Pioneer DJ’s VM series is a pro-focused range that includes both the VM-50 studio monitors and the studio-grade RM-05 5-inch monitor, as well as the prosumer-leaning DM-40 and DM-40BT (a Bluetooth-enabled model) 4-inch desktop speakers. The VM Series features powered speakers, meaning they do not need an external amplifier, just a clean power source for the integrated Class D amplifier, which promises to deliver a 40Hz to 36kHz frequency response. With studio monitors, the “sweet spot” where you’re listening—the focal point between the speakers where stereo mixes just right—is very important. The VM-50 sets up an excellent triangle where the mid-range frequencies—like certain vocals, guitars, and synthesizers—sound exceptionally crisp, clear, and detailed and the high-end sounds are sharp, but not spikes (which can manifest in certain monitors such as the Yamaha HS series). The “Bright Treble” EQ setting on the VM-50 did make really chirpy elements in some songs sound somewhat harsh, but the Flat setting for High EQ sounded just right for most occasions. Did these speakers get my first pumping?

Most studio monitors have some sort of tube for air flow that assists in reproducing the low bass frequencies. Some popular monitor lines, like the KRK Rokit and the Kali Audio LP, have front-facing ports. In contrast, many others, including the VM-50, have rear-facing ports (in this case, located above the connection and control panels). Pioneer DJ calls its variation of this port the Vortex Bass Accelerator and claims that its free-flowing air keeps the bass punchy and free from unwanted vibrations and distortion. It’s important to remember when you’ve got a speaker with a rear port, you don’t want to place the speakers too close to a wall, or you’ll experience boominess. It perhaps shows that in terms of recognition, the Pioneer name still carries some weight, and the DJ slice of the brand focuses on music production and professional sound systems such as DJ controllers and sound mixers.The performance you get from the Pioneer DM-50D differs depending on the mode they’re in. DJ mode offers a bigger-sized sound, as well as a more energetic tone with a warmer mid-range and bass response. Production favours clarity, insight and crispness, which you’d expect given its tailored for more critical listening.

Once everything is connected and powered, the VM-50 offers internal 96kHz digital signal processing for low and high frequencies. These EQ settings are meant to compensate for the speakers’ placement in a room, the room’s reverberation, or personal preference. The Low EQ settings are Room 1, Flat, Room 2, and Club Bass (offering a bump at 50Hz), while the similar High EQ settings include Room 1, Flat, Room 2, and Bright Treble (nudging the 4kHz and 8kHz regions). These settings apply different frequency boost, or gain settings, and both the Low and High settings include one attenuation curve, one neutral setting, one heavy boost curve, and one more subtle boost curve. Purists beware, the digital filters can’t be bypassed, but there isn’t limiting in the signal chain, and the Flat settings aren’t overly sculpted—plus, the tone control flexibility is nice because no rooms or ears are the same. The VM-50 manual offers more information on determining which settings best suit your setup. Can these monitors keep the beat? Each VM series monitor has the same features except for size and audio output wattage. The VM-50, also available in white, offers 60W of total power from its bi-amped configuration: 30W for the low-frequency driver (woofer) and 30W for the high-frequency driver (tweeter). It also has a maximum peak output of 107 dB. By comparison, the VM-70 has an output of 100W and 112 dB, while the VM-80 delivers 120W and 115 dB.The DM-50D-BTs are ideal for both DJing and producing music. There is a handy switch on the DM 50D-BT speakers where you can select DJ mode or music production mode. As a result, the DSP settings automatically alter and augment, leaving you to focus on the music. DM-50D-BT Connections Do away with agonising over whether the speaker monitors are suitable for DJing or making music, as the DM-50Ds are ideal for both. You can select either DJ mode or music production mode thanks to a clever little switch on the DM 50D speakers. As a result, the DSP settings will automatically adjust and optimise, leaving you to concentrate on the music. DM-50D Connections Switch to Production mode and the Pioneer DM-50D change gears easily. This mode loses the warmth of DJ mode and gains more neutrality in the process; clearer, more detailed and incisive, with vocals and instruments described more articulately. There’s also more distinct separation across the frequency range for better timing and balance over what I heard with DJ mode, along with the ability to sift through and relay the details of music I was streaming from Qobuz and Tidal. Vocals in particular sound crisper and cleaner. Inside the cabinet is a new Class D amplifier with a 96kHz sampling DSP that Pioneer DJ says helps to produce a pure and balanced bass sound. The two-way speaker setup features a 5-inch fibre-glass woofer and 0.75-inch soft dome tweeter, the two aligned for clarity across the frequency range. However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers.