When looking for the best-powered studio monitor, the two names you will often come across are the Edifier MR4 and PreSonus Eris 3.5.
Sitting pretty close on the pricing scale, the PreSonus Eris 3.5 at $99 and the PreSonus Edifier MR4 at $129.99. With both speakers having almost the same build and design, though different features, which one should you get?
This article ends the ongoing sound battle of PreSonus Eris 3.5 vs. Edifier MR4- which one should you choose?
PreSonus Eris 3.5 vs. Edifier MR4 – Detailed Comparison
Not just the price point; a lot comes into consideration when deciding on a speaker. PreSonus Eris 3.5 vs. Edifier MR4- you will only succeed in deciding on one speaker if you make a side-by-side comparison.
This section compares the detailed comparison of both speakers.
Speaker Type
Both Eris 3.6 and MR4 are studio monitors.
Studio monitors, as you know, are loudspeakers designed to produce a flat frequency response for more transparent, purer, and more accurate sound mixing.
The PreSonus Eris 3.5 features a 3.5-inch woven composite low-frequency woofer and a 1-inch silk-dome high-frequency tweeter, making it a two-way studio monitor.
The MR4 is also a two-speaker featuring a 1-inch silk dome tweeter but a 4-inch woofer.
The 3.5-inch of PreSonus and 4-inch Edifier MR4 woofers are designed to deliver tight and controlled bass, while the 1-inch silk-dome high-frequency tweeter produces smooth and detailed highs. This two-way design allows for a more accurate and balanced sound reproduction, making it suitable for critical listening and professional audio work.
Both studio monitors utilize quality materials for their drivers, with the PreSonus Eris 3.5 utilizing a woven composite material for its woofer and the Edifier MR4 employing an aluminum cone for its woofer. These materials are chosen for their stiffness and ability to reproduce accurate sound with minimal distortion.
Mounting Type
Mounting is another important factor when choosing a speaker. It allows you how to set up your studio monitors.
And as far as both PreSonus Eris 3.5 and Edifier MR4 are concerned, both offer versatile mounting options.
Speaking of PreSonus, it comes with a standard ¼” threaded mount on the bottom of the monitor that allows easy installation tripod speaker stand. As an example and how to mount, you can check this mounting stand. It also features a rear-firing bass port that allows for near-wall placement without affecting the bass response. The same port is also available on the Edifier MR4.
Now along with the rear-firing port, the edifier MR4 also features a built-in tilt mechanism. This allows you to be tilted at a slight upward angle, which is aimed at optimizing the listening experience when the monitors are placed on a desktop or near-field listening environment. The built-in tilt mechanism eliminates the need for additional stands or mounts, making it a convenient option for desktop setups.
Now you have different mounting options, and based on your setup and room environment, you can prefer one over the other.
Design & Build Quality:
One of the features where both look very similar is their design and build quality. The build quality of both monitors is solid and reliable, with attention to detail in their construction.
The PreSonus Eris 3.5 features a compact and functional design, making it suitable for small recording studios, home studios, or multimedia applications.
It has a black vinyl-laminated MDF cabinet construction that provides durability and resonance control. The front panel of the monitor is clean and minimalist, with a subtle PreSonus logo, a power switch, and a gain control knob for adjusting the input level. The rear panel houses the inputs, outputs, and controls, including balanced 1/4-inch TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs, an output for connecting an optional subwoofer, and an acoustic space switch for adjusting the low-frequency response based on the monitor’s placement.
The overall design of the PreSonus Eris 3.5 is sleek and professional, with a focus on functionality and ease of use.
On the other hand, the Edifier MR4 features a unique and eye-catching “eagle eye” shape, which sets it apart in terms of aesthetics. The wooden cabinet construction gives it a premium and natural look, with a matte finish that adds to its visual appeal.
The curved front panel houses the drivers, and it also includes a power switch, volume control knob, and a headphone jack for convenient access. The rear panel of the Edifier MR4 features RCA and auxiliary inputs for versatile connectivity options, as well as tone control knobs for adjusting bass and treble. The Edifier MR4 also comes with a wireless remote control, allowing for easy volume adjustment from a distance. The design of the Edifier MR4 is unique, stylish, and geared towards a modern aesthetic.
Connectivity Options:
You must avoid using single connectivity mode, i.e., HDMI or USB. A speaker with versatile connectivity modes conveniently connects the speaker with the devices of your choice.
PreSonus Edifier MR4 supports the following modes;
- TRS balanced Input: A ¼ inches connectivity port for mixers, interface, and audio production devices.
- Headphone output: A standard port for connecting headphones.
- AUX unbalanced input: 9/64 inches port for tablets and mobile phones.
- RCA unbalanced input: This port is for desktop computers, personal music players, and CD players.
PreSonus Eris 3.5 supports the following connectivity options;
- UX unbalanced input: 9/64 inches port for smartphones and tablets.
- TRS balanced Input: A ¼ inches port for interfaces, audio production devices, and mixers.
Frequency Response:
Frequency response indicates how efficiently a speaker will reproduce the range of sound. The hearing capacity of humans is between 20-20,000 Hz. Most speakers produce a frequency response of 20-200 Hz.
PreSonus Edifier MR4 supports a frequency response of 60-20k Hz with a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥85dBA. The overall sound performance of this frequency range is satisfying. However, it lacks deep cinematic bass output.
PreSonus Eris 3.5 supports a frequency response of 80-20k Hz with a maximum sound pressure (SPL) of 100 dB. The speaker’s acoustic profile is more precise and natural, with an even sound distribution. Nevertheless, the deep bass response of this speaker is shallow.
Overall Sound Quality Performance:
For the price, both Eris 3.5 and Edifier MR4 perform exceptionally well. They are capable of competing with the more expensive studio monitors. In terms of accuracy and detailed sound production, both do a good job.
The sound is a subjective matter means if I like how Presonus sound, you might find Edifier MR4 more appealing. So along with providing the necessary number and discussing both speaker specs and how they sound, I also attached a source where the sound of both studio monitors is played on different tracks. You can watch and listen by yourself and can have a better idea of which sound is more to your liking.
I love Eidifer MR4.
Starting with the PreSonus features a 3.5-inch woven composite low-frequency driver and a 1-inch ultra-low-mass silk-dome high-frequency tweeter powered by a Class AB bi-amplification system with 25 watts per speaker (50 watts total).
This combination of drivers and amplification delivers a balanced and transparent sound across the frequency spectrum. The Eris 3.5 has a frequency response range of 80 Hz – 20 kHz, making it suitable for a wide range of audio applications.
It offers a tight and controlled bass response, clear midrange, and detailed high frequencies, allowing for precise monitoring and accurate audio mixing. The Eris 3.5 also features acoustic tuning controls on the rear panel, including an acoustic space switch for adjusting the low-frequency response based on the monitor’s placement in the room and a high-pass filter to roll off the low frequencies if needed.
On the other hand, the Edifier MR4 also delivers a balanced and detailed sound performance. It features a 4-inch aluminum cone woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter powered by a Class D amplifier with 12 watts per speaker (24 watts total).
The MR4 has a frequency response range of 60 Hz – 20 kHz, providing a slightly extended low-frequency response compared to the PreSonus Eris 3.5.
The MR4 offers a warm and smooth sound signature with a tight and punchy bass response, clear midrange, and crisp highs. It provides a well-defined stereo image and accurate sound reproduction, making it suitable for audio production, multimedia, and gaming applications. The MR4 also includes tone control knobs on the rear panel for adjusting bass and treble to suit personal preferences or room acoustics.
Ease of Control:
Let’s summarize the comparison section with this last factor. Users often need help with products that are challenging to operate. The more user-friendly the speaker- the more customers will be attracted.
PreSonus Edifier MR4 features control knobs; one is on the front panel for volume adjustment, and the other is on the rear panel for frequency adjustment. AUX and headphone connecting ports are also on the front panel for easy use. The speaker has an easy-to-operate interface.
PreSonus Eris 3.5 features a power ON/OFF button and volume adjustment knob on the front panel. The knob is handy to operate and is ergonomic in design. You have a frequency adjuster and other connectivity ports on the back panel.
Our Pick:
Edifier MR4 and Presonus Eris 3.5 are both excellent studio monitors in the budget category. There are no exceptional differences that make one better option than the other in terms of design, build quality, controls, mounting, and connectivity options. As far as the performance and the sound quality go, both doing very well in their domains and offer great value for money. However, when it comes to choosing the one, we will go with Edifier MR4.
In the sound category, Edifier MR4 is clearly the winner. The soundstages and imaging are very, very good. Although it is near field speakers, that means they are meant to be listening in close proximity. Still, their soundstages and imaging are impressive. Additionally, they sound a lot clearer and deeper. On the other hand, the Presonus Eris 3.5mm sounds hollow and lacks the bass for every music we tested.
In short, the Edifier MR4 is the clearly better speaker for us as they sound a lot better compared to Presonus Eris 3.5mm despite the same size.