The PreSonus Eris E3.5 is a desktop monitor that provides the perfect entry-level solution for musicians and engineers looking for a high-quality nearfield listening experience. As suggested by its name, this compact monitor features 3.5-inch Kevlar woofers with yellow foam surrounds, accurate silk dome tweeters with silk dome waveguides, and onboard amplifiers to power both speakers simultaneously.
It has three input options on the back: XLR/1/4″ TRS combo inputs on balanced 1/4″ TRS jacks respectively for connecting mics, guitars or keyboards; stereo RCA inputs; and an unbalanced stereo headphone output.
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 is an active studio monitor that features an adjustable high-frequency hump, providing the user with three separate EQ adjustments to optimize the listening experience for recording, playback and mixing. The low-frequency response is adjustable to 30Hz (-3dB) down to 13Hz (-12dB) ensuring ample bass for monitoring on this compact monitor.
- There is a newer model of this item available Gen 2 (2024) Eris 3.5
- The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit.
- Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- 3.5-inch woven composite drivers produce a more powerful bass response with a more accurate overall sound.
- 1" ultra-low-mass silk-dome tweeters eliminate harshness and provide balanced high-frequency sound.
Last update on 2024-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
Design and Structure:
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 is a compact active studio monitor that features a sleek design and a durable, lightweight build with an all-black finish. The top of the monitor features two rubber feet with textured black feet to provide users with some added grip during handling and transport.
Another feature not found on most monitors, such as this one, is the detachable gooseneck microphone stand that connects securely into the monitor’s rear panel for transportation and/or easy mounting on a table top. A 3-foot cord terminates at a standard 1/4″ TRS balanced jack.
Inputs and Outputs:
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 features three XLR/1/4″ TRS combo inputs, stereo RCA inputs, and an unbalanced stereo headphone output all on the rear panel. The input selection is conveniently labeled with LEDs that indicate which input is active or muted, as well as the polarity of the signal. Each input has a level control to adjust volume levels for each channel.
A second dedicated knob controls low-frequency response, whether or not the subwoofer is engaged or disengaged. Moving to the left side of the monitor are two screw terminals that are used for connecting an optional subwoofer enclosure separately purchased from PreSonus.
Specifications:
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 is a compact active studio monitor that features an adjustable high-frequency hump, providing the user with three separate EQ adjustments to optimize the listening experience for recording, playback and mixing. The low-frequency response is adjustable to 30Hz (-3dB) down to 13Hz (-12dB) ensuring ample bass for monitoring on this compact monitor.
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 features two 3.5-inch Kevlar woofers mounted on the front baffle of the monitor. The Kevlar woofers feature yellow foam surrounds, silk dome tweeters with silk dome waveguides, and onboard amplifiers to power both speakers simultaneously. The left and right sides of the monitor also feature two 1/8″ ports that can be used to connect an optional subwoofer separately purchased from PreSonus.
Features:
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 features two 3.5-inch Kevlar woofers mounted on the front baffle of the monitor. The Kevlar woofers feature yellow foam surrounds, silk dome tweeters with silk dome waveguides, and onboard amplifiers to power both speakers simultaneously. The left and right sides of the monitor also feature two 1/8″ ports that can be used to connect an optional subwoofer separately purchased from PreSonus.
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 features accurate silk dome tweeters with silk dome waveguides and a high-frequency adjustment knob. The tweeters and woofers feature yellow foam surrounds, and both speakers feature frequency response from 50Hz to 20kHz (-1dB).
Pros:
This monitor is compact, portable and durable.
Outputs are labeled with LED indicators to indicate which input is active or muted, as well as the polarity of the signal.
The high-frequency adjustment knob allows users to customize their listening experience to account for room acoustics or standing versus sitting while recording. The adjustment knob also provides the user with three settings: flat, +2dB for mild boost in highs, and +4dB for a noticeable boost in highs.
The left and right sides of the monitor also feature two 1/8″ ports that can be used to connect an optional subwoofer separately purchased from PreSonus.
Cons:
User reviews claim this studio monitor is highly sensitive to placement. The tweeters are said to have a slight high-frequency “hollowness” when placed near walls or corners.
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 lacks bass. This is most likely due to the fact that both speakers are powered by one amplifier, meaning that the woofer and tweeter are running at the same volume level without separate volume controls for each channel.
The input selection is inconvenient. Users must press a button above each input to switch from one input to the next. There is no illuminated input to indicate which input is active or muted. However, there are LED indicators to indicate which one is active and the polarity of a signal.
The screw terminals for connecting a subwoofer are located on the left side of the monitor, making it inconvenient for users who want to place their monitor together with their subwoofer.
Conclusion:
Based on the positive reviews, this monitor does seem to have some issues. However, it’s probably worth purchasing because of its portability and compact shape. It’s also great for conference rooms because they can fit onto a table without taking up too much space. It is lightweight so you can easily set it on the table or mount it on a wall for more flexibility in positioning.
FAQ:
Q: What is PreSonus Eris Eris?
A: PreSonus Eris E3.5 review: What is it? Smaller desktop monitors are now attempting to do it all: giving you enough quality for music production, but also handling your music listening and content creation needs. The PreSonus Eris E3.5 speakers on test here, could well tick the boxes for all of these uses and at an exceptional price.
Q: Which PreSonus should I buy?
A: The two top picks were the PreSonus Eris E3.5 and Edifier R1280T (review coming soon). I ordered them both and the Eris E3.5s were the first to arrive so this is what I will be covering today.
Q: Are Eris speakers any good?
A: The Eris E3.5 is lightweight and delivers excellent sound quality. The Class AB amplification system is also well-suited to handle intricate productions. You’ll be able to distinctly hear increases in volume without distortions. The frequency response is also solid at 80 Hz – 20 kHz.