The PMC 8-2 is a high-end active three-way midfield monitor for professional studios. The 8-2 speaker is the culmination of several years of research and development, fully loaded with all of the cutting-edge technology that puts PMC speakers in a class of their own. This PMC 8-2 review highlights some of the brand’s best technological innovations that put the 8-2 at the peak of monitoring.
Get Accurate Monitoring Every Time with the PMC 8-2 Active Monitors
The guiding philosophy behind all PMC products might be summed up as “do no harm.” The company has considered and addressed every facet of a studio loudspeaker, how its construction can color the sound, and made a concerted effort to minimize their monitors’ impact. With this in mind, the PMC 8-2 promises the highest possible sound quality and the least amount of coloration.
To quickly run down its specs, the PMC 8-2 is a three-way active monitor featuring two 8″ woofers, a 2″ midrange driver, and a 1″ tweeter. It’s all powered by 400W of Class D amplification; and of course, a lot of proprietary innovations are in the mix to deliver unparalleled clarity, definition, and utmost accuracy.
The Best Option for Mid-Sized & Large Rooms
Because of its size and classification, the PMC 8-2 thrives in medium to large spaces. It’s safe to say that it would simply be overkill in smaller rooms. At least part of the beauty of a monitor like this is that it goes all the way down to 25 Hz on its own, without a sub. Those frequencies need time to develop in a large space so as to not overwhelm the room completely.
That’s one part of the story, though; plain and simply, the 8-2 is just a big, loud, and proud speaker, and they weigh nearly 100 pounds apiece. A pair is also a significant investment, so it makes sense that it’s geared toward large, professional recording environments.
PMC 8-2 Review: What We Love
Bask in PMC’s Proprietary Bass-Loading Technology
A huge part of why speakers like the PMC 8-2 deliver their characteristic hi-fi, balanced, bass-rich sound is through how PMC loads their low-end drivers. They use a proprietary method which absorbs unwanted frequencies coming from the back of the speaker. Only the lowest frequencies pass through the front, so upper low-end and midrange is never lost in a fog. The result is excellent bass extension and clarity, as well as proper tonal balance at every volume.
Class D Amplification
The PMC 8-2 utilizes ICEPower amplifiers sending 400 watts to each of the drivers. Current generation ICEPower Class D amps run cool, are lightweight, and have a ton of power. They’re a perfect match for speakers like the 8-2, where every aspect has been meticulously developed.
Unmatched Depth, Clarity, & Imaging
That’s the PMC sound. In addition to design procedures and materials defining the 8-2’s signature sound, users have access to advanced onboard DSP to control a variety of parameters like crossover, EQ, driver protection, and more. The 8-2 can really be tuned to a room for optimal performance. That way you’re getting the stunning detail and clarity these monitors offer.
PMC speakers, including the 8-2, also have a super wide dispersion and thus a bigger sweet spot. It literally gives you more room at your desk to monitor accurately.
Advanced Transmission Line Cabinet
PMC’s own ATL technology is what’s behind their unique bass-loading. The transmission line situates the driver at the end of long and acoustically dampened “tunnel” inside the cabinet. The ATL is a complex balance of numerous parameters and variables; in order to achieve the incredible bass richness and balance PMC is known for, a lot of work goes into dialing in the cabinet.
Our Take: Reference-Grade Midfield Monitoring That Delivers Every Time
After a careful PMC 8-2 review, this is an impressive high-end monitor. Detailed and accurate monitoring is essential for critical mixing and mastering work, and there’s no doubt that PMC delivers in every respect. The 8-2 is a major investment for professional studios, but it would also be a wise one — it could very well be the only monitor you need.
