Focal Solo 6: The New Generation of Monitors in Black Color.

Focal, undeniably one of the leading companies in professional speaker manufacturing, recently introduced a new version of the already successful Solo 6—a modern nearfield monitor that combines high accuracy, refined design, and advanced technologies. Now available in black, the new Solo 6 promises to be a powerful tool for music production professionals.

Design & Aesthetics

The Focal Solo 6 retains its iconic compact design but now comes in a sleek black finish, giving it a more modern and discreet appearance. Its design is ideal for both recording studios and producers who need a high-performance monitor for professional or home studio setups.

Innovative Technologies & High-Fidelity Sound

Focal has equipped the Solo 6 with next-generation technologies, ensuring maximum accuracy in sound reproduction:

• Enhanced 1.5” Beryllium Tweeter – Delivers extended high-frequency response up to 40 kHz, providing unmatched detail and precise stereo imaging without harshness.

• TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) Technology – Specially designed dampers in the woofer frame reduce unwanted distortions in the mid-frequency range (~1-3 kHz), resulting in cleaner vocal and acoustic instrument reproduction.

• 6.5” "W" Composite Sandwich Cone Woofer – The multi-layer cone ensures exceptional rigidity, allowing accurate low-frequency response down to 45 Hz without coloration.

• Active 2-Way Design with Class G Amplifier – The Class G amplifier for the woofer delivers dynamic and efficient performance with low distortion, while the Class AB amplifier for the tweeter ensures smooth and natural high-frequency response.

• Controlled Directivity – Thanks to the tweeter's waveguide design and the speaker’s phase response, the Solo 6 maintains a stable stereo image regardless of the listening position.

Detailed Analysis

Low Frequencies

The Solo6 ST6 retains the 6.5” W composite sandwich cone, which consists of two ultra-thin woven fiberglass layers compressed onto a structural foam core. This design provides rigidity and uniformity while remaining highly flexible, offering an exceptional combination of sonic accuracy and fast transient response. Additionally, it features a new and improved pulp dust cap.

The front laminar bass port of the Solo6 ST6 has a diameter of 1”, which is 1/2” larger than the previous version, enhancing airflow and improving low-frequency performance.

Mid Frequencies

The 6.5” driver is mounted using a new Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) design, consisting of two cylindrical rings integrated into the surround. This technology reduces potential speaker distortions and maintains sonic coherence in relation to the tweeter.

High Frequencies

The Solo6 ST6 features Focal’s signature 1” inverted dome beryllium tweeter, which is extremely thin and lightweight yet highly rigid. In this new version, the tweeter is housed in a custom-designed surround, enhancing sound dispersion and expanding the sweet spot for a more immersive listening experience. Behind the tweeter, Focal has introduced a new Infinite Acoustic Load (IAL) design, essentially a dedicated chamber that improves the tweeter’s acoustic reach and minimizes unwanted resonances.

Power

The Solo6 ST6 once again utilizes a BASH amplifier, allowing a Class AB amplifier to dynamically adjust power supply based on demand. The new model delivers a total power output of 130W (80W for the woofer and 50W for the tweeter).

Although this is significantly lower than the 250W (150W/100W) of the Solo6 Be, Focal claims that the new speaker produces approximately 4dB higher output in direct side-by-side comparison with its predecessor. This was achieved through driver optimizations, while the 50% reduction in power results in only a 3dB decrease in SPL, maintaining high efficiency and dynamic performance.

Rear Panel

On the rear panel, in addition to the power switch and auto-standby function, you’ll find:

• Input sensitivity switch (+4dBu / -10dBV)

• Tone controls for low-cut (250 Hz ±3dB) and high frequencies (4.5 kHz ±3dB)

• A new EQ control for boosting low-mid frequencies (160 Hz ±3dB)

• A high-pass filter with selectable cutoff points (Full range, 45, 60, 90 Hz)

• A balanced XLR input for signal management

• A 1/4” I/O pair dedicated to the new Focus Mode

• Mounting points for wall or ceiling installation

Focus Mode

One of the key innovations in the Solo6 ST6 (also present in the Twin6 ST6) is Focus Mode. First introduced in the Trio6 Be (October 2015) and Trio11 Be (June 2019), this feature allows for alternative monitoring perspectives. Focus Mode is activated via a latching footswitch, which connects to the 1/4” I/O jack on the rear panel.

• On three-way models (Trio Be series), Focus Mode disables the bass driver and adjusts the crossover, transforming the speaker from a 3-way to a 2-way system.

• On ST6 models, Focus Mode bypasses the tweeter and reconfigures the crossover, converting the 2-way speaker into a single-band mixcube with a restricted frequency range.

This feature is particularly useful for checking mixes in monophonic and low-resolution listening conditions, ensuring compatibility across various playback systems.

For users with a Focal Sub, the Focus Out can be routed to the subwoofer’s bypass input, automatically disabling the sub when Focus Mode is engaged.

Performance & Applications

The Focal Solo6 ST6 is an exceptionally versatile monitor, designed for professional applications such as mixing, mastering, and sound design. Its enhanced stereo imaging, precise midrange reproduction, and balanced low-frequency response make it an invaluable tool for demanding professionals seeking high-resolution sound monitoring.

Key Performance Features

Flat frequency response (45 Hz - 40 kHz, ±3 dB) – Ensuring accurate and transparent playback across the full spectrum.

Maximum SPL of 110 dB @ 1m – Providing ample headroom for powerful mixes without listening fatigue.

Advanced bass reflex port – Engineered for controlled low-end dispersion, reducing distortion and unwanted harmonic artifacts.

Additionally, the cabinet redesign improves resonance control and minimizes acoustic coloration, resulting in a more natural and transparent sound reproduction, essential for critical listening and mix accuracy.

Conclusion

The balance of dynamics, accuracy, and clarity in the Focal Solo6 ST6 is truly remarkable. Its sound signature is closer to that of the Trio11, particularly in the high frequencies. This makes sense, as the Solo6 ST6 is designed to integrate seamlessly into a fully immersive Focal setup alongside the Trio11 and/or Trio6, ensuring consistent sound reproduction across different monitoring configurations. With enhanced EQ controls, the addition of Focus Mode, and a well-defined, forward-positioned soundstage, the Solo6 ST6 is far more than just a standard 6.5" studio monitor—it is a versatile mixing tool capable of handling any professional production requirement.

Now available in a sleek black finish, the Focal Solo6 ST6 stands out as one of the most exciting options in the professional studio monitor category. With exceptional build quality, cutting-edge technologies, and impressive performance, it is an ideal choice for those who demand precision, clarity, and professional-grade sound in their studio. Enhanced dynamic response, improved stereo imaging, and reduced distortion make it one of the most reliable nearfield monitors for professional use.

See all the features of Solo 6 here

AthensProAudio Team ©