At the AES Convention in New York earlier today, we took a closer look at Barefoot Audio’s new MicroMain26 active monitor. based on the very well-received MicroMain27 Gen2.
As Thomas Barefoot explains in the above video, the Barefoot Sound MM26 picks up where its predecessor left off and pushes the performance even further. With 6 drive units housed in a sealed enclosure, the MM26 is designed to deliver low distortion, a huge dynamic range and ultra-fast transient response between 30Hz and 45kHz. Starting with Barefoot's famous ring radiator, which ensures superior resolution of the high frequencies with super wide dispersion and followed by a 2.5-inch aluminium cone midrange housed in a 3D printed waveguide enclosure. The midrange driver also sports the latest in distortion reduction technology such as aerodynamic aluminium basket frame, copper shorting rings and a theoretical “perfect piston” behaviour all the way up to 2.5 octaves above its actual highest frequency range. All of this is to ensure a transparent, detailed and present midrange, according to Barefoot. The two 5.25-inch woofers deliver the same upper bass and lower midrange detail as the MM27 that far surpasses their size. Finally the MM26 feature the impressive Dual-Force 10" subwoofer that provides incredible low-end performance.
The MM26 also features the same amplifier, DSP and MEME technology as found in its siblings delivering the superb sound that has made the MicroMain27 and MiniMain12 so popular. The cabinet stands on two 3D sculpted legs which are made of a nylon-aluminium composite filled with a vibration-damping compound. Barefoot are saying the MM26 is “possibly the most technologically advanced studio speaker built today.”
The Barefoot MicroMain26 is available to order in the UK from KMR Audio (£9600 inc VAT/$12,500) with the first shipment scheduled in the first quarter of 2016.
