French speaker makers Focal announced a new addition to their CMS range at the Musikmesse this year. The smallest monitor to carry those initials to date, the diminutive CMS40 boasts a frequency response of 60Hz to 28kHz (±3dB), and a maximum SPL (at one metre) of 97dB, which, given that its woofer is only four inches in diameter, is rather impressive!
The tweeter is the same aluminium/magnesium inverted‑dome model of its stablemates, and both the HF and LF drivers are powered by their own 25W Class‑AB amplifier. Focal say that the CMS40 was designed for use in smaller control rooms, as well as in broadcast environments, and that it is suitable for nearfield listening at distances as small as 40cm.
A demonstration in Frankfurt of the new monitors, including AB tests between the CMS40s, CMS65s and even the larger Focal Twins, showed that they are indeed capable of punching well above their weight, without sounding flabby or strained, even at higher listening levels.
Set to retail at £305 per speaker, including VAT, the Focal CMS40s are expected to be available from the beginning of June.
