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M-Audio Forty Eighty specifications and in-depth review

M-Audio Forty Eighty

Manufacturer: M-Audio

The M-Audio Forty Eighty is a pair of active, two-way bookshelf speakers designed for home audio use. Built around a bass reflex enclosure, the system accepts a range of audio inputs including RCA, TRS, and Bluetooth, making it reasonably flexible for different source devices. Each speaker weighs 10 kg, and the pair is supported by a dedicated smartphone app for additional control. A subwoofer output port is also present for those who want to extend the low-end response.

On the technical side, the Forty Eighty covers a frequency range from 32 Hz up to 22,000 Hz, driven by an 8″ woofer and a 1.25″ tweeter per cabinet. The combined system delivers 150W of audio power, and wireless connectivity runs on Bluetooth 5.3. Each enclosure measures 254 mm wide, 381 mm tall, and 292 mm deep. The warranty period is one year, and the speakers are not designed for wall mounting.

Pros
  • Includes a subwoofer output port, allowing the low-end response to be extended with an external sub
  • Bluetooth 5.3 support enables wireless audio streaming without relying on older, less stable versions of the protocol
  • A dedicated smartphone app provides software-based control as an alternative to physical adjustments
  • Accepts three types of audio input — RCA, TRS (6.5mm), and Bluetooth — covering a range of common source connections
  • The frequency range extends down to 32 Hz, reaching into the lower bass region for a bookshelf form factor
  • Each cabinet has a clearly defined physical footprint at 254 x 381 x 292 mm, making placement planning straightforward
Cons
  • No remote control is included, requiring physical or app-based interaction for adjustments
  • The speakers are not wall-mountable, limiting placement options to surfaces and stands only
  • At 10 kg per unit, the individual cabinet weight may make repositioning cumbersome
  • The warranty period covers only one year, which is relatively short for a home audio product of this size
  • The 1.25-inch tweeter is on the smaller side for a speaker with an 8-inch woofer, which may affect high-frequency dispersion
Who is this for?

This speaker system is well-suited to home listeners who want a full-range bookshelf setup with flexible source connectivity, given its support for RCA, TRS, and Bluetooth 5.3 inputs. The inclusion of a subwoofer output port makes it a practical choice for those who plan to build out a more complete audio system over time, while the dedicated smartphone app appeals to users who prefer managing playback and settings digitally rather than through physical controls. The frequency range reaching down to 32 Hz also makes it a reasonable fit for listeners who value bass presence without committing to a standalone subwoofer immediately.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need wall-mounted speaker placement will find this system unsuitable, as it does not support that installation method. At 10 kg per cabinet, it is also a poor fit for anyone who needs to move or reposition their speakers frequently. Those who prefer remote control operation from a distance will find the lack of any included remote inconvenient, and the one-year warranty period may not satisfy buyers who expect longer manufacturer coverage for a product of this size and weight.

General info:

Speaker type Active
Driver layout 2-way
Form factor Bookshelf
Audio inputs RCA, TRS (6.5mm), Bluetooth
Enclosure type Bass reflex (ported)
Weight 10 & 10 kg
are wall-mountable ✕
volume 28258.008 cm³
width 254 mm
height 381 mm
thickness 292 mm
warranty period 1 years

The M-Audio Forty Eighty is an active, two-way bookshelf speaker system built around a bass reflex (ported) enclosure, with each unit weighing 10 kg and measuring 254 mm wide, 381 mm tall, and 292 mm deep — giving a total volume of around 28,258 cm³. For connectivity, the speakers support RCA, TRS (6.5mm), and Bluetooth inputs, accommodating a variety of audio sources. The speakers are not wall-mountable, and the product comes with a one-year warranty.

Specifications:

Tweeter size 1.25"
Main driver/woofer size 8"
lowest frequency 32 Hz
highest frequency 22000 Hz
audio system power 150W

The speaker system runs on a 150W total audio power output and uses a two-driver setup consisting of an 8″ woofer and a 1.25″ tweeter. Together, these drivers cover a frequency range from 32 Hz to 22,000 Hz, spanning from the lower bass region through the upper limits of typical human hearing.

Features:

has a sub output port ✓
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✓
has a remote control ✕
has a rechargeable remote control ✕
Bluetooth version 5.3

The Forty Eighty includes a subwoofer output port for connecting an external sub, and wireless audio is handled via Bluetooth 5.3. A dedicated smartphone app is also supported, adding a software-based control option. The speakers do not come with a remote control of any kind, whether standard or rechargeable.

Final Verdict

The M-Audio Forty Eighty presents itself as a capable active bookshelf speaker system for home audio use, built around a practical combination of wired and wireless connectivity and a frequency range that reaches down to 32 Hz. Its Bluetooth 5.3 support alongside a dedicated smartphone app and subwoofer output port gives it enough flexibility to serve as either a standalone listening setup or the foundation of a more expanded system. That said, the absence of a remote control, the non-wall-mountable design, and the relatively short warranty period are real constraints that buyers should factor into their decision. For users setting up a fixed, surface-based home audio system who value input variety and app-based control, the Forty Eighty covers the essentials competently — though those with more demanding installation or operational requirements may find its feature set limiting.