Kali Audio IN-5: Affordable Active speakers unveiled

The Kali Audio IN-5 is a three-way active monitor designed for mixing, production, and control room...

Kali Audio IN-5
Kali Audio IN-5

Kali Audio, founded in 2018 in Burbank, California, specializes in producing studio monitor speakers. The company is based near Hollywood, a renowned hub for music and entertainment production.

One of their latest releases is the Kali Audio IN-5, a three-way active monitor designed for mixing, production, and control room environments. It features a 5-inch woofer, along with a coaxial driver that includes a 4-inch midrange and a 1-inch tweeter.

These monitors deliver ultra-transparent sound, allowing for precise mix detail. The coaxial design eliminates off-axis distortion, providing an accurate and vivid stereo image. With low distortion and a surprising low-frequency extension for its 5-inch woofer, the IN-5 stands out for clarity.

Kali Audio IN-5
Kali Audio IN-5

The built-in Class D amplifier powers the speaker with 40W each for the tweeter and midrange, and 80W for the woofer. Connectivity options include balanced XLR and TRS inputs, as well as an RCA input. Their compact size and mounting options make them ideal for small studios or even home setups, suitable for near-field listening.

Kali Audio equips the IN-5 with versatile EQ settings, allowing users to fine-tune their sound based on placement and room acoustics. The speaker comes in black or white, with a sturdy MDF cabinet and a glossy, reinforced plastic baffle on the front. A front-facing port not only enhances the design but also facilitates wall mounting.

With a frequency range extending down to 39 Hz, these monitors offer detailed sound at listening distances from 0.5 to 3 meters. The IN-5 behaves as a point-source speaker, producing a cohesive sound field with a deep and open spatial image. Its midrange driver uses a special suspension design for improved transient response.

Kali Audio IN-5 back panel
Kali Audio IN-5 back panel

Users can easily pair the IN-5 with a preamp and a laptop for a complete sound system. The speakers allow independent volume control for left and right channels and feature boundary EQ adjustments via microswitches, with graphical guides for various configurations.

In terms of performance, the IN-5 has a frequency response from 39Hz to 25kHz, with crossover points at 280Hz and 2.8kHz. It can reach a maximum sound pressure level of 115 dB, and its dimensions are 282x382x206 mm (WxHxD). These monitors provide a three-dimensional soundstage, even in smaller spaces, and excel in both professional and musical applications.