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From the massive MasterStack speakers to the compact Footprint series, Barefoot Sound's industry-leading studio monitors are trusted by engineers, producers, and musicians around the world. But with so many great options to choose from, folks often ask, "Which set of Barefoot monitors should I get for my studio?"
We decided to get our answers straight from the source. We recently sat down with Barefoot Sound Founder and CTO Thomas Barefoot to learn more about the differences in each of the brand's popular studio monitors and which models are best suited for different tasks.
Editor's Note: After this interview was published, Barefoot Sound released 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. While the sentiments about the Footprint Series studio monitors expressed below remain the same, some of the details or specs may have changed with the new Gen2 monitors.
There are countless studio monitors available on the market today. In your opinion, what makes Barefoot studio monitors stand out from the competition?
Absolutely, when it comes to studio monitors, Barefoot Sound stands out for several key reasons.
Firstly, our reputation and legacy speak volumes. With 18 years in the industry, we've earned the trust of leading producers and artists like yourself. When you see professionals relying on our monitors, it's a testament to their quality and reliability.
Secondly, our monitors are known for their innovative design and technology. We incorporate unique features like Dual-Force and MEME Technology, giving engineers and artists the most accurate and versatile sound reproduction possible.
Of course, none of that matters if the sound quality isn't top-notch, and that's what we've built the brand on. Our monitors deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and accuracy across all frequencies, making them perfect for precise mixing and mastering.
We are really proud of our build quality. We spare no expense in using high-quality materials to ensure our monitors are not only great-sounding but also durable and long-lasting, just like you would expect from Barefoot Sound.
But it's not just about the monitors – it's about the experience. That's why we offer white-glove service, providing exceptional customer care and attention to detail. Along with Vintage King, we are here to make sure our products meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations.
It may sound a bit dramatic, but we're not just making monitors – we're making magic happen in the studio.
Most Barefoot studio monitors feature your innovative Dual-Force technology. Can you tell us a little bit about what that is, how it works, and how it contributes to the brand’s signature sound?
Other than the MicroMain45 and Footprint03, all other Barefoot Sound monitors include Dual-Force. The bass drivers are mounted in opposition to each other and their motors are locked together. Since they work in phase and aim in opposite directions, the opposing forces effectively cancel each other out.
This minimizes cabinet vibrations and unwanted resonances, resulting in more stable and accurate sound reproduction. Because the bass wavelengths are much longer than the driver or cabinet dimensions, they behave as a single-point source.
The Footprint series has become incredibly popular over the past few years, especially with the release of the new Footprint03. Can you tell us what’s different about the Footprint01, Footprint02, and Footprint03 studio monitors?
The Footprint series offers high-end performance typically found in more expensive monitors but at a more affordable price point. This makes high-quality audio monitoring accessible to a broader range of studios and engineers.
The combination of advanced features and superior sound quality at a lower price point provides excellent value, making these monitors a smart investment for both professional and home studios.
Whether in a large professional studio or a smaller home setup, the different models (Footprint01, Footprint02, and Footprint03) cater to various needs and environments.
Despite their powerful performance, the monitors have a compact design, saving space without compromising on quality. Features like the built-in emulation of other monitors and advanced DSP settings simplify the workflow, allowing for quick adjustments and reliable results.
Built to last, these monitors can withstand the demands of professional use, ensuring long-term reliability. Users can trust the consistent and accurate sound reproduction, which is critical for precise audio work.
Known for their high standards and innovative approach, Barefoot Sound has built a reputation for excellence, and the Footprint series upholds this legacy.
Tell us about the new driver design in the Footprint03 and how it differs from the previous Dual-Force designs.
Absolutely! The Footprint03 showcases advanced driver designs, including the 1″ ring radiator tweeter, 3.5″ midrange driver, and forward-facing 6.5″ aluminum cone woofer. These represent significant steps forward in important performance characteristics such as dynamic range, SPL, low distortion, and bass extension. We're particularly proud of these innovations as they've allowed us to achieve our goal of delivering superior audio performance at a more affordable price. Let me break down each driver's features for you.
Starting with the 1″ ring radiator tweeter, it boasts a more powerful motor system, and elaborate copper shorting rings enable longer excursion, lower distortion, and wider dynamic range. An improved heat-sink system further reduces dynamic compression. Moreover, the tweeter incorporates a high-tech fabric diaphragm, sturdy aluminum enclosures, and Neodymium technology for superior rigidity, resonance control, and high-frequency fidelity.
Moving on to the 3.5″ aluminum cone midrange driver, it employs a powerful motor and copper shorting rings to minimize distortion and enhance audio fidelity. Thanks to its advanced magnet system and longer excursion capability, this driver achieves higher volumes with minimal compression, ensuring a clear and detailed sound reproduction.
Lastly, the forward-facing 6.5″ aluminum cone woofer, driven by a robust 100W amplifier, delivers accurate bass with minimized distortion. With its enhanced motor systems and improved heat-sinks, this woofer ensures reliable performance and durability even during prolonged usage. When mounted into the enclosure the driver is forced against the cabinet bracing in such a way that it dissipates vibrations that might color the sound.
In essence, each of these drivers has been meticulously designed and engineered to offer an unparalleled audio experience, making the Footprint03 a standout choice for audio enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Barefoot studio monitors also feature MEME technology, which allows users to emulate the sound of several classic studio monitors. What inspired you to include this feature?
Including MEME (Multi-Emphasis Monitor Emulation) technology in our Barefoot studio monitors was inspired by our desire to provide users with unparalleled versatility and flexibility. Because Barefoot monitors are so high-performance, we have the freedom to essentially “degrade” their performance in order to emulate classic monitors.
Not only do we mimic the frequency responses, but we also alter the transients and distortion characteristics as well. Furthermore, artists and engineers don’t need to choose between monitors that are either more analytical or inspirational. Hi-Fi mode amps up the excitement when you’re creating. Then you can switch to Flat mode when you need to make critical mixing decisions. Barefoots can do it all!
How has Barefoot’s technology changed over the years?
Over the years, Barefoot's technology has undergone significant evolution, constantly striving to push the boundaries of audio excellence. Our journey has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the audio industry.
One of the most notable advancements has been the development of our revolutionary Dual-Force technology, which has set a new standard for monitor design. By implementing opposing drivers that work in tandem to cancel out vibrations and resonances, Dual-Force technology has transformed the way we perceive sound reproduction, resulting in unprecedented clarity and accuracy.
Additionally, the integration of MEME (Multi-Emphasis Monitor Emulation) technology has further expanded the capabilities of our studio monitors, allowing users to emulate the sonic characteristics of various classic monitors with remarkable accuracy and precision.
Furthermore, our ongoing research and development efforts have led to advancements in driver design, enclosure construction, and signal processing algorithms, all aimed at enhancing the overall performance and versatility of our products.
In essence, Barefoot's technology has continually evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of the audio industry, and we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation to provide our users with the ultimate listening experience.
Can you tell us more about the new SPOC conversion technology?
You know, we are genuinely enthusiastic about the new SPOC (SPectral Optimized Conversion) technology that Barefoot Sound has introduced for our studio monitors. It's truly a significant development in audio processing. Let me delve into why it's so impactful.
With SPOC, we've taken audio processing to a whole new level, particularly with our latest model, the Footprint03. What sets it apart is the addition of an analog crossover section before the analog-to-digital conversion. This refinement allows high frequencies to smoothly pass through into the converter without any degradation.
The outcome is quite impressive – a notable boost in resolution, akin to adding five extra bits of detail to your sound. Additionally, there's a remarkable 15 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio, a testament to the enhanced clarity and fidelity our monitors can achieve.
What's truly significant is that this level of transparency in your signal is exclusive to monitors equipped with SPOC. It's like offering users a direct pathway to the purest rendition of their audio, unmatched by any other technology in the market.
Well, besides the tangible benefits of increased resolution and clearer signals, it ultimately translates into a more faithful and accurate audio reproduction. It's akin to experiencing your music in high definition – an immersive sonic experience that once encountered, becomes indispensable.
Barefoot offers a wide range of studio monitors, including the Footprint, MicroMain, MiniMain, and MasterStack series monitors. What are the key differences between each series?
Barefoot Sound offers a range of studio monitors, each series designed for different professional needs, room sizes, and budgets.
Affordable and compact, ideal for smaller studios and home setups.
Compact with professional-grade performance for various studio environments.
Mid-sized for larger studios, offering more power and extended frequency range. This flagship monitor offers high power handling, greater output, extended Frequency Range, the highest level of detailed audio reproduction.
Barefoot’s flagship monitors for the most demanding professional studios. It features, full-Range Performance for mastering studies, exceptional low, mid, and high-frequency response. Extremely high output, powerful sound for large spaces.
In summary, the Footprint series is compact and affordable, MicroMain is versatile and professional-grade, MiniMain is powerful for larger setups, and MasterStack offers top-tier performance for high-end studios.
What should people look for in a studio monitor?
When choosing a studio monitor, look for accurate, detailed sound with a balanced frequency response to ensure your mix is represented faithfully. Consider the monitor size and power suitable for your room size and acoustics, and check for necessary input options for compatibility with your equipment.
High build quality and durability are important, as is finding a monitor within your budget that offers good value. Features like room correction, adjustable EQ settings, and emulation modes can enhance flexibility.
Finally, research brand reputation and user reviews to ensure reliability and performance.
What questions should people ask themselves before purchasing new studio monitors?
Before purchasing new studio monitors, consider your budget and find monitors that offer the best value within that range.
Think about the size of your studio space and whether you need larger monitors for a bigger room or smaller ones for a compact space, and decide between active (with built-in amplifiers) and passive (requiring external amplifiers) monitors.
Identify your primary use for the monitors, whether for mixing, mastering, tracking, or general listening, as different uses might require different features.
Look for monitors that provide a flat, uncolored frequency response to accurately represent your audio, and consider if they have features like room correction to compensate for your room's acoustics.
Ensure the monitors have the necessary input options (XLR, TRS, RCA) to connect with your audio interface or other equipment and think about whether you need additional features like adjustable EQ settings, DSP, or emulation modes for added flexibility.
Research reviews and seek feedback from other audio professionals to gauge real-world performance and reliability and look into the brand's history and customer support to ensure you are investing in a reliable product.
Answering these questions will help you make an informed decision and choose the best studio monitors for your needs.
Which monitors would you recommend for someone who wants to record and mix in a small studio?
For a small studio, we recommend choosing a Footprint series speaker based on your budget and room size. However, if your budget permits, Barefoot suggests upgrading to the higher-end MicroMain45 for superior performance.
Which monitors would you recommend for a professional mixing engineer working in a mid-sized treated room?
For a professional mixing engineer working in a mid-sized treated room, I recommend considering the entire Barefoot MicroMain line. The MicroMain45 is compact and powerful, ideal for mid-sized rooms with detailed and accurate sound, featuring Dual-Force technology to reduce vibrations and MEME technology for versatile sound emulation.
The MicroMain26 offers enhanced low-end response and broader frequency range, making it excellent for detailed mixing and mastering. The MicroMain27 provides full-range performance with balanced and accurate sound across all frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of studio applications.
The MicroMain line is designed to meet the needs of professional mixing engineers, offering precise sound reproduction, advanced technologies, and flexibility to adapt to different mixing environments.
Which monitors would you recommend for mastering?
For mastering, we recommend considering the Barefoot MicroMain26, MicroStack45, MiniMain12, and MasterStack12 monitors. The MicroMain26 offers precision and clarity with enhanced low-end response, making it ideal for mastering tasks that require accuracy. It includes Dual-Force technology to reduce vibrations and MEME technology for versatile sound emulation.
The MicroStack45 combines the MicroMain45 with additional subwoofers for extended low-frequency response and higher output, providing a more powerful and detailed listening experience. The MiniMain12 is a mid-sized powerhouse with greater power handling and an extended frequency range, delivering balanced and accurate sound. It also includes advanced DSP for precise control in various acoustic environments.
Finally, the MasterStack12 is Barefoot’s flagship model, offering full-range performance with exceptional low, mid, and high-frequency response, high output, and modular components for customization and upgrading. Each of these models ensures the precision, clarity, and advanced features needed for mastering, resulting in accurate and well-balanced final mixes.
Which monitors would you suggest for post-production?
Barefoot Sound's monitors are versatile and have been used extensively in post-production environments. The choice of model depends on the size of the room and budget, but there is a Barefoot speaker to fit any need.
Are Barefoot studio monitors suitable for immersive Dolby Atmos mix rooms?
Barefoot Sound is Dolby (DART) certified, demonstrating their commitment to meeting the highest standards in audio quality and performance. This certification ensures that their speakers are suitable for professional Dolby Atmos setups, a critical requirement for modern post-production environments.
Currently, Barefoot Sound is actively involved in building many Atmos rooms, leveraging our advanced technology and expertise to create immersive audio experiences. Our monitors are designed to deliver precise and accurate sound, making them ideal for the complex and detailed requirements of Atmos installations.
Congrats on the release of the new LFE15 Subwoofer. There is a ton of excitement around it. What functionalities does the LFE15 offer for Barefoot Sound users?
The primary purpose of the LFE15 Subwoofer is to provide Barefoot Sound users with a low-frequency effects channel solution for multichannel setups, fulfilling a long-standing demand. Additionally, clients have requested a supplemental low-end "bump" sub for composing and playing mixes. Boost Mode perfectly addresses this need.
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.
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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