Welcome to our Monitor Audio - SoundFrame 3 - In-Wall Speaker Review, where we dive deep into the acoustic prowess and design elegance of this sleek slimline marvel. Combining a pivoting 1″ Gold Dome tweeter and a 4″ C-CAM mid-range driver within an ultra-shallow 87 mm cabinet, the SoundFrame 3 redefines what an in-wall solution can achieve both sonically and decor-wise.
Unobtrusive Design Meets Aesthetic Versatility
The SoundFrame 3’s minimalist 301.5 × 301.5 × 77.5 mm footprint allows it to blend seamlessly into any interior. Available in high gloss white or black lacquer frames — and even custom-printed grille options — it’s a statement in subtlety. Monitor Audio’s ultra-thin baffle and magnetically attached grille ensure a flush, paint-ready finish that disappears against your wall.
Slim depth and pre-fixed corner brackets streamline installation.
Audiophile-Grade Sound in a Slim Profile
At the heart of SoundFrame 3 is Monitor Audio’s renowned C-CAM driver technology. The 4″ mid-range driver offers exceptional rigidity and low mass, delivering fast transient response and authoritative midband clarity. The pivoting Gold Dome tweeter — mounted in a 2-way, 3.2 kHz crossover network — refines presence-region detail and images with pinpoint precision, while the ±3 dB high-frequency attenuation switch lets you tailor treble balance to room acoustics.
Key specifications:
- Frequency response: 75 Hz – 35 kHz
- Sensitivity: 86 dB
- Maximum SPL: 102.5 dBA
- Power handling (RMS): 50 W (25-50 W recommended)
- Impedance: 8 Ω
The result is a wide, seamless soundstage that belies the speaker’s size, with consistently smooth off-axis dispersion and natural tonal accuracy. You’ll appreciate the coherence and timing when listening to complex orchestral passages or intricate jazz recordings.
Installation and System Integration
Monitor Audio’s quick-install system features pre-fixed brackets and front-accessible cable connections for a truly wire-free aesthetic. The ported enclosure is optimised for wall mounting, providing a natural bass extension down to 75 Hz without the need for a bulky cabinet. Pair multiple SoundFrame 3 units as rear surrounds, or combine them with larger SoundFrame 1 and 2 models and a dedicated subwoofer for a full Dolby Atmos or 7.1 home theatre array.
Explore the SoundFrame 3 product page for detailed cutting templates and installation tips: Monitor Audio SoundFrame 3 In-Wall Speaker.
Who Is It For?
Whether you’re an interior design enthusiast seeking a low-profile AV solution, a dedicated audiophile chasing impeccable midrange clarity, or a custom installer needing flexible architectural loudspeakers, the SoundFrame 3 ticks all boxes. It’s ideal for:
- Minimalist living spaces where visible speakers would clash with décor
- Multi-room audio setups requiring low-profile speakers
- Systems driven by low-wattage tube or Class A amplifiers
- Dedicated home theatre environments craving seamless integration
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exquisitely slim 87 mm depth — blends into walls
- Premium C-CAM driver and Gold Dome tweeter combination
- Wide 75 Hz-35 kHz bandwidth with ±3 dB HF switch
- Quick and clean installation with pre-fixed brackets
- Customisable frames and grille prints
Cons
- Bass extension to 75 Hz may require subwoofer for deep-bass aficionados
- Limited to 50 W RMS power handling (best matched with sensitive amps)
Elevate Your Audio Experience with SoundFrame 3
In our book, the Monitor Audio SoundFrame 3 is a triumph of engineering and industrial design. It delivers the full-range performance and dynamic nuances of a traditional stand-mount monitor in an ultra-discreet form factor. For personalised advice on integrating SoundFrame 3 into your home, speak with our team at The Audio Tailor. Call 1300 308 711 or email sales@theaudiotailor.com.au to discuss configurations tailored to your space and budget. Let us help you experience why the SoundFrame 3 is the go-to choice for seamless high-performance audio.
Add SoundFrame 3 to your system today and hear how understatement can deliver overstated impact.
