What Speakers Does Skrillex Use? The Definitive Guide to Sonny Moore’s Monitoring Setup
If you want to know what speakers does skrillex use, the short answer is that he primarily relies on Barefoot Sound MM27 Gen2 monitors in his main studio and Genelec 8351B monitors for his mobile and updated setups. During his early “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” era, he famously used KRK VXT8 monitors (and even a single blown-out KRK Rokit 5). Today, his sound is defined by the clinical accuracy and high-output “MEME” technology of Barefoot Sound and the coaxial precision of Genelec.
Producing world-class bass music requires monitoring that can handle extreme transients and sub-frequencies without distorting. Whether you are a bedroom producer or a professional engineer, understanding the signal chain of a 10-time Grammy winner provides a roadmap for your own sonic journey. We have analyzed years of studio footage, interviews, and gear sightings to break down exactly how Sonny Moore hears his music.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways of Skrillex’s Speaker Setup
- Primary Studio Monitors: Barefoot Sound MicroMain27 (MM27) Gen2.
- Mobile/Modern Setup: Genelec 8351B Smart Active Monitors.
- Legacy Gear: KRK VXT8 and KRK Rokit 5 (used in his early career).
- Sub-Bass Monitoring: Often paired with a SubPac (wearable tactile bass) for physical low-end feedback.
- Key Feature: He favors monitors with “Flat” responses that allow for surgical EQing of aggressive mid-range growls.
- Budget Alternative: Kali Audio LP-6 V2 or Adam Audio T5V for those seeking a similar “translation” quality.
The Evolution of the Skrillex Sound: From KRK to Barefoot
Understanding what speakers does skrillex use requires looking at his career trajectory. In 2010, the “Skrillex sound” was birthed in a literal warehouse or on a tour bus using minimal gear. This proves that while high-end speakers help, your ears and room knowledge are the most important factors.
The Early Years: The KRK Era
In his early Los Angeles studio sessions, Sonny was frequently seen with KRK VXT8 monitors. These were a step up from the entry-level Rokit series, offering a more rigid enclosure and better frequency response.
The KRK VXT8 was known for having a punchy, “fun” sound that favored electronic music producers. However, legend has it that much of his early work was mixed on a single KRK Rokit 5 because the other speaker in the pair had blown out. This highlights his incredible ability to “learn” the flaws of his speakers and compensate for them in the mix.
The Professional Pivot: Barefoot Sound MM27
As his production style became more complex, Skrillex moved to the Barefoot Sound MM27. These are widely considered the gold standard for modern electronic and hip-hop production.
The MM27s are “active” monitors, meaning they have built-in amplifiers tuned specifically for the drivers. They feature dual 10-inch subwoofers on the sides, which provide a “kick” that most studio monitors lack. For a producer like Skrillex, who needs to feel the sub-bass at high volumes, these speakers were a game-changer.
Why Skrillex Uses Barefoot Sound MM27 Gen2 Today
The Barefoot Sound MM27 Gen2 is the centerpiece of his professional studio environment. If you are asking what speakers does skrillex use for his most iconic tracks, this is the answer. These speakers use a technology called MEME (Multi-Emphasis Monitor Emulation).
The Power of MEME Technology
MEME technology allows the Barefoot speakers to emulate the sound of other famous monitors. With a turn of a dial, Skrillex can make his high-end Barefoot monitors sound like:
- Old School: The classic Yamaha NS10M (mid-forward and surgical).
- Cube: The Auratone 5C (for checking mix translation on small speakers).
- Hi-Fi: A consumer-grade playback system.
Technical Specifications of the MM27 Gen2
| Feature | Specification | Why It Matters for EDM |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 30Hz – 45kHz | Captures the deepest sub-bass and highest air frequencies. |
| Amplification | 1250 Watts | Provides massive headroom for loud, distorted transients. |
| Crossover | 4-way Active | Ensures the mids don’t get “muddy” when the bass hits. |
| Design | Sealed Box | Offers much faster “transient response” than ported speakers. |
By using a sealed box design, the Barefoot MM27 avoids the “boomy” or “loose” bass common in cheaper speakers. For the tight, percussive basslines found in Skrillex’s newer tracks like “Rumble,” this precision is non-negotiable.
The Modern Mobile Rig: Genelec 8351B “The Ones”
In recent years, Skrillex has spent significant time producing in varied environments—from hotel rooms to remote studios in Japan. When he isn’t in his main L.A. hub, he is almost always using Genelec 8351B monitors.
The Coaxial Advantage
The Genelec 8351B is part of “The Ones” series. These are coaxial monitors, meaning the tweeter and midrange drivers are positioned in the same center point.
For a producer who moves around, this is vital. It creates a “point source” of sound, meaning the “sweet spot” is much larger than traditional speakers. If Skrillex is leaning over a laptop or sitting off-center, the sound remains phase-accurate.
GLM Software Room Correction
The Genelec 8351B integrates with GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager). This is a calibration system that uses a microphone to measure the room’s acoustics.
We have seen this setup in multiple social media posts where Sonny is working in non-treated rooms. The GLM software automatically applies an EQ curve to the speakers to “fix” the room’s acoustic flaws. This allows Skrillex to achieve a “studio-grade” mix anywhere in the world.
How to Recreate the Skrillex Setup on a Budget
Most of us don’t have $10,000 to drop on Barefoot or Genelec monitors. However, you can achieve a similar monitoring philosophy by focusing on two things: transient speed and room calibration.
Choose “Focal” or “Kali” for Clarity**
If you want the “clinical” sound Skrillex prefers, look at the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. These speakers have extremely low distortion and a very flat frequency response for their price point. Another excellent option is the Adam Audio T5V, which uses a U-ART accelerated ribbon tweeter to capture the high-frequency detail found in Skrillex’s synth leads.
Use Sonarworks SoundID Reference**
Skrillex uses Genelec’s built-in calibration. You can get 90% of the way there using Sonarworks SoundID Reference. This software uses a measurement mic to create a calibration profile for your specific room. It flattens the response of your budget speakers, making them perform like high-end monitors.
The “SubPac” Secret**
Skrillex was an early adopter of the SubPac, a tactile bass system you wear or place against your chair. This allows you to feel frequencies from 1Hz to 200Hz. Since most home studios struggle with bass standing waves, using a SubPac allows you to mix sub-bass accurately without needing a $2,000 subwoofer.
Actionable Tips for Your Monitor Setup
Based on our experience analyzing professional setups, here is how you should apply the “Skrillex approach” to your studio:
- Stop Chasing “Bass-Heavy” Speakers: Skrillex uses monitors that are honest, not speakers that sound “good.” You want to hear the flaws in your mix so you can fix them.
- Positioning is Everything: Ensure your monitors are at ear level and form an equilateral triangle with your head. Even Barefoot MM27s will sound bad if they are placed in a corner without treatment.
- Check in Mono: Skrillex’s tracks are famous for their stereo width, but they are incredibly solid in mono. Regularly switch your monitoring to mono to ensure your “growls” don’t disappear due to phase cancellation.
- Reference at Low Volumes: While Sonny is known for playing music loud, the best mixing decisions are often made at “conversation levels.” This prevents ear fatigue and gives you a better sense of the balance between the kick and the snare.
Summary Table: Skrillex’s Speaker History
| Era | Primary Speaker | Notable Tracks | Key Sonic Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2012 | KRK VXT8 | Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites | Aggressive, mid-heavy, “crunchy.” |
| 2014-2018 | Barefoot MM27 Gen2 | Recess, Jack Ü | Ultra-wide, high-fidelity, deep sub. |
| 2020-Present | Genelec 8351B | Quest for Fire, Don’t Get Too Close | Surgical precision, point-source imaging. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Skrillex use a subwoofer?
In his main studio, the Barefoot MM27 Gen2 monitors have four built-in subwoofers (two per cabinet), so a standalone sub is often unnecessary. However, when using smaller setups, he often utilizes a SubPac to feel the physical impact of the low end without the acoustic issues of a traditional room-filling subwoofer.
What headphones does Skrillex use to mix?
While this guide focuses on speakers, Skrillex is often seen using Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 25 headphones. These are industry standards for their durability and “punchy” response, which complements his speaker choices.
Can I get the Skrillex sound with KRK Rokits?
Yes. Skrillex himself proved that knowing your gear is more important than the price tag. If you use KRK Rokits but complement them with room treatment and reference tracks, you can create professional-grade mixes. The key is “learning” how your speakers translate to other systems.
Why are Barefoot monitors so expensive?
Barefoot Sound monitors are expensive because they use high-end components, internal DSP for MEME technology, and a unique “opposing woofer” design that eliminates cabinet vibration. This allows them to produce massive bass in a relatively small footprint without distorting the midrange.
Does Skrillex use monitors or headphones more?
Sonny Moore is known for being “on the move.” While he prefers the physical air movement of Barefoot or Genelec speakers for final mixdowns, he has stated in interviews that a large portion of his creative “sound design” happens on headphones while traveling.
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