When KRK teamed up with one of the biggest hip-hop producers of all time to create a limited-edition run of speakers, the move seemed so evident that it made us wonder why more companies haven’t previously broken ground on similar endeavors. Scott Storch, who produced classics like 50 Cent’s “Just A Lil Bit” and Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E,” has hugely impacted the hip-hop and music industries with his work.
When we heard that he was the iconic producer behind KRK’s groundbreaking, limited-run monitors, we had to do whatever we could to see if their sound and style lived up to the nostalgic memories that we have attached to the music he made.
After extensively using these monitors in the studio over the past few weeks, we soon found a TON of features to like about these gold-plated monitors. But at the same time, they certainly won’t be for every producer. So, on that note, let’s dive into the highs, lows, whats, and whys behind the groundbreaking collaboration between two such well-respected names in music: KRK and Scott Storch.
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What Are The Scott Storch Classic 8ss Studio Monitors?
Born from the partnership between KRK and the distinguished producer Scott Storch, this limited-edition release, capped at just 500 pairs, extends the legacy of KRK’s CLASSIC series and breaks new ground in the industry for its creative partnership between such a reputable brand as KRK and the equally notorious legacy of Storch. Visually, it sets itself apart with a gold chrome electroplated front baffle, neatly complemented by Storch’s unmistakable signature and logo.
Diving into the technical aspects of the monitors, it pairs a one-inch textile soft dome tweeter with an eight-inch glass aramid woofer, driven by an integrated dual-amplifier system, delivering a total power output of 100 watts. Such a setup seeks to deliver impeccable sonic fidelity, with the monitor offering a massive frequency range of 35Hz up to 35kHz. While its default setting promises flat frequency precision for critical listening, producers can activate a +2dB KRK Bass Boost, catering to those moments when a richer bass experience is desired.
The front-ported construction of the Scott Storch CLASSIC 8ss ensures it can comfortably nestle against walls without any undue rear port-related issues. Its expansive connectivity options further enhance this, accommodating XLR, 1/4-inch TRS, and RCA inputs. Not to be overlooked, the monitor is replete with tailored controls for high and low frequencies, granting adaptability to varied room acoustics or personal preferences. An added layer of assurance comes in the form of an auto-limiter, safeguarding against unforeseen transients.
For those seeking both aesthetics and performance in their studio setup, the KRK Scott Storch CLASSIC 8ss has a lot to offer, but now that the technical bits and bobs are out of the way, let’s dive into what we think about this set of gilded monitors.
What We Loved Most About The Scott Storch Classic 8ss Monitors
They Sound Great For The Price!
The first and most obvious point to mention in any studio monitor review will be the sound quality, and we will say that we were pleasantly surprised, if not entirely impressed, by the quality of the sound these speakers put out. Unboxing these monitors, we were skeptical that KRK would prioritize the flashy gold plating and cut corners regarding sound quality, but this couldn’t be further from the case.
The driver and response timings made the transients really pop out of the monitors, and the enhanced low-end helped round out the listening experience without unwanted boom or wub. Even compared to other models at similar price points, the sound quality was brighter and more present, giving you a ton of bang for your buck when investing in these monitors.
Sure, they can’t compare to audiophile monitors or high-end Barefoots. Still, seeing as they sit at a comfortable and approachable price point of just under $300 per monitor, they nestle themselves comfortably into some of the most affordable mid-tier studio monitors we’ve had a chance to produce and mix with. We came away excited with the result and anxious to return to the studio to hear more mixes on them (which is about as much as you can ask for!).
The Build Quality
It’s not uncommon these days for studio monitors at this price point to build in a handful of extra quality-of-life features into the monitors for those using them in less-than-ideal spaces. Still, it’s always comforting to see when brands do go the extra mile to include things like a set of controls for high- and low-frequencies to help adapt the monitors for smaller studios and even bedroom spaces, which we know a large portion of our readers are using.
We were even more pleasantly surprised to see a built-in limiter in the monitors that helps safeguard it from unexpected transients and low-end plosives (we see you hip-hop producers with your hotly mixed 808s).
The front-ported design also helps you place these monitors against walls and corners with about as little unwanted bass buildup as you can get, which further helps these monitors adapt to less-than-ideal spaces — something that the market of producers and engineers these monitors are designed for will likely be working in. Still, the combination of these little features lets you know that KRK spared no expense or omitted any details when designing a great monitor for entry-level producers and professionals alike.
They’re Cool
Alright, this is an easy one to save for the end as there are many different things a producer should be focusing on and prioritizing when it comes to an ideal monitor for their space, but…
It’s undeniable that these monitors exude swagger. It’s not every day that you go into a studio and the monitors are anything other than either matte white or black. The gilded POP of these monitors is as much a conversation piece as the monitors are a studio tool.
Not only does Storch’s signature, emblazoned upon the back alongside his sketched profile, add a touch of individuality to the monitors, but the reflective surface of the gold chrome plating also plays with any mood lighting you have in the studio. We had warmed lighting in the studio already, and the deeper yellowish hues of our studio lighting took to the service and turned the whole room into that much more of a vibe — as if these monitors were destined to have been in our studio specifically!
It must be fate, and we thank Scott for it (and for producing our favorite Dr. Dre song of all time).
What We Weren’t That Crazy About
The Flash Might Not Be For Everyone
These speakers are loud, and we don’t mean from a decibel standpoint. They are visually striking on purpose, and we could see some producers not digging the shiny gold plating in their space. Even if the sound quality is well above what you’d expect from the price point, if the design of a piece of gear doesn’t fit the aesthetic of a space, it could be a complicated justification to buy the equipment.
That being said, and as stated previously, the warmer yellow light we installed in our studio enhanced the chrome, and we like them all the more for it. While there may be some who don’t like Storch’s unique aesthetic, we have fallen for these monitors hook, line, and sinker and can totally stand by Scott’s own words when he said in a recent interview with us saying:
“They remind me of my sunglasses, which is such a vibe. I love the colors—they’re very neutral, which I’m into. I didn’t want to create a speaker that wouldn’t work in some studios. To me, the 8ss monitors look like something that could work anywhere.” – Scott Storch
The Response Might Be Overkill
Apart from the gold plating, one of the most significant selling points of these monitors is the option to add an extra bass boost for warmer and more rounded lows in your mix, so you achieve that signature Scott Storch weight he’s known for in his most iconic productions. While it’s indeed the ace up the sleeve of these monitors, some producers might find this feature a bit extra or overbearing, doubly so if you’ve already calibrated the room with a subwoofer.
But to reiterate the points mentioned above, we see these monitors are angled for music producers crafting tunes in less-than-ideal spaces. It is these producers who often avoid getting a sub in the first place, as it would fill their room with more low-end information than it can handle, causing more harm to their mixes than good. In these situations, the extra little boost in the low-end is the perfect compensation for the lack of an official sub.
Plus, the ability to toggle it off and on is a fantastic way to help mold the shape and tone of these monitors to your room.
Who Are These Monitors For?
New Producers
For anyone starting out producing, the first investment they should make (outside of their DAW) is an upgrade to what allows them to hear their music. After all, you can’t fix what you can’t hear! On that note: we couldn’t recommend this set of monitors enough for producers just starting their journey.
The price might seem like a lot to somebody not used to making this level of purchases but trust us when we say that you’ll likely be using your first pair of monitors for the first decade of your career or more. It’s worth investing in something that will last longer than buying multiple cheaper alternatives, which are more expensive in the long term.
I started my journey as a producer in college, and for the number of times I moved to different apartments and houses, these monitors would have been a lifesaver. With the number of settings you can use to fine-tune the speakers to the rooms you’re in, alongside the bass boost for added weight and warmth, these speakers are quality enough to get your pro mixes for years to come and adaptable enough to keep up with wherever you’re going.
Small Room Professionals
These monitors pack enough punch to get pro-quality mixdowns, and are perfect for the working professional, whether you’re making beats, mixing podcasts, or scoring films. What makes this such a good option, and not to beat a dead horse too much, is the malleability of the sound of these monitors.
The bass boost here will help, as it rounds out the sound for a more immersive and all-encompassing feel without the need for a room-filling sub. Many websites and YouTube videos will advise you to get a sub ASAP, when the truth is that many rooms are too small to handle the amount of frequency content that a sub adds.
Coupled with Sonarworks or other room-correction software, these monitors will get you cranking out pro-quality mixes for a lifetime or longer.
Collectors
These monitors are part of a limited-run release, meaning that only 500 pairs were produced. Anyone who is a fan of Scott Storch’s legacy and work will undoubtedly want to snag a pair of these monitors as a collector’s item before they run out.
With only a select number on the market and Scott Storch’s career having a prominent resurgence over the past few years, they are sure to hold on to their value, if not increase exponentially as the years go by, making them an excellent purchase for producers and collectors alike.
Final Thoughts
In the ever-evolving space of music production, tools matter. More than that, collaboration and innovation are often the center points around which groundbreaking moves are made. The combination of KRK’s legacy of impeccable sound engineering and Scott Storch’s indelible mark on the music industry has given birth to a monitor that’s not just about sound, but also about vision.
The Scott Storch Classic 8ss monitors are a vivid reminder that when titans of the industry come together, the results are often mesmerizing. These monitors may not be for every producer, but they undeniably cater to those who crave a blend of history, functionality, and flair in their workspace. As the lines between music production tools and art continue to blur, pieces like this pave the way, challenging us to listen and see genuinely.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
