The PreSonus Eris E3.5 is one of the most affordable studio monitors on the market, designed for beginners who need accurate sound in a compact package.
With a small footprint, front-panel controls, and a clear, balanced sound, the E3.5 is a favorite among bedroom producers and podcasters starting out on a budget.
⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.4/10)
Sound Quality
For a speaker this small, the Eris E3.5 delivers surprisingly clear mids and highs, with enough low-end extension to handle casual music production and playback. Its 3.5-inch woofer can’t compete with 5-inch or 8-inch models in terms of bass depth, but it avoids the overly hyped sound you get from typical “multimedia” speakers.
The silk-dome tweeter keeps highs smooth rather than harsh, making long listening sessions more comfortable. While mixes may not fully translate in the sub-bass range, the E3.5 is far more accurate than its price would suggest.
Build & Design
The E3.5 has a compact, lightweight cabinet that fits easily on a desk or small workspace. The front panel includes a volume knob, headphone jack, and aux input for convenience — something you don’t usually see on higher-end monitors.
Around the back, you’ll find balanced TRS inputs as well as RCA connections, giving flexibility for both studio and consumer setups. While the build is more plastic than premium, it feels solid enough for daily use.
Features
- 3.5-inch woven composite woofer and 1-inch silk-dome tweeter
- 25W per speaker (50W total, Class AB bi-amp design)
- Frequency response: 80 Hz – 20 kHz
- Acoustic tuning controls (high and low EQ) for room adjustment
- Balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs
- Front-panel volume, aux input, and headphone output
Price & Value
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 typically sells for under $120 a pair, making it one of the most budget-friendly studio monitors available.
At this price point, it competes with entry-level options from M-Audio and Mackie but offers more balanced sound and better connectivity.
For beginners, small project studios, or content creators who don’t want to rely on headphones alone, the E3.5 is a fantastic first step into proper monitoring.
Pros
- Very affordable entry-level monitors
- Clear mids and smooth highs
- Compact and lightweight for small spaces
- Front-panel volume, headphone out, and aux in
- Acoustic tuning EQ controls
Cons
- Limited bass extension (no substitute for larger monitors)
- Build quality feels more consumer-grade
- Not ideal for professional-level mixing
- Sweet spot is narrower than higher-end monitors
Verdict
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to start mixing on real studio monitors. While limited in bass and output, they offer a balanced, honest sound that beats most consumer speakers in their price range.
For beginners setting up their first home studio, or for producers who need a portable, affordable secondary reference, the E3.5 is one of the best deals under $120.
Rating: 8.4/10 — A compact, budget-friendly monitor that brings accuracy and utility to small studios.
FAQ
Are PreSonus Eris E3.5 monitors good for mixing?
They’re fine for entry-level mixing and referencing, but for professional results you’ll want 5-inch or larger monitors.
Do the Eris E3.5s need an audio interface?
Yes — while they can connect to consumer devices via RCA or aux, using an audio interface with balanced outputs provides cleaner sound.
Are the E3.5s loud enough for music production?
For bedroom studios and small spaces, yes. They won’t fill large rooms, but they’re more than enough for nearfield use.
Do they have enough bass?
Not for sub-heavy genres. They roll off around 80 Hz, so pairing with a subwoofer or upgrading to the E5/E7 models is recommended for bass-heavy music.
Can I use them for gaming or general listening?
Absolutely — with front-panel aux and headphone ports, they double as versatile desktop speakers.
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