Barefoot Footprint 03C - The Unexpected Center Channel Expansion of Barefoot's Entry-Level Monitor Line

Last year, Barefoot Sound released their most entry-level model, the Footprint 03. Following their previous release schedule (Footprint 01 in 2017, Footprint 02 in 2020), we wouldn't have expected the next model until 2027 at the earliest.

Surprisingly, just one year later...

The FOOTPRINT 03C has appeared fresh on the scene.

Simply put, this new model adds another woofer to the opposite side of the previous Footprint 03, transforming it from a TMW (tweeter/midrange/woofer) configuration to a WTMW (woofer/tweeter/midrange/woofer) arrangement.

In that sense, it's only "half" a new model.

Technically, the 03C continues the design philosophy of the 03, including SPOC crossover technology and the four-mode MEME voicing system.

Check out the comparison table for clarity:

Given that the 03C looks quite similar to "midfield monitors" such as the ATC SCM45A and EVE SC4070, which are also WTMW configurations (with dual 6.5" drivers)...

Could we buy a pair and use them as left and right channels?

Similar to the ADAM A77H shown in the image below...

Note that while the 03C adds an extra woofer, it apparently doesn't include additional amplification or power. The dual woofers still share the same 100W of power. By comparison, the ADAM A77H provides 200W for its two woofers.

Additionally, the cabinet is notably shallow at only 184mm in depth. These two factors impact the speaker's SPL and low-frequency extension.

So we can clearly state that the 03C is not designed as a midfield monitor.

Therefore, it's most appropriate to follow the manufacturer's recommendation and use it as a center channel in a multi-channel system alongside the Footprint 03.

However, I believe it could also work as a nearfield monitor in small studios under 30 square meters.

You could use it like a pair of 8-inch two-way nearfield monitors, though the price of $1,495 per unit is obviously too high for typical nearfield applications.

Barefoot also faces another challenge: their multi-channel system is incomplete.

The Footprint series currently lacks a subwoofer or smaller ceiling-mountable speakers.

Using any of Barefoot's three existing subwoofers with the 03 would be prohibitively expensive for most monitoring systems. Furthermore, ceiling-mounting the 03 and 03C (18.3kg) would put significant demands on the installation quality...

That's why even Sweetwater hasn't yet offered multi-channel system packages built around the 03.

It seems we'll need to wait for the "Footprint 04."

We can understand the situation better by looking at how Sweetwater packages ADAM immersive audio systems for sale: