Amphion Two18s: The Ultimate Monitors for Challenging Rooms
When choosing studio monitors, the focus often falls on finding the “best speaker” or the one that seems most appealing. However, a better approach is to find monitors that suit the specific acoustics of your room. This is where the Amphion Two18s stand out, delivering exceptional performance in challenging environments and ensuring mixes translate accurately across different playback systems.
Amphion Two 18 is pictured next to the monitor.
The Importance of Room-Specific Monitors
Studio monitors interact directly with the room they’re in, influencing how sound is perceived. Even the most highly regarded speakers can perform poorly if they don’t complement the room’s acoustic characteristics. The Amphion Two18s address this issue with their design, making them an ideal choice for engineers working in imperfect spaces.
What Sets the Amphion Two18s Apart?
Passive Radiators for Controlled Low-End
Unlike ported designs, which enhance low-end output through harmonic resonance, the Amphion Two18s use passive radiators. This design minimizes low-frequency driver distortion, resulting in clean, accurate bass that translates well to other systems.
Mid-Tweeter-Mid (MTM) Format
The MTM array in the Two18s places the tweeter symmetrically between two woofers, offering several acoustic benefits:
Improved phase coherence for accurate stereo imaging.
Reduced desk reflections and comb filtering which can cause nulling.
Consistent sound dispersion on the horizontal plane, ideal for critical listening at the mix position.
Amphion Two18 tweeter.
Lower Crossover Point
The Amphion Two18s have a crossover frequency of 1600Hz, lower than the typical range of 3-3.5kHz. This placement avoids congestion in the mid-range from 2-5kHz where human hearing is most sensitive, delivering a natural and balanced midrange.
Passive Design with External Amplification
As passive monitors, the Two18s require an external amplifier, such as Amphion’s Amp 700. This design reduces cabinet clutter, allowing space for the passive radiators and avoiding additional A/D and D/A stages of conversion, which can introduce latency and compromise headroom.
Amphion Amp700
Tackling Room Challenges with the Amphion Two18s
Many studios face issues like low-frequency peaks, nulls, and room reflections. The Amphion Two18s are particularly effective in mitigating these problems:
Their flat low-end response reduces the need for excessive EQ adjustments which can overload the speaker and cause harmonic distortions.
Passive radiators create a smooth low-end frequency extension while the smaller woofer driver minimizes energy buildup in small rooms, providing more accurate playback.
The MTM design diminishes the influence of desk reflections and room acoustics delivering a more reliable listening environment.
Why Mix Translation Matters
The ultimate test of a studio monitor is its ability to deliver mixes that sound consistent across various playback systems. The Amphion Two18s excel in this area, offering a transparent and honest sound that reveals details critical for accurate mixing decisions.
While some monitors aim to impress with a sound hyped, the Two18s prioritise accuracy and transparency. This makes them particularly suited for professionals who need dependable tools to achieve mixes that translate well beyond the studio.
Final Thoughts
For engineers working in acoustically challenging spaces, the Amphion Two18s offer a tailored solution. Their innovative design features, including passive radiators, MTM configuration, and lower crossover point, make them an excellent choice for achieving accurate, translatable mixes.
Whether setting up a new studio or considering an upgrade, the Amphion Two18s are worth exploring. They may not deliver the immediate “wow factor” of some monitors, but their performance ensures long-term reliability and precision in mix translation.
