SONODYNE PM 4040

Product overview

The SONODYNE PM 4040 is a compact 2 way stereo set of near field monitors, one active and one passive, with a 4 inch glass fibre cone woofer and a 1 inch silk dome tweeter in an elliptical custom waveguide.

SONODYNE describes the PM 4040 as a cost effective solution for high quality near field monitoring. The cabinets are MDF with a uniquely moulded front baffle, and a 2 channel class D amplifier in the active monitor powers both speakers of the pair. The result is detailed sound with a wide sweet spot and frequency response at appreciable loudness: 70 Hz - 20 kHz (±3 dB) and a peak SPL of 109 dB per pair at half space. Balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs, a front headphone output and a master volume control make the set simple to use.

Key features

• Stereo set of one active and one passive monitor
• Inbuilt 2 channel class D amplifier: high efficiency, low heat dissipation and low power consumption
• 4 inch glass fibre cone woofer for good dynamics and low distortion
• 1 inch silk dome neodymium magnet tweeter for extended, detailed high frequencies
• Custom elliptical HF waveguide: wide horizontal coverage, minimum interference in the vertical plane
• Multiple inputs: balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA at the rear, headphone output at the front
• Modelled baffle shape for a minimum of diffraction; rear-firing aerodynamic port
• Exhaustive protection: over current, overheat, RFI, switch on-off, mains over-voltage

One active and one passive monitor

The PM 4040 comes as a stereo set consisting of one active speaker and one passive speaker. The active monitor houses the amplifier and powers both speakers, making setup simple and cost-effective: by integrating the amplifier into one speaker, the set reduces cost, cabling and desktop clutter while still delivering true stereo performance. The rear panels label the active monitor as the left speaker and the passive monitor as the right speaker, linked by snap-type speaker terminals.

Glass fibre woofer, silk dome tweeter and custom waveguide

The 4 inch glass fibre cone woofer gives good dynamics and low distortion, and the 1 inch silk dome tweeter extended and detailed high frequencies. The tweeter is nested in an elliptical custom waveguide built into the front panel, for a smooth response with wide directivity in the horizontal plane but controlled directivity in the vertical plane. The crossover frequency is 2.5 kHz.

MDF cabinet with a modelled baffle

The cabinet material is MDF and the front baffle has a unique moulded shape that ensures a minimum of diffraction. Each enclosure is vented through a rear-firing aerodynamic port, and the finish is black matt.

Inputs and controls

Balanced TRS inputs accept professional audio interfaces and RCA inputs take consumer devices; 0 dBu at the input gives 90 dB SPL at 1 m, with an input impedance of 22 kΩ. The front panel carries the master volume control, the power indicator and the headphone output; the power switch is at the rear.

In the box

• PM 4040 active monitor
• PM 4040 passive monitor

SONODYNE PM 4040: frequently asked questions

Is the PM 4040 sold as a pair?

Yes. The PM 4040 comes as a stereo set consisting of one active speaker and one passive speaker; the active monitor houses the amplifier and powers both speakers.

What is the PM 4040 designed for?

Music production, recording, podcasting, content creation, video editing and home studios: it delivers accurate, detailed sound for critical listening in small to medium-sized workspaces.

Does the PM 4040 support both professional and consumer audio sources?

Yes. It offers balanced TRS inputs for professional audio interfaces, RCA inputs for consumer devices and a front-panel headphone output for private monitoring.

Can I connect the PM 4040 to my computer or audio interface?

Yes. The PM 4040 works with audio interfaces, mixers, laptops, desktop computers and other playback devices using its balanced or unbalanced inputs.

Where can I buy the SONODYNE PM 4040 in India?

The SONODYNE PM 4040 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Home studio music production

Producers and musicians working at a desk in a small room.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the active monitor on the left and the passive monitor on the right.
2. Link the two monitors with speaker cable through the snap-type terminals.
3. Connect the interface's balanced outputs to the TRS inputs.
4. Switch on at the rear and set the level with the front VOL control.

Tip: One amplifier powers both speakers, so only the active monitor needs mains power.

Workflow 2: Podcasting desk

Podcasters who need accurate monitoring and private listening.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the mixer or interface to the TRS inputs.
2. Plug headphones into the front PHONES socket for private monitoring.
3. Set the listening level with the master volume control.

Tip: The master volume controls the overall volume of the pair.

Workflow 3: Content creation and video editing

Creators editing video and audio on a computer.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the playback device to the RCA inputs.
2. Link the passive monitor to the active monitor.
3. Set the level with the front VOL control.

Tip: RCA inputs take consumer devices; TRS inputs take professional interfaces.

Workflow 4: Recording and critical listening

Engineers checking recordings in small to medium-sized workspaces.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the pair at the listening position as a near field set.
2. Connect the balanced monitor outputs.
3. Set a comfortable level and listen across the wide sweet spot.

Tip: The elliptical waveguide gives wide horizontal coverage and controlled vertical directivity.

Workflow 5: Beginner's first studio set

Beginners setting up their first monitoring.

Connections

Setup

1. Unpack the active and the passive monitor.
2. Connect the passive monitor with speaker cable (+ to +, - to -).
3. Connect the source and the mains cable (230 V AC, 50 Hz).
4. Switch on and set the volume.

Tip: A plug-and-play stereo set: one mains connection, one speaker link.

Workflow 6: Music listening and practice

Musicians practising and listening at home.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the playback device to the RCA inputs.
2. Use the front headphone output when practising quietly.
3. Adjust the master volume.

Tip: Protection against over current, overheat, RFI, switch on-off transients and mains over-voltage.