Auratone speakers: you’ve probably seen them tucked away in countless professional studios. But what exactly do these small, cube-shaped monitors do, and why are they so important? The answer lies in their unique ability to isolate and reveal the midrange frequencies, the heart of most music. This characteristic makes Auratone speakers an invaluable tool for audio engineers, helping them ensure their mixes translate beautifully across a wide range of playback systems. In this article, we’ll explore the history, features, and benefits of Auratone speakers, and why they’ve become a trusted companion for audio professionals seeking consistent, high-quality sound. We’ll also compare them to other studio monitors and offer practical tips for integrating them into your workflow.
Key Takeaways
- Auratone speakers reveal the heart of your mix: Their midrange focus helps fine-tune crucial elements like vocals and instruments, ensuring clarity and balance.
- They’re a second set of ears for your studio: Auratones offer a fresh perspective, catching potential problems your main monitors might miss. Use them to double-check your mix’s translation to different playback systems.
- Simplicity is key: Auratones’ straightforward design makes them a practical and affordable addition to any studio setup, helping you create music that sounds great everywhere.
What are Auratone Speakers?
Auratone speakers are near-field studio monitors known for their revealing midrange reproduction. They help audio engineers ensure their mixes translate well across various playback systems, from car stereos to high-end headphones. Think of them as a magnifying glass for the core frequencies of your music, helping you fine-tune the elements most crucial to the listening experience.
History and Significance
Auratone was founded in 1958 by Jack Wilson, starting the company from his garage in Chula Vista, California. Over the years, this family-owned business has earned respect in the recording industry, setting a standard for quality and reliability. Auratones are a familiar sight in professional studios worldwide, trusted by countless engineers for their consistent performance.
The Auratone 5C Super Sound Cube
The Auratone 5C Super Sound Cube is the company’s most iconic product and has been a studio staple for over 50 years. Its simple design, featuring a single 4.5-inch driver, focuses on delivering an honest midrange sound. This characteristic makes the 5C invaluable for checking mix translation. By listening through these speakers, engineers can identify muddiness, imbalances, or other issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until heard on less-than-ideal playback systems. The 5C’s focus on midrange accuracy has cemented its place in studios for decades.
Key Features and Specifications
Auratone speakers are instantly recognizable by their distinct design and targeted functionality. Let’s break down the core components that contribute to their unique sound:
Single-Driver Technology
Auratone speakers utilize a single full-range driver, typically 4.5 inches in diameter. Unlike multi-driver systems that divide frequencies between woofers and tweeters, the single-driver approach aims for a cohesive and focused sound reproduction. This single 4.5″ driver handles the entire frequency spectrum, creating a distinct sonic signature. This design contributes to the speaker’s compact size and straightforward construction. You can learn more about different driver types in our speaker types guide.
Design and Construction
Auratone speakers, and their various clones, are known for their small, cube-shaped enclosures. This compact design makes them easy to position in various studio setups. The sealed-box construction minimizes unwanted resonances and contributes to the speaker’s tight, controlled sound, particularly in the midrange. Despite their simple appearance, these speakers are built for durability and can withstand the demands of professional studio use.
Midrange Focus
The magic of Auratones lies in their emphasis on midrange frequencies. This deliberate design choice makes them exceptionally useful for mixing and mastering. By focusing on the midrange, where crucial elements like vocals and instruments reside, Auratones help engineers fine-tune the balance and clarity of their mixes. This midrange focus allows engineers to hear the core of their mix without being distracted by the highs and lows. Studio monitors often prioritize a flat frequency response, but Auratones take a different approach, prioritizing the critical midrange.
Time-Domain Precision
The Auratone 5C, in particular, is praised for its time-domain accuracy. This means the speaker reproduces sound with precise timing, resulting in a clear and well-defined stereo image. Accurate timing is essential for creating a sense of depth and space in a mix, and the Auratone 5C excels in this area. This precision allows engineers to pinpoint timing issues and ensure that all elements of the mix are properly aligned.
Auratone in Music Production
Auratone speakers have earned their place in professional studios for a reason. Their unique characteristics make them a valuable tool throughout the music production process.
Mixing and Mastering
Auratones are sealed-box, midrange-only speakers. They’re designed to isolate the midrange frequencies, the heart of your mix. This helps audio engineers zero in on the most crucial elements of a song—vocals, guitars, and keyboards often occupy this sonic space. By focusing on the midrange with Auratones, you can fine-tune the balance and clarity of these instruments, ensuring they sit well together. This targeted approach allows for detailed adjustments that might be missed on full-range monitors, leading to a more polished and professional final product. Think of Auratone speakers as a magnifying glass for the core of your mix.
Identifying Mix Issues
Auratones are frequently used in mono to quickly check mix compatibility and uncover hidden problems. Subtle panning errors or frequency masking, easily overlooked on other speakers, become readily apparent on Auratones. This is because their limited frequency range forces all the sonic information into the same narrow band, making it easier to hear if elements are clashing or if the stereo image collapses when summed to mono. Catching these issues early in the mixing process saves time and prevents headaches down the line. Using Auratones in mono is like an X-ray for your mix, revealing any structural weaknesses.
Translation to Other Systems
One of the biggest challenges in music production is ensuring a mix translates well across different playback systems. Will your carefully crafted mix sound as good on a car stereo or laptop speakers as it does in your studio? Auratones help answer this question. Their midrange focus and simplified design mimic the limitations of many consumer playback devices. By checking your mix on Auratones, you can get a sense of how it will sound on less-than-ideal systems and make adjustments accordingly. This process helps create a mix that sounds good everywhere, not just in a professional studio environment. Think of checking your mix on Auratones as a test drive for real-world listening.
Comparing Auratone with Other Studio Monitors
So, how do Auratoness stack up against other studio monitors? Let’s take a look.
Sound Quality
Auratones are known for their accuracy in the midrange, thanks to the single-driver design of the Auratone 5C. This design gives you a clear, uncolored representation of the core frequencies in your mix. While older models were known for a somewhat harsh sound, newer versions offer a more balanced and less fatiguing listening experience, with improvements in depth and stereo imaging. This makes them excellent for checking how your mix translates to smaller speakers, like those in a car or on a phone. You can learn more about the 5C and its history from Vintage King Audio.
Size and Portability
One of the biggest advantages of Auratones is their compact size. These small speakers are easy to move around your studio or take with you on the go, making them a practical choice for engineers who work in multiple locations or have limited space. Joey Sturgis Tones explains the popularity of Auratone-style speakers, highlighting their compact design. Their portability also makes them useful for quickly checking mixes in different environments.
Frequency Response
Auratones have a limited frequency response, typically ranging from 80 Hz to 15 kHz. This means they don’t reproduce very low bass or very high treble frequencies. While this might seem like a drawback, it’s actually a key part of what makes them so useful for mixing. By focusing on the midrange, Auratones help you identify issues that might be masked by more full-range speakers. However, it’s important to remember that they shouldn’t be your only reference monitors. You’ll need other speakers to accurately assess the full frequency spectrum of your mix.
Alternatives
If Auratones aren’t quite right for you, there are several other options to consider.
Avantone Pro CLA-10
The Avantone MixCube is a popular alternative, often compared to the Auratone for its midrange focus and ability to help with mix translation. These are a good option if you’re looking for a similar sound profile.
Behringer 30A
For those on a budget, the Behringer 30A offers a more affordable option. A discussion on AudioKarma provides user perspectives on Auratone speakers and their alternatives, including Behringer. While they may not have the same level of refinement as Auratones, they can still be a valuable tool for checking mixes on a smaller system.
KRK Classic 5
If you need monitors with a stronger low-end, the KRK Classic 5 might be a better fit. These speakers are popular for genres that require a powerful bass response, offering a different perspective compared to the midrange-focused Auratones. You can compare the KRK Classic 5 with other studio monitors on Supermarket Sound.
Auratone Speakers: Advantages and Limitations
Pros: Accuracy, Portability, Durability
Auratone 5C speakers are known for their accuracy, particularly in the midrange. This makes them a reliable tool for checking how your mix translates to smaller speakers, like those in a laptop or car. Their compact size makes them incredibly portable—easy to transport between studios or use in smaller home setups. Plus, their simple, robust design contributes to their durability. These aren’t delicate studio monitors; Auratones are built to withstand regular use. For a closer look at the 5C Super Sound Cube, check out this article from Vintage King.
Cons: Frequency Range, Not a Complete Solution
Auratones excel in the midrange, but their limited frequency response is their main drawback. Don’t expect accurate low-end or high frequencies. This makes them unsuitable as your only reference monitors, especially for bass-heavy genres. They’re a supplementary tool, not a replacement for full-range monitors. You’ll need other speakers to cover the full spectrum of your mix. Sound on Sound discusses some frequency response-related mixing challenges.
Addressing Misconceptions
Some mistake the Auratone’s limited range for poor sound quality. That’s not the case. The Auratone’s value lies in its ability to reveal imperfections within its specific frequency range—think of them as a magnifying glass for your midrange. If something sounds off on Auratones, it will likely be noticeable on other systems. Tape Op Magazine addresses this misconception. They’re particularly useful for checking mono compatibility and identifying issues like phasing or masking, as highlighted by Joey Sturgis Tones.
Who Should Use Auratones?
Auratones are valuable for a range of audio professionals and enthusiasts, but they’re especially helpful in specific situations. Let’s look at who benefits most from using these unique speakers.
Audio Engineers
For audio engineers, Auratones are indispensable. Their sealed-box design and mid-range-only drivers isolate crucial mid-range frequencies, as Danny Demosi explains. This focused approach allows engineers to fine-tune core elements of a mix—vocals, guitars, and other instruments—and ensure clarity and balance before mastering. This targeted listening helps identify muddiness, masking, and other issues that might be missed on full-range monitors. Think of them as a magnifying glass for the most important part of your mix.
Home Studio Owners
Auratones are a practical choice for home studios. Their compact size and unique sound profile make them a cost-effective way to check mixes, especially in less-than-ideal acoustic environments, as noted by Joey Sturgis Tones. They won’t replace your main monitors, but they offer a valuable second perspective. They’re like having a reliable friend offer an honest opinion on your work.
Ideal Use Cases
Checking mix translation is where Auratones shine. Vintage King highlights how they reveal how your mixes will sound on typical consumer playback systems, from car stereos to laptop speakers. This is crucial for creating music that connects with listeners regardless of how they hear it. If your mix sounds good on Auratones, it’s likely to sound good everywhere. They’re also helpful for quickly evaluating the overall balance of a mix and catching phase issues. Consider them your secret weapon for ensuring your music translates beautifully to the real world.
Setting Up Auratone Speakers
Getting the most from your Auratones involves understanding their characteristics and how they interact with your listening environment. These compact speakers, known for their honest midrange reproduction, play a specific role in mixing and mastering. Let’s explore how to set them up for optimal performance.
Placement and Best Practices
The Auratone 5C, with its single 4.5” driver, is designed for nearfield listening. Think of them as a magnifying glass for the midrange frequencies of your mix. Ideally, position your Auratones on stands at ear level, forming an equilateral triangle with your head. This creates a focused listening position, allowing you to hear the detail these speakers reveal. Avoid placing them directly on your mixing console or in corners, as this can create unwanted reflections and muddy the sound. Experiment with slight toe-in adjustments to find the sweet spot where the stereo image feels most focused. Vintage King’s article offers additional insights into the Auratone 5C’s design.
Pairing with Other Monitors
Auratones aren’t meant to replace your main studio monitors. Instead, they act as a secondary reference point. Use them with your primary monitors to check how your mix translates across different systems. The idea is to create a mix that sounds good on both your detailed main
Optimizing for Mixing and Mastering
A common practice is using Auratones in mono to quickly identify potential mix issues. This setup helps pinpoint problems like panning imbalances or frequency masking that might be less obvious on full-range speakers. By focusing on the midrange, where many instruments and vocals reside, you can fine-tune the core elements of your mix. This article by Joey Sturgis Tones discusses the popularity and effectiveness of Auratone-style speakers.
Tips for New Users
A helpful tip for incorporating Auratones is placing a single speaker in the center of your mixing environment. This allows quick A/B comparisons between your main mix and the Auratone’s representation without changing your listening position. Start by focusing on the balance of your instruments and vocals in mono, then switch back to your main monitors to check the stereo image and overall sound. This back-and-forth process helps create mixes that are both detailed and translate well across various playback systems.
Where to Buy
Retailers and Marketplaces
Auratone speakers are easy to find online. Check marketplaces like Reverb and eBay for new and used models. Reverb connects music gear buyers and sellers, offering a range of Auratone speakers at different price points. eBay often has competitive prices and deals, especially for pre-owned Auratone Pro Audio Speakers and Monitors.
Promotions and Discounts
Look for sales and deals when you shop for Auratone speakers. Sites like eBay often have promotions, and you can sometimes negotiate prices using the “Best Offer” feature. HifiShark gathers listings from different sellers, so you can compare prices on used Auratone speakers and find the best deal.
Auratone’s Legacy in Audio
The Auratone 5C isn’t a niche piece of audio equipment; it’s a studio staple with a rich history. Designed in the 1950s by Jack Wilson, its compact design and distinct sound quickly became popular in studios worldwide. For a closer look at its rise, check out this article from Vintage King.
The Auratone’s staying power comes from its ability to show how mixes sound on different playback systems. Think car stereos, laptop speakers, or earbuds. Engineers use the Auratone to make sure their mixes sound good on everything, not just high-end studio monitors. This focus on real-world listening is a big part of the speaker’s value. Sound on Sound discusses the 5C’s time-domain precision and stereo imaging, qualities that help audio professionals find problems in their mixes.
It’s a myth that Auratones are popular because they have a limited frequency range. It’s their accuracy within that limited range that makes them so useful. They aren’t designed to sound amazing; they’re designed to show you flaws in your mix, things that might get lost on less revealing speakers. Joey Sturgis Tones explains how these speakers highlight the core of your mix, helping you create music that sounds good anywhere. This idea is echoed by Tape Op Magazine, which emphasizes that the Auratone’s value is in exposing mix issues, not its overall sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Auratone speakers so popular in professional studios? They’re valued for their ability to isolate the midrange, which helps engineers fine-tune the core elements of a mix, like vocals and instruments. This focus makes it easier to identify and fix issues that might be masked on full-range monitors, ultimately leading to a cleaner and more balanced final product. Plus, checking mixes on Auratones gives engineers a good idea of how the music will sound on everyday listening devices.
Are Auratone speakers good for casual listening? Not really. While they can be used for casual listening, their strength lies in their analytical capabilities, not their overall sound quality. Their limited frequency range emphasizes the midrange, which can sound a bit unnatural for general music enjoyment. They’re a specialized tool designed for mixing and mastering, not for kicking back and enjoying your favorite tunes.
What’s the difference between Auratone speakers and regular studio monitors? Standard studio monitors aim for a flat frequency response, meaning they reproduce all frequencies as accurately as possible. Auratones, on the other hand, intentionally emphasize the midrange. This makes them excellent for checking mix translation and identifying problems, but not for accurately judging the full frequency spectrum of your music. Think of them as a specialist tool, while regular studio monitors are your general practitioners.
Do I need Auratone speakers if I have other studio monitors? Auratones offer a unique perspective that complements other studio monitors. They’re not a replacement, but rather an additional tool that helps you hear your mix in a different way. They’re particularly useful for catching issues that might be missed on full-range monitors, especially in the crucial midrange frequencies. If you’re serious about creating mixes that translate well across different playback systems, Auratones can be a valuable addition to your setup.
What are some good alternatives to Auratone speakers? If Auratones aren’t within your budget or you’re looking for something slightly different, options like the Avantone Pro CLA-10 offer a similar midrange focus. The Behringer 30A is a more budget-friendly choice, while the KRK Classic 5 provides a stronger low-end if that’s a priority. Each alternative has its own sonic characteristics, so it’s worth researching to find the best fit for your needs and workflow.
