfect set of Barefoot Sound monitors for your studio.
No, not that kind of meme… MEME (Multi-Emphasis Monitor Emulation) technology uses sophisticated DSP modeling to emulate the sound of a wide range of classic studio speakers, giving you the flexibility to A/B your tracks on multiple sets of speakers, all from the same device.
The “Old School” setting captures the sound of the iconic Yamaha NS10M monitors, with a strong midrange presence. The “Cube” setting is modeled after Auratone cubes. “Hi-Fi” sweetens the high-end and warms the mid-range, similar to consumer hi-fi systems.
Traditional studio monitors suffer from distortion and coloration caused by the driver vibrating back and forth. Barefoot Sound studio monitors utilize an innovative force cancellation design that eliminates cabinet vibrations before they even begin for distortion-free sound, even with extremely low frequencies.
Unlike conventional tweeters, which have very narrow dispersion, Barefoot Sound studio monitors feature dual-ring radiator technology, which provides an extremely wide sweet spot all the way up to 40 kHz. With a wide sweet spot, you can rest assured that your mixes will sound the same in any listening position.
In October 2025, Barefoot Sound introduced the Footprint01 Gen2 and Footprint02 Gen2 studio monitors, featuring a tri-amplified architecture, new drivers, advanced DSP with SPOC technology, and a refined cabinet design.
In addition to the new features listed above, the Footprint01 Gen2 studio monitors are equipped with a 1-inch dual-ring radiator tweeter with a rear waveguide chamber, a 5-inch aluminum cone midrange driver, and dual 8-inch aluminum cone woofers—all with high magnetic flux motors.
Thanks to its new tri-amplified design, the Footprint01 Gen2 monitors feature powerful Class D amplifiers: 60W for the tweeter, 150W for the midrange driver, and 500W for the woofers.
Much like the Footprint01 Gen2 studio monitors, the Footprint02 Gen2s feature the same new drivers, the only difference are the smaller 6.5-inch woofers. The Footprint02 Gen2s use a 60W amplifier for the tweeter, adn two 200W amps for the midrange and low-end drivers.
The Footprint03 is the smallest and most affordable option in the series, making it ideal for smaller studios. It's also the first Footprint monitor to feature tri-amplification, as the tweeter, midrange, and woofer are all powered by individual Class D amplifier modules. In addition, this is the first ported cabinet from Barefoot Sound, which helps extend the low-end and add clarity to playback.
Under the hood, the Footprint03 introduces SPOC (Spectrally Optimized Conversion), a groundbreaking technology developed by Barefoot Sound. SPOC incorporates a crossover section before analog-to-digital conversion, allowing high frequencies to pass into the converter unattenuated. This results in higher audio resolution and a more transparent signal, unparalleled in its class. Barefoot Sound has also updated its DSP for the Footprint03, and includes its patented MEME technology for a number of different monitor voicings.
The Foorprint03C features the same build and design as the standard Footprint03, but in a center channel configuration. Although it was originally designed to complement the Footprint03 monitors in surround sound and immersive environments, the Footprint03C is now widely adopted as a go-to stereo solution.
In addition to being sold as a single monitor, the Footprint03 is also available in pairs, as well as a bundle with two Footprint03 monitors.
Check out our comparison of the Barefoot Sound Footprint01 Gen2, Footprint02 Gen2, Footprint03, and Footprint03C below:
Based on the renowned MicroMain27 Gen2, the Barefoot Sound MicroMain26 is a 4-way active speaker system that features six drivers for a transparent, detailed sound. A 1-inch tweeter delivers incredible detail and wide dispersion for an extended sweet spot. The 2.5-inch aluminum cone midrange is housed in a cutting-edge 3D-printed waveguide enclosure to help prevent distortion. Equipped with two 5.25-inch paper cone woofers and two 10-inch aluminum cone subwoofers, MicroMain26 monitors deliver class-leading low-end.
As a 4-way system, each driver is powered by its own state-of-the-art Hypex amplifier for maximum clarity, even at high volumes. The tweeter and midrange drivers are both powered by their own 180 W amps, while the woofers have a dedicated 250 W amp. The subwoofers are powered by a massive 500 W amplifier for maximum low-end efficiency.
The monitor that put Barefoot Sound on the map. Released in 2006, the Barefoot Sound MicroMain27 Gen2 is a 3.5-way active system with five drivers for an extended frequency response from 30 Hz to 45 kHz. A 1-inch ring radiator tweeter provides crystal clear highs. Two 5.25-inch paper cone midbass drivers offer unparalleled detail, while two 10-inch aluminum cone subwoofers deliver tight, punchy bass. Barefoot Sound teamed up with Bruno Putzeys of Hypex to develop a completely transparent amplifier stage with 1,250 W of total power.
The MicroMain27 Gen2 is the most versatile reference monitor in the Barefoot Sound catalog and works well in studios and production facilities of all sizes.
The MicroMain45 is a stripped-down version of the MiniMain12 with a compact footprint and an affordable price tag. This 3-way active reference monitor features four drivers: a 1-inch tweeter, two 2.5-inch midrange woofers, and an 8-inch woofer.
The MicroMain45 utilizes a zero-compromise design to capture the signature Barefoot Sound. With an extended frequency response from 40 Hz – 45 kHz the MicroMain45 delivers class-leading sound quality. As the most compact Barefoot monitor, the MicroMain45 is ideal for smaller studios, and with over 600 W of power, it delivers distortion-free sound even at high levels.
The MicroSub45 is designed specifically to complement the MicroMain45. The MicroSub45 adds depth, power, and headroom to your system with dual 8-inch aluminum cone drivers and 500 W of power. The MicroSub45 also utilizes Barefoot Sound’s signature dual-force technology for an extended frequency response down to 25 Hz.
The MicroStack45 combines a pair of 3-way active MicroMain45 reference monitors and stereo MicroSub45 subwoofers for a total of six 8-inch aluminum woofers, four 2.5-inch midrange drivers, and a pair of 1-inch tweeters, all designed to work together seamlessly. And with 2220 W of power, this compact speaker system is perfect for small to mid-sized studios. An innovative tilt feature enables you to perfectly position the MicroMain45 monitors towards your sweet spot.
The MiniMain12 is based on Thomas Barefoot’s original design from 2004 and takes the signature Barefoot sound to a whole new level of resolution and detail. The MiniMain12 is a 4-way active speaker system with seven drivers for unprecedented clarity throughout the entire frequency spectrum.
A 1-inch tweeter delivers pristine highs. Dual 2.5-inch aluminum midrange drivers produce punchy, focused mids, while two 7-inch woofers offer thick, rich lows. Two 12-inch subwoofers provide powerful low-end. Each driver is powered by its own Hypex amplifier and operates as a perfect piston for ultra-fast transient response.
As the largest all-in-one speaker in the Barefoot lineup, the MiniMain12 is perfect for mid to large-sized studios that need plenty of power.
The MasterStack12 is the pinnacle of Thomas Barefoot’s achievements in monitor speaker design. This astonishing monitor system, which features MiniMain 12 and MiniSub12, combines Barefoot Sound’s signature sound with breathtaking dynamic range and advanced DSP technology for unrivaled performance.
The MasterStack12 is a 4.5-way active modular tower with 10 drivers housed in two cabinets. A third base unit provides signal and power distribution. A 1-inch ring radiator tweeter powered by a 250 W amplifier delivers crystal-clear high-end, while two 2.5-inch midrange drivers with their own 250 W amps deliver clear, detailed mids.
The true charm of the MasterStack12 is in the woofers. All three woofers operate down to 80 Hz, but only two of the woofers extend up to the mid-range band crossover point. With three woofers working together in the low-mid frequencies, the MasterStack12 produces minimal distortion. And with four dedicated 12-inch subwoofers, the MasterStack12 offers massive bass response.
This massive multi-speaker system is ideal for large-scale studios and post-production facilities.
New products are brand new and factory‑sealed from the manufacturer. Most new items that Vintage King carries are subject to our FREE extended warranty protection.
Demo deal items are typically customer returns or factory-refurbished. Prior to shipment, each unit is carefully tested by our expert tech staff to ensure that functionality is 100% to spec.
Used items were formerly owned by someone else, and either sold to us or traded in toward the purchase of other equipment. Although no longer under the manufacturer's warranty period, almost all used items are serviced by our in-house technical staff, and come with a Vintage King warranty: 1 year for analog rack gear, 6 months for microphones, and 30 days for most digital products.
Yes! Simply book an in‑store demo at our world-class showrooms in Los Angeles and Nashville.
Check out our blog on Choosing The Right Barefoot Monitors For Your Studio for recommendations on which speakers are best for small, medium, and large studios, or contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant and a quick room‑fit recommendation based on your dimensions and treatment.
When in stock, Barefoot studio monitors ship in 1–2 business days from US warehouses, in original Barefoot packaging and fully insured.
Use the ZIP estimator at checkout for final pricing, including tax.
Occasionally, demo deals may be priced the same as new models due to sales or MSRP changes.
Vintage King is proud to offer a 30‑day return window. Refund timing varies by payment method; see our Return Policy for specifics.
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