Description

Completely accurate music reproduction requires more than a thoroughly optimised speaker. It requires a speaker that works together with the acoustics of the listening room.

The Dutch & Dutch 8c Studio is more than just a loudspeaker. It is a unique acoustic concept, because its revolutionary design provides constant directivity from 100 Hz upwards. As a result, the 8c is above and beyond any other system in terms of neutrality, precision, and in-room tonal balance.

Accurate

The 8c represents Dutch & Dutch’s commitment to accuracy and clarity. With its constant directivity from 100 Hz upwards and +/-0.5 dB frequency response from 35 Hz upwards, music can now be experienced exactly as it was intended. Nothing is added, nothing left out.

Properly integrated, the 8c will comfortably reproduce frequencies as low as 20 Hz in room without any colouration. Experience the sensation of truly accurate music reproduction, hear truth in audio like never before.

Adaptive

Tune the system to the room, not the room to the system. 8c’s adapt to the room they are in and can be placed (very) close to room boundaries without losing performance.

To achieve this, 8c’s combine a proprietary waveguide tweeter with an acoustic cardioid midrange, boundary-coupled bass drivers and active room matching. The result is superb acoustical reproduction in any room.

All-in-one

Besides drivers, the 8c’s small footprint presence holds high-end DACs, amps, subwoofers and a DSP. The system also comes with room matching and streaming capabilities out-of-the-box.

All components match each other perfectly and together deliver a “big sound” at 106 dB continuously from 35 Hz upwards, while keeping the signal-to-noise ratio very high.

Intuitive controls

The free companion app will automatically discover the 8c speakers on your network. Then you will have full control of settings like gain, distance to front and side walls, parametric EQ and shelving filters.

Internet connectivity is not required in order to control and configure 8c speakers, but if you do provide them with access to the Internet, they will automatically download firmware updates as they become available.

Effortless updates

Automatic updates can keep your 8c’s up-to-date with industry standards and trends. After extensive testing periods, new firmware versions are made available from our cloud based software platform. If so desired and set up, 8c’s will download and install these updates automatically, adding new features overnight.

Maintainable Design

In pro audio circles, time is money and downtime due to component failure can be more than just a minor inconvenience. The 8c uses high quality off-the-shelf amplifier modules and other components with proven duty cycles and high reliability. The 8c’s design takes maintainability a step further though. All of the electronics are housed in an easily removable tray at the base of each speaker. The entire electronics tray can be swapped out in just a few minutes.

8c Studio

The 8c Studio shares the same dimensions, components and specs as the standard 8c, but is built into an MDF cabinet instead of a solid oak and birch ply 8c cabinet. The 8c Studio can handle sample rates up to 192 kHz via its AES/EBU input, just like the standard 8c. In its base configuration, the 8c Studio lacks the built-in music streaming capabilities of the standard 8c, but these are available as an optional extra.

The 8c Studio incorporates M10 threads in the sides of the speaker cabinets to allow them to be flown from the ceiling or pole mounted for surround, Dolby Atmos and similar applications. An optional “U” bracket is available for ease of installation.

The 8c Studio is available in a smooth satin black paint finish with a choice of black or white front baffles.

Optional Roon Ready and Spotify Connect Streaming

As standard, the 8c Studio does not include the Roon Ready and Spotify Connect streaming features built into the domestic version, but these can be added with the purchase of Dutch & Dutch’s optional 8c Studio streaming package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they accurate enough for mastering?

Absolutely. The 8c Studio delivers exceptional time-domain accuracy, linear frequency response, and low distortion. They’re full-range, phase-coherent monitors that translate effortlessly across systems — even without a subwoofer.

Do I need room treatment or will the speakers compensate for my space?

You don’t need a perfect room. The 8c Studio is cardioid down to 100 Hz, which dramatically reduces rear and side-wall interaction — a major source of low-frequency problems in small and untreated spaces. Room matching via built-in DSP takes this even further.

How do they compare to more traditional nearfield or midfield monitors?

The 8c Studio combines the clarity of a high-end nearfield with the scale, headroom and low-end extension of a midfield. You get surgical detail without giving up impact or depth — even at higher SPLs.

Are they suitable for surround or immersive setups?

Yes. Their consistency, cardioid behaviour and DSP control make them ideal for multichannel or immersive environments. They’re also delay-compensated internally, simplifying time alignment in complex rigs.

Can I still calibrate them with third-party systems?

Of course. While the built-in RoomMatching software is powerful, you can still integrate third-party tools like Sonarworks, Dirac, or hardware-based EQ if desired.

Are firmware updates and support available for the Studio version?

Yes. The Studio model receives the same firmware updates, support, and long-term product roadmap as the standard 8c. You’re not locked out of future improvements.

Do they support analogue and digital inputs?

Yes. The 8c Studio includes balanced analogue XLR inputs and AES digital input as standard, making them easy to integrate into any professional setup.

Are they built to handle daily studio use?

Yes. The 8c Studio is designed for the demands of critical listening environments — robust enough for long hours, yet revealing enough for final mix decisions. All electronics are easily accessible via a removable tray for serviceability if ever needed.

Are they suitable for real-time monitoring during recording sessions?

Yes. The 8c Studio has switchable linear phase and low latency operating modes. For live tracking, low latency mode delivers exceptional speed and responsiveness, ensuring musicians hear themselves in perfect time. When precision matters most — like during mixing or mastering — linear phase mode preserves phase accuracy without compromising detail.

What’s in the box?

  • 2 x 8c Studio monitors
  • 2 x 2m IEC mains cables
  • 2 x 5m Ethernet cables
  • AES terminator
  • Getting started guide

Features

  • Three way fully active design
  • Accepts balanced analogue or AES digital input via XLR
  • 1″ alloy dome tweeter, 8″ mid / bass driver and dual 8″ long throw sub bass drivers
  • Boundary coupling and cardioid dispersion
  • Built-in DSP with parametric EQ and shelving filters for room correction and tone control
  • Configured and controlled via the Ascend companion app
  • Room EQ Wizard (REW) integration
  • MDF cabinet with integrated mounting points for U brackets
  • Removable electronics module makes servicing easy
  • Satin black paint finish with a choice of black or white front baffle

Press Reviews

Streaky for

Streaky Mastering

Kalman Rubinson for

Stereophile

Dawid Grzyb for

HiFi Knights

Jason Kennedy for

Hi-Fi+

Colby Ramsey for

Audio Media International

Marja & Henk for

Six Moons
Erin’s Audio Corner

Diego Estan for

Soundstage Hi-Fi

Downloads

Dutch & Dutch 8c owner’s manual
Dutch & Dutch 8c spec sheet
8c setup guide
8c Studio technical drawing
Ascend Android app
Ascend iOS app
Ascend web app

Specifications

Attributes Value
Brand

Dutch & Dutch
Colour

Black
Front Baffle Colour

Black, White
Audio Inputs

1 x XLR (configurable as AES digital or balanced high or low level analogue)
Audio Outputs

1 x AES, 1 x balanced XLR (variable)
Operating Principle

Fully active, Passive cardioid midrange section, Sealed subwoofer section
Speaker Drivers

1 x 1″ alloy dome tweeter, 1 x 8″ midrange driver, 2 x 8″ high excursion subwoofer
Power Output

1 x 500 W (subwoofers), 2 x 250 W (midrange and tweeter)
Frequency Response

30 Hz – 20 kHz ± 1 dB
Network

Gigabit Ethernet
Dimensions (WxDxH)

270 mm x 380 mm x 485 mm
Weight

26 kg
Warranty

3 years

Try it with these…

Expert Advice

Call 0161 399 0993 or contact us anytime. We’ll be happy to help.

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Genuine UK stock with full manufacturer-backed warranty and support.

Free Delivery

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Part Exchange

Trade-in available on orders over £1,000. Ask us for a trade-in quote.

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