When comparing M-Audio AV32 vs Behringer MS16, the Slant community recommends Behringer MS16 for most people. In the question“What are the best studio monitors under $100?” Behringer MS16 is ranked 1st while M-Audio AV32 is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Behringer MS16 is:
With the tone controls set to normal, the sound is fairly neutral and balanced. The highs have good detail and are quite airy and the mids sound natural. The bass is present but is not too powerful.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Clean and smooth sound with airy highs from such small speakers
These speakers are able to produce a nice and smooth sound despite being quite small in size. There is an emphasis on the higher frequencies and the bass can sound full. Imaging is forward with a lot of detail. This sound is achieved by the use of three-inch polypropylene-coated, high-temperature voice coil woofers for the low and mid frequencies and a 1-inch silk cone tweeter for the highs. Overall, the sound is clearly a cut above the multimedia speakers that are within the AV32’s price range.
Pro Clear and forward presentation of detail thanks to proprietary OptImage IV waveguide design
These speakers deliver optimal high frequency detail and clarity to the listener. This is due to M-Audio’s use of their proprietary waveguide design which allows for efficient travel of the high frequencies to the listener’s ears. This tech is further supported by the use of highly flexible silk cones on the tweeters which further reduce the restriction of the sound being produced.
Pro Can fit in most studio/desk setups due to the compact size
The AV32 can fit in virtually all studio setups thanks to its truly compact size. It's true even if you have a rather small and cramped desk. This feat is achieved via a simple and small cabinet that houses the 3-inch speaker and 1-inch tweeter combo.
Pro Can give improved convenience due to headphone output jack on the front side of the speaker
You may find this speaker very convenient to use if you also tend to listen to music on your headphones. There is a 1/8” headphone out jack which will channel the sound output to the connected headphones instead of the speakers. For added sound control, you can also adjust the volume of your headphones using the volume knob on the speakers.
Pro Offers some degree of flexibility in terms of integrating into a user’s audio chain setup
You can easily integrate these speakers into your current audio chain. These speakers offer RCA inputs at the back as well as 1/8” input in front. This makes the AV32 compatible with DACs, audio receivers, and even smartphones and mobile music players.
Pro Very affordable price for studio monitors
These speakers are very attainable price-wise. These are positioned as entry-level studio monitors with prices that are not too far off from most multi-media speakers available on the market. This makes high quality, pro-level audio monitoring speakers within relatively easy reach, and should fit many budding audio enthusiast’s budgets.
Pro Balanced sound
With the tone controls set to normal, the sound is fairly neutral and balanced. The highs have good detail and are quite airy and the mids sound natural. The bass is present but is not too powerful.
Pro You can connect a mic and headphones
You’ll be able to monitor audio using headphones, and also gain an extra microphone in port. There are mic in and headphone out ports on the front side of the main speaker. They add extra functionality and are very easy to access.
Pro Two analog input options
You won’t need to manually plug or un-plug cables on a frequent basis. You can connect 3.5mm and RCA audio sources and use them simultaneously.
Pro Very compact
It won’t be difficult to incorporate these speakers into your studio or home entertainment setup. Despite having 4 inch woofers, the speaker cabinets are really compact so you can easily fit them even on a cramped desk.
Pro Good volume from small speakers
The MS16s are very compact yet are still able to deliver a good amount of volume. They are capable of filling a small room with audio.
Pro Tone controls are available
You can easily tweak some aspects of the sound to your liking. On the front side of the main speaker are knobs to adjust the treble and bass levels.
Pro Good sound quality, tone controls and a compact case at an affordable price
These speakers are compact yet are able to deliver a balanced and clean sound at decent volumes. You can also tweak the bass, mids and treble levels to your preference. These are a steal for the price, considering how much functionality you get.
Cons
Con Sound may distort at higher volumes
You can definitely crank these speakers up to max in order to get extra volume. However, do expect some audible distortion at high volume levels. If you prefer loud volumes for listening or mixing, then bigger studio monitors will suit your needs better.
Con Volume output may be limited
The volume output of these speakers is not that high, which can also be attributed to these speakers’ small size. While these are perfectly usable for close audio monitoring, this may not be a good option if you want your studio monitors to fill the room with great sound.
Con May not have enough bass output due to small woofers
Some may find the bass output of these speakers to be a bit lacking. The small 3 inch woofers can only deliver so much bass and while the output may be enough in small rooms, the bass can leave a lot to be desired in larger rooms.
Con Distorts at near max volumes
You may hear some audio distortion when running these speakers near max volume. This can be attributed to the small tweeters and woofers, which are not be capable of pumping out very high volumes.
Con Bass output may not be powerful enough
If you love powerful and boomy bass, then these speakers may fall short of your needs. Even with the bass knob cranked all the way to maximum, the bass output may still not be enough.
