PreSonus Eris E3.5: Mini Monitors for Desk and Studio
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
PreSonus Eris E3.5 and its successor Eris 3.5 2nd Gen: specs, connections and what an independent measurement reveals about these compact desktop monitors.
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 is one of the smallest monitors you can put on your desk as a DJ or producer: a 3.5-inch woofer, a 1-inch tweeter and 25 watts per side. PreSonus now sells it as the Eris 3.5 2nd Gen, with a new woofer made of woven glass fiber composite instead of Kevlar. Here you'll find what the manufacturer's specs promise and what an independent measurement says about them.
At a glance
- Two-way active monitor with 50 watts of Class AB amplification, i.e. 25 watts per side
- Frequency response according to PreSonus 80 Hz to 20 kHz, peak level 98 dB SPL at 1 meter
- Inputs: balanced 1/4-inch TRS, RCA and 1/8-inch stereo mini jack, plus a front headphone output
- The second generation replaces the Kevlar woofer of the original E3.5 with woven glass fiber composite
Built small, but with studio ambitions
PreSonus calls the Eris 3.5 "media reference monitors" and targets bedroom studios, video production and gaming setups. The amplifiers sit in the left speaker, and the right one connects via speaker wire. That keeps the desk setup simple.
The tweeter measures 1 inch. MusicRadar points out that many speakers of this size only use 0.75-inch tweeters. Two tone controls sit on the back: treble and bass can each be adjusted by ±6 dB, centered at 10 kHz and 100 Hz. That lets you compensate for a nearby wall or a reverberant room.
Eris 3.5 2nd Gen specifications
| Design | 2-way, active |
|---|---|
| Woofer | 3.5 inch, woven glass fiber composite |
| Tweeter | 1 inch, silk dome |
| Amplification | 50 W Class AB (25 W per side) |
| Frequency response | 80 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Peak SPL | 98 dB SPL (peak, 1 m) |
| Crossover frequency | 2.8 kHz |
| Inputs | 2 × balanced 1/4" TRS, 2 × RCA, 1 × 1/8" stereo |
| Input impedance | 10 kΩ |
| Cabinet | Vinyl-laminated MDF |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 21.0 × 14.1 × 16.4 cm |
| Power | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
There is also a power saver mode that engages after 40 minutes, plus protection against over-temperature, turn-on/off transients and RF interference. Plug headphones into the front and the speakers mute.
What the measurement shows
Erin's Audio Corner measured the second generation with a Klippel Near-Field Scanner and reached a harsh verdict: the frequency response is far from neutral, with the midrange sitting well below the treble.
"The midrange of this speaker is about 7-10dB below the high frequency."
— Erin's Audio Corner, measurement review of the Eris 3.5 2nd Gen
According to the same review, the second generation does better on compression and distortion than the first. And the response can be noticeably straightened out with an equalizer. MusicRadar, on the other hand, praised the wide, clear stereo image of the original E3.5 and noted as a drawback that you can't angle the speakers on your desk.
Who the Eris 3.5 suits
The data paints a clear picture: with 80 Hz as the lower limit, you won't fully hear the sub-bass of a techno kick drum. For previewing, edits, video editing and listening to music at your desk, the format fits. If you need more low end, PreSonus says you can add an Eris Sub 8BT for a 2.1 system. With Bluetooth 5.0, the model is also available as the Eris 3.5BT.
It's worth comparing: the JBL One Series 104 plays in the same size class. And if you're planning your first setup, our overview DJ setup for under €500 will help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Eris E3.5 and the Eris 3.5 2nd Gen?
The original E3.5 uses a Kevlar woofer, the 2nd Gen one made of woven glass fiber composite. According to Erin's Audio Corner, the second generation has better compression and distortion results.
Does the Eris 3.5 have an XLR input?
No. You connect it via balanced 1/4-inch TRS, RCA or the 1/8-inch mini jack on the front.
How low does the Eris 3.5 go?
PreSonus specifies a frequency response of 80 Hz to 20 kHz. For more bass, the manufacturer recommends the Eris Sub 8BT subwoofer.
Source: PreSonus, MusicRadar, Erin's Audio Corner
