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which to use for monitors?

karlo

karlo

Super Member
i'm setting up my recording studio(around a korg 12-track) and would
like opinions as to which of my speakers would make good near field monitors-
(real monitoring for mastering/mixdown , not "infinity studio monitor series" ,
"acoustic response monitors" :D .... :nono: )

i'd usually just try 'em and see... but i'm going to fly them from the ceiling, and rotating them all isn't going to happen.

if i had $800 to blow, i'd get the Mackies , but i don't have the $$$ right now.

so.. here's the list:

mission 707
mission 700
dynaco A-25
jbl l-60t
advent baby 3
kef Q90

they're all decent stereo speakers , but not real studio monitors, but i don't
have the $$$ to spare , as i've just purchased a digital console, condenser
mics, etc...so what i have will have to make do.


i'll be powering them w/ a pair of Altec 1694b 100w amps, and/or pre outs
from a proton D940 receiver. the room is 12 x 18
 
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Balifly said:
There are still a lot people using Yamaha NS 10M.
Click to expand...
There are people using Auratones, as well.

Let's not pretend either comprises "best practice" without also understanding them.... :nono:
 
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i have the mission 707's love them but not really monitors,also have the advent 3's eats power but nice sound.a friend of mine uses mirage m490 bi-amp'ed.very flexable speaker.good luck!
 
There are still a lot people using Yamaha NS 10M.
Click to expand...

i'm sure they do , but they ain't on my list . neither are mackie 824s.

since those are actual monitors; if i had a pair....this thread wouldn't exist.


my L-112s are already spoken for, and i think i want an 8" 2 way for mastering.

the L-60t looks like the answer. ...but they're gonna' be a bitch to hang from the ceiling!
 
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Tapco S-8 , inexpensive, IMO better than Mackies.
Try to find a pair of old Fostex RM780, they usually sell very cheap and are great monitors. I'm using RM765 and RM1000.

LIX
 
The ones you're most familiar with the sound of would be the best place to start. Honest bass and midrange are probably the most important qualities. If your speakers have too much, your mix will have too little. Getting a vocal to "sit" is one of the most challenging aspects of mixing. Maybe mix a song or two using different sets of speakers and see which version sounds best on friends' systems?

I have some craptastic RCA-branded (Radio Shack) Auratone-style speakers I usually check my mixes on after the "good" speakers. It's a good test just to make sure all the elements of the mix are there. They have next to zero bass. If the kick drum/bass disappears on these I dial in a little more attack. If the vocal seems a little loud it's probably about right.
 
I love my NS10Ms but don't reccomend them to folks who are not used to them. The secret of any monitor is being used to the sound, just like ol'marquee said. Go pick a pair,listen to a bunch of familiar CDs until you are familiar with the sound.
 
lixaudio said:
Tapco S-8 , inexpensive, IMO better than Mackies.
Try to find a pair of old Fostex RM780, they usually sell very cheap and are great monitors. I'm using RM765 and RM1000.

LIX
Click to expand...

The Mackies are just Genelec ripoffs anyway (and they're no Genelecs).

I will put in my usual plug for the Yorkvilles too, but I realize this is not a "help me buy monitors" thread.
 
again...

so.. here's the list:

mission 707
mission 700
dynaco A-25
jbl l-60t
advent baby 3
kef Q90

?(!)
 
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spideyjack said:
I love my NS10Ms but don't reccomend them to folks who are not used to them. The secret of any monitor is being used to the sound, just like ol'marquee said. Go pick a pair,listen to a bunch of familiar CDs until you are familiar with the sound.
Click to expand...

If they were at all affordable when I was looking I might have picked up some NS10s. I didn't feel like paying through the nose for speakers that were going to make my head hurt though.:thmbsp:
 
i have 6 pairs of speakers i'll pick from. period. i'm sure that TAD 2401's would be
better than my L-60t's , but i don't own any , and am not looking to buy (unless i decide to sell my car to pay for them)
 
If you do decide to pay for a pair of low cost monitors then here's my 2 cents. I'm not sure of the size of your operation but a pair of M-Audio BX5a or BX8a monitors may be just the ticket for what you need. They're pretty inexpensive but sound decent for near fields. I've installed a pair of BX5a speakers in one of our our smaller Final Cut Pro Edit Rooms at work with no complaints (otherwise we only use Genelecs). They've been on 24/7 for the last 2 years with no problems. They are not hooked up to a digital mixer though. Just a Yamaha analog.
 
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C'mon guys, stay on the list posted by our friend....
IMO, the KEF Q90 Speakers are great for listening music in general, specially classic music. The sound is smooth and the bass is very tight.
 
thanks to all who've posted.

i think i'll follow the Zilch lead and use th L-60s. they
are heavy-as-hell to be hanging above my head , but that's the best utilization of
space for my location. if i string 'em upside down, the tweeters will be better located,
i can booger up the bottoms w/ fasteners , and not destroy the fine walnut too much.
 
You need to rig something to suspend them from the bottom. Fasteners in one panel is not going to be safe.

[How are your macramé skills...? ;) ]
 
i'm thinking of a giant sandwich, like a parallel clamp. four threaded rods, two planks
of 12 x 12 plywood, and some chains.
 
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