advice on monitors

[superfreq]

I'm brand new to the home recording world. I have a mac powerbook g4 and I'm taking it slow, bought 'home recording for dummies' etc etc but doesn't go into anything very deeply. Basically, I want to start with monitors that are a step above decent. I'm pretty sure I need an amplifier, unless I buy active monitors. Is this correct?

Also, would anyone out there advise against the MBOX for home recording? It's usb, comes with pro tools le, and looks pretty good.

Thanks

[Scinx]

Yes - unless you get active monitors you will need an amplifier...I would recommend the Yorkville Ysm1 line. They have both active and passive models. (You can get the actives for about $400). They are indeed a step above decent and not too expensive.

[superfreq]

thanks, I'll check it out. I was looking on Sam Ash website at different models. Any luck with ebay or other sources for monitors? What about Amp level?

Thanks again

[13th_Omen]

superfreq,

As far as monitors go... I would recommend either Mackie HR 824 or Genelec. If your pocketbook is a little too light right now for those I have ben told some good things about the Tannoy Reveals. You definately want something giveing you no added coloration.. those which give you a flat frequency response so you can hear exactly what has been recorded.

As far as the MBOX.. I think it is great, if you only want to record a stereo mix of two channels into your computer. It only has two tracks but the Pro Tools software is very nice. Also, it acts as the bible of sound cards. I personally need 16 track capabilities so I am going to have to find an alternative!

[goggles]

There is quite a gap in the price performance range for monitors. the Chinese are making some good monitors for cheap that have tried to emulate more expensive monitors.

$300-500 pair
Fostex and Alesis are two brands that get good ratings from the owner of a studio in my town. He sells equipment as well and doesn't sell anything that doesn't hold up against a pair of genelecs ($4,000 a pair)

KRK monitors in his opinion are spotty. Some good some bad.

His recommendation with this range is to add a sub woofer to get the freqs below 80Hz.

$1,600 pair
Mackie 824's - great monitors and one of the few in this range.

Genelecs go from $2,000-50,000





I am on the hunt for studio monitors as well. Here's what I have found out so far. Genelecs are amazing but start at 2K per speaker.

[jake-owa]

Goggles, remind me to disregard any advice you give me....ever.

Dude, nothing in the sub $500 range can even come close or even hole up to Genelecs....and KRKs spotty?

I know you're new here but speaking from experience rather that hearsay will go a long way around these parts.

I have the Alesis M1s and I like them but I had trouble sorting out bass issues until I got very used to them. I have heard a few pairs of Genelecs and I would never group my monitors in with those OR KRKs.

[Blue Bear Sound]

Originally posted by goggles
$300-500 pair
Fostex and Alesis are two brands that get good ratings from the owner of a studio in my town. He sells equipment as well and doesn't sell anything that doesn't hold up against a pair of genelecs ($4,000 a pair)

Then I suggest you don't listen to another word this guy ever says.... neither Fostex nor Alesis have any sort of reputation for quality monitors.

Both of those brands would generally be considered "bottom of the barrell" in terms of serious monitoring.

[Track Rat]

True. My humble opinion is Yorkville smokes Fostex and DEFINATELY anything from Alesis. And KRK's spotty??? Are you nuts? How long have you used theses speakers to form such an opinion?

[goggles]

Hey guys, looks like my entrance into monitorville has been less than ideal. As you can tell I am a newbie to the project studio and would definitely appreciate some advice on how to get the most bang for the buck in my purchase.

Here's what my vast experience has learned me-

I side by sided the 824's against the KRK's and the KRK's (6" woofer) did not hold up well. Raw midrange.

I'm sure this next comment will get some laughs but I a/b'd a set of Event TR-8's against the 824's and the KRK 6.

The guys at Guitar center had never done this and they were blown away. the Events (500/pr) were very close to the 824's on the mid and highs but lost it on the bass freqs. they struck all of us as more like the 824's than the KRK. go figure.

Looking forward to your humble opinions.

[Jerry W]

NOt surprised. Better to trust your ear than any opinions from anonymous sources. But by the way, Mackies have come down in price. I think you can get a pair for less than $1,300.00.

I have some older Events, 20/20s. They are okay and I suppose an upgraded model would be even better. I read an article about the production of the Matrix Reloaded music. They had a set up with Genelecs up fron and EVent 20/20s for the surround. Go figure. I guess Events are okay to lots of folks.

[tdukex]

Ed Rei (sonusman) made many a good mix on the Event 20/20s.

[MISTERQCUE]

Superfreak, if possible, perform your own comparisons on monitors according to your budget,both passive an active.
If you have a c/d of your own song(s), use it to judge the audio quality of the monitors you are auditioning insuring that the tone ctls of the music store's amp are all set flat! Listen carefully for
for any hype in certain freq'y ranges such as big bottom, boosted mids and hi's. What you're looking for is a monitor that translates
your recorded material excatly as is.

I like the Yorkies, Tannoys,Events, Genelec's(wish I could afford 'em) & the KRK's.
Alesis M1's are decent yet doesn't provide me with an adequate,nearfield response for it's price range!

Your ears will lead you to the monitor of your choice!