The PM Series from Sonodyne is well-known when it comes to delivering loud and clear audio reproduction at an exceptional value. The studio monitors from this series are built from the brand’s experience in designing and developing reference monitors. Two of the prominent speaker models from this series are PM4040 and PM50. Both these speakers benefit you with outstanding audio reproduction and clarity. Let’s first get into the details of each of them and then go through the comparison.
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Sonodyne PM4040:
Sonodyne PM4040 is a pair of 2-way stereo active & passive monitors. It is also known as an auxiliary, studio computer monitor designed for video editing, gaming, and sound mixing & mastering. The compact active studio monitors are durably built with a decent finish. They are cost-effective solutions for superior quality near field monitoring. They are also perfect for the majority of desktop monitoring and casual listening.
When you connect them to a good source, you will appreciate the amazing clarity and detail. The bass heads may realize the lows to be lacking and may wish to add a tiny subwoofer. The cabinet is made of MDF and the front baffle features a unique moulded shape.
The output sound is detailed with a broad sweet spot and frequency response at considerable loudness.
Features:
- A 2-channel class D amplifier powers the system.
- The LF is a 4-inch glass fiber cone woofer.
- Moreover, the 1-inch silk dome neo-magnet tweeter is enclosed in an elliptical custom waveguide to provide a smooth response and broad directivity in the horizontal plane yet controlled directivity in the vertical plane. This tweeter offers detailed and extended high frequencies.
- The 4-inch woofer with glass fiber cone offers low distortion and good dynamics.
- The custom design waveguide guarantees broad horizontal coverage and minimum interference in the vertical plane.
- The high-efficiency 2-channel Class D amplifier guarantees reduced power consumption and reduced heat dissipation.
- Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are supported.
- A master level regulates the total volume of the pair.
- The modeled baffle shape guarantees a minimum of diffraction.
- Other components are highly braced MDF enclosures and premium transducers.
Specifications:
| Transducer complements | LF: 4-inch glass fiber cone woofer, HF: 1-inch silk dome neodymium magnet tweeter with elliptical waveguide |
| Enclosure type | Vented, through rear-firing aerodynamic port |
| Enclosure | MDF |
| Frequency response | 70Hz ~ 20kHz (± 3dB) |
| Max SPL at half space | 109dB peak per pair |
| Crossover frequency | 2.5kHz |
| Amplifier type | Class D |
| Amplifier power before clipping | 30W + 30W |
| Input level for 90dB SPL at 1m | 0dBU |
| Input impedance | 22kΩ |
| Input | Balanced inputs via TRS socket at rear 2 unbalanced inputs via RCA socket at the rear
1/4th of the phones socket at the front (for active speaker) Stereo unbalanced input via 3.5mm phones socket at the rear |
| Output | Snap-type speaker terminal for connecting to passive speaker |
| Peak Power Handling – Speakers | 60W |
| RMS Power Range – Amplifiers | 60W |
| Controls and switches (rear) | Rear: Power switch Front: Volume control |
| Indicators | Power ON /OFF, on the front panel |
| Power requirement | 230V AC, ± 10%, 50Hz |
| Protection | Overheat, Over-current, short-circuit, RFI, Switch on-off, mains over-voltage |
| Finish | Black matt |
| Dimensions and weight | 19 x 16 x 23 cm; 10 kg |
| Included components | 30W Active speaker, 30W Passive speaker, power cable, User manual |
Sonodyne PM50:
This pair of active studio monitors are suitable for in-home or project studios, mixing, and tracking. I admire detailed sound with each note being distinctly audible. The pair is highly recommended for serious audiophiles and producing musician. It is not perfect for those who want a heavy bass response and clarity. You will get loud and clear audio reproduction at an exceptional value.
Features:
- The enclosure features heavily braced MDF panels. It ensures a rigid cabinet.
- The built-in isolation base reduces residual vibrations.
- The Class D amplifier offers 45W + 45W output.
- The tweeter is silk and the woofer is PP. Both are ferrofluid cooled.
- The built-in controls include LF, HF trims, and bass roll-off.
- The gain trim control of -6 dB to +6 dB is available.
- The onboard controls feature high in detail and LF extension.
- High, low shelving EQs are available.
Specifications:
| Transducer complements | LF: 5″ injection-molded PP cone woofer HF: 26mm silk-dome neodymium magnet tweeter |
| Enclosure type | Vented, through rear-firing aerodynamic port |
| Enclosure | MDF |
| Overall frequency response | 75Hz ~ 20kHz, (±3dB) |
| Usable frequency response | 65Hz ~ 22kHz, (±10dB) |
| Max SPL at half space | 104dB |
| Crossover frequency | 2.5kHz |
| Amplifier power before clipping | LF: 45W HF: 45W |
| Amplifier type | Class D |
| S/N ratio (at unity gain) | >90 dB, referred to as full output |
| THD at rated power | <0.04 % |
| CMRR | >65dB |
| Input level for 90dB SPL at 1m | 0dBU |
| Input impedance | 22KΩ |
| Input | One fully balanced XLR socket, One unbalanced RCA socket |
| Gain control range | 70dB to +6dB |
| Bass tilt | -2dB , -4dB , -6dB @ 80Hz |
| Treble tilt | -2dB @ 15kHz |
| Bass roll-off | 100Hz, 6dB/ octave |
| Rear control | Power switch, volume control, 4 DIP switches for bass/ treble tilts & bass roll-off |
| Indicators | Power ON /OFF, Overvoltage protect |
| Power requirement | 230VAC, ±10%, 50Hz |
| Power consumption | 100VA Max. |
| Protection | Overheat, Over current, RFI, Switch on/ off, Mains overvoltage |
| Finish | Black PVC with black painted front |
| Dimensions and weight | 30.6 x 19.4 x 21 cm; 6.3 kg |
| Included components | Power cable, user manual |
Sonodyne PM4040 vs. Sonodyne PM50: Comparison
Refer to the table below to compare the two models of Sonodyne studio monitors PM4040 and PM50. Here are some of the key features and differences between them:
| Point of Comparison |
Sonodyne PM4040
|
Sonodyne PM50
|
| Device type | 2-way stereo active and passive monitor | 2-way active monitor |
| Transducer components | LF: 4-inch glass fiber cone woofer, HF: 1-inch silk dome neodymium magnet tweeter with elliptical waveguide | LF: 5″ injection-molded PP cone woofer HF: 26mm silk-dome neodymium magnet tweeter |
| Frequency response | 70Hz ~ 20kHz (± 3dB) | 75Hz ~ 20kHz (± 3dB) |
| Max SPL at half space | 109 dB peak per pair | 104 dB |
| Amplifier power before clipping | 30W + 30W | LF: 45W HF: 45W |
| Input | Balanced inputs via TRS socket at rear 2 unbalanced inputs via RCA socket at rear 1/4th phones socket at the front | One fully balanced XLR socket, One unbalanced RCA socket |
| Rear controls and switches | Rear: Power switch
Front: Volume control |
Power switch, volume control, 4 DIP switches for bass/ treble tilts & bass roll-off |
| Indicators | Power ON /OFF, on the front panel | Power ON /OFF, Overvoltage protect |
| Finish | Black matt | Black PVC with black painted front |
| Weight | Comparatively bulkier | Comparatively lighter |
Summary
- Both models are 2-way active monitors with Class D bi-amplifiers and high and low shelving EQs.
- The PM4040 has a 4-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch tweeter, while the PM50 has a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter.
- The PM4040 has a frequency response of 65 Hz to 22 kHz, while the PM50 has a frequency response of 55 Hz to 22 kHz.
- The PM4040 has a maximum SPL of 102 dB, while the PM50 has a maximum SPL of 106 dB.
- The PM4040 has an input sensitivity of -10 dBV, while the PM50 has an input sensitivity of +4 dBu.
- The PM4040 is sold as a pair, with one active and one passive monitor, while the PM50 is sold as a single unit.
Concluding Note:
Both these studio monitors from the Sonodyne PM Series provide exceptional performance and audio reproduction. Sonodyne PM4040 excels in terms of audio detail and clarity. It is perfect for most desktop monitoring and casual listening sessions. You can go for Sonodyne PM50 to experience detailed sound with each distinctly audible note. It is an ideal choice for serious audiophiles, in-home or project studios, and for tracking and mixing.