The Ex Machina Pulsar MKII is an active three-way studio monitor designed for critical mixing, production and reference listening. Combining a dedicated 9-inch low-frequency driver with a custom coaxial midrange and tweeter, it brings extended bass, precise imaging and individually calibrated digital processing into a sealed monitoring system. This listing includes one loudspeaker; two units are required for stereo monitoring.
At the centre of Pulsar MKII is a custom coaxial assembly developed through collaboration between Ex Machina, SEAS and Composite Sound. A 176 mm midrange and concentric 25 mm dome tweeter share an acoustic axis, supporting consistent localisation and coordinated dispersion. This geometry helps maintain a stable presentation of vocals, instruments and spatial information around the listening position, making it easier to assess panning, depth and reverberation.
Both coaxial diaphragms use Composite Sound Metamodal TX technology based on TeXtreme spread-tow carbon fabric. Their geometry and fibre architecture are engineered to control stiffness, resonance and off-axis behaviour. The midrange diaphragm also acts as a waveguide for the tweeter, helping coordinate their radiation through the 2 kHz crossover region.
A custom 221 mm SEAS aluminium bass driver handles the low-frequency range below the 200 Hz crossover. Its long-throw suspension and optimised motor architecture provide substantial excursion capability, supporting the reproduction of bass instruments, kick drums and low-frequency dynamics. For production and mixing work, this allows engineers to examine the relationship between bass weight, transient definition and midrange clarity.
The sealed enclosure avoids bass-reflex port noise and port-related compression. Combined with Ex Machina’s cabinet construction and digital calibration, it provides a controlled platform for evaluating low-frequency timing and tonal balance. Pulsar MKII is particularly relevant where engineers need a substantial three-way reference without moving to a dual-woofer main-monitor system.
Dedicated Hypex Ncore amplification supplies 250 W RMS to the bass driver, 100 W RMS to the midrange and 50 W RMS to the tweeter. The integrated active architecture removes the need for an external power amplifier and allows the drivers, amplification and crossover processing to be developed as one complete monitoring system.
A fifth-generation SHARC+ AD21565 processor handles Ex Machina’s proprietary digital correction and crossover processing, supported by AKM AK5572EN analogue-to-digital and AK4493EQ digital-to-analogue converters. Individual calibration aligns each loudspeaker with the intended magnitude and phase response. Digital eighth-order, phase-corrected crossovers operate at 200 Hz and 2 kHz.
The manufacturer specifies a frequency response within ±1 dB from 35 Hz to 30 kHz at the 30 cm calibration position, with a −6 dB low-frequency cutoff at 28 Hz. Phase response is specified within ±15° from 20 Hz to 30 kHz. Maximum continuous output is rated at 110 dB SPL at one metre, including 104 dB at 50 Hz. These specifications make Pulsar MKII a capable reference for detailed mix decisions and critical assessment of dynamic programme material.
Two processing modes accommodate different studio workflows. Full Calibration applies magnitude and phase correction with approximately 46 ms of latency. Low Latency mode retains magnitude correction while removing phase calibration, reducing system latency to approximately 3 ms for tracking and other time-sensitive applications. Both speakers in a stereo pair should use the same processing mode.
A balanced analogue XLR input connects to a suitable audio interface, monitor controller or preamplifier. Full, Half and Quarter space boundary settings help accommodate different positions relative to room walls. The USB connection is reserved for calibration and servicing and does not support USB audio.
Pulsar MKII can be positioned vertically or horizontally thanks to its coaxial geometry and 90° conical coverage. Suitable stands, considered placement and room-acoustic treatment remain essential to achieving dependable monitoring. Alongside its professional role in mixing, production and critical listening, Pulsar MKII also suits demanding audiophile stereo systems with an appropriate volume-controlled balanced source.