Home stereo mix down

[HearClear]

My studio underwent some slight modifications (had to sell little things like powered refrence monitors).
Anyway, I have been using my pioneer 50 watt reciever w/ the eq set flat, and kickin' out da jams through a pair of technics home speakers. Now here's the question, if you listen to a lot of music through what you use to mix down a home recording (notice I didn't say professional) with, why the hell should I spend upwards of $300 on a new monitoring system? Besides fun, cause I can't afford fun now (had microphone modifications as well). However, I am looking for a valid point to justify this purchase.
Thanks
Adam

[twist]

If you can live with going out to your car after every mix to check it, only to find that vocals are too soft, or the bass is too hot, or the guitars aren't panned properly,(as I have done many, many times at all hours of the day and night), then there's no reason not to mix on home stereo speakers.

Having said that, I believe it is possible to "learn" your speakers well enough too compensate for the fact that they are not flat, but it takes a LOT of trial and error.


Twist

[HearClear]

That's the problem, when I 1st got my Alesis m1 actives it took me a good 6 monthes to get used to them. So i'll more than likely have to go through that process w/ what ever I buy.
So will somebody explain what it means to have flat monitors? Is it close to certain frequincies not being played back louder or softer than others?
Thanks
Adam

[therage!]

Originally posted by twist
If you can live with going out to your car after every mix to check it, only to find that vocals are too soft, or the bass is too hot, or the guitars aren't panned properly,(as I have done many, many times at all hours of the day and night), then there's no reason not to mix on home stereo speakers.

Twist

So right! The solo work I'm doing now I don't have "monitors" but have stereo speakers. Just last night I decide to do a check mix and whoa.....Too much low end! The key is to get to know your system and as of yet I don't know mine! But I'm working on it.

[Sennheiser]

So will somebody explain what it means to have flat monitors? Is it close to certain frequincies not being played back louder or softer than others?

What it means is a flat frequency line at zero across the frequancy spectrum from 20Hz to 20KHz. In other words, no frequency or group of frequencies is exagerated or depressed below the reference line of zero.

Typically, home stereo speakers make the music sound good with exagerated lows and lower upper frequencies. You don't want this when you mix. You want to hear the instruments and vocals reproduced exactly as the recording media captured them to begin with.

Using a reference of zero for the frequency responce will allow you to mix it just as it was recorded. Saves a lot of legwork and cold nights sitting in the car. Not to metion bothering your neighbors at O-dark thirty because you think you just made the best mix of your life only to find out it doesn't sound so good on your irritated neighbor's stereo.