Presonus Eris e4.5 1st Gen Monitor Speakers
The PreSonus Eris E4.5 (Generation 1) speakers are popular, highly affordable active studio monitors engineered for entry-level music production, video editing, and multimedia use. Introduced as part of the original Eris series, they are highly regarded for packing professional acoustic tuning controls into a compact desktop design.
Specifications
Amplification: 50W total Class AB power (25W per side distributed from the active left speaker).
Drivers: 4.5-inch woven composite low-frequency transducer and a 1-inch ultra-low-mass silk-dome tweeter.
Frequency Response: 70 Hz to 20 kHz.
Maximum SPL: 100 dB peak at 1 metre.
Input & Connectivity Options
The active unit serves as the main hub, feeding the passive right speaker via standard bare speaker wire connections:
Rear Inputs: Dual 1/4-inch balanced TRS jacks and dual unbalanced RCA inputs.
Front Panel Controls: A 1/8-inch auxiliary input for mobile devices, a 1/8-inch headphone jack, a power switch, and a master volume knob.
Acoustic Tuning Matrix
What sets the Gen 1 Eris monitors apart from standard computer speakers is the extensive onboard tone-shaping room correction matrix found on the rear panel:
High Frequency Control: Continuous adjustment knob (±6 dB shelving above 4.5 kHz).
Mid Frequency Control: Continuous adjustment knob (±6 dB peak centered at 1 kHz).
Low Cutoff Switch: A flat setting, 80 Hz roll-off, or 100 Hz roll-off (ideal when adding an external subwoofer).
Acoustic Space Switch: Flat, -2 dB, or -4 dB attenuation below 800 Hz to cancel out the low-end bass build-up that happens when placing speakers against flat walls or inside corners.
Performance Profile
Strengths: They offer a relatively flat, transparent mid-range and bright, crisp highs that make it easy to spot flaws in a vocal or dialogue track. The wide sweet spot provides accurate stereo imaging across a standard computer desk layout.
Limitations: Due to the physical limitations of the 4.5-inch woofer, they roll off heavily below 70 Hz, meaning they cannot replicate sub-bass accurately for heavy electronic dance music or modern hip-hop production without a dedicated subwoofer.