Rolls PM351 Personal Monitor Station review is this the best amplifier?

Description

Personal Monitoring Made Easy With the Rolls PM351 Personal Monitor Station

Testing out the Rolls PM351 Personal Monitor Station was quite the experience, and I have to say, it delivered in ways I didn’t initially expect. This compact yet robust personal monitoring device offers an impressive range of features, perfect for musicians, audio engineers, or even podcasters seeking greater control over their audio setup.

Design and Build Quality

The tabletop mount design of this monitor station is simple, yet practical. Its compact dimensions of 5 x 5 x 5 inches make it easy to fit into tight setups, and the lightweight build of just 1.1 pounds ensures portability without compromising durability. The black exterior gives it a sleek, professional appearance, blending seamlessly with other studio gear.

One thing I particularly appreciated was how user-friendly the layout is. The controls are intuitive, with clearly labeled level dials for the microphone, instrument, and line inputs. This made it quick to adjust audio levels without having to dig through unnecessary menus. The inclusion of a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) headphone output alongside the 1/4-inch output is a thoughtful touch, catering to a wider range of headphones and personal preferences.

Key Benefits

The Rolls PM351 truly shines when it comes to flexibility and functionality. Here are some of its standout features:

• Versatile Input and Output Options: With a 1/4-inch stereo/mono line input, a single XLR microphone input, and a 1/4-inch stereo/mono instrument input, this device offers everything you need for a variety of setups.
• Ground Lift Jumper: Eliminating annoying ground hum is a lifesaver, especially when you’re dealing with multiple pieces of audio equipment.
• Transformer-Balanced and Isolated Outputs: These ensure cleaner audio signals, which is a must for professionals.
• Separate Level Controls: Having individual knobs for each input streamlines the process of dialing in the perfect mix.

The Bluetooth compatibility was a surprise addition for a device like this. While not a headline feature, it’s nice to have wireless connectivity for certain use cases, like casual monitoring during a rehearsal.

Areas of Concern

Of course, no product is perfect, and there are a few downsides to consider with this monitor station:

• Line Noise Susceptibility: The product documentation warns about potential line noise if nearby frequencies interfere with the unit. Proper grounding or using a tat clip is recommended to mitigate this, but it’s something to be mindful of.
• No Water Resistance: While not a dealbreaker for a studio device, the lack of any waterproofing means you’ll want to keep it far away from potential spills.
• No Wireless Audio Output: While the Bluetooth feature is handy, it only supports input, which felt like a missed opportunity for those who might prefer wireless headphones.

Performance and Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Rolls PM351 is superb for its category. During testing, I routed a microphone, a guitar, and a backing track through it, and the clarity of the audio mix was impressive. Each input stayed distinct, and the dynamic driver technology ensured a rich, full sound.

The 2.0 surround sound channel configuration might sound basic on paper, but it delivers a crisp stereo image that’s perfect for monitoring. Whether I was tweaking settings for a live performance or recording a podcast, the audio fidelity stayed consistent.

Product Comparisons

When stacked against peer products like the Behringer Powerplay P1 or the ART HeadAmp4, the Rolls PM351 holds its ground well. Its edge lies in the inclusion of transformer-balanced XLR outputs and the ground lift feature, which are not standard in many competing models. On the other hand, some rivals offer better wireless integration and more robust builds.

Compared to the Behringer Powerplay P1, the Rolls PM351 offers greater input flexibility, making it a better choice for users who need to connect multiple audio sources. However, the ART HeadAmp4 provides more headphone outputs, which could be a better option for group monitoring scenarios.

Cost-Effectiveness

From a value proposition perspective, the Rolls PM351 manages to justify its price with the range of features it offers. It’s not the cheapest unit out there, but the build quality, sound clarity, and input/output options make it a worthwhile investment.

For anyone serious about personal monitoring, this device offers a level of control and clarity that’s hard to find in budget-friendly alternatives. While it may not be the right choice for casual users, those in professional or semi-professional settings will find it worth every penny.

Who Is This For?

This monitor station is designed for musicians, sound engineers, and content creators who need precise control over their audio. It’s especially useful for performers who want to manage their in-ear monitors independently or podcasters juggling multiple audio sources.

The inclusion of features like the XLR pass-through and individual level controls makes it an asset in live settings or professional studios. However, the potential for line noise interference means it’s best suited to environments where proper grounding can be ensured.

The Rolls PM351 Personal Monitor Station manages to balance simplicity with functionality, making it a solid choice for those who want more control over their audio without over-complicating their setup.

Additional information