It’s been a minute since we put on blast just how good Frontier Studio Monitors are, and we’re realizing that even though they’ve been on the market, producers are still learning about them. The short version is that the legendary speaker designer Thomas Barefoot engineered the audio side of it, and the Output team that now comprises De-Fi did the industrial design–two of the best teams in the industry came together to make these studio monitors and the reviews have been excellent.
This market is quite saturated with good options, so if the merits of getting Barefoot technology wrapped in boutique industrial design with a unique solid walnut base isn't enough, here’s what others have had to say.
DJ Mag
“For anyone serious in their craft, working on a budget but after a pro performance, these speakers are a no-brainer.” As if that wasn’t specific enough, it goes on to say that “The performance of the Frontier is in keeping with speakers twice the price.”
DJ Mag was especially impressed with the “clarity, sonic imaging, and accuracy” of Frontier studio monitors, giving out a 10/10 in build quality, features, and sound quality. “Output has opened the doors for everyone to experience high-end studio-quality sound and performance at a price that doesn’t break the bank.”
Tape Op Magazine
Tape Op doesn’t hold back in its review of Frontier. And the verdict? “I’m impressed with the Frontiers. They seem to have it all: value, style, and (most importantly) performance,” reads the review. “Much like Output’s studio furniture style, the Frontier’s enclosure is simple, elegant, and modern.”
“They seem to have it all: value, style, and (most importantly) performance.” - Tape Op
Sound on Sound
As expected, Sound on Sound gets into the particulars of the parts in its review of Frontier. “The dual‐concentric design really maintains focus as you move off axis,” the review says. “There’s a stable centre image and a very well‐defined stereo soundstage.” (You can read more about why Frontier has a dual-concentric, or coaxial design, here.)
Sound on Sound also points out Frontier’s design-forward build and says that “the fact that they look gorgeous doesn’t hurt either. The Frontier is a very capable and stylish little monitor that offers all the benefits of a coaxial speaker design.”
Music Radar
MusicRadar was so nice, they mentioned us twice! Both of MusicRadar‘s Frontier reviews dole out glowing praise. In a breakout review, the outlet says that “Frontier is a professional level monitor with a more modest price tag.”
The speakers’ audio quality is also praised as “a very open sound with excellent frequency separation… The mid-range is very coherent and the sweet spot nice and broad.”
Separately, MusicRadar included Frontier studio monitors in its round-up of the best studio monitors, alongside longtime professional favorites like the Focal Shape 65. In the roundup, MusicTech specifically notes Frontier’s aesthetic touches, calling it an “absolutely stunning monitor” that is “honest-sounding” and will “add a touch of class to any home studio.”
“A very open sound with excellent frequency separation.” - Musicradar
Richard Devine
I just spent all day listening to the Frontier speakers, and I have to say I am super impressed. They have an incredible stereo image, with a super-wide sweet spot. The bass is super present and very focused/tight. I was surprised at how much low-end you can get out of these things. The mid-range detail is super smooth and you can listen to these speakers at pretty loud volumes at close proximity with zero ear fatigue. I did some other listening tests at lower volumes with some classical and electro-acoustic pieces, and you could hear every instrument super clearly. The definition and detail are really what grabbed me with these.
Ryan Elder
The Frontier studio monitors are the perfect combination of amazing sound and fantastic design. Output and Barefoot paid meticulous attention to detail, both sonically and physically. Quite simply, these monitors are the complete package. They immediately found a home in my studio.
TOKiMONSTA
For the size, it has a clear bass signal, even without a sub. The high-end frequencies are clear without any added color. I recommend these to anyone who wants great-sounding and impressive-looking monitors.
My Buddy Dave
I can't believe you were involved in making something this good.
Video Reviews
If you’re more of a visual learner, here you go:
The Frontier Studio Monitors are world class, and we’ve done a poor job shouting that from the mountaintops. Try them for yourselves, we think you’ll be as impressed as everyone else.
