PMC is an innovative company that has consistently delivered high-end quality speakers at the cutting-edge of audio technology since its inception.
The PMC 6 monitors, which we’ll be reviewing, have been designed for smaller studio spaces while attempting to retain the same quality of larger models.
I’ll be taking a deeper look into the PMC 6’s performance, build, and features, to see how capable it truly is.
About the author
Brandon is a producer, engineer, and songwriter with a decade’s worth of experience with a wide range of gear and recording techniques. He has worked with a huge variety of monitoring systems, including Genelec, Neumann, Adam Audio, Focal, JBL, and Yamaha, among others.
Final verdict on the PMC 6 monitors 5.0
The PMC 6 studio monitors are wildly impressive in terms of performance, design, and versatility. Especially when considering the size of the monitors as well as the asking price for a pair. I have virtually nothing bad to say about them.
What we like
- Detailed and accurate sound.
- Extended bass.
- Exceptional stereo imaging.
- Easy to configure.
- Attractive and versatile design.
- Solid cost to value.
Check availability here: Sweetwater
Power and frequency response 5.0
The PMC 6 is a two-way nearfield monitor that features a 6-inch mid/bass driver and a 1-inch tweeter, both of which have a Class-D 200 W amp.
The monitors also feature PMC’s proprietary ATL (Advanced Transmission Line) technology, which is essentially a labyrinth within the speaker that provides an effect often referred to as “bass-loading”.
Basically, the transmission line takes in unwanted frequencies and only allows extremely low frequencies to pass through. The low-end then pours out through the front-baffle, effectively acting as an added driver to further extend the low-end response.
The frequency response of the PMC 6 is roughly 45 Hz – 25 kHz +/- (3dB), although with the ATL its low end is probably closer to the 33 Hz – 39 Hz range.
Taking a look at the frequency response graphs, I noticed a dip right around 300 hertz. This seems due to the mid/range driver having some out-of-phase interference with the transmission line.
While this may be unideal, I think it’s a small price to pay for the improvements they were able to achieve in terms of the low-end extension, headroom, and clarity of the speaker.
What’s more is that this dip doesn’t appear to have much of an effect at all on the ultimate performance of the monitor. The sound reproduction is refined, detailed, and extremely true to life.
I found myself parsing out nuances of performance in records that I hadn’t noticed before. Which makes this a rather impressive feat for PMC on the whole.
I/O and controls 5.0
All the controls are located on the rear panel. Starting from the bottom, you’ll find your typical On/Off switch and IEC power socket. Right above which is an Ethernet port as well your XLR I/O, and finally, an LED screen which is accompanied by two knobs to control parameter and value, respectively.
The rotary encoders allow you to parse through various menu items on the LED screen to configure the monitors to your preferred settings.
That being said, PMC’s SoundAlign app is far easier to navigate. The Ethernet port is so you can connect the speakers to an LAN network and access PMC’s SoundAlign web interface via your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Each speaker provides a 5-band parametric EQ as well as two shelf filters that can be adjusted to your desired listening preferences. The Desk Filter setting can also help you attenuate the speakers to your room environment.
Build quality 5.0
In terms of build quality, PMC has done an amazing job. One really impressive feature is that PMC has designed the DSP engine to notice whether the monitors are being used in a landscape or portrait orientation, so that it can adjust the crossover frequency accordingly.
The monitors are heavy but manageable. The flat design also makes it great for situating either on a desk or speaker shelf.
I’m quite happy they didn’t include the rubber feet present on other models like the twotwo.6, as it gives the PMC 6 a much cleaner presentation.
Overall, the PMC 6 is attractive, versatile, and well-built, at least in my opinion.
Compared to other studio monitors
Here, I’ll go through a few alternative options that I think are worth your consideration in comparison to the PMC 6.
PMC 6 vs ATC SCM20ASL Pro Mk2
Ultimately both monitors are spectacular in performance, but you’ll have to bring into question a few things.
The SCM20ASL Pros are great for smaller rooms and possess a virtually unmatched amount of clarity and articulation, while the PMC 6s offer a much stronger and filled-out low end.
The PMC 6s are also far more powerful, although the ATCs have a lot more support and favoritism amongst engineers. That might just be a popularity thing, but worth taking into account.
PMC 6 vs PSI Audio A21‑M
The A21-Ms have a comparable frequency response to the PMC 6s, but are much less powerful and much pricier.
For my money, I would lean in the direction of the PMC 6s, although I suggest you try to listen to both to see if you prefer one over the other.
PMC 6 vs Genelec 8341A
The Genelecs have outrageously wide frequency response (38 Hz – 37 kHz at -6 dB) when compared to the PMC 6 (45 Hz – 25 kHz).
If you have the budget, I’d advise you get the 8341As since there are very few speakers that are as accurate and precise as a pair of Genelecs can be. However, both of these options are fine choices.
Who are the PMC 6 studio monitors best suited for?
The PMC 6 monitors are best suited for engineers with small studios or home recording setups looking to get the most out of their monitoring experience.
Check availability here: Sweetwater
Video demo
You can also watch this video by my colleague Fabio where he puts the PMC 6 studio monitors to the test.
