Gear Of The Year: Best monitors and headphones of 2020
One of the most fundamental parts of any studio is monitoring – these are the monitor speakers and headphones that won out this year.
WINNER: Adam Audio T8V
Price £518 pair
Contact Adam Audio
We were almost literally blown away by the oomph of these monitors. The low-end performance from their eight-inch woofers is as strong as that of many of ADAM Audio’s pricier competitors. Built for durability, the acoustically optimised cabinets sport a lovely bevelled front panel that aids smooth frequency response, another unusual feature for monitors of this price. The T8Vs have an accurate enough response to serve as the main monitors in many recording setups. Their cavernous soundstage, stringent detail and hefty bass punch make these a fitting recipient of our monitors of the year.
Highly commended: Austrian Audio Hi-X55
Price £250
Contact Austrian Audio
These pro-level headphones boast a generous soundstage, forensic detail and a comfortable fit, particularly important given that many of us now regularly spend hours mixing solely with cans. They’re lightweight too, with a foldable construction that makes them especially mobile.
Also nominated:
Check out all the Gear Of The Year 2020 here.
