One of the main components of any music recording studio is a pair of monitors. When mixing, it’s particularly important to have monitors with a flat EQ response. The KRK Rokit 5 G4 studio monitor is so popular you can find it everywhere, from bedroom studios to large state-of-the-art recording studios.
In this article, we will explore the KRK Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors. We’ll discuss their key features, the history of KRK, and, crucially, we’ll find out if they are any good! Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What Is the KRK Rokit 5 G4?
The KRK Rokit 5 G4 is a professional bi‑amp studio monitor. The mid-size studio monitors can be found in the recording studios of countless Grammy award-winning producers and artists worldwide.
The KRK Rokit 5 speakers have a front-firing port that delivers exceptional bass extension. Moreover, you can place them closer to walls without sacrificing accurate low-frequency responses.
The Rokit 5 G4 produces minimal ear fatigue and gives you a balanced listening experience. You can mix on a pair of these near field studio monitors for hours and enjoy every minute of it.
Who Are KRK?
KRK Systems was founded in 1986 by Keith R. Klawitter. After working on films such as “Brainstorm” and “The Doors”, Klawitter was frustrated by the fact he couldn’t find a monitor that gave him the clarity and accuracy he needed. Therefore, he began building his own monitors.
Other engineers and producers began to take notice of his high-end studio monitors. Word quickly spread, and the KRK System was born. Being a part of countless hit music productions, the KRK Rokit studio monitors can be found in most countries. A “design-first” mentality and detailed engineering have helped KRK become an industry leader in this highly specialised market of recording studio monitors.
Features & Specifications of the KRK Rokit 5 G4
- Frequency Response: 43Hz – 40KHz
- Max SPL: 104dB
- Power Output: 55 Watts
- Input Impedance: 5.12KΩ Balanced
- Balanced TRS/XLR Combo Jacks
- Height: 11.22″ / 285 mm
- Width: 7.48″ / 190 mm
- Depth: 9.49″ / 241 mm
- Weight: 10.69 lb / 4.85 kg
- Price: Prices for the KRK Rokit 5 G4 currently start from as little as £138 per speaker
State of the Art DSP
The Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors have a DSP-driven Graphic EQ featuring 25 settings to assist with carving the best acoustic environment for mixing.
The near field studio monitors have matching drivers made with Kevlar. The Kevlar driver ensures that there is sonic integrity across all frequency spectrums.
Custom Designed Class D Power Amp
The Rokit 5 G4 speakers feature an efficient custom-designed Class D power amplifier that makes the speakers operate more efficiently at a reduced temperature and audio integrity.
The studio monitors produce excellent sound quality at any volume, with safeguards that prevent speaker damage while maintaining your track’s dynamics.
KRK Rokit 5 G4 Compatibility
The best way to connect your KRK Rokit 5 G4 is via an audio interface with an XLR cable connection. However, you can also use Bluetooth, USB, and MIDI. It’s best to not use the RCA connectors as this will have long-term benefits for your production.Nowadays, you can pick up a perfectly capable and cost-effective USB audio interface for less than £100.
Pros of the KRK Rokit 5 G4
From our experience, we found that the Rokit 5 produces minimal ear fatigue and gives a balanced listening experience, even in a near field listening environment.
You can mix on these studio monitors at a relatively quiet level for hours or mid-level without ear fatigue.
There are quite a few other elements that make the KRK Rokit 5 G4 an awesome studio monitor. It has a pro-grade design with rigid Kevlar drivers, therefore ensuring low-distortion sound reproduction.
The studio monitor also has an efficient Class D power amp that pumps out high-quality sound at reduced operating temperatures.
Cons of the KRK Rokit 5 G4
There isn’t much to fault with the KRK Rokit 5 near field studio monitors. But we must say, we feel the bass is slightly boosted. Once you are comfortable with the studio monitors, you should adjust your mix accordingly. For some people, the auto–standby can be a bit irritating. The KRK 5 G4 also doesn’t come with a cable, but you can find cost-effective pairs on sale at most good audio gear vendors.
Alternatives To The KRK 5 Studio Monitor
The KRK Rokit 5 G4 is an awesome near field studio monitor. But there are several alternatives if they aren’t for you, such as the Yamaha HS5, JBL 305P MkII, and the KRK Classic 5.
Let’s dive a bit deeper.
Yamaha HS5 vs KRK Rokit 5
In terms of sound quality, the Yamaha HS 5 monitors are one of the best music studio monitors within the £200.00 price range. You can also choose the HS7 and HS8, but it will depend on the size of your studio and how much bass response you need.
The Yamaha HS5 5-inch powered near field studio monitor is similar to the Rokit 5 G4 in size, and it has a frequency response of 54Hz – 30kHz vs 43Hz – 40KHz for the Rokit 5.
The studio monitor has a 70W output vs 55 W for the Rokit 5. The HS 5 monitors deliver an outstanding monitoring performance, enabling you to get your mixes just right.
With crystal-clear mids, a flat frequency response, high-performance drivers, and a mounting system, including an advanced magnetic circuit design, the Yamaha HS 5 is a superb monitor available for around £159 (each).
JBL 305P MKII vs KRK 5 G4 Studio Monitor
The JBL is an 82W Powered 2-way near field studio reference monitor with a 5″ Woofer. The 305P has a frequency range of 43Hz – 24kHz vs 43Hz – 40KHz for the Rokit 5 G4.
With a sporty glossy look, as opposed to the older model’s more matte appearance, the JBL 305P is a great solution for any serious or novice audio engineer or music producer.
They’re great for mixing music in your DAW, editing video, or any other task that requires accurate mixing. The JBL 305P was designed with advanced features that were acquired from their 7 Series and M2 Master Reference Monitor.
With rich lows to smooth highs, you’ll find it easy to produce great-sounding recordings with JBL 305P MkII studio monitors. They’re available for approximately £125 (each).
KRK Classic 5 vs Rokit 5
The KRK Classic 5 is a bi-amped near field studio monitor that is from the Rokit line—the most used studio monitors in the world. The Classic 5 borrowed concepts from previous Rokit lines and is the precursor to other Rokit studio monitors. The KRK Classic 5 defaults to a flat frequency solution for more critical listening—transpiring into more accurate mixes.
The Classic 5 speakers have the same frequency response as the Rokit 5 G4, including the same power output of 55W. With the optional +2dB KRK Bass Boost, the Classic 5 holds true to the sound that music creators around the world have loved for years.
While the Classic 5 studio monitors are mainly used as a studio monitor, the Rokit G4s are also used for DJ gigs. Unlike the Rokit G4, which utilises Bluetooth, USB, MIDI, XLR, and RCA connections, the Classic 5 only offers XLR and RCA connections.
The KRK Classic 5 gives you a mix that will translate better from one audio system to another. They are currently on sale for £120 (each)
Final Thoughts
With DSP-driven Graphic EQ featuring 25 settings and matching Kevlar drivers, the KRK Rokit 5 G4 is the ultimate near field studio monitor, and for a reasonable price.
These self-powered speakers offer accurate smooth sound and work well in my mixing studio. With well-thought-out designs that can deliver a true acoustic interpretation of the mix, the studio monitors are great for budget and high-end music studios. Keen engineering is the KRK brand – you won’t be disappointed if you pick up a pair. So, get the KRK Rokit, and rock it!
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