Revamping your home studio? This studio monitor is worth checking out!
The PreSonus Sceptre comes in two variants: The S8 (eight-inch woofer) and S6 (six-inch woofer). Both feature a coaxial design and 90W of Class-D amplifier power per driver.
That is the first thing everyone knows about the Sceptre S8, but…
- What else makes it so special?
- What’s all the hype for?
- And most importantly, is it the ideal studio monitor for you?
It’s time to find out in this comprehensive PreSonus Sceptre S8 Review!
Quick Overview of the PreSonus Sceptre S8
Features
Here is a quick look at the features worth checking out in the PreSonus Sceptre S8:
- The PreSonus Sceptre S8 boasts a DSP that provides adjustable control features for optimizing the monitors to match your listening space.
- These monitors have different acoustic tuning options, letting you tune the acoustic space setting and go from +1 dB to a -4dB on a high-frequency driver.
- It has a high pass filter that goes from linear down to 60Hz!
- Do you want WIDER sound and MORE detail? SHARPER stereo image? The Sceptre S8 has Temporal Equalization Technology from Fulcrum Acoustic for that!
- It also has RF SHIELDING to protect against radio frequencies induced into the signal and later become audible.
- It even has over-temperature protection to avoid overheating and current-output limiting. This, in turn, prevents short circuits on the speaker terminals.
Does it sound great yet? We’re just getting started!
Tech Specs
- FR (-3 dB) 46 Hz – 20 kHz
- FR (-10 dB) 38 Hz – 23 kHz
- Crossover Frequency 2.4 kHz
- LF Amplifier Power (@ 4Ω) 90W
- HF Amplifier Power (@ 4Ω) 90W
- Peak SPL (@ 1 meter) 116 dB
- Low Frequency Driver – 8 inches glass-reinforced paper
- High Frequency Driver – 1 inch diaphragm compression driver
- Input Impedance 10 kΩ
- Weight: 24.25 lbs. (11 kg)
- Balanced XLR and ¼-inch TRS line-level inputs with A-taper level control
Pros
- Universal translator
- Coaxial design gives superior stereo imaging
- New active integration chip Linux computer inside – which gets rid of unwanted frequencies and resonance
- Amazing clarity
- Very flat response in high frequencies
- Goes farther than other speakers of its size
- Bigger sweet spot
- Dispersion gives you an EXTREMELY WIDE, DETAILED stereo image
- Perfect precision across the entire range
Cons
- Some users report a slight hissing sound
- On the pricier side
- Power switch is at the rear (could be a little inconvenient)
Deep Dive into PreSonus Sceptre S8 Specs
PreSonus has always been determined to release quality products right from the start.
The company didn’t settle for anything less either when they decided to make studio monitors!
Great sound quality? Don’t most monitors boast of that?
PreSonus did not stop there! They teamed up with David Gunness, the R&D of Fulcrum Acoustic, a reputable name in the industry, to integrate the best music technology into their studio monitor.
The result is the PreSonus Sceptre S8.
The COMBINED EXCELLENCE of both hardware and software, bringing you only the BEST AUDIO QUALITY for your home studio.
And like we said earlier, this studio monitor is equipped with a DSP computer chip which controls:
- Time alignment
- Controls the phase
- Does a single point source
- Corrects deficiencies
- Does time correction
And as we all know, a flatter, more linear phase means better imaging and neutral or more balanced sound.
Just wait till you get this into your studio and have a listen.
You might want to throw away all your existing studio monitors. And then have a session of questioning yourself why it took you this long to bring the Sceptre S8 home.
(Just kidding, do not throw your old monitors away. It’s bad for the environment. Donate them to your enemy or music rival or something.)
Or invite your music producer friends over.
And wait for them to ask where they can buy their pair of Sceptre S8. Or hold back information and watch them burn with envy.
#1 Coaxial Speaker Design
You might also be asking:
How is the PreSonus Sceptre S8 different from the Eris? (the budget studio monitors also from PreSonus)
The obvious answer is that the PreSonus Sceptre S8 are coaxial speakers.
What’s so special about the coaxial design, you might ask?
Coaxial drivers enable sound from two different drivers to originate from 1 point source. This lets synchronous time arrival of low and high frequencies even when it is off-axis.
Then what separates it further than the existing coaxial design in the next studio monitor?
You will notice that there is very little shift in the Sceptre S8, as is typical of coaxial speakers.
#2 Temporal EQ
The Sceptre S8 uses a horn-loaded, high-frequency transducer. It has the HF power of a PA, making it sound like a PA.
So won’t the horns “Honk” or “Splash”?
No! Thanks to the genius of Fulcrum Acoustics, this combined with the Temporal Equalization smooths out the transient response using FIR filtering!
#3 Subwoofer
Do you have a subwoofer you’re planning to use these studio monitors with?
The PreSonus Sceptre S8 has an HP Filter to control the low-end response. This will let you set the crossover frequencies to blend with your subwoofer.
Otherwise, its linear setting is already impressive!
By the way, did I mention that the bass extension is so awesome it’s ALMOST like you have a subwoofer?
The bass response is just PERFECT!
What Is PreSonus Sceptre S8 Ideal For?
The PreSonus Sceptre S8 is your perfect match for your…
Home Studio Upgrade
The PreSonus Sceptre S8 is your soulmate if you’re a home studio producer who wants to upgrade your acoustic setting from the budget studio monitors you started with.
It’s not exactly for students or hobbyists who want to savor its beautiful sound (more on that later).
Larger Studio Space
These PreSonus Sceptre S8 monitors can EASILY be tailored to your small workspace, but they can also get loud for when you move your studio to the next level too.
The Sceptre S8 is an excellent studio monitor for someone just transitioning their music production from a hobby to a professional career.
It’s even got a sturdy build; it will last you that journey and more.
Professional Studio
Lastly, the PreSonus Sceptre S8 is competent enough for the pros in action. These are mid-range studio monitors, which means they are just right in the middle.
But also up to scratch in the bigger leagues! The sound is definitely way above a normal powered speaker.
They are the ultimate bang for the buck, and it will take you a long time before you want to trade them for more expensive monitors (if you will even want to do that)!
Questions You Should Ask Yourself:
- Are you serious about audio production?
- Are you willing to splurge to upgrade?
- Are you considering doing more professional work?
If your answer is YES to all three questions, then the Sceptre S8 is your true love!
Though take note, it’s not exactly for beginners.
You will want a more serious consideration before purchasing this studio monitor, with the level of quality it delivers and the higher price range it belongs to.
Why Should You Get a PreSonus Sceptre S8?
Allow me to tell you why the Sceptre S8 is good all around…
It has extraordinary separation and has an ALMOST PERFECT reproduction of the source track.
You will not be changing monitors for a long, long time.
- You’ll be more than satisfied with the sound quality.
- It’s durable and will last wherever your audio journey will take you.
The Sceptre S8 gives you honest sound quality.
- This studio monitor brings out your track’s natural character. It shows you how good or how bad your sounds are.
- Crystal clear, but through your ears. They sound so clear you will be able to hear EVERYTHING. Even the sounds that you had no idea were in there that you couldn’t hear before because you didn’t have a better studio monitor.
- Honest sound reproduction COULD NOT get any better.
You don’t need anything else. Just a well-treated room of any reasonable size!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Sceptre S8 be used for both nearfield and midfield monitoring?
Yes, the Sceptre S8 can be used for both nearfield and midfield monitoring.
It has a wide frequency response and high SPL, making it suitable for various monitoring applications.
Does the Sceptre S8 have any protection against radio frequency interference?
Yes, the Sceptre S8 features RF shielding to protect against radio frequencies induced into the signal and later become audible.
What is the maximum SPL that the Sceptre S8 can handle?
The Sceptre S8 can handle a peak SPL of 116 dB @ 1 meter.
Can the Sceptre S8 be used for both stereo and surround sound mixing?
Yes, the Sceptre S8 can be used for both stereo and surround sound mixing, thanks to its coaxial design and wide frequency response.
The Sceptre S8 provides a wide, detailed stereo image that allows for precise mixing and mastering.
PreSonus Sceptre S8 Alternatives
Despite all its greatness and the wide consumer range, it’s targeted to, the Sceptre S8 isn’t the ideal option for everyone.
And if that’s you, here are some suggestions that I personally hand-picked!
For the Slightly Smaller Studio Space: PreSonus Sceptre S6
Specs
- FR (-3 dB) 52 Hz – 20 kHz
- FR (-10 dB)42 Hz – 23 kHz
- CF 2.2 kHz
- LF Amplifier Power (@ 4Ω)90W
- HF Amplifier Power (@ 4Ω)90W
- Peak SPL (@ 1 meter)109 dB
- LF Driver 6.5 inches glass-reinforced paper
- HF Driver 1 inch diaphragm compression driver
- Input Impedance10 kΩ
- Inputs: 1- Balanced XLR and 1- Balanced ¼ inch TRS
- Weight: 18.8 lbs (8.53 kg)
Maybe you are only upgrading your gear, not your actual studio. Or maybe your work studio still would not be that large.
Why spend all your money on the Sceptre S8 when you can go for the S6?
Aside from its LF driver size, price difference, and overall frequency response, there are only a few subtle differences between the two. We promise you will barely notice them.
You still get all the best features you loved the S8 for. That pure, deep bass response in high and low frequencies. The temperature protection. That superb clarity.
And basically, EVERYTHING ELSE that makes the Sceptre series exceptional!
For the Less Likely Studio Environment: PreSonus Eris Series
Still out of your budget? Not looking into serious music production?
Here’s the more economical and traditional option: The PreSonus Eris Series
PreSonus Eris 5
Specs
- FR 53 Hz – 22 kHz
- Crossover Frequency 3 kHz
- LF Amplifier Power 45 W
- HF Amplifier Power 35 W
- Peak SPL (@ 1 meter) 102 dB
- Low Frequency Driver 5.25 inches Kevlar woofer
- HF Driver 1 inch silk dome tweeter
- Input Impedance 10 kΩ
- Inputs: 1- Balanced XLR, 1- Balanced ¼” TRS, 1- Unbalanced RCA
- Weight: 10.2 lbs (4.63 kg)
THE perfect budget studio monitor.
Ideal for home studios, students, and hobbyists. A great starter that brings you a balanced sound and that great PreSonus audio quality without making a hole in your wallet.
PreSonus Eris 8
Specs
- FR 35 Hz – 22 kHz
- CF 2.2 kHz
- LF Amplifier Power 75W
- HF Amplifier Power 65W
- Peak SPL (@ 1 meter) 105 dB
- LF Driver 8 inches Kevlar woofer
- HF Driver 1.25 inch silk dome
- Input Impedance 10 kΩ
- Inputs: 1- Balanced XLR, 1- Balanced ¼ inch TRS, 1- Unbalanced RCA
- Weight: 22.2 lbs (10.07 kg)
Excellent if you like the PreSonus Eris 5 specs already but have a larger acoustic space to fill the sound with!
For Everyone Else: Yamaha HS5
Specs
- 5-inch woofer
- 1-inch soft-dome tweeter
- 45 watts amplifier for the woofer
- 25 watts amplifier for the tweeter
- FR rate of 54Hz – 30kHz
- Continuous variable level control
- Inputs: XLR and 1/4 inch TRS phone jack
- Weight: 12 lbs.
Yamaha will always be up to scratch from students and hobbyists to professionals. It’s got excellent and the FLATTEST sound quality.
It works well in UNTREATED rooms and reduces noise up to 6dB!
It is also a budget monitor, in case you were wondering.
The only downside is that you will most likely need a subwoofer. But of course, even that will depend on the kind of sounds you produce.
Check out how it compares to Yamaha HS8 and other Yamaha studio monitors.
Final Thoughts
PreSonus Sceptre S8 is DEFINITELY worth considering for your studio upgrade.
I hope this helped you in your journey in figuring out if the PreSonus Sceptre S8 is the one destined for you.
Get in touch with your local music store now and start marveling at the beauty of the Sceptre S8!
If you want to check out other studio monitors, check out this buying guide on the Best Studio Monitors Under 500!
If not, I hope you find your soulmate in the top alternatives I listed above.
