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Barefoot Sound built its reputation on powerful, detailed monitors that punch above their physical size. The Footprint01 Gen2 continues that approach in a more accessible package than the larger MicroMain or MiniMain models. It is designed for engineers who want serious monitoring capability without the big cabinets. The price is still firmly in high-end territory, so the real question is how much of the Barefoot experience the Gen2 actually delivers in treated project studios.
Quick Decision
Worth considering if: you want high output, strong low-end, and detailed monitoring in a relatively compact cabinet
Look elsewhere if: you prefer a more neutral or less forward presentation, or your room cannot support the low-end energy
Biggest truth: these monitors are revealing and powerful, but they still demand a properly treated room
Contents
- What the Footprint01 Gen2 Actually Delivers
- MEME Voicing System
- How It Compares to Other High-End Compacts
- Pros and Cons
- Clear Recommendation Tiers
Barefoot Footprint01 Gen2 
Best for: Producers who want compact high-end monitors with serious output and detailed low-end for modern music styles
Typical price: $4,000–$4,500 per pair
See New Barefoot Footprint01 Gen2 at Thomann → See Used Barefoot Footprint01 Gen2 on Reverb →What the Footprint01 Gen2 Actually Delivers
The Gen2 version is a complete redesign of the original Footprint01. It uses a true tri-amplified 3-way architecture (500W LF / 150W MF / 60W HF), dual 8-inch Dual-Force aluminum woofers, a 5-inch aluminum midrange, and a 1-inch dual-ring radiator tweeter in a sealed cabinet. Frequency response extends roughly from 36 Hz to 40 kHz with high output capability.
Bass is strong and controlled for the size. Midrange detail is high, and the overall presentation has the forward energy that many electronic, pop, and modern rock producers prefer. These monitors can play loud and clean, making them useful for checking how a mix will feel at higher levels without needing large main monitors.
If you are still building the monitoring foundation, the earlier compact high-end comparisons on the site (Neumann KH 310 II, Genelec 8341A) provide useful context before stepping into Barefoot territory.
Neumann KH 310 II 
Best for: A more neutral, analytical three-way alternative when you want maximum precision over forward energy
Typical price: $3,000–$3,400 each
See New Neumann KH 310 II at Thomann → See Used Neumann KH 310 II on Reverb →Genelec 8341A 
Best for: Engineers who prefer coaxial point-source accuracy and advanced room calibration tools
Typical price: $4,500–$5,000 each
See New Genelec 8341A at Thomann → See Used Genelec 8341A on Reverb →MEME Voicing System
One of the more practical features is Barefoot’s MEME (Multi Emphasis Monitor Emulation) system. It lets you switch between different monitoring characters so you can check how a mix might translate on other common systems without leaving the Barefoot pair. It is not a replacement for real reference checks, but it is a useful additional tool during mixing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High output and strong low-end for the cabinet size
- Detailed and engaging presentation
- MEME voicing system adds flexibility
- More compact than many monitors with similar capability
- Good for modern music styles that benefit from energy and impact
- Fully redesigned Gen2 platform with true tri-amp architecture
Cons
- Still expensive ($4,000–$4,500 per pair)
- Can be forward or fatiguing for some listeners over long sessions
- Requires solid acoustic treatment to control the low end
- Less neutral than pure-reference designs like certain Neumann or Genelec models
Clear Recommendation Tiers
Most project studios:
The Footprint01 Gen2 makes sense if you specifically want the Barefoot sound and detail in a smaller footprint and already have a treated room.
When to look at alternatives:
If you prefer a more neutral, analytical presentation, the Neumann KH 310 II or Genelec 8341A are stronger matches.
Budget reality check:
These are high-end monitors. Improving treatment and placement often delivers more audible improvement than jumping straight to this price level if the room is still the weak link.
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