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An introduction to Focal Shape 50, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Usable from a listening distance of 80 cm, it offers a very wide frequency response in the low frequencies (50 Hz)
— Focal official site
What is Shape 50?
The Shape 50 is a 2-way active monitor from Focal Professional for small rooms. The maker says it can be used from about 80 cm and suits rooms under 12 square meters.
It pairs a 5-inch Flax woofer with a 1-inch aluminium-magnesium M-shaped dome tweeter.
A passive radiator provides a ventless design that can sit near a wall.
The MDF cabinet has walnut veneer on the top and front, and it is made in France.
Flax cone
A sandwich of flax fiber between fiberglass sheets.
Passive radiator
Extends the low end without a port, making placement near walls easier.
NIC magnetic circuit
Uses a Neutral Inductance Circuit with a Faraday ring.
TMD suspension
A Tuned Mass Damper to reduce erratic behavior between 1 and 2 kHz.
High-pass and EQ
High-pass: full range / 45 / 60 / 90 Hz. Adjust +/-3 dB at 160 Hz, +/-6 dB above 250 Hz and +/-3 dB below 4.5 kHz.
Mounting inserts
Inserts on the back and bottom allow stands, walls or ceilings (hardware not supplied).
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-way |
| Woofer | 5-inch Flax |
| Tweeter | 1-inch aluminium-magnesium M-shaped dome |
| Frequency response | 50 Hz to 35 kHz (+/-3 dB) |
| Max SPL | 106 dB (peak at 1 m) |
| Amplifiers | HF 25 W, MF/LF 60 W (class AB) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 191 x 312 x 242 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 kg |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA (10 kOhm) |
What is included and system requirements
- Mounting hardware not supplied
How to use it
- Place the speakers on the desk about 80 cm from your listening position.
- Check the voltage (100-120 V or 220-240 V) and connect power.
- Connect the audio interface via XLR or RCA.
- Switch on with the rear power switch.
- Choose the HPF setting: full range, 45, 60 or 90 Hz.
- Adjust bass and treble with LF and HF Shelv.
- Adjust around 160 Hz with the LMF EQ.
- If placed near a wall, check the low-end balance.
Home recording in a small room
Designed for rooms under 12 square meters, it may suit checking mixes in a small room.
Desk against a wall
The ventless design may make desks near a wall easier.
Streaming and video editing
It may work for close-range listening.
Who it may suit
- People looking for monitors for a small room
- Those who need to place speakers near a wall
- Users who want XLR and RCA
Good to know before you buy
- Both 100-120 V and 220-240 V versions are listed.
- Mounting accessories are not supplied.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Focal Alpha 50 Evo
Shape 50: 5-inch Flax, 50 Hz-35 kHz, 106 dB, 6.5 kg. Alpha 50 Evo: 5-inch Slatefiber, 45 Hz-22 kHz, 101 dB, 5.95 kg.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See Shape 50 on the product page
Sources: focal.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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