Bass in monitors

[microchip]

Just got a pair of Event PS 5 monitors (my first pair ever). I am sending them back due to a manufacturing flaw.

But...in using them, I felt like there was little to no bass. I had my connections correct and most of the ranges sounded crystal clear. I do a lot of ambient/drone recording, and not only do I need to hear bass, I need to feel the impact that it has. When I recorded tracks based on what I heard on the monitors and then played them on my stereo (which I keep the bass and treble at 0) the bass was so overwhelming.

So did I not feel much bass because the PS 5 has only a 5 1/4" bass cone? And would going to a PS 8 or the 20/20 bas correct this problem.

Thanks,
D.

[minusone]

Originally posted by microchip
Just got a pair of Event PS 5 monitors (my first pair ever). I am sending them back due to a manufacturing flaw.

But...in using them, I felt like there was little to no bass. I had my connections correct and most of the ranges sounded crystal clear. I do a lot of ambient/drone recording, and not only do I need to hear bass, I need to feel the impact that it has. When I recorded tracks based on what I heard on the monitors and then played them on my stereo (which I keep the bass and treble at 0) the bass was so overwhelming.

So did I not feel much bass because the PS 5 has only a 5 1/4" bass cone? And would going to a PS 8 or the 20/20 bas correct this problem.

Thanks,
D.

sounds like you need to treat your room a little... your speakers were probably producing bass... but because of placement, room shape, positioning and other acoustic variables... the bass was being "trapped" somewhere in a corner, or was bouncing around so much it looses amplitutde.

I would recommend studying room acoustics as it pertains to monitoring... and how room shape, and monitor placement (and listening position) effect the sound you are hearing.

I had the same exact problem (still do)... my recordings typically sound like "mud" once mastered... even though in my event 20/20's... things sounded well balanced.

Also... what is helping me, aside from learning about the physics of sound and space is to train your ears.

I spend more time "studying" music than listening now (which is sometimes a drag... when I just want to listen to something... i begin to just focus on drums or how the guitar or bass is placed... and I miss the point!)

I hoped this helps a little

[Rev E]

If you want to "feel" the bass, the Event PS 5 monitors were a poor choice. I'm not saying that they are bad monitors, because they are not. But for heavy bass mixing, those will not quite get down that low. If you like the "Event sound", the 20/20s or the PS 8's would be a much better choice. How much did you pay for the PS 5's? and How much can you spend?

[zip]

The lower end on the PS5's is 52Hz...

In Events the Rev is correct...the larger woofers will help. But if you really need to feel the bass you may even need a subwoofer or even larger monitors you can push.

This is why many studio engineers "go upstairs" through large monitors with multiple 12" speakers. $$$$$$$$$$$

I also have PS5's and the bass is tough but if you listen to a ton of good reference material you will adjust and it should become easier. I'm starting to adjust now...

Hope this helps...

zip >>

[Gidge]

what about the theory that bass that low (under 70hz) is hard for small monitors to reproduce accurately, and therefore isnt a necessary component of a small studio monitor?....

[zip]

Very true...

But 8" woofers are a bit better - and the cabinets are a bit larger...hmmmmmm......

[Gidge]

http://archive.bassplayer.com/z1998/...uricchio.shtml

heres one persons view...85 db always seems to be the spot......

[zip]

...with my new SPL meter...85dB is a lot quiter than you might think!!

Good article and link. Thanks Gidge!

[microchip]

I have decided that since I will be sending back the Event PS 5s (due to a defective monitor) I have decided to go ahead and get the 20/20 bas speakers and am sure they will be a big improvement.

Thanks for all the help to everyone!

[Gidge]

Some advice i was given was that if you will be monitoring in an acoustically challenged room, less bass would be a good thing......

if this is a situation you are in, the best thing you can do in kinda crank it a bit when you are placing the low and and use other speakers (home stereo, car stereo,boomboxes,etc) to check yourself until you learn how to place the bottom end.....

[zip]

Right on Gidge!