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KRK ROKIT and GoAux monitors revolutionize sound and creativity for TUMBAO

World Sounds Event & DJ Collective Founder Albert Piedrahita sets the stage for sonic innovation

MIAMI, MAY 19, 2025 ― During his rise as a DJ and Event Producer, Albert Piedrahita recognized a gap in the local nightlife that was waiting to be explored. He was inspired by his relocation to Los Angeles, which had a lively, thriving music scene and encouraged him to start TUMBAO. A homegrown, Miami-based DJ collective that brings people together through culture, dance, and sound from around the world, TUMBAO invites seasoned dancers and curious newcomers alike to join the rhythm and feel the joy of community. Driven by a vision to ignite a revolution in sound and culture, TUMBAO breaks away from the ordinary to redefine expectations and leave audiences hungry for more.

“I wanted to integrate music from around the world into one party; TUMBAO is a culmination of all those different sounds,” explains Piedrahita, who recently celebrated the Third Anniversary of this innovative DJ collective. “We’ve seen such a big success with our events because we honor all the diverse music and individuals under one roof, which makes for a unique dynamic. We’ve also taken the experience to different cities around the U.S. and the world. This year’s Miami anniversary event was especially important; it was the first time we had a major sponsor and our largest party to date.”

With such a lively event and uplifting experience as TUMBAO, Piedrahita needs reliable equipment to create powerful sound both in his studio and on the road. As a longtime KRK user, he recentlyacquired the brand’s new ROKIT Generation 5 Powered Studio Monitors and GoAux Portable Studio Monitors, which he uses along with hisexisting ROKIT 8 G3 Powered Studio Monitors. He has two setups at home that utilize his KRK gear: one for DJ practice and the other for making remixes and casual listening.

With the KRK speakers providing powerful sound, the atmosphere at the TUMBAO events is electric, inviting everyone present to dance and immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythms that echo throughout the venues. “KRK plays a big role in every stage of music setup; we use the speakers to create our edits in the studio, and the monitors are also present at the DJ booth,” shares Piedrahita.

Having developed familiarity with the features and capabilities of the KRK ROKITs, Piedrahita believes the monitors enhance all music production projects. “The ROKITs are trustworthy, and I love the sound response; they are affordable as well. You really can’t beat them; they go everywhere with me,” he shares. “When I was first learning to DJ, I visited a friend who had a pair of ROKITs, and I thought they sounded great. As I met more people in the industry, I noticed a lot of peers had similar setups. KRK monitors are great for collaborating and are terrific for consistency, which I appreciate.”

To complement his setup, Piedrahita recently incorporated the KRK GoAux for fast and efficient references. “I love the GoAux because I can easily swap between using them with Bluetooth or through the interface. I use them for my smaller, indoor DJ sets; they power a room easily,” he says. “They are also easy to transport, so I can take them with me if I want to work on the road. They are amazing portable speakers, and I love the power behind them.”

Having collaborated extensively with KRK over the years, Piedrahita has forged a strong relationship with the team. These connections have deepened through shared experiences and a commitment to common goals. “The KRK Miami team is like family to me, and I don’t say that lightly,” he adds. “When I first told Cesar [Acevedo, Director of Artist Relations — U.S. Hispanic and Latin America, Gibson] about TUMBAO, he took the time to come out and see what the collective is all about and was inspired by what I was doing. After that, I became part of the team, representing KRK as a Latino and a DJ.”

TUMBAO draws inspiration from the Afro-Latin roots of late Cuban legend Celia Cruz, who popularized the word tumbao, which refers to one’s inner rhythm or groove. With TUMBAO’s sound influenced by reggaeton, dembow, dancehall, salsa, afro beats, and more, Piedrahita is excited to see the event continue to unite people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. In addition to its annual mecca to its home base in Miami, TUMBAO also makes regular rotations to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, San Juan, Mexico City, and Medellĺn.

More details about Tumbao’s schedule can be found on the group’s Instagram page: instagram.com/tamotumbao/.

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Miami producer redefines Latin music with KRK’s signature sound

Lauro creates unforgettable collaborations with brand’s ROKIT studio monitors and subwoofer

MIAMI, APRIL 15, 2025 ― Renowned Miami-based producer and songwriter Laureano “Lauro” Pardo is making waves in the music industry with his stellar portfolio, which boasts collaborations with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Arcangel, Myke Towers, Fer Vazquez, and Flor Alvarez. With multiple nominations for GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Awards and accolades featuring two-time RIAA Gold and 10-time RIAA Platinum certifications, Lauro’s contributions to music are evident.

Lauro is a passionate creator who has cultivated his unique sound. From the early days of experimenting with music, Lauro’s journey began by collaborating with local bands, which allowed him to hone his craft. “Over time, one of those artists achieved great success, earning awards both nationally and internationally,” he shares. “Thanks to that experience, I managed to come to the United States and fully immerse myself in the music industry.” Lauro’s career, now flourishing, is rooted in a love for sound that he believes has been amplified by his choice of gear.

Equipped with KRK ROKIT 5 Generation 4 Studio Monitors paired with a powerful 10-inch KRK Subwoofer, Lauro explains, “As my studio is not very large, I am very satisfied with the sound I have achieved using my KRK gear. Despite the size, the KRK system fits perfectly in my space and makes me happy. What I like most about the KRK system is that it sounds clean and provides the right amount of sub-bass I need,” he says. “It’s a sound I’m familiar with because it’s the same one I started my career with, so I feel very comfortable.”

This familiarity dates back to Lauro’s formative years. “When I started producing, I watched many tutorials on YouTube and noticed they used KRK monitors,” he says. “One day, at a local music outlet, I came across a pair of KRK monitors and tested them for myself. That was my first experience with the brand, and I have never stopped using it.”

With a reputation for delivering high-quality sound regardless of the environment, KRK monitors and subwoofers have become indispensable to Lauro’s production toolkit. “I always use KRK with all the projects I produce in my studio,” he adds. “Every time I’m asked for a backline for a session, I choose KRK because I know the brand consistently delivers reliable results. The gear has been a great solution for me. The monitors and subwoofers sound good anywhere, and I always trust that the audio will be consistent and true to what I need.”

Looking ahead, Lauro is eager to explore new possibilities with KRK. “My plan now is to try the GoAux Portable Monitors for spontaneous sessions; I want to always have them in the car, ready and prepared for any opportunity that arises,” he shares. Lauro firmly believes that KRK is more than just a brand. “KRK is part of the global musical legacy that has shaped the industry. If you are a producer seeking powerful sound and well-defined bass, there is no better option than KRK. There is no comparison.”

Lauro is an acclaimed Miami-based music producer and songwriter known for his innovative sound and collaborations with top artists in the industry. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for music, he continues to define the sound of contemporary Latin music.

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Top Track Studios unleashes sound innovation with KRK

Studio’s Owner and Lead Engineer, Gibran Sponchiado, elevates Nashville’s music experience with GoAux Portable Studio Monitors

NASHVILLE, MARCH 31, 2025 ― Now in its fifth year, Top Track Studios has been thriving as one of Music City’s prime recording studios. Designed to enhance the city’s evolving sound, the facility has been acoustically set up with creativity, comfort, and elegance in mind. It boasts a wide selection of top audio equipment, from the well-known classic pieces found in all major studios to the newest technologies available today. Additionally, Top Track Studios prides itself on its commitment to service, ensuring that it respects a musician’s artistry by honoring their needs and vision.

“We are heavy on analog processing here at Top Track,” says Studio Owner, CEO, and Lead Engineer Gibran Sponchiado. “Our amazing outboard equipment and microphone collection make us passionate about the type of work we do. Services at the studio include live tracking of full bands; vocal recording and production; mixing; producing solo artists; and recording ADR and voice-over.”

To support this vast array of projects at Top Track, Sponchiado relies on a multi-speaker setup, which features a pair of KRK GoAux 4 Portable Studio Monitors for referencing in his control room, as well as creating seamless communication with remote collaborators. Notably, KRK’s parent company, Gibson, has recorded promotional videos for the new Les Paul Studio Guitars at Top Track.

“The KRK GoAux sound great and have balanced frequency response, despite the small size,” says Sponchiado. “In a studio, you always need a speaker that can handle loud sounds with extra headroom to avoid distortion on loud transients. When I first sought a small set of speakers for the studio, a friend of mine suggested trying out the GoAux. I bought myself a pair, and they are a great addition to Top Track’s setup.”

Sponchiado goes on to explain that his team also relies on the GoAux speakers for sessions with remote clients. “If we are working with a producer in California who wants to direct the recording sessions in real-time, it’s important to have our client’s feed in an alternative set of speakers in order to separate the communication from the actual session material.”

Sponchiado also admires the sleek design and modern aesthetics of the KRK GoAux monitors, finding their appearance both appealing and distinctive. “The GoAux matches the vision of the studio and goes great with the wooden elements we have throughout the space,” he adds. “We want to make art here at Top Track, and it is important to have speakers that make an impact on the artists and people who come here, both visually and auditorily. The GoAux speakers are equipped with Bluetooth® capabilities, which allow us to quickly let clients play some of their music from their phones or laptops without having to hook up anything physically.”

A devoted audio enthusiast and true maestro of analog gear, Sponchiado blends his wealth of audio expertise with his passion for music and has forged a reputation for excellence over his extensive 20-year career. As a highly skilled Brazilian Producer and Recording/Mixing Engineer, Sponchiado also specializes in serving the region’s Latin communities, bringing a unique cultural perspective and deep understanding of diverse musical styles to his work. Artists looking to elevate their sound will ask to collaborate with Sponchiado because of his commitment to quality and creativity.

Sponchiado got his start as an audio engineer in 2004. He earned a bachelor’s in music education from Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul (UERGS) in Brazil in 2008 and an MFA in recording arts and technologies from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2016. Some of his past clients include R&B artist Jeremih, Pedro Capó (Sony Music), Rome Ramirez, Brittney Spencer (Elektra Entertainment), Finesse2tymes (Atlantic Records), rapper Rocko, actress Ariel Winter, and actors Luke Benward and Chris Mason. Record labels Top Track worked for include Sony Music, Universal Music, Warner Music, Atlantic Records, and 300 Entertainment, among others. He’s also done ADR and voiceover sessions for production companies such as Monster Factory (Resident Evil Franchise) and Wolf Studios (Doctor Who).

Today, Sponchiado approaches every session with a commitment to precision and quality that ensures each project not only meets but exceeds expectations, making him an asset in the world of sound and for Top Track Studios clients.

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Podcaster and On-air Personality Humberto “El Gato” Rodriguez Gets Real With KRK

Rodriguez Uses KRK ROKITs as Reference Monitors for his Podcast “El Poder de la Música”

MIAMI, JUNE 24, 2024 ― Podcaster Humberto “El Gato” Rodriguez’s “El Poder de la Música” podcast focuses on all the intricacies of music, from the science behind production to new and emerging artists. His show, which translates to “The Power of Music,” can be found on all major podcasting platforms — such as Apple Music, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

“El Poder is a reflection of my love for music and the type of musician I would want to be had I become one,” shares Rodriguez. “I started this podcast six years ago with the vision of having a platform to discuss music with musicians, creators, engineers, producers, and anybody else who has anything to do with music, even from a scientific point of view. It has been a real treat to do what I love and be around great music and musicians.”

To bring his podcast to life, Rodriguez knows the gear in his studio needs to be equally as great as the equipment used by the artists he interviews. The KRK ROKIT 7 G4 Professional Bi-Amp Powered Studio Monitors were an easy choice. “I use my KRKs for everything,” says Rodriguez, who has the White Noise editions. “I use them for the podcast, which I air on audio and video platforms, and to listen to music; I have also produced a couple of songs with them.”

While there are many features that Rodriguez appreciates about his ROKITs, there are a few that stand out most. “One thing I really love about my KRKs is that the bass is in the front,” he says. “I don’t have a lot of room in my studio, and I needed a sound that was accurate and reliable. If the bass is too close to the back, the sound bounces and isn’t accurate. I love bass, so it was important for me to find a speaker that allows it to sound clean and precise.”

Rodriguez also credits the control functions of the monitors as being among his favored features. “I like the on-board LCD visual EQ,” he adds. “At first, I didn’t know that you could have presets of EQ, but now I love that function because I can keep the speakers flat and use my presets as necessary. I also love the standby feature. If I forget to turn off the speakers, it goes into standby mode and shuts itself down.” 

As someone who prides himself on being genuine, Rodriguez was happy to find a pair of speakers that he trusts. “I am very honest in my personal life and even when I go on air for my radio show or podcast,” he explains. “So, I need real gear and KRK for me is real. There are other well-known brands that might look very cool, but they are not authentic. I like accuracy and an honest sound; the KRK ROKITs are that for me.”

A staple in the pro audio industry for nearly 35 years, Rodriguez started his career working in a recording studio at a radio station in the Dominican Republic, which he credits as the driving force behind his connection to music. Rodriguez studied journalism in Colombia and after moving to the United States, became a well-known on-air personality. He has hosted programs on Spanish-language stations in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Florida. He continues to follow his passion for music and considers himself a communicator through radio and television.

As a longtime fan of Gibson, Rodriguez has a strong relationship with the brand and KRK. He works closely with Cesar Acevedo, director of entertainment relations for Latin America at Gibson. “Cesar is like a brother to me,” shares Rodriguez. “Gibson is truly like my family, so working with KRK just made sense.”

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Miami-Based DJ Creates Unique Mixes in His Studio With KRK

Christian “Tian” Jimenez Uses KRK ROKIT Monitors and Subwoofer While Producing and Mastering a Variety of Projects

MIAMI, MAY 9, 2024 ― Miami-based DJ, Music Producer,and Music Business Entrepreneur Christian “Tian” Jimenez has always enjoyed making music. From producing and mastering in his home studio to mixing on stage, Jimenez continues to develop his sound. The KRK ROKIT 8 G4 Studio Monitors and S10.4 Studio Subwoofer have both played a crucial part in helping Jimenez create his beats.

“I use my KRKs for production and mastering projects as an electronic music DJ and producer, and switching to the ROKIT 8 monitors paired with the S10.4 subwoofer has been spectacular,” says Jimenez. “The audio reference is extremely balanced between bass, mids, and highs. I consider audio quality to be very important in any scenario and having equipment with these capabilities makes you really work and appreciate the music.”

Jimenez finds that his KRKs allow for an overall better listening experience when in the studio. “Thanks to my KRKs, I have better control of the room and a better sonic experience,” explains Jimenez. “The speakers are super powerful, and I am very happy with them. I feel that my KRKs are very well-rounded, and my favorite spec of the speakers is the low end!”

While Jimenez enjoys a variety of the features his KRK ROKIT monitors have to offer, one of his favorite parts is the DSP-driven Graphic EQ. “Having a Graphic EQ in the back is a big plus for me,” says Jimenez. “It allows me to control the dynamics and modify the settings of the speakers for the room.” The 25 settings also help condition his acoustic environment and offer new levels of versatility within the studio monitors. This feature is great for when Jimenez wants a different EQ response between creating and mixing his music.

Hailing from El Paso, TX, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Jimenez is a longtime vinyl enthusiast. He understands the impact that quality equipment in the music-making process can have on the final product. “I have always wanted to own a pair of KRKs and thanks to the KRK Miami team, now I do,” shares Jimenez.

In addition to his studio work, Jimenez’s selections and mixing abilities have given him the opportunity to play at a variety of notable venues in Miami. He made his first international debut at Soles Beach Club in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Looking ahead, Jimenez plans to continue to use his KRKs for future projects, specifically when recording and mixing.

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German Artist Ron Flieger Takes His Studio on the Road With KRK GoAux

The Multi-disciplinary Creative Also Utilizes the Brand’s Renowned V-Series With A KRK Subwoofer in the Studio

BERLIN, GERMANY, APRIL 9, 2024 ― German multi-disciplinary creative director, artist, and digital consultant Ron Flieger combines his love for visuals, fashion, technology, and music in his daily life. With multiple passions and career focuses, Flieger often finds himself working on the road and requires a pair of mobile monitors that fit into his workflow.

The KRK GoAux 3 Portable Monitors have proven to be his ideal companion for reference audio thanks to their fast set-up, ideal travel size, and accurate sound. Flieger also uses the KRK V-Series 6 Powered Studio Monitors and an S10.4 Powered Subwoofer when composing and producing at his studio in Berlin.

“I have been using KRK since 2014 after being introduced to the brand’s sound at a session at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles,” he shares. “I now use KRK gear to create all my music and the sound for my art installations. I also use it on all the music I compose for the videos and commercials that I direct.”

As an artist, Flieger knows that when a new idea comes to mind, there is no time to waste. His GoAux allow him to get started no matter where he is. “I mainly work on and finish my projects at my studio,” he says. “However, I have always loved trying out new ideas while on the road. That is when the GoAux 3 monitors come in handy.”

Flieger appreciates the ability to take his GoAux on the go and notes the monitors’ compact size as a feature that makes them ideal for portable applications. “I spend a lot of time on the road, so I often work out of hotel rooms these days,” shares Flieger. “The GoAux have never failed me on the go, and the bass response coming from such small speakers is super impressive.”

Accurate sound is another important feature for any monitor when it comes to making music. “I love how true KRK speakers are to the sound and that they do not hide anything,” explains Flieger. “I was never interested in overemphasizing audio within my workflow. If the vibe is nice, just let it roll. KRK speakers have always helped me get into the zone without getting carried away from reality.”

Flieger continues to use his KRKs for a variety of creative projects. “I mainly use the KRK GoAux for composing and producing,” shares Flieger. “I pretty much finished a whole project with just the GoAux, had another listen back at my studio and tweaked a few minor things. Everything turned out to be top-notch. I am super happy with the results.”

Ron Flieger has been a part of the music industry since the age of 22 when he was signed with Warner as a full-time singer/songwriter. He worked in this role for several years before getting signed by Universal Music Group, where he expanded his field of work to writing and producing for other artists. Flieger has also composed music for film and commercials.

Today, Flieger is best known as a creative director. His personal aesthetic always follows a “sophisticated and raw” vibe, and his KRKs continue to contribute to his creative workflow. “It is refreshing to be able to fully rely on my KRKs as a reference when it comes to evaluating the magic of sound,” he says.

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KRK Launches ROKIT Generation Five Studio Monitors

Next-gen ROKIT Features Three New Voicing Modes, Enhanced Tweeter Design, and a Refreshed LCD

NASHVILLE, MARCH 26, 2024 ― As the unwavering cornerstone of professional audio monitoring for over three decades, KRK earned its reputation through a rich history of innovation and precision. Building off this legacy, Gibson introduces the newest addition to KRK’s impressive range of professional audio solutions: the ROKIT Generation Five Studio Monitors.Offered in three sizes — five, seven, and eight-inch — these advanced, active, two-way studio reference monitors feature three new voicing modes, an enhanced tweeter design, and a refreshed LCD.

KRK ROKIT Generation Five monitors were created to meet the diverse needs of musicians, composers, producers, and sound engineers by providing the tools needed to reproduce every nuance of a production with astonishing clarity. The ROKIT Generation Five line is available through select dealers and online at krkmusic.com.

“Featuring KRK’s world-renowned sound along with new technology and tuning parameters to truly dial-in the listening experience, the KRK ROKIT Generation Five is a must-have studio solution for the most demanding creators,” says Sterling Doak, Senior Director of Marketing for Gibson. “KRK engineers continually pull from the brand’s legacy of trust and performance to refine its studio monitors — blending cutting-edge technology with the time-tested principles of audio engineering. The same holds true for this latest development. As the most advanced monitor in its class, the KRK ROKIT Generation Five is powerful enough to handle the rigors of professional use but basic enough for emerging producers, engineers, and artists.”

With three voicing modes available, the KRK ROKIT Generation Five Monitors cover all the bases for today’s music makers. Included among these is Mix Mode, which offers a flat frequency and phase response that is ideal for mixing, mastering, and critical listening. Create Mode provides more inspirational voicing and is best used for writing, producing, and casual listening. Finally, Focus Mode has mid-focused voicing for critical analysis of the midrange band, where vocals and instruments have the most energy.

The monitors also feature 25 evolved DSP boundary and tuning EQ combinations that help minimize and correct problems in any acoustic environment. Additionally, the newly designed tweeter benefits from a highly damped acoustic silk dome diaphragm for improved phase performance and an extended frequency range (up to 40 kHz), while the refreshed, amber-colored LCD DSP interface simplifies the calibration process with new tuning options.

The monitors also feature KRK’s iconic woven Kevlar® aramid fiber cone woofers for superior damping and modal breakup control and Class D power amplifiers to drive the transducers evenly and more efficiently at reduced operating temperatures to ensure maximum transient response and dynamics reproduction for audio integrity during long work sessions.

Intended for plug-and-play use, each pair of monitors also comes with a set of isolation wedges for easy setup, while integrated mounting points make it simple to use them with any wall/ceiling mount solutions. Each pair also comes standard with the protective grille installed, while an additional faceplate option without the grille is included to accommodate aesthetic preferences.

As the newest generation of the iconic ROKIT professional studio monitors, the KRK ROKIT Generation Five takes music and sound creativity to a whole new level in the industry.   

Explore the new KRK ROKIT Generation Five product line HERE.

All KRK ROKIT Generation Five assets can be found HERE.

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Esteemed Country Music Engineer Steve Marcantonio Finds Portable Reference Solution With KRK GoAux

GoAux Provides Accurate Audio Representation for Work With Country Stars Such as Ronnie Dunn

NASHVILLE, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 ― With a passion for both music and technology, GRAMMY® Award-winning Engineer Steve Marcantonio has dedicated his life to crafting songs while simultaneously trying every new music industry trend. Early on, Marcantonio distinguished himself by bridging the gap between the analog and digital worlds, a skill he continues to use today. Since his start at New York’s Record Plant Studios, where he worked alongside influential artists such as Aerosmith, Kiss, and John Lennon, Marcantonio has established himself as one of the most esteemed names in country music.

From Taylor Swift’s Red and Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts to Thomas Rhett’s Where We Started, Marcantonio has had a hand in shaping decades worth of genre-defining hits. This talent was recognized by the Academy of Country Music in 2006 when he was named ACM Engineer of the Year. Marcantonio’s work on the documentary Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me was also awarded a GRAMMY® Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media in 2016. While his workload has certainly not slowed, Marcantonio now prefers to primarily operate out of his Nashville-based studio, “MusicHouse,” where he collaborates with legends and newcomers alike.

Although he is no longer traveling extensively, Marcantonio still finds himself working on sessions outside of his studio space. For these instances, the engineer has turned to his new KRK GoAux 4 Portable Monitor System as an accurate and versatile reference solution. As a longtime KRK user, Marcantonio currently deploys KRK V-Series V4 and V8 monitors and a S10.4 subwoofer in his studio, so the KRK GoAux was a natural progression for the producer.

“The KRK GoAux have a lovely bottom-end with crystal-clear top-end and imaging, which is important to me,” Marcantonio explains. “What I’m used to hearing through my professional KRK speakers comes through in the GoAux. Best of all, I can use them to easily reference what my mix might sound like in different listening areas. I can put them on the other side of the studio wall or in an area that’s not part of our usual listening surface and get an accurate representation of that space. The speakers are good at projecting my track in a way that is comparable to what the consumer will ultimately hear.”

Marcantonio most recently used this method for his recording work with Ronnie Dunn of the country duo Brooks and Dunn. “A lot of times when we’re in the middle of a session, the artist or producer wants to reference another track on their phone,” explains Marcantonio. “It has been a huge help that they are able to just use the Bluetooth connection on the GoAux to easily play back on actual speakers, and it sounds great! The measurement microphone is also awesome. Ultimately, it’s really all about the convenience: the included stands and bag make this so simple to quickly set up.”

The handiness and accessories provided by GoAux were a welcome upgrade to Marcantonio’s mobile setup. Marcantonio also appreciates the convenience of using GoAux to assist his students at Blackbird Academy, an educational mentorship program from Nashville’s Blackbird Studios. Academy students are taught by esteemed audio professionals such as Marcantonio, gaining the hands-on experience needed to succeed in the music industry. As students often take sessions at MusicHouse, among other locations, Marcantonio notes that the portability of GoAux will provide an added benefit for these up-and-coming musicians, producers, and engineers.

“I have encouraged many people, in person and online, to look into the KRK GoAux,” he finishes. “They’re the perfect speakers for a musician who’s going from hotel to hotel, a producer working off their computer, or a young person who’s constantly on the go. The carrying case is a great size for a plane and can fit within your carry-on. Even for someone like me, who isn’t traveling as much anymore, bringing these to recording sessions at artists’ homes or studios is great. For the price, convenience, and history that KRK has, choosing GoAux is a no-brainer.”

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Miami’s Morplay Studio Drops Beats With KRK ROKIT 10-3 and GoAux Mobile Monitors

Audio Engineer and Studio Manager Frank Socorro Uses KRK Monitors for Sound Referencing On-site and On-the-go

MIAMI, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 ― Morplay Studios Audio Engineer and Studio Manager Franklin “Frank” Socorro is a music industry veteran who has shared his knowledge and love for music and production for 25 years. Socorro first started out freelancing, crafting songs for Latin artists like Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, and Enrique Iglesias. It wasn’t long before Socorro moved into the hip hop and R&B world, where he worked alongside Producer Salaam Remi and a variety of artists, including Faith Evans, Nas, 50 Cent, and the late Amy Winehouse. He also taught audio courses at the SAE Institute for nearly a decade before joining Morplay Studios in Miami. 

It’s in the Studio Manager role that Socorro required a high-quality studio monitor that offered both reliable sound and visual appeal to match the space. He ultimately selected the KRK ROKIT 10-3 G4 Midfield Three-Way Studio Monitors to support the reggaeton and urban music produced at the studio, which makes the size and low end of a studio monitor a priority. 

“Due to space limitations in the room, we needed to have the low end without also using a sub,” he says. “With these considerations, choosing the ROKIT 10-3s was an easy decision. Overall, even at a loud volume, the monitors reproduce well. They don’t alter their sound sonically as the volume increases, and that makes it easy for us to trust what’s happening when we play the music through the speakers. It’s a good reference at different volumes, which is important.” 

Socorro also uses two pairs of the KRK GoAux Portable Monitors to assist with mobile referencing.“The ability to go anywhere with the GoAux is really great,” he explains. “I was especially blown away by the bass response, which is obviously hard to pull off in such a small speaker. I find that the accuracy you get from the low end is impressive and extremely useful, especially for a speaker that can be moved around.”

The mobility and sound quality of the GoAux have proven especially important for playback applications. “Right now, we have the GoAux monitors sitting in a non-treated office made out of a container with metal walls, which is the worst listening environment, ever―yet the monitors still sound good,” he shares. “That is a testament to what the KRK GoAux can do; the room becomes less of an issue, which is important when you’re trying to listen to something that’s critical.”

From a usability standpoint, Socorro says that having portable monitors that are easy to set up and work on has made for a much smoother-running studio. “Anyone who is not super familiar or technologically savvy with audio equipment can easily set the KRK GoAux monitors up and make them work,” he adds. “They also have Bluetooth, so anyone can connect and play their music without the need to continually unplug, which is an added bonus.” 

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GRAMMY®-nominated Singer Paula Arenas Creates Heartfelt Tracks With KRK

Mixing and Recording Engineer Maria Elisa Ayerbe Used KRK Headphones, Monitors, and Sub to Produce Arenas’ Most Recent Album

MIAMI, JANUARY 8, 2024 ― GRAMMY®-nominated Singer and Songwriter Paula Arenas released her third album titled ‘A Ciegas’ in May, and it has since been nominated for four Latin GRAMMY® Awards and one GRAMMY® Award in the category of Best Latin Album. Like Arenas’ previous two albums, ‘A Ciegas’ was crafted with the help of her friend and Latin GRAMMY®-winning Engineer and Latin GRAMMY®-nominated Producer and Composer Maria Elisa Ayerbe.

Maria Elisa Ayerbe (left) and Paula Arenas (right) in the studio with KRK KNS 8402 Studio Headphones and KRK V-Series Studio Monitors.

Arenas and Ayerbe both have a strong passion for music, and they require high-quality audio equipment to share this passion with the world. That is why they turned to KRK’s KNS 8402 Studio Headphones, which were used to help create Arenas’ most recent album. “I like the 8402s specifically because they help make our tracks sound good and are well-balanced headphones,” says Ayerbe. “I also really appreciate the fact that they have volume control, so I don’t have to ride the artists’ volume on my end the entire time. The KRK KNS have great isolation, so you don’t get a lot of bleed, which doesn’t happen with other headphones.”

Another reason the KRK headphones are a go-to for the duo is the fit. “They’re comfortable, and that is important while recording since we’re wearing them for hours,” shares Ayerbe. “They are also nice looking, which is always a plus,” adds Arenas. “I love them and really treasure them.”

A long-time KRK user, Ayerbe has a variety of gear at her Miami-based South Mountain Studios,which she also deployed in the creation of Arenas’ music, as well as a variety of other recording and mixing projects. This includes the KRK S8.4 Powered Studio Subwoofer and KRK V4 Series 4 Powered Reference Monitors. “The V4s are incredibly accurate, high-quality compact speakers,” says Ayerbe. “I love how transparent they are. They have a great low end and a very open, pristine, high end, as well as a very good stereo image.”

In addition to working with KRK in the studio, Arenas has her own pair of KNS 8402s at her home as well as the KRK ROKIT 5 G4 Five-inch Powered Near-Field Studio Monitors, which Ayerbe recommended for Arenas’ space. “The monitors work great no matter what environment they are in,” explains Ayerbe of the decision to install the monitors in Arenas’ home. “The ROKITs are good at providing a great reference without relying too much on the acoustic treatment of the room, which is perfect for home-listening applications.”

While the studio equipment used is important to make a great album, so are the people you work with—that is why Arenas and Ayerbe have had such success collaborating for so long. “Paula knows exactly what she wants to sound like, and she is able to let me know the story that she wants to tell sonically before I step in on the technical side,” adds Ayerbe.

“It is so important to work with people who you trust, and Maria Elisa is that for me. We understand each other very well, and that is why we continue to work together,” shares Arenas. ‘A Ciegas’ holds a special place in Arenas’ heart. “The album is very personal. The title means going blindly, which is how I feel when I really get into my music,” says Arenas. “Writing songs is like a diary to me; I tend to write what is in my heart, and I do it to be my best self for me, my son, and my family. The album is almost like a love letter to me.”

Ayerbe also understands the importance of Arenas’ music and believes that is what makes the duo thrive. “Paula’s music is very heartfelt, and she stands by everything that she writes,” shares Ayerbe. “There’s always a story to tell, and there’s always a feeling behind those stories. Also, we are very specific and conscious about the overall quality of the music. This is why I think our partnership has been successful—I listen to her, and I take her music to where she wants it to go. Ours is a great partnership because we have fun, and we love what we do.”

Arenas started her music career in her home of Bogotá, Colombia, and eventually made her way to Miami, where she has lived ever since. Ayerbe is also from Bogotá and has been working professionally for 17 years. She has her own label and a goal to empower and highlight Latin music in the alternative pop scene. She is also an audio educator who currently teaches at Abbey Road Institute in Miami and has taught at a variety of universities across the U.S. and Colombia.