Elevating Home Theater & Audiophile Recording Spaces with Focal Studio Monitors
An Audiophile-Grade Studio Monitor That's At Home - In Your Home
Coming from a pro audio background, I know studio monitors (I have two pairs in my home studio). Here's the thing - my studio monitors are superb for mixing applications but I wouldn't necessarily use them for listening to music on a regular basis. Most studio monitors are tuned for the specific purpose of helping provide studio engineers with accurate and reliable audio reproduction in a professional recording, mixing, or mastering environment. They're often tuned to be incredibly neutral, flat, and uncolored. This is great if you want to hear the source audio accurately and consistently. However, it can create some rather dry and uninspiring listening sessions for long periods of time if you want to just sit back and enjoy the music. This is the primary reason why the industry classifies studio monitors and bookshelf speakers separately. Apart from their ergonomics, they also provide very different listening experiences.
That being said, throughout my career as an audiophile I have only found one exception to that rule: Focal Shape. The Focal Shape is built for audiophiles and music professionals alike and is the only speaker that brings these two passions together in one package.
Focal (Focal Naim America), a renowned name in both professional audio and high-end home audio, has consistently delivered exceptional speaker designs that cater to the discerning ears of audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. What sets the Focal Shape line apart is its unique ability to excel in both professional and personal audio contexts. Whether you're a mixing engineer seeking a reliable reference for your studio work or an audiophile in search of a speaker that can convey the nuances and emotions of your favorite recordings, the Shape series delivers on all fronts. The monitors' compact footprint belies their impressive sonic capabilities, making them an ideal choice for those who demand top-tier audio performance without compromising on space. The Shape series combines Focal's acclaimed drivers, meticulously designed crossover networks, and precision cabinet construction to deliver a robust, full-range sound that sets a new standard for both monitors and bookshelf loudspeakers. With their ability to reproduce music with unparalleled accuracy and detail, these studio monitors provide a truly immersive listening experience that rivals the high-fidelity sound of very few renowned brands.
I've been consistently impressed by their accuracy, transparency, and musicality. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to transition seamlessly into a home audio setup, where they shine as exceptional bookshelf speakers for music listening. The Shape series is a rare find in the world of studio monitors, as it effortlessly bridges the gap between professional and audiophile-grade performance. If you're an audio enthusiast seeking a high-end solution for your home audio or home theater system, or a professional in need of a reliable and inspiring set of studio monitors, the Focal Shape series deserves your full attention. These bookshelf loudspeakers redefine what's possible in terms of sound quality, accuracy, and versatility, making them an investment that will undoubtedly elevate your listening experience to new heights. Join me as we explore the remarkable features and performance that make the Focal Shape lineup truly special in the world of hi-fi audio.
PROS
- Robust and dynamic sound, extended frequency response, excellent imaging.
- Superb price point.
CONS
Focal Shape Monitor Speaker Features:
- Professional-grade studio monitor design, optimized for accurate sound reproduction.
- Compact and space-saving enclosure, suitable for near-field monitoring in small to medium-sized rooms.
- High-quality drivers, including a 1-inch aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter and a 5-inch or 6.5-inch (depending on model) Polyglass cone woofer.
- Precise and detailed sound quality, with a focused and accurate midrange and an extended, controlled bass response.
- Neutral and transparent sound signature, ideal for critical music production and mixing tasks.
- Optimized crossover design for seamless driver integration and phase coherence.
- Front-firing bass port for extended low-frequency performance.
- Variety of models (Shape 40, Shape 50, Shape 65) to suit different room sizes and application needs.
- Versatile connectivity options, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.
- Optional wall-mounting or desktop stands for flexible placement.
- Exceptional value proposition for professional-grade studio monitors.
About Focal Speakers
What sets Focal apart is its unwavering commitment to producing speakers that embody the purest form of sound reproduction. Each speaker is meticulously designed and engineered with a deep understanding of acoustics and cutting-edge technology. Focal's speakers are crafted to faithfully reproduce music with precision, detail, and emotion, capturing the essence of the original recording with unparalleled accuracy. Focal's speaker lineup spans a wide range of products, from bookshelf speakers to floor-standing tower speakers/floorstanding speakers, from studio monitors to high-end reference speaker systems. They even have popular Bluetooth outdoor speakers. They even have popular outdoor speakers. car speakers, in-wall speakers, in-ceiling speakers, center channel speakers, coaxial speakers, floorstanding loudspeakers, high gloss, light wood, car audio - you want it, they have it.
Each series, whether it be the Focal Sopra, Focal Vestia, Focal Shape, Focal Kanta, or Focal Aria Evo X, is a testament to Focal's dedication to innovation and sonic excellence. The company's use of advanced materials such as Beryllium for tweeters, flax for cones, and their proprietary technologies like the Focal W sandwich cone, Infinite Horn Loading, and Tuned Mass Damping, further exemplify their commitment to pushing the boundaries of speaker design.
Focal Shape Monitors: An Overview
Designed to meet the needs of near field monitoring, the versatile Shape speakers are great for professional or home use, with remarkable acoustic transparency. Shape monitors combine an ingenuous design and numerous settings optimized for the acoustics of small listening rooms. They use passive radiators on the sides, which give incredible bass response in a small package. The lower mid-range and mid-range benefit from extreme neutrality, and without any masking effects, making equalization of these essential registers much easier. Finally, the tweeter efficiently reveals any hissing, and it’s also very precise on the very high end. Shape 65 is the reference in this line. Although it’s dedicated to near field monitoring, this monitor enables extraordinary monitoring quality, in the lowest to the highest frequencies. They are powered, so you don't need to spend extra on an amp. You just need a preamp or a source with a volume control.
Sound
Do not get these studio monitors confused with other bookshelf speaker models/lines from Focal like the Kanta, Sopra, Aria Evo X, or Vestia. Be sure to check out our Focal Bookshelf Speaker guide for more info on how these speaker models differ and compare sound-wise to the Shape monitor lineup. Whereas each bookshelf speaker has its own coloration based on the cabinet design, driver materials, driver arrangement, etc., the Shape monitor is designed to remove all coloration. providing the listener or sound engineer with a perfect reproduction of the audio that is being played back. You'll find plenty of details throughout the signature of the Shape, and from an analytical point of view, if you're an audiophile who loves a more detailed and crystal-clear presentation of your music, then you'll have a tendency to like the Shape monitor right off-the-bat.
In studio mixing applications it's incredibly important that the speakers remain neutral and deliver an accurate representation of what the recording sounds like. This makes the job easier for the sound engineer to carve out problematic frequencies within the recordings that might become exacerbated when more tracks are added to the mix. This means that it becomes vital when mixing down a song that the sound engineer (with the help of the artist and producer) makes sure that all the important aspects are heard, from instrumentation, to lead vocals, backing vocals, drums, percussion, orchestrations, etc. In a proper mixing session following the recordings, a mixing board with mechanical faders (the sliders on the mixing board that are able to move on their own), will constantly be moving throughout the song. It does this because the engineer is carving out the individual tracks, accounting for volume levels, the importance of the part at a certain time, and making sure that the arrangement is as the artist and producer intended.
From the point of view of the audiophile, accurate sound reproduction is key. From a purist's point of view, more audiophiles should probably have studio monitors in their homes to have the option to listen to their music with as neutral a presentation as possible. We oftentimes don't think about all the coloration that we might be imposing on our music with various types of gear, or try to balance out gear with warmer signatures by pairing them with more analytical ones. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is start from a place of neutrality and hear the music as it is.
- Precise placement of instruments and vocals - you can clearly pinpoint where each sound source is located.
- Depth and layering - the different elements of the music have a sense of depth and 3D placement within the soundstage.
- Stable and focused positioning - the placement of individual sounds does not wander or shift around.
- Expansive soundstage - the overall stereo image feels wide and spacious.
The Focal Shape monitors by nature of their excellent construction and sound design have superb imaging and spatial precision. Note that a large part of this presentation has to do with how you set them up and the placement of the speakers. Studio monitors by nature tend to be near-field, meaning that the optimum listening experience and position are going to occur a few feet from the target of the driver cones. As Drew said in his take at the beginning of the blog, one aspect where the Focal Shape monitors shine in a surprising way is that they sound great from a far-field perspective too. The dynamics and wide frequency response go a long way to filling up a good-sized room with sound. The side woofer also provides a substantial amount of bass response for a studio monitor, but if you're a bass head and like to feel the thump you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to the system if you plan on using it for a hi-fi setup for music listening.
Despite its neutral signature, there's a lot to love about the Focal Shape lineup if you're an audiophile. It's a more versatile speaker than most music lovers, audiophiles, and pro audio enthusiasts, will consider. I think the audiophile is the winner of the two, however, getting a monitor that works just as well as a high-end bookshelf speaker and does every genre on the planet justice with accuracy, imaging, and clarity.
by IDKHOW
by Choir of Clare College, Cambridge
by Brandi Carlile
by Dire Straits
Features
Oval-Shaped Cone Drivers: The Shape monitors feature Focal's proprietary oval-shaped cone drivers, which are designed to provide a more natural and balanced sound reproduction. The oval shape allows for a larger diaphragm surface area compared to traditional round drivers, resulting in improved low-frequency response and increased dynamic range.
Aluminum/Magnesium Inverted Dome Tweeters: The tweeters in the Shape monitors use an aluminum/magnesium alloy inverted dome design, which helps to deliver a smooth and extended high-frequency response. The inverted dome configuration provides better dispersion and a wider sweet spot, ensuring a consistent listening experience across the monitoring environment.
Flax Sandwich Cone Woofers: The woofers in the Shape monitors utilize Focal's proprietary Flax sandwich cone technology, which combines a flax fiber core with composite layers for a stiff and well-damped diaphragm. This design results in a natural and transparent midrange reproduction, with low coloration and excellent transient response.
Optimized Bass-Reflex Design: The Shape monitors feature a carefully engineered bass-reflex design, with the port placement and tuning optimized for accurate low-frequency reproduction. This bass-reflex design helps to extend the low-end response of the monitors while maintaining a tight and controlled bass performance.
Integrated Class AB Amplification: Each Shape monitor is equipped with an integrated Class AB amplifier, providing the necessary power and control for the drivers. The amplifiers are designed to work in synergy with the monitor's drivers, ensuring efficient and high-quality power delivery.
Acoustic Adjustment Controls: The Shape monitors offer various acoustic adjustment controls, such as high and low-frequency shelving filters, to help tailor the sound to the specific monitoring environment and personal preferences. These controls allow users to fine-tune the frequency response of the monitors to achieve the desired tonal balance.
Sleek and Compact Design: The Shape monitors feature a sleek and compact design, making them suitable for a wide range of studio and listening environments. The clean aesthetic and space-saving form factor allows the monitors to blend seamlessly into the workspace.
Comparisons: An Easy Option for A Complete Hi-Fi System
I think one of the biggest things to consider when comparing the Shape Monitor Speakers to the other Focal bookshelf speaker lines is the fact that the Shapes are active speakers. This means that they have their own integrated power supply and that you do not need to connect them to an external amplifier. You'll notice in the back of each Shape speaker that there is a jack for a power cable. Simply plug the speakers directly into the wall, connect your audio source, and you're good to go.
Studio monitors of this caliber are usually powered, offering a consistent and optimized power supply to the drivers. This makes them easier to set up and quicker to get audio coming out. In studio environments, you'll connect your monitors to the audio outputs on the computer or console, so what's being recorded in the system can be played back in real-time.
The fun, of course, is the fact that there are countless combinations out there to set up your own complete Hi-Fi system. It's just a matter of getting your music source and plugging it right into the Focal Shape monitors!
Dragon Cables
Why Dragon Cables?
You’ve heard the saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, right? Well, the same applies to your brand-new audiophile-grade headphones or other audio components. The weakest link, in this case, is your stock audio cable or the cheap interconnects the manufacturer threw in the box just to get you up and running. Why is the audio cable always an afterthought, when it’s just as important as the rest of your system? At Moon Audio, we use the purest and best raw materials in our cables to unveil your music. We believe that materials matter and your audio cables should have the same care and craftsmanship that manufacturers put into their audio components and headphones. Audio cables are ultimately the connection to your music. The fact remains that cabling is often considered the last priority to that of the main product and a means to cut down the overall production costs. It’s as simple as that. Dragon Cables elevate every note - as if you were hearing your favorite music for the very time.
Verdict
The Focal Shape lineup of studio monitors is a true standout in the world of high-end audio. These speakers, initially designed for professional studio use, transcend the typical confines of the control room and seamlessly integrate into the world of audiophile hi-fi systems. What makes the Shapes so special is Focal's unwavering commitment to sound quality and innovative driver technologies. The oval-shaped woofer cones, aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeters, and Flax sandwich bass drivers work in perfect harmony to deliver a stunningly natural, detailed, and dynamic sound signature. This level of refinement is immediately apparent, whether you're meticulously mixing a track or simply immersing yourself in your favorite albums.
For the studio engineer, the Shape monitors offer exceptional clarity, pinpoint imaging, and the kind of neutrality that's essential for critical monitoring. But the true magic happens when these speakers are liberated from the confines of the control room and integrated into a world-class hi-fi setup.
Paired with a high-quality source, the Shapes transform into captivating audiophile-grade loudspeakers. The spacious soundstage, effortless dynamics, and remarkably uncolored midrange reproduction make for a listening experience that will have even the most discerning audiophiles nodding in approval.
Whether you're a professional producer seeking the ultimate monitoring solution or a music lover craving a taste of true high-fidelity, the Focal Shape lineup is an absolute must-audition. These speakers expertly straddle the line between studio precision and audiophile enjoyment, delivering the best of both worlds in a sleek and compact package. Focal has truly raised the bar for what a studio monitor can achieve in the realm of high-end audio.
Featured Products
Related Videos
Best Headphone Cables for Focal Headphones
Best Headphones for Podcast & Video Editors
Focal Naim America: What Every Audiophile Should Know
Specifications
- Frequency response (+/-3dB): 60Hz - 35kHz
- Maximum SPL (musical signal): 102dB SPL (peak @ 1m)
- Inputs/Impedance: XLR: balanced 10kOhms; RCA: unbalanced 10kOhms with sensitivity compensation
- Midrange and low-frequency amplifier: 25W, class AB
- High-frequency amplifier: 25W, class AB
- Standby on: After approximately 30 minutes with no signal
- Standby off: Signal detection > 3 mV
- Voltages: 200-240V (T500mAL / 250V fuse) or 100-120V (T1.6AL / 250V fuse)
- Connection: IEC plug and detachable power cord
- High pass filter: Adjustable Full range / 80Hz
- Bass (0 - 250Hz): Adjustable, +/-6dB
- Midrange/bass (160Hz, Q=1): Adjustable, +/-3dB
- High (4.5 - 35kKz): Adjustable, +/-3dB
- Standby consumption: < 0.5W
- Woofer: 4" (10cm), Flax Cone
- Tweeter: 1" (25mm) 'M' profile Aluminum-Magnesium
- Cabinet Construction: 0.5" (12mm) MDF
- Dimensions with four rubber feed (HxWxD): 10.1 x 6.3 x 7.9", (257 x 161 x 200mm)
- Weight: 16.1lb (5kg)
- Frequency response (±3dB): 50Hz - 35kHz
- Maximum SPL (musical signal): 106dB SPL (peak @ 1m)
- Inputs/Impedance: XLR: balanced 10kOhms; RCA: unbalanced 10kOhms with sensitivity compensation
- Midrange and low-frequency amplifier: 60W, class AB
- High-frequency amplifier: 25W, class AB
- Standby on: After approximately 30 minutes with no signal
- Standby off: Signal detection > 3 mV
- Voltages: 200-240V (T500mAL / 250V fuse) or 100-120V (T1.6AL / 250V fuse)
- Connection: IEC plug and detachable power cord
- High pass filter: Adjustable Full range 45/60/90Hz
- Bass (0 - 250Hz): Adjustable, +/-6dB
- Midrange/bass (160Hz, Q=1): Adjustable, +/-3dB
- High (4.5 - 35kKz): Adjustable, +/-3dB
- Standby consumption: < 0.5W
- Woofer: 5" (13cm), Flax Cone
- Tweeter: 1" (25mm) 'M' profile Aluminum-Magnesium
- Cabinet Construction: 0.6" (15mm) MDF
- Dimensions with four rubber feed (HxWxD): 12.3 x 7.5 x 9.5", (312 x 191 x 242mm)
- Weight: 20.7lb (6.5kg)
- Frequency response (+/-3dB); 40Hz - 35kHz
- Maximum SPL (musical signal): 109dB SPL (peak @ 1m)
- Inputs/Impedance: XLR: balanced 10kOhms; RCA: unbalanced 10kOhms with sensitivity compensation
- Midrange and low-frequency amplifier: 80W, class AB
- High-frequency amplifier: 25W, class AB
- Standby on: After approximately 30 minutes with no signal
- Standby off: Signal detection > 3 mV
- Voltages: 220-240V (T1AL / 250V fuse) or 100-120V (T1.6AL / 250V fuse)
- Connection: IEC plug and detachable power cord
- High pass filter: Adjustable Full range 45/60/90Hz
- Bass (0 - 250Hz): Adjustable, +/-6dB
- Midrange/bass (160Hz, Q=1): Adjustable, +/-3dB
- High (4.5 - 35kKz): Adjustable, +/-3dB
- Standby consumption: < 0.5W
- Woofer: 6.5" (16.5cm), Flax Cone
- Tweeter: 1" (25mm) 'M' profile Aluminum-Magnesium
- Construction: 0.6" (15mm) MDF
- Dimensions with four rubber feed (HxWxD): 14 x 8.6 x 11.2", (355 x 218 x 285mm)
- Weight: 28.2lb (8.5kg)
- Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 40Hz - 35kHz
- Maximum SPL (musical signals): 110.5dB SPL (peak @ 1m)
- Inputs / Impedance: XLR: balanced 10 kOhms; RCA: unbalanced 10 kOhms with sensitivity compensation
- Mid-range and low-frequency amplifier: 2 x 80W, class AB
- High-frequency amplifier: 50W, class AB
- Standby on: Approximately 30 minutes with no signal
- Standby off: Signal detection > 3mV
- Voltages: 220-240V (fuse T2AL / 250V) or 100-120V (fuse T3.15AL / 250V)
- Connection: IEC connector and detachable power cable
- High-pass filter: Adjustable Full range 45/60/90Hz
- Settings Bass level (0 - 250Hz): Adjustable, +/-6 dB
- Settings Midrange/bass (160 Hz, Q=1): Adjustable, +/-3 dB
- Settings Treble level (4.5 - 35kHz): Adjustable, +/-3 dB
- Power consumption in standby: < 0.5W
- Woofers: 2 x 5" (13cm), Flax Cone woofers
- Tweeter: 1" (25mm) 'M'-shaped Aluminum/Magnesium
- Construction: 0.6" (15mm) MDF
- Dimensions including 4 rubber feet (HxLxD): 18.8 x 8.3 x 11", (478 x 211 x 279mm)
- Weight: 24lbs (11kg)
