cheap monitors

  • Thread starter Thread starter Decipha
  • Start date Start date
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Decipha

EFIDynoTuning
I'm trying to build my studio and i need some good monitors that will give
me a very flat response. I'm willing to spend <$400, i don't want the best
just something that will give me a virtually flat response. Before i go looking
on my own i thought i would get some insight first. I don't need them to
get crazy loud, just loud enuff to mix my tracks at a comfortable level.

Any links would be appreciated. TIA
 
How much do those "computer speakers" cost? I'm sure for the money you can find something better.
 
A few choices under $400 are:

M-Audio BX5
Yamaha MSP3
Samson Rubicon R5A (the new low budget ribbon monitors)
Wharfdale Diamond 8.2
Event TR6N

You don't really get into the 6" speakers until you get into the near $400 range and up. A few have the bigger woofers, but you'll need to budget a little more if you want to have a larger selection of monitors to choose from.

In my studio I use Mackie HR824's and KRK V4's. I like the KRK's a lot, if you could find the money for a pair of V6's you'd have some nice monitors, in my opinion.
 
SonicAlbert, what do you think of your Mackie 824's? I have a pair as well. Anything in particular you like or don't like about them?
 
I like the 824's. They seem to translate very well for scoring/post production type work. Maybe better at that than album type work. Could just be me, but it seems like I have to do a lot of going back and forth between mixes and other real world listening situations to get the translation close when working on tracks meant for CD's. Translation to post houses is great though.

Overall, I'm happy with the 824's and I think I'd probably need to spend considerably more to get a big bump up from these.

I really like my new KRK V4's. These make a nice pairing with the Mackies. When I bought the V4's I was expecting to use the Mackie's as my primary monitors and check on the V4's, but right now I seem to be doing it the opposite. Staying on the V4's a lot and then checking on the Mackies. It's great to have both, and the V4's are really inexpensive.
 
I'll have to check out those V4's. Thanks for the input.
 
I think you really need a sub with the V4's if they are your main monitors. The nice thing about the Mackie's is they have that extended low end.
 
you could compare the krk´s with the new Genelec 8020. Also 4 `` woofer.
 
SonicAlbert said:
The nice thing about the Mackie's is they have that extended low end.
Click to expand...

Yea, that was a big reason why I picked them up. I do a lot of rap/hip hop production where it really counts to have a solid low end. Now if I could just treat my room so I could get an "accurate perception" of that low end... :p
 
i got an idea

what if i were to bust out some boston 6.5 components for car audio?

I could design a box for home theatre that would give me an almost flat
response... i already have a kenwood HT amp. It's worth a shot, if i can't
get a good response i can always use them in an install.
 
I've got a pretty good feeling (actually, a VERY good feeling) car audio speakers were not designed for flat response across the frequency spectrum and for critical listening situations....
 
No you're right they don't work well for mixing but they do work great for checking mixes, I'm in the process of a crazy project right now. I'm turning a pair of m-audio bx5s into what i call m-audio ns-5's. I found that Infinity makes a speaker called the Kappa Perfect, lol its white and looks like a small ns-10 cone. So they pretty much fit just have to solder the wires and stuff and we should be good, maybe I'll post the pics of the "ns-5's" lol.
 
I've always wanted a way to easily check my mixes on my Bose system in my car, even while mixing would be really cool. I mean, ultimately, I'm looking for the mix to sound its best in my car before any other system (home theater, boombox, etc.) because first of all, most people listen to music in their cars most of the time anyway, I know I do (maybe besides listening on my monitors while actually working on music). If I had to order my preference for how I would want my mix to sound its best, it would go car stereo, club, home theater, and finally boombox.
 
mixed test

RhythmRmixd said:
I've always wanted a way to easily check my mixes on my Bose system in my car, even while mixing would be really cool. I mean, ultimately, I'm looking for the mix to sound its best in my car before any other system (home theater, boombox, etc.) because first of all, most people listen to music in their cars most of the time anyway, I know I do (maybe besides listening on my monitors while actually working on music). If I had to order my preference for how I would want my mix to sound its best, it would go car stereo, club, home theater, and finally boombox.
Click to expand...

yeah, my car is the main too. following the studio speakers.
boom boxes-definately last concern, the pro stuff doesn't even sound good on the boomboxes i've heard.

the home theater/ house stereo has always been a disappointment in my mixes. this is probably THE current hurdle.
recently re-setup my Onkyo/tower Infinitys- to play Internet Music and just stereo (no movie surround stuff) and check mixes.
It is a nice room, decent stereo and sounds sweeet with pro disc's..
but my homegrown tunes just don't pass the test.

maybe it's mastering? but something ain't there...my my mixing?

from what i read..there's no getting around testing your mixes on various systems and rooms.
listen take notes, re-mix.....is what i gather.

my problem is i get playing guitar and writing, and use up all my free time! :D
 
x2, the car is my main objective as well, that's why im currently trying to
get my laptop and system up. I will still record at home (using my computer
and sound proof room) but i will mix all my tracks in my car.

This is my soon to be setup for the car

4 RE XXX 15's ported at 30 hz 3.5 cubes per sub (entire trunk missing)
2 Rockford T30001's for the 15's (2000 rms per sub)
Boston Z6 6.5 comp set
Rockford 2000 for comps and rear fill
boston 6x9's for rear fill

**all in a 95 beretta**

Total cost: $3500

i have $5 G's to blow on my car so im going to go all out
 
Portable Mixing

Decipha said:
but i will mix all my tracks in my car.
Click to expand...

thats a really different approach...never heard that one before.

you could be like a portable ME!!! Mix on the road..once you hire a driver! :rolleyes: :)

make sure your garage doors are open and you have good ventilation....carbon monoxide concern? :eek:
 
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