GRAMMY-Nominated Engineer Erik Aldrey Finds Freedom in KRK GoAux Monitors
KRK has highlighted the role of its GoAux portable monitors in the workflow of GRAMMY-nominated mix engineer Erik Aldrey, whose career spans from his beginnings in Venezuela to his studio in Hollywood, Florida. For Aldrey, the GoAux monitors have become more than a travel companion—they have reshaped how and where he mixes.
Growing up in a family of working-class musicians, Aldrey built his career around understanding how music connects with listeners. That philosophy drives his approach to monitoring. “Most people don’t listen on expensive studio speakers,” he says. “They listen on phones, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, or in cars. What we need as mixers are monitors that help us make music sound right on all those systems.”
Compact Monitors, Real-World Translation
Aldrey’s first encounter with KRK came early in his career with the original ROKIT monitors, which served him reliably before his studio expanded. Years later, a friend’s gift reintroduced him to the brand through the GoAux system. What started as curiosity quickly turned into regular use. “I thought it was just a novelty until I started mixing on them,” Aldrey recalls. “I lost track of time and realized I’d been working for hours. They felt natural, and the mixes translated everywhere.”
Since then, the GoAux monitors have become a key part of his process. “I’ve mixed entire EPs on them,” he explains. “Clients who usually send long notes came back with minimal revisions. That told me I could trust what I was hearing.” For Aldrey, that trust has made the compact monitors a professional tool rather than a backup option.
Tools That Push You to Mix Better
According to Aldrey, what sets the GoAux apart isn’t the sound in the audiophile sense but how it shapes the way he works. “They make me focus on balance, EQ, and dynamics,” he says. “They don’t flatter the mix, which means when something sounds right on them, it’ll sound right anywhere.” He credits the monitors with helping him make faster, more confident decisions and says their honest response keeps him grounded in what really matters in a mix.
Portability Meets Consistency
Mobility has also become a defining part of Aldrey’s workflow. “I travel a lot, and being able to throw the GoAux in my bag means I can keep working wherever I am,” he says. “I can turn a hotel room or any temporary space into a mix environment. That consistency gives me freedom without compromising accuracy.”
At home, the GoAux sit just below his main monitoring system, ready for either quick reference checks or full sessions. “They’re always within reach,” Aldrey notes. “Sometimes they’re the first playback system I use, sometimes the last.”
For him, KRK’s return to his studio feels like a full-circle moment. “They’re small, affordable, and help me work faster,” he says. “The best gear is the kind that makes your job easier and your results better. That’s why these monitors are here to stay.”
About KRK
For more than three decades, KRK, part of Gibson Pro Audio, has been a leading name in studio monitors, subwoofers, and headphones, trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike for their accurate sound and reliable build. More information can be found at krkmusic.com.
About Gibson
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has shaped music for generations through craftsmanship, innovation, and partnerships with artists across genres. Its portfolio includes Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, MESA/Boogie, KRK, and Maestro. Learn more at Gibson.com.
