buying monitors

[tc4b]

I'm sick and fucking tired of headphone mixing. I thought I could do it, thought everyone who said not to was just a snob... well, after being stubborn for a few years, I'm going to get some monitors. I don't want to spend more than $400 total, I know, very cheap, but anything beats headphones. I have a digi001 for recording, but no power amp. Can I get away without buying one? Are 'powered monitors' a good solution? And I know I need to listen to them to pick out my favorites, just if you guys could give some suggestions about where to start. Thanks very much.

Oh, in case it matters, I record about every style, from jazz to hip hop to rock to even the occasional classical song.

 

[Big Jinx]

Powered monitors are the way to go. If you are into Hip Hop, you'll most likely need at least a 6.5" woofer on them to get the bass tamed to decent levels during a mixdown. Here's a couple of suggestions for you. And stay away from the Behringers...trust me...I own a set of Wharfedale Diamond Pro 8.2's and they are pretty good at giving me an honest sound when I'm done mixing.


http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--Active-Powered-Studio-Monitors--2864

 

[CoolCat]

I dont recall if the monitors or the preamp as my first revelation on this forum...but yes, monitors.

I argued it, at first, being ignorant, then realized the guy was trying to help me...and then hearing his "pro sound" and my mixes ASS and MUD. then the gang came along for the bashing as they all knew this basic fundamental secret of the trade.

it was a huge thing to get the headphones off, not to mention the ear ringing was nearly eliminated too.

try it. thats all it takes.

 

[ermghoti]

There are some great powered monitors. At that price point, you'd probably do well in the used market, although I scored my Maudio BX8s for $300 when the B's came out. Research whatever you find that you can afford.