Looking for a good set of reference monitors

[Securb]

I do not want to break the bank but I am looking for a decent set of monitors. They will be double duty for recording and listening to music so I want something that will fill the room with sound. So, in a nutshell, I want something loud. Any suggestions are greatly appriciated.

When I say I don't want to break the bank does not mean I want something cheap.

 

[VinceT]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

I’ve done ALL my records on Alesis monitors http://alesis.com/products/browse/category/monitors


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[VinceT]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

I’ve done ALL my records on Alesis monitors - specifically, I have the M1 mkII’s (powered)

http://alesis.com/products/browse/category/monitors


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[Securb]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

Thanks for the tip. When I looked at the M1 mkII’s, I saw a pair of the JBL LSR308 8" powered studio monitors on sale. With wheeling and dealing and coupons, I got them for $250 shipped.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

Thanks for the tip. When I looked at the M1 mkII’s, I saw a pair of the JBL LSR308 8" powered studio monitors on sale. With wheeling and dealing and coupons, I got them for $250 shipped.

Those JBLs are supposed to be great for the money. I almost bought a pair and then realized that they wouldn't fit on my desk. I ended up having to go with a set of Presonus Eris as they're a bit smaller. I'd love to have a pair of Adam A series instead, but I just don't have that sort of budget.

My one concern with those monitors is that depending on the size of your room, they might be too loud or push too much low end. If you want reference monitors for mixing music, having speakers that suit your room is a lot more important than having loud speakers. My "studio" is rather small, so I need 5" monitors rather than 8". Anything bigger just turns into a muddy mess.

 

[Securb]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

Thanks for the tip. My office is a decent sized bedroom dedicated for work and music. Hopefully I will be fine. Either way these will blow away what I was previously using. Almost anything would be an upgrade.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

New range of Adam monitors is very affordable and worth checking out. When it comes to driver size, the general rule is small monitors for big changes, big monitors for small changes. I do 90% of my mixing on 5” monitors and then switch to my 8” monitors for the fine tuning.

Most rooms cannot accurately handle the bass from an 8” monitor, and for that reason it may be a better idea to use 5” monitors with a subwoofer you can turn on and off. A pair of 5” monitors in a normal room can easily go down to 50 Hz. Having that last octave is always nice but it can also create serious room mode issues.

Happy hunting!

Edit: I use JBL monitors and Shure headphones.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

My one concern with those monitors is that depending on the size of your room, they might be too loud or push too much low end. If you want reference monitors for mixing music, having speakers that suit your room is a lot more important than having loud speakers. My "studio" is rather small, so I need 5" monitors rather than 8". Anything bigger just turns into a muddy mess.

Great point, but it may also be telling you something about the LF on your mixes, too. Refs are essential for mixing the LF in an untuned room.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

Most rooms cannot accurately handle the bass from an 8” monitor, and for that reason it may be a better idea to use 5” monitors with a subwoofer you can turn on and off. A pair of 5” monitors in a normal room can easily go down to 50 Hz. Having that last octave is always nice but it can also create serious room mode issues.

+1

You did a much better job of getting the point across.

They're not really reference, but I check the low end on my mixes through a pair of older 3-way stereo speakers with 12" woofers.

 

[Securb]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

+1

You did a much better job of getting the point across.

They're not really reference, but I check the low end on my mixes through a pair of older 3-way stereo speakers with 12" woofers.

Smart move. One of my favorite studios in Boston had 3-way home stereo speakers and Jensen tri-axle car speakers in addition to their reference monitors to check the final mix.

Abbey Road had a low powered radio transmitter so they could go to the parking lot and check the mix in their cars.

 

[Securb]

Re: Looking for a good set of reference monitors

Long story short GC screwed up my order so they are sending me the 308P MkIIs at the same price. Score.