Fluid Audio Picture 2

The majority of monitoring speakers found on the market are 2-way models . These notably have two speakers which each reproduce different frequency ranges . What if you tried a speaker with a 3-way system? This is what the Fluid Audio Picture 2 offers us.

The Picture 2 from Fluid Audio is a tri-amplified monitoring speaker dedicated to professional recording studios . This model is renowned for reproducing sound with impressive precision. Let's take a closer look at its technical characteristics, its design quality and its sound reproduction. At the end of the test, we will give you our opinion on this active studio monitor from Fluid Audio.

Fluid Audio Picture 2 Speaker Overview

Fluid Audio Picture 2 is a 3-way active monitoring speaker like the Dynaudio LYD-48 speaker . However, unlike the latter, the Picture 2 from Fluid Audio is equipped with two woofers , but not one. In fact, this model has 4 speakers which reproduce 3 different frequency ranges:

• 1 ribbon tweeter to reproduce high frequencies
• 1 5-inch driver for mid-range frequencies
• 2 8-inch speakers to reproduce low frequencies

output power of this model is 675 W. The 2 low frequency speakers each deliver a power of 225 W , compared to 150 W for the midrange speaker and 75 W for the tweeter.

This model belongs to the category of active speakers . This means that it has a built-in amplifier. For information, note that there are also passive speakers like the Focal Shape 65 model . These need an external amplifier.

The amplifiers integrated into the Fluid Audio Picture 2 offer high efficiency since they belong to class D. This type of amplifier is also known to consume less energy compared to class A amplifiers.

With its 12.4 kg, the Fluid Audio Picture 2 is lighter compared to the Adam S3V speaker (25 kg) which is also a 3-way speaker . This model is also space-saving on an office table given that it measures only 351mm high.

The design quality of the Fluid Audio Picture 2 speakers

Fader Pro FPX7 series , the Picture 2 benefits from an AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter mounted on a waveguide. This technology gives the speaker dynamic and transparent sound as well as low distortion.

The 5-inch midrange driver of the Fluid Audio Picture 2 is equipped with an aluminum cone . This is perfectly housed in a waterproof box. Aluminum is excellent for thin speaker diaphragms. Indeed, this material offers a good stiffness/weight ratio , which gives it a certain speed. The distortion is kept at an insignificant level thanks in particular to the short-circuit ring . This device ensures power management.

As for the 2 low frequency speakers, here again the quality is there. The 8-inch woofers benefit in particular from Vi-bracer technology . This connects the two woofers by exerting outward pressure while adding an additional bracing system. This design mode effectively reduces distortion.

The elements on the rear panel of the Fluid Audio Picture 2 speaker

The rear panel of the Picture 2 has several inputs and controls:

• An XLR analog input to accommodate a balanced line-level audio signal from a sound card, preamp or mixing console
• A 1/4" TRS input that can accommodate balanced or unbalanced cables
• Digital inputs that support 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz: one AES/EBU input and one S/PDIF input
• A volume control knob to adjust the sound intensity in precise increments: 0 dB level corresponds to a sensitivity of 90 dB at 1 m distance and an input signal of -15 dBV
• A USB input that supports USB type B connectors: this is used to import an acoustic correction file into the integrated DSP
• A Footswitch input to switch between Flat and Cubemix modes (to activate only the mid-range speakers): this accepts the 6.35mm plug from the Picture Picture pedal
• A rotary knob to control low frequencies below 70 Hz: you can select 4 levels (0 dB, +1 dB, +2 dB, -2 dB, -1 dB)
• A rotary knob to control the midrange at 2 kHz in 3 levels (0 dB, +1 dB and -1 dB)
• A rotary knob to control high frequencies above 8 kHz in 3 levels (0 dB, +1 dB, -1 dB)
• A channel selection switch : this allows you to have control over the right or left channel of the digital input
• A switch to select the input type (analog or digital): if you adjust the selector to "Analog", the digital input will not work, and vice versa.
• A socket to receive a power cord (delivered with the monitor)
• A fuse holder
• An ON/OFF switch to turn the device on and off
• A voltage selection switch (115 V or 220 V)
• A Standby Auto/On switch : by default, this switch is set to “Auto” (in the high position). In this position, standby is activated. To deactivate this mode, simply send an audio signal to the speaker, gradually increasing the sound level of the source. The speaker will return to standby mode after 45 minutes without an audio signal.

Note : It is also possible to deactivate automatic standby mode via the Standby Auto/On switch. To do this, simply adjust the selector to “Off”.

Elements on the front panel of the Fluid Audio Picture 2

On the front panel of the speaker, we find the AMT tweeter as well as the mid-frequency driver. Note that the woofers are on the 2 side faces of the speaker .

In addition to the speakers, there are also 4 LED indicators on the front of the Fluid Audio Picture 2:

• An LED indicating standby status : a bright red light turns on, then becomes darker after 5 seconds
• An LED for power on : a bright green light turns on, then becomes darker after 5 seconds
• An LED indicating amplifier clipping : a red light flashes continuously
• A thermal protection : a red light flashes until the amplifier temperature returns to normal

Integration of Fluid Audio Picture 2 into Sonaworks SoundID Reference

Sound engineers are used to using acoustic correction to optimize the listening room. Once they mix on patched monitors, they never go back. This is the major advantage of using this type of software.

However, there are drawbacks to running the fix tool all the time on a computer. Indeed, this requires the use of a significant portion of processor resources. Furthermore, using an external tool generates latency. Not to mention the complexity of mixing checks.

Fluid Audio has implemented a solution to work around these issues. Indeed, equipped with an integrated DSP , the Picture SoundID Referance export files . This is the most recent version of Sonaworks.

Note that it is possible to download up to 4 different profiles. Downloading optimization profiles is done via Fluid Audio's DCT application . You will also need a measurement microphone.

Zoom on the sound quality of Fluid Audio Picture 2

The sound quality is there with the Fluid Audio Picture 2. Once positioned correctly, this 3-way speaker delivers exceptional performance in all frequency ranges.

These two 8-inch woofers arranged on the sides of its case provide power and depth in the low end . Bass extends to 40 Hz without bump .

Thanks to its AMT-type ribbon tweeter, this speaker offers transparent and clear reproduction of high frequencies . Its speaker dedicated to the reproduction of mid-range frequencies also improves its sound reproduction.

The Fluid Audio Picture 2 has a closed box . This means that it does not have a low reflex system. The latter has the function of reinforcing the bass. This technology is found in several speaker models, to name only the EVE audio SC2070 and the Adam T7V.

However, the absence of an air outlet in the Picture 2's box gives it a certain advantage. In effect, this reduces its sensitivity to frequency interaction in the recording studio. Furthermore, this allows you to position the speaker near a wall without affecting the sound reproduction.

To fully benefit from the sound quality of Fluid Audio Picture 2 speakers, they must be placed at the right distance from the listener. The ideal listening distance largely depends on the listening room. However, the manufacturer recommends positioning them at least 91 cm from the listener .

For a better listening experience, monitors should also be tilted slightly outwards. The idea is to position them so that the axis of the treble driver is oriented towards the listener's ears.

The technical characteristics of the Fluid Audio Picture 2

• Speaker type: 3-way active nearfield speaker
• 2 bass drivers, 1 midrange driver and 1 ART tweeter
• Boomer size: 8 inches
• Midrange driver size: 5 inches
• Tweeter size: 1.1 inch x 1.7 inch
• Type of amplifiers: class D amplifiers
• Total output power: 675 Watts
• RMS power of woofers: 2 x 225 Watts
• Midrange driver RMS power: 150 Watts
• RMS tweeter power: 75 Watts
• Frequency response: 28 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 4.6 dB), 80 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 2 dB)
• Cutoff frequency at 115 Hz and 2800 Hz
• 24-bit/192kHz AD converter
• Cubemix mode activated via the supplied pedal
• Rotating baffle for midrange driver and tweeter
• Sonarworks integration (SoundID reference profiles can be saved and loaded directly into the monitor's DSP)
• DCT software (DSP configuration tool) for managing part correction profiles
• 1 XLR analog input
• 1 stereo jack input
• 1 AES/EBU input on XLR
• S/PDIF I/O
• USB 2.0 type B port (DSP settings)
• Housing type: closed
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 351 mm x 241 mm x 363 mm
• Weight: 12.6 kg

Our opinion on the Fluid Audio Picture 2 speaker

The major advantage of the Fluid Audio Picture 2 lies in its sound quality. Its performance is far above that of 2-way studio monitors. The low frequency rendering is just exceptional. We can also notice precision and a lot of detail in the mids and highs.

We also like this model because of its look. It has a black casing. Its woofers are mounted on the sides. And on the front panel, we find its tweeter as well as its midrange speaker. Its design is quite similar to that of the Barefoot Sound speakers.

Another advantage of this speaker: Sonaworks SoundID Reference integration. Thanks to this software, controlling the listening environment becomes child's play. Furthermore, it is possible to operate only the midrange speakers thanks in particular to the Cubemix mode.

The advantages of this tri-amplified studio monitor:

• Powerful bass
• Precise and detailed mids and highs
• Extremely low distortion
• Good design quality
• Sonaworks SoundID Reference Integration
• Cubemix mode

Our verdict on the Fluid Audio Picture 2 speaker: this model passed our test with success. Considering all its strengths (sound quality, design quality, ease of use, etc.), we can only recommend it. All audiophiles will certainly be delighted to welcome this studio beast.

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