Inexpensive studio monitors

Rotten Guitar String

Rotten Guitar String

New member
I'm looking for a cheap pair of studio monitors, but I don't really know anything about them to base my decision on. What makes some better than others?

What's a good value for money, inexpensive set of studio monitors? Are the Behringer ones any good?

Thanks.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

You need a neutral sounding speaker that can sustain at least 90 dB at the mix position. You probably won't mix that loud all the time but you need to reference at higher levels from time to time. A nominal level of 84 dB works pretty well for me. You'll want a decent low end...say good responce to 60hz.

You need a few other playback systems as well. Your mixes should "travel" well so you need to hear them in other places and in other ways...ie, your cars(s), boombox...TV surround system...portable mp3...your band PA system. I have a mono output to a 1984 3-way radio shack speaker so I can hear what crappy mono FM radio might sound like. (BTW...it's good to check your mix for mono compatability.

I mix on an old set of Alesis Monitor Ones, so I can't comment on specific newer models. I've heard good things about Event boxes.

Here's a link I found that has a few more tips. You'll soon learn that buying a decent monitor is the easy part as there are a LOT of things that go into a good mix.

http://www.prosoundweb.com/recording/sw/monitors.php
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

Honestly, if you're not micing a real amp up or doing extensive mixes with a full band, you don't need studio monitors. Grab a nice set of headphones, or just use computer speakers and as many sound systems as you can as a reference.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

For a low end monitor, I've heard some ppl say the KRK's have a nice flat response.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

I really don't like using headphones for mixing. No matter how high end they are.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

KRK V4 or the small M-Audio' are very nice small, relatively inexpensive active monitors. If you have a power amp you can use and don't need active monitors you can usually find some decent used Tannoy SBMs pretty cheap.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

seafoamer said:
I really don't like using headphones for mixing. No matter how high end they are.
Click to expand...

This is true, and they don't give a true stereo image, either.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

I like using headphones for fine tuning but it is a pain to mix with them.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

Rotten Guitar String said:
How can you tell how flat the response of the monitor is?
Click to expand...

The absolute best thing for u to do is: Take a few cd's u know REALLY WELL, & go to the showroom & listen. Listen w/ a very scrutinizing ear. Keep listening till u find things that the monitors are doing to the recordings that piss u off. If this time never comes, then they are good monitors for u.
If things piss u off in the store, they will really piss u off at home.
 
Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

In terms of low cost... KRK Rokits are the way to go. I have a pair of Rokit 5's but there are also 6's and 8's. Great low end punch and response and suprising clarity and image for its price. They are generally flat but depending on your room certain frequencies will be enhanced. I really doubt you have perfect acoustics in the room you'll use them in. I know my room ehances treble response so if it sounds bright in my room it most likely sounds just right outside it, so learn your room!
 
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Re: Inexpensive studio monitors

I'd definitely recommend buying powered monitors, since you won't have to spend more on a power amp.

I had Event 20/20 8", and guess what, my stooooopid CARVIN power amp failed me like a hunk of sh!t and smoked the Events (woofers and tweeters!!!).
Did I ever tell you how much I hate Carvin???

Anyway, I took a chance on the Behringer Truth 8" Monitors, and am totally satisfied with them. Sure they're not Gemini's or KRK, but they're a LOT of bang for the low $$$'s. Now, they're selling even cheaper than when they first came out, so I'd say go ahead and get the Behringers. They basically ripped off Mackie, had them built in China, and they can even be EQ'd on the back, so you can dial them in to your liking......flat or richer sounding. I've never had one problem with them, and they handle a lot more volume than anything with smaller speakers. IMO, they sound better to me than the Events.
 
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