I need some opinions.

[LordSire]

I always hear (or see) someone talking about GOOD monitors, but as with anything dealt with on this site, almost everything is to individual preference. But can someone give me their thoughts on the Alesis M1 Actives that I recently purchased? They sound pretty damn good to me; but are these "appropriate" enough monitors for getting a good sound and read in my monitor chain? I dont know, but I believe they sound so good to me just because I have some, Y'know? But they seem kinda small, and in ALL the threads I've read about monitors, I've NEVER seen anyone mention these.
So if there is anyone that is familiar with these particular monitors, I would highly appreciate hearing from you. (Even if you are ripping into them like a new bag of chips! I think I can handle it). I just would like some outer opinions, and some further insight.

Good lookin'-

[jeffree]

Lord, lots written here about the Alesis monitors--use the search function above. Here's a recent sample:

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/sho...d.php?t=183583

The big question, as always, is this: are you able to produce a decent mix with the Alesis in *your* studio space? If so, then they're working well for you.

J.

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by LordSire

I always hear (or see) someone talking about GOOD monitors, but as with anything dealt with on this site, almost everything is to individual preference. But can someone give me their thoughts on the Alesis M1 Actives that I recently purchased? They sound pretty damn good to me; but are these "appropriate" enough monitors for getting a good sound and read in my monitor chain? I dont know, but I believe they sound so good to me just because I have some, Y'know? But they seem kinda small, and in ALL the threads I've read about monitors, I've NEVER seen anyone mention these.
So if there is anyone that is familiar with these particular monitors, I would highly appreciate hearing from you. (Even if you are ripping into them like a new bag of chips! I think I can handle it). I just would like some outer opinions, and some further insight.

Good lookin'-

Personally, I hate them. for me, they don't translate well at all to other systems.

But then again, what do *I* know ? I'm *ok* with my Mackies........

[LordSire]

Originally Posted by fraserhutch

Personally, I hate them. for me, they don't translate well at all to other systems.

But then again, what do *I* know ? I'm *ok* with my Mackies........

That's funny, because THAT is something i've been seemingly having a problem with since i got them. My mixes seem to sound totally different on my "reference" cds, when i test them out on different systems. Like, they don't sound similar at all.

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by LordSire

That's funny, because THAT is something i've been seemingly having a problem with since i got them. My mixes seem to sound totally different on my "reference" cds, when i test them out on different systems. Like, they don't sound similar at all.

And that is exactly the popint of decent reference monitors - they should be able to translate decently to other systems, or at least be able to let you determine how that translation works.

[Ford Van]

I traded some studio time for a pair of the old M1's (passive non powered). The original ones.

Anyway, I thought they might be a way to have a "different" reference while mixing. I have Event 20/20's, and had some NS10's at the time too. Anyway, the Events where my main pair, and the NS10's were great for getting a really good feel of the midrange. The M1's just weren't helpful in any way! Great mixes didn't sound very good on them, and any mix I attempted using them as a primary monitor, those mixes had really honky low mids, and lacked sparkle in the top end.

I wound up just hooking them up to the home stereo to be used while watching movies. They sounded ok for that. LOL

[jeffree]

Originally Posted by LordSire

My mixes seem to sound totally different on my "reference" cds, when i test them out on different systems. Like, they don't sound similar at all.

Lord, I've missed your exact point here, but I'll add that reference CDs have been a key for me when testing and setting up monitors. I have a dozen or so CDs that I know from experience are recorded very well--recordings that I can only aspire to achieving in my wildest dreams. I spent many hours listening to them critically when I tested different monitors in my home and hours more when setting up the monitors I finally chose. Without some good starting reference points, I can't imagine trying to produce my own mix on any set of monitors. Then again, I'm not running a pro studio, so I need all the help I can get.

If you need suggestions for good reference CDs (e.g., Steely Dan's "Two Against Nature"), you can search this site or pick up a guide like Home Recording for Dummies/Musicians by Jeff Strong, which has a nice little list of reference CDs for different styles of music.

Best,
J.