Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
PMC8-2 XBD
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Type: Active 3-way nearfield reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading
- Drive Units: LF 2 x PMC 200mm (8") studio 8 drivers, MF PMC 55mm (2") soft dome mid-range, HF PMC 27mm (1") soft dome tweeter
- Effective ATL™ Length: 3m (9.8ft)
- Frequency Response: 25Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) (@1m full space, on-axis)
- Max continuous SPL: 113dB @1m
- Max Peak SPL: 125dB@1m
- Directivity: H +/-45 degrees V +/-50 degrees (-6dB off axis @10kHz)
- Amplifier Power: LF 2 x 400Wrms, MF 1 x 400Wrms, HF 1 x 400Wrms
- Dimensions: H 534mm (21") W 551mm (21.7") D 440mm (17.3")
- Weight: 39kg (86lbs) each
Description
PMC's twin cabinet format combines the PMC8-2 mid-field full-range monitor with the PMC8-2 SUB subwoofer, forming a perfectly integrated loudspeaker with the sub. Like the smaller active XBD systems, the PMC8-2 XBD configuration gains an impressive 6dB greater bass headroom than the main speaker alone.
PMC's twin cabinet format combines the PMC8-2 mid-field full-range monitor with the PMC8-2 SUB subwoofer, forming a perfectly integrated loudspeaker with the sub. Like the smaller active XBD systems, the PMC8-2 XBD configuration gains an impressive 6dB greater bass headroom than the main speaker alone. The XBD configuration delivers a supreme monitoring experience with a sense of boundless headroom and immediate visceral attack.
But these qualities aren´t about sheer volume; there´s no need to monitor at high level as the full dynamic range and depth of bass remains consistent at all listening levels and for everything from dance to full scale orchestral material. The XBD format delivers superlative and effortless full-range monitoring quality in modest to larger control rooms.
In an XBD configuration the audio input signal connects to the PMC8-2 monitor and is passed to the sub via the digital 'through' output. Once in the XBD mode the highly sophisticated DSP engines in each cabinet ensure perfect acoustic dovetailing of the two units creating an awesome performer with the option of further enhancements made with the intuitive SoundAlign™ web interface.
"3-way active, twin cabinet, mid-field reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading
Frequency response: 25Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis)
State-of-the-art Class-D amplifiers: HF 400W, MF 400W, LF 2 x 400W, SUB(XBD)...
But these qualities aren´t about sheer volume; there´s no need to monitor at high level as the full dynamic range and depth of bass remains consistent at all listening levels and for everything from dance to full scale orchestral material. The XBD format delivers superlative and effortless full-range monitoring quality in modest to larger control rooms.
In an XBD configuration the audio input signal connects to the PMC8-2 monitor and is passed to the sub via the digital 'through' output. Once in the XBD mode the highly sophisticated DSP engines in each cabinet ensure perfect acoustic dovetailing of the two units creating an awesome performer with the option of further enhancements made with the intuitive SoundAlign™ web interface.
"3-way active, twin cabinet, mid-field reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading
Frequency response: 25Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis)
State-of-the-art Class-D amplifiers: HF 400W, MF 400W, LF 2 x 400W, SUB(XBD)...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- PMC leverages its professional studio monitor expertise to create hifi speakers, resulting in accurate and detailed sound reproduction at home.
- The brand utilizes Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology in their speaker designs, producing tight, extended, and well-balanced bass.
- They pay significant attention to minimizing cabinet vibrations through decoupled designs, mass damping, and plinth stands to improve imaging and overall clarity.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Prodigy5:
- Positioning: A compact floor-standing speaker designed for versatility in various room sizes.
- Description: Offers a dynamic sound experience with its Advanced Transmission Line and twin Laminair vents, making it ideal for small to medium rooms. Compared to the larger models like the twenty5.26i, it provides a more affordable option without compromising on the clarity and depth of sound. Its compact design makes it suitable for those with limited space and a moderate budget, while still delivering a powerful audio performance.
Active twenty5.24i:
- Positioning:The largest two-way speaker in the active twenty5i series, designed for high-resolution audio.
- Description: This model combines active technology with PMC's ATL to deliver precise and dynamic sound, perfect for larger rooms. Unlike the passive models such as the Prodigy5, the active design allows for optimized internal amplification, providing a more integrated and space-efficient solution.
Prophecy9:
- Positioning: The flagship model of the Prophecy series, offering state-of-the-art performance.
- Description: Featuring PMC's LaminairX technology, delivers an expansive soundstage and deep bass, ideal for large rooms and high-end audio setups. It surpasses models like the twenty5.26i in terms of technological sophistication and sound dynamics.
Fenestria:
- Positioning: The top-of-the-range model in the Fact series, designed for the ultimate listening experience.
- Description: With vibration-cancelling design and advanced materials, offers exceptional sound purity. It stands out from other models like the Prophecy9 with its innovative cabinet and driver technologies, providing an immersive audio experience.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
65
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
58
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
57
Founding Year
1991
Our take on the brand
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
PMC
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Kii
Three BXT
31155
31155
/
6
Reviews
Elegant and powerful, our BXT turns any pair of Kii THREE into unrivaled floor-standing speakers.
Kii Audio's unique "Active Wave Focusing" technology creates a cardioid pattern that minimizes room reflections and directs sound energy forward, allowing their speakers to maintain consistent sound quality even when placed near walls or corners. Each Kii THREE speaker uses six custom Ncore amplifiers and multiple DACs with advanced DSP processing to deliver full-range sound from a compact design that outperforms much larger systems.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- When combined with the BXT module, the system delivers tight, dynamic, and nuanced bass reproduction
- The addition of the BXT allows the system to reveal subtle details in the lower frequencies that are typically missed
- The BXT system offers a balanced sound, with the midrange frequencies benefiting from the addition of the BXT module
- Are relieved of some bass duties, letting them focus more on the mids
- The combination with the BXT module creates a cardioid dispersion pattern, reducing reflections from side and rear walls—minimizing the influence of room acoustics
- Ease of use is another strength of the concept
Product Considerations
- Some perceive it as sounding 'too digital' or 'too analytical' on its own, lacking the warmth of other speakers, but the BXT module helps to address this
- The display on the Kii Control is considered small, making it difficult to read in poor lighting conditions
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus ATC speakers, ATC speakers have a warmer, more colorful sound
Takeaway: The system, especially when paired with the BXT module, delivers exceptional sound quality with deep, controlled bass and reduced room interaction. For those wanting a system with great clarity and power, this could be a good pick.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kii Audio's unique "Active Wave Focusing" technology creates a cardioid pattern that minimizes room reflections and directs sound energy forward, allowing their speakers to maintain consistent sound quality even when placed near walls or corners. Each Kii THREE speaker uses six custom Ncore amplifiers and multiple DACs with advanced DSP processing to deliver full-range sound from a compact design that outperforms much larger systems.
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What competes at this price?
PMC
PMC6-2 XBD
21000
/
Released
Adding a PMC8-2 SUB unit to a PMC6-2 monitor easily reconfigures them as PMC's renowned and flexible twin-cabinet format XBD monitor system. This system combines the PMC6-2's unrivalled clarity and resolution with an active sub to form a perfectly integrated full-range monitoring system that is ideal for all high-end music production.
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Extremely clear monitors, better for mixing and mastering than any other monitor besides other PMCs
- Sounds like mains, with a really big sound footprint, unusual for near-field or mid-field monitors
- Allows the user to make incredibly detailed, accurate decisions and be extremely happy with the results
- Inspiring and musical sound, which empowers the user as an engineer and producer
- The Sound Align software and graphic EQ works really well after a firmware update
Product Considerations
- Benefits significantly from AES input, analog input may require a very accurate converter to achieve similar quality
- Requires a very long break-in period
- Firmware updates may be needed to ensure optimal performance of Sound Align
- The Prism Lyra may not work well for AES monitoring
Takeaway: The PMC6-2 monitors are great for an engineer who wants to make detailed and accurate mix decisions, and they sound amazing. If you have AES, these could be the right monitors for your studio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Product Page
Product Page
ATC
SCM50
24499
/
Released
The SCM50 ASL (active) and SCM50 SL (passive) are designed to perform at their best in the recording studio or at home with the finest quality hi-fi equipment. The monitors' ability to reproduce music and speech with phenomenal accuracy, transparency and dynamics lies mainly in the SM75-150S soft dome midrange driver.
ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- ATC designs and builds every drive unit in-house, including voice coils, crossovers, and active amplification, allowing for complete control over every loudspeaker design decision
- In the active version, a more clearly defined soundstage has clearer, more well-defined individual elements, where everything pops out more from the background
- The active version has more energy, drive, and a more vivid overall presentation, resulting in a more tactile, energetic, and higher resolution sound
- The SCM50's woofer has an enviable ability to resolve textures and timbral colors, capably rendering the skins of bass drums, the flutter of tom-toms, or the dark voicing of orchestral bass viols as bows are dragged across their strings
- The SCM50 has an almost eerie immediacy that seems to glean the intent of the musician before their bow touches the string or a note escapes their lips, making piano reproduction breathtaking
- Connectivity is limited to a single XLR input, which may require adapters for single-ended sources
Product Considerations
- The active version is heavier than the passive version
- The owner must manually turn each speaker on and off, as there is no trigger or auto startup circuit
- The active version may pose challenges for owners of subwoofers needing high-level wiring connections, although workarounds exist
- Careful attention must be paid to positioning a pair of SCM50s, as the full-bandwidth—ported design means that placing them too close to a boundary wall will result in bass bloom
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SCM50 wins hands down over PureAudioProject Duet 15s for resolution, clarity, and dynamic shading
- The active version excels over the passive in solidity of soundstage, neutrality, and ultimate detail retrieval
Takeaway: The ATC SCM50 offers exceptional sound quality, whether in its active or passive configuration, thanks to ATC's engineering and in-house design. The ATC SCM50 is a choice that will bring musical joy for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
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