A
Antho141
New member
Ok so I have a quick question for the forum...What is the diffrence between using studio monitors and a 1000 watt surround sound??
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dintymoore
Guest
Some people will say because the studio monitors are more flat and the surround sound isn't.
For me the surround sound would be fine if every studio in the world had the same surround sound as you, then that would be the standard. But they don't, and the most common standard monitor is probably the Yamaha NS-10M's, and they're not flat.
By mixing to a known standard, your mixes won't likely be as way off compared to the rest of the world, kind of like the same reason as we all agree on the same tape measure when building houses.
But in reality you can mix through anything as long as you like it, your audience likes it, and you make lots of money.
Here's what helped me:
Go through all the best CD's you can find in the genre you are in. Then when you are mixing, AB your mixes against those recordings. Try to match the volume, the amount of bass, the amount of treble, the ratio of band to lead voice, presence of snare and kick etc...
For me I use this tune called "You're Makin' Me High" by Toni Braxton, as it's really loud and clear. I also compare things to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" as that's an exceptionaly well recorded album.
But pick the best of what you like and try to copy them.
I also have an old Sony boombox that I always try mixes through, and it helps to turn the mix so soft you can barely hear it sometimes as that gives you a good "big picture", or listen to it from the next room.
For me the surround sound would be fine if every studio in the world had the same surround sound as you, then that would be the standard. But they don't, and the most common standard monitor is probably the Yamaha NS-10M's, and they're not flat.
By mixing to a known standard, your mixes won't likely be as way off compared to the rest of the world, kind of like the same reason as we all agree on the same tape measure when building houses.
But in reality you can mix through anything as long as you like it, your audience likes it, and you make lots of money.
Here's what helped me:
Go through all the best CD's you can find in the genre you are in. Then when you are mixing, AB your mixes against those recordings. Try to match the volume, the amount of bass, the amount of treble, the ratio of band to lead voice, presence of snare and kick etc...
For me I use this tune called "You're Makin' Me High" by Toni Braxton, as it's really loud and clear. I also compare things to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" as that's an exceptionaly well recorded album.
But pick the best of what you like and try to copy them.
I also have an old Sony boombox that I always try mixes through, and it helps to turn the mix so soft you can barely hear it sometimes as that gives you a good "big picture", or listen to it from the next room.
Dogbreath
Im an ex-spurt
Home stereos are hyped. Ya don't want hype, especially hype (low end or top end) that flatters your sound.
Ya want as flat and consistent as you can get. Much of that comes down to your room. If you've got bass waves bouncing around and stompin on the highs etc, you won't get a true representation of what's really goin on in your mix.
Same deal with monitors...if they're flattering your mix and making it sound better than it really is or maybe hyping the bottom end, you'll end up compensating for somethin that's not there or makin adjustments to stuff that didn't need it.
1st in importance...(imo) is the ROOM. Tame the room.
2nd in importance...is the monitors. Just because the tunes may be burned to an ipod or somethin like that doesn't mean your monitors are any less important in the chain.
Both of these, the room and the monitors make all the difference between a good mix and a not so good mix. If ya can't hear it right, ya can't mix it right.
Everything else, mics, pres etc come after.
also imo...
Luck man.....Kel
M
Mindset
Well-known member
I would only mix surround if I knew everyone in this world had a 6.1 surround system.. otherwise, straight stereo on the accurate monitors. I just might catch that nucense (spelling?)
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Richard Monroe
Well-known member
Yo Antho! The short answer is- what's the difference between an airbrushed Playmate of the Month in a centerfold, and what she looks like when she crawls out of bed with a hangover? One of them looks good, and the other one is the truth. Which would you prefer? She may not look as good as the picture, but the truth can be a lot more fun (I used to live with a playmate of the month, and I have no doubt in my mind...).-Richie
Dogbreath
Im an ex-spurt
good analogy.
S
Simbo
New member
Now thats the truth
All that make up sure makes most of them look good enough to sleep with after a couple of beers.
But the morning sure shows their true colors.
All that make up sure makes most of them look good enough to sleep with after a couple of beers.
But the morning sure shows their true colors.
T
TimOBrien
New member
1000watt system will blow out your ears....
...or at the very least your ears will tire so quickly that you'll make bad judgements.
The best volume for mixing is actually quite low (85db or so if I remember right).
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dintymoore
Guest
If you mix too loud you won't last very long. I use an 8W per channel stereo tube amp run maybe 1/3 of the way.
Every once in a while I do turn a mix up loud to see what it's like, and it's surprising how much you can tell about basic vocals to bass to drums ratios when you turn it incredibly soft.
M
Mindset
Well-known member
You rememebered right, 75-85dB
