It can be a little difficult to take a set of pro studio monitors named ‘Monkey Banana’ seriously. Fortunately, not everything’s in a name. When I rigged up the Gibbon Turbo 8 in the studio to the Mackie Onyx Blackbird (replacing the Mackie HR824 MK2s), the results were pretty incredible.
What is the Monkey Gibbon Turbo 8?
The Gibbon Turbo 8 is a serious set of studio monitors that offer pretty amazing sound quality, especially in the low end.
Who’s it for?
Primarily for professional studio use, the Turbo 8 packs quite a punch.
Style
The aesthetic of these monitors is fantastic. The irregular hexagonal share adds to the look, even though it does mean you can’t place the Turbo 8s on their sides. I’m told this was a design decision intended to minimize standing waves. The monitors come in an energising red and yellow.
Usability of the Gibbon Turbo 8
In analogue mode, choose between XLR, TRS and RCA for balanced and unbalanced options; switch to digital mode to use SPDIF. Small knobs for volume and frequency adjustments are set behind the Turbo 8.
The Upside to the Turbo 8
Extensive connectivity options. Great looking. Excellent sound quality at the low end: the low frequency response is clean and round and goes deep into the 30-40 Hz range without a sub.
Turbo 8 and its Downside
The hi-mids and high-frequency response doesn’t feel true – it’s too sharp and causes ear fatigue after a while. The power switch is hard to find. High price point.
Final Call
The Gibbon Turbo 8 seem too expensive for the features offered, and adding the 10s sub-woofer will set you back an additional INR 30,000. At these prices, you can choose from a variety of monitors that offer more.
| What’s in the Box | Gibbon Turbo 8 Tech Specs |
| • 2 x monitors • 2 x AC power chords • User Manual | • Woofer 8 inch • Size: 308mm x 272m x 390mm • Weight: 12.2kg • Frequency Response 45Hz to 30kHz • Inputs: XLR Connector, TRS Connector, RCA input, SPDIF input • Amps: LF – 80W, HF 30W |
| Approximate Price: INR 1,06,000/- |
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