The Ultimate Tannoy Reveal Review: A Sound Investment in 2024

Tannoy Reveal 402: Compact Powerhouse for Precision Sound
Tannoy, a distinguished name in the world of audio, has been at the forefront of loudspeaker technology since 1926. Known for their innovation and quality, Tannoy’s previous models, like the Reveal 601, have set high standards in studio monitoring. The Tannoy Reveal 402 continues this legacy, offering compact size without compromising on performance.
Core Audience
The Tannoy Reveal 402 is designed for budding audio engineers, home studio enthusiasts, and professional producers seeking a reliable nearfield monitor. Its user-friendly design and affordability make it accessible for those at various experience levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Accuracy and Transparency
The Reveal 402 is celebrated for its accurate and transparent sound reproduction. It provides a clear and detailed audio picture, ensuring that mixes translate well across different playback systems. This accuracy is crucial for critical listening and mixing tasks.
Frequency Response
With a frequency response of 56Hz to 48kHz, the Reveal 402 offers a broad spectrum of sound. The bass is tight and well-defined, the mids are articulate, and the highs are crisp, making it suitable for a variety of music genres and production needs.
Build Quality and Design
Tannoy’s commitment to quality is evident in the Reveal 402’s robust build. The cabinet is constructed from sturdy MDF with an attractive matte finish, designed to minimize resonance and enhance sound clarity. Its compact form factor makes it ideal for small studio spaces.
Driver Size and Configuration
The Reveal 402 features a 4-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch soft dome tweeter. This driver configuration ensures a balanced sound output, with the woofer handling the low and mid frequencies effectively and the tweeter providing clear and detailed highs.
Room Correction and EQ Features
While the Reveal 402 does not include advanced room correction features, it offers basic rear-panel controls for adjusting high and low frequencies. These adjustments help tailor the sound to different acoustic environments, providing some flexibility in setup.
Nearfield vs. Farfield Monitoring
Optimized for nearfield monitoring, the Reveal 402 excels in close listening scenarios. Its design ensures minimal interference from room acoustics, making it perfect for small to medium-sized studios and home setups.
Specialized Features for Music Production
The Reveal 402 includes a front-firing bass port that enhances low-frequency response and allows for flexible placement within a room. This feature is particularly useful in home studios where space is often limited.
Amplification and Connectivity

The Reveal 402 is equipped with a 50W bi-amplified design, ensuring that both the woofer and tweeter receive dedicated power for optimal performance. Connectivity options include balanced XLR and unbalanced TRS inputs, offering flexibility for various studio configurations.
Pros:
- Accurate and transparent sound reproduction
- Compact and robust build quality
- Flexible connectivity options
- Front-firing bass port for enhanced low-frequency response
Cons:
- Limited low-end extension compared to larger monitors
- Basic EQ controls
Conclusion
The Tannoy Reveal 402 stands out as a compact yet powerful studio monitor, delivering accurate sound and robust performance. Its affordability and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for both novice and professional audio engineers. Whether for mixing, mastering, or everyday listening, the Reveal 402 proves that great things can come in small packages.
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