Computer Monitors

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nstodd

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Hey guys, I am building a pc. i7-6700k, Z17ON-WIFI motherboard, 500 SSD, 16 gb DDR4 ram. Recording up to full rhythm section with focusrite 18i8.
I know what all the specs for visual computer monitors mean (aspect ratio, resolution, contrast ratio, etc.) but what do I really need to use protools and record? I won't ever do gaming, video editing, movies. Just music production. Thanks guys
 
I'd say the higher the resolution the better, so you can get as many tracks on the screen as you want at the size you need them to be for easy management. The other variables/specs that account a 'good' display are certainly nice to have, but after a little while your eyes will adjust fine to even a cheap monitor for basic 2D / desktop use (like DAW use). Most monitors are 1920x1080p and that should be fine. Higher than this may require a dedicated video card.

My primary is a decent 24" IPS LED Dell monitor, and my secondary is a 23.5 older LED LG brand monitor, usually where I drag the plugins / VSTi for adjusting. The older LED, lower quality LG LED isn't great looking when side by side, but I used it for years before getting the Dell and really didn't know I was missing out. The nicer display hasn't improved my mixes. :D [but having two displays improves work flow]
 
I've been considering the purchase of a 32" Best Buy Insignia TV and have see them for as low as $119, recently.
 
homestudioguy said:
I've been considering the purchase of a 32" Best Buy Insignia TV and have see them for as low as $119, recently.
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That isn't a bad idea, so long as it displays 1080p and has a HDMI input (you'll need/want a digital out from your computer, even if it's just DVI there's DVI to HDMI adapters/cables). I used to have a computer in the living room with our old 42" LCD television, effectively what you're thinking of doing.

The con: not everyone has the room for a "television" on their desk, or even in my case where I'm already so close to my monitors anything past 27" would actually be a hindrance. Also, if you're 'stuck' at 1080p it sometimes makes more sense to have dual monitors than one large screen at 1080p, if that benefits you in your workflow. I suspect with most people having dual displays would be a greater benefit than simply a larger screen.
 
Pinky said:
The con: not everyone has the room for a "television" on their desk, or even in my case where I'm already so close to my monitors anything past 27" would actually be a hindrance. Also, if you're 'stuck' at 1080p it sometimes makes more sense to have dual monitors than one large screen at 1080p, if that benefits you in your workflow. I suspect with most people having dual displays would be a greater benefit than simply a larger screen.
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I'll agree with that. Different strokes and all but I've worked on very large single screens and decent sized dual screens.
The latter wins for me every time.
FWIW, they're 24" 1920x1200 and I'm about 2-3 feet from them.
 
I'm actually using a TV as a monitor right now. :D




Can't say I recommend it.
 
CrowsofFritz said:
I'm actually using a TV as a monitor right now. :D




Can't say I recommend it.
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What's the reason? Do you find it hard on the eyes for some reason?
I did with my Panasonic E6 32" but I didn't mention it incase it was specific to that TV.
 
For audio production, you don't need high end video monitors. Save your budget for other niceties, like room treatment.

But as others have said, having two monitors is so worth it. I have mine stacked one over the other. Then audio monitors on either side.
 
Chili said:
For audio production, you don't need high end video monitors. Save your budget for other niceties, like room treatment.

But as others have said, having two monitors is so worth it. I have mine stacked one over the other. Then audio monitors on either side.
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...or you could do what Jimmy does.
Save money on wallpaper by simply using computer monitors instead! :eek:
 
Steenamaroo said:
What's the reason? Do you find it hard on the eyes for some reason?
I did with my Panasonic E6 32" but I didn't mention it incase it was specific to that TV.
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It's a 32"

I like it when I'm watching videos, but there's no gaming mode on it so there's a somewhat noticeable input lag. That's annoying.
 
I use a pair of ViewSonic 24" (I think they were about $130 each. Works great, mixer on the top, tracks and racks on the bottom. (Reason).
 
My two duplicate main monitors (side by side) for Cubase are $80 AOC 1600x900 20". Plenty of resolution for basic DAW needs and basically disposable. My 3rd monitor for Cubase is a 23" 1920x1800 something that I use for the mixer section. Forget about the two for internet and the other for video cameras. Or the one in the drum room. I don't think I have ever spent more than $150 for a video monitor.

I do not see the need for high resolution monitors in a recording environment. The graphics are not that cool in a DAW and the last on my list of needs. But I do find workflow way better by having more space without having to juggle screens.

Just my style tho. :)
 
Chili said:
Yeah, his wall of monitors was kind of the seed to the idea of stacking them. :)

Someday I'll clean up my studio enough to take a pic and post it.
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My latest setup, though crammed into a small room for reasons that make me cringe...

Ugh...
 

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How bad can it be? Are you losing some of your studio to a nursery? :laughings:
Ah! I see, deconstruction...bummer. Rebuilding?
Hey, Jimmy. What is the small monitor on the bottom? Wrong shape for sE's. Maybe a Genelec I haven't seen?
 
A friend of mine has been doing audio for video and uses a 32" 1080p HD TV but it wasnt cheap.
If you arent doing video, 720p could work quite well, generally speaking if just needing to see the DAW on screen.
FWIW, I bought an Insignia 24" 1080p TV with hdmi for the bedroom on sale for $99 and the picture quality is outstanding.
It has a really low profile too and I could easily see it being used in a studio!
 
BroKen_H said:
How bad can it be? Are you losing some of your studio to a nursery? :laughings:
Ah! I see, deconstruction...bummer. Rebuilding?
Hey, Jimmy. What is the small monitor on the bottom? Wrong shape for sE's. Maybe a Genelec I haven't seen?
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Lol! Only one princess to raise in my life.

Um... Really bad. 43 grand to fix...It almost killed me and my girls.

But rebuild will be better. Will be building a legit 13x16' isolation room with full treatment and a window to control room. Plus a laundry room that isn't part of my drum room. Finding positive from a shitty situation. :)

Those are just computer speakers. I actually love them for checking mixes.
 
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