Studio monitors are in big part a matter of personal taste, but the KRK Systems Rokits have always had their solid spot amongst the popular choices of entry-level audiophiles, producers, and DJs.
The KRK RP5 Rokit G4 monitors are sure to have a look going for them – you will easily recognize the black and yellow speakers from many studio setups and online videos.
Quite recently, KRK updated their renowned Rokit G4 powered studio monitor line of near-field studio monitors with a complete tech overhaul and a brand new scientifically designed speaker enclosure.
The Rokit 5 RP5 G4 powered studio monitor designed speakers are the fourth generation of KRK’s affordable range, and the updated hardware changes look very promising at first glance.
The studio monitor lineup features the Rokit 5 G4, Rokit 7 G4, Rokit 8 G4, and the Rokit 10-3 G4. Each number represents the particular model’s woofer size in inches.
This time around, the 4-inch and 6-inch studio monitor models were dropped, but a 7-inch version has been added to the pack. The previous generation KRKs was known to pack a hefty low-end punch when it came to creating a vibe in the studio, but that was at the cost of their spectral accuracy.
They were far from flat, and that did not serve mixing and mastering purposes very well.
The hyped audio integrity and delivery were celebrated by some and looked down upon by others. However, with the G4 update, the deck of cards has been shuffled.
We shall look into what exactly has changed with the new powered studio monitor line of speakers in our Rokit 5 RP5 G4 Review.
Are the KRK ROKIT 5 G4 any Good?
The KRK RP5 Rokit monitors offer a high-level build quality with quality materials throughout. The KRK Rokit 5 G4 speakers pack a lot of bottom end for their size. They sound punchy and have a good, solid cohesive soundscape with a wide sweet spot.
KRK Rokit 5 G4: Tech Specs
| Frequency Response | 43Hz – 40KHz |
| Max SPL | 104dB |
| Power Output | 55 Watts |
| Input Impedance | 5.12KΩ Balanced |
| Connectivity | Balanced TRS/XLR Combo Jacks |
| Height | 11.22″ / 285 mm |
| Width | 7.48″ / 190 mm |
| Depth | 9.49″ / 241 mm |
| Weight | 10.69 lb / 4.85 kg |
| Built In | Tonal Shaping Options |
KRK Rokit 5 G4: The Changes
At first glance, it may not seem that a lot changed in the design of the updated KRK Rokit 5 G4 studio monitor models. The width, depth, and height of the cabinets are very similar to the G3, but the G4 speakers are quite a bit lighter.
They come in at around 1 pound less than their predecessors.
That is due to freshly engineered efficient Class-D power amps, which are overall more compact and efficient custom class.
The next important studio monitor change is in the matching woofer composition of the KRK Rokit 5 G4 models. The G3 speaker’s woofers were made of Glass Aramid, whereas the G4 version comes equipped with woofers and tweeters made from Kevlar.
The benefits of Kevlar reveal themselves in the sound creativity qualities of the monitors.
According to KRK, the substance has a notable impact on improving the monitor’s damping capabilities, reducing resonance issues, as well as minimizing the levels of sonic integrity distortion.
The front-ported design of the KRK Systems Rokits is still intact, but the front firing port design has been made taller and wider.
KRK explains that this too adds enhanced sound qualities, which translates to improved clarity of overall listening experience.
Key Features
KRK is one of the rare companies that have their monitors come with iso-acoustic pads for the bottom of the cabinets.
These are vital to any home studio monitor, as they help in reducing the vibrations coming from the monitors. If untreated, these can bleed through into the professional monitor stands or onto the desk.
Such reflections can skew the sound and should be avoided at all costs if one wants to make the best of their audio tools setup.
The Rokit 5 G4 pads are not the thickest on the market, but having them included with the speakers is still a very welcome bonus.
The KRK Rokit G4 speakers may look similar to their predecessors from the front, but it is a whole different party at the back.
The G3 version had separate XLR and ¼-inch balanced inputs, whereas the G4 now has one combo input.
On top of that change, KRK added an unbalanced RCA input.
Whether you like that is up to how you run your audio tools setup, but in the case that you prefer to connect your stereo via line inputs, there are always adapter options you can count on.
Other than that, the G4 now has an actual LCD screen located on the rear panel. It took the place of the previous version’s volume and EQ knobs.
These options are controlled with an encoder knob that gives one visual feedback coming from the mini display.
The updated KRKs now feature a DSP Room Correction Tuning EQ, which allows users to fine-tune the spectral settings to have their monitor’s sound productions right in a multitude of scenarios.
You can remedy sonic integrity anomalies, or just make them sound balanced according to your taste.
What’s more, the G4 speakers can be paired to the KRK DSP app, allowing adjustments to be made via smartphone or tablet.
That is quite impressive.
Having the option for intricate EQ customization is a rare gem in the budget professional monitor innovation market, but here we are.
The KRK Rokit 5 G4 gives us a taste of what the affordable future has in store. The competition is tight in that market, and we would not be surprised if other manufacturers will try to one-up the feature in their coming lines.
Controls
By pressing the encoder button, the LCD turns on. From the Home Screen, one can choose to either access the volume control, or the EQ. Simply turning the encoder knob will change the volume parameters in .1dB increments by default.
These are represented on-screen by a slider and numerical values.
The digital precision with which one can set each KRK Rokit G4 monitor’s volume is beneficial, especially when pairing and calibrating your speakers.
Some manufacturers still put gliding knobs on their well-constructed monitors, and that is always a nuisance when trying to set the balance between a pair of monitors.
One ends up relying on decibel measuring apps, which end up being a sonic goose chase to configure the sweet spot.
That is not the case with the Rokits, and it is very handy that KRK has this function on point.
EQ Customization
A press of the KRK Rokit 5 G4 encoder knob will give you the option to select between the Setup Menu and the EQ settings. In the EQ menu, you will find five types of customization EQ settings.
There are four presets, plus a flat frequency response option, both in the low and high EQ registers.
That allows for a good amount of experimenting, but it does not give users the choice to boost or cut frequencies completely as they please.
However, with decent powered studio monitors, there shouldn’t be a need for dialing in drastic EQ changes anyhow.
In the case of elaborate room calibration, precise EQ compensation is often achieved via software solutions.
EQ options on speakers themselves are usually more in the broad stroke range, and the Rokit 5 G4 gives users a good bunch of brushes as it is.
Lows
The Low Shelf presets include a -3dB or a -2dB cut on the 60 Hz region.
That is useful when you do not have a lot of space in your room and have to place your monitors close to the walls. In such a position, the sound will reflect heavily off of the back wall and end up causing an inaccurate overall sonic image. Cutting some bass can be helpful in such cases.
The KRK Rokit G4 also features a Low Shelf option that will boost the 60 Hz region by +2dB.
Mids
The Low Peak filter allows users to cut -2dB at the 200 Hz range, focusing on a wider dynamics EQ range. According to KRK, this is an option designed to lessen the impact of possible desk reflections.
The Low Peak and Low Shelf options can be used in combination to alter the EQ to taste.
Highs
To shape the high end, KRK built a peak, and shelving EQ. The High Shelf allows for cuts of -2dB at 10 kHz. The other option allows for using both the High Peak and High Shelf filters in tandem.
The High Peak cuts -1dB at 3.5 kHz, and the High Shelf cuts -1dB at 10 kHz.
A boost option also features the combo EQ which includes a +1dB boost at the mentioned frequencies, as well as a High Shelf boost of +2dB in the 10 kHz region.
The LCD panel illustrates what each filter setting does to the sound spectrum so you can keep track of things easily.
Setup Menu
The last option is the Setup Menu, which allows users to adjust functionality EQ settings in the KRK Rokit 5 G4s. One can set the contrast and brightness of the LCD screen, as well as the aesthetic option to pick whether you want the KRK logo in the front to light up or not.
Other than that, there are options for performing a Factory Reset, Locking the settings, and activating the Standby mode.
The Standby mode is quite handy – it orders the monitors to sleep whenever there is no signal generator coming through for more than half an hour. When the monitors detect a signal passing through again, they will wake up.
The wake-up is not immediate, so don’t fret if your powered studio monitor units take a few seconds to shake off the snooze.
In Use
Right off the bat, the KRK Rokit 5 G4 monitors sound impressively full sounding. The amount of bass that comes out of the 5-inch speakers is astounding and unexpected from woofers of this size.
The balanced sound does not sound hyped, but rather tastefully complete and crisp.
The inaccurate low-end, which was so prevalent with the Rokit G3 series, seems to be non-existent in the G4 models.
Also, the punchiness that comes out of the monitors gives the balnaced sound a nice heft to it. That seems to be a common benefit of smaller speakers.
Their woofers can move faster and translate dynamics efficiently, as opposed to some entry-level speakers measuring 7-inches and wider.
That is by no means a rule, but it is worth keeping in mind that for some rooms, smaller monitors coupled with a sub can be the better choice, rather than two large near-field monitors.
The KRK Rokit 5 G4’s sweet spot is wide enough to move around and still enjoy an accurate sound immersion.
The dynamic qualities sound beautiful, and whatever styles of music we played – rock, rap, techno, jazz, and classical choices sounded impressive, especially at the affordable price point.
Another claim is that the KRK Rokit RP5 G4 line series minimizes listening fatigue, which is an important factor. That is not very easy to compare and verify, but as the other claims seem to be based on truth, we take it that long sessions should be more enjoyable on the G4 models than on the G3 speakers.
After trying to mix with the KRK Rokit RP5 G4 monitors, the end product translated well on other speaker systems.
The car listening test solidified the claim that the new KRK model can be confidently mixed and mastered on.
That is a huge step forward in our eyes.
KRK Rokit 5 G4 Monitor Speakers: The Verdict
KRK did a great job with improving their Rokit G4 studio monitor range. Judging from the 5-inch model which we tested, the company’s promises held up.
The KRK Rokit 5 G4 speakers pack a lot of low-end for their size, sound punchy, and have a good, cohesive overall soundscape with a wide sweet spot.
The redesigned power amps, drivers, and cabinets play a big part in this because the G3 model was a whole different story. Our test made us shake off old preconceptions and find new respect for the Rokit G4 range of speakers.
Essentially it boils down to the fact that we would be happy to use them as studio monitors if we had to. The additional customization options are also very neat.
Barely any entry-level studio monitors allow such extensive EQ shaping.
Thanks to the overhaul, the KRK Rokit G4 range can now hold its own amongst the competition. Over the past few years, there have been quite a few fantastic additions of speakers in the entry-level matching range.
What particular manufacturer is for you will come down to audio integrity and aesthetic taste differences. Without showing too much bias, know that it is worth doing your research on what is available, and ideally, listen to the options at a local store.
If that is not possible, then make sure to at least check online shootouts with good headphones.
However, it can be concluded that KRK Rokit’s price-to-quality ratio is excellent.
At this caliber of engineering, you can’t really go wrong.
Nowadays, the market for entry-level speakers is truly terrific, and the Rokit 5 G4 speakers are among the top contenders in it.
