desktop monitors

[raven46]

looking at getting a cheap pair of active desktop monitors (cash is tight at the moment, i will be getting a decent pair later in the year)

edirol ma-7a
behringer ms 16
behringer 1c
m audio studiopro 3

probably will go with the m audio, are they a good choice or is there better for around the same value...

 

[dmbfan1981]

I have the studio 3s and while they arent the best. I find they do alright in a small studio setting. They have a small woofer so I find that sometimes they dont play the low end well enough for me. Its a better start than a pair of altec lansing computer speakers, but it should only be a "hold you over" I am saving up for some krks or maybe some yamahas. Just my personal opinion. I dont have any technical jargon to tell ya, just that I can't complain about them for their size.

 

[DavidK]

I tried the m-audios at the store and found them to be unnacceptable. I would rather use home stereo speakers. they arent much better than computer speakers. I was actually shocked, I thought they would be much better.


It's definitely going to be a "buy cheap, buy twice" scenario. KRK ST6 passives can be had for $198 for a pair. Personally I would take the 100 bucks and hang onto it, those lil M-audios were unusable for me.

 

[dmbfan1981]

The m-audio speakers are small and don't have a lot of output but they will get you by soundquality-wise, if you are just getting started and want to do the best you can for what you can afford. Granted for 50-100 bucks you can get a set of computer speakers ( altec lansings or logitec or maybe even JBL ) that will be louder by comparison and definately shake the floor a little more, but thats not the name of the game here. Don't confuse loud and fun to listen to with helping you to mix better. There are people on here who could take those m-audio monitors and mix better than some idiot with a pair of Tannoy Precisions.

I find that within reason, my m-audio monitors give a fairly even response. I had Altec Lansing speakers before that and they sounded GREAT for gaming and playing my favorite mp3s but didnt do a mix justice. The main problem was the subwoofer giving you the impression of a lot of bass. If you are doing dance or hiphop music then this might be something that you prefer when mixing.

You could still hook up a matrix ( berry makes a cheap one for like 39.99 ) and run computer speakers with a subalong with a cheaper pair of monitors ( from the the list that you gave ), just as a second reference. Then you could get a flat response from your monitors ( or atleast flatTER ) and then switch over to the other speakers to see how your mix plays on those.

Obviously there are better monitors, but your question named a few models and sticks to a specific price range, and that is what my answer is based on.

But then again, I am just some idiot with a pair of $99 dollar M-audio monitors ). so take it for what its worth and good luck.

 

[DavidK]

Maybe I was too harsh. Yeah, they will work. I dont have much of a budget either, I opted for spending 100 bucks more and the Krks. If $99 is all you got, I suppose they would be fine. I feel your pain, I have lots of low budget gear. Hold me.

 

[NRS]

At that price range why dont you consider investing the $99 in a really nice pair of pro quality studio headphones instead? That way once you save up to get the moniters you REALLY want, you'll also own a killer pair of headphones that will never go to waste.

 

[rayc]

Monitoring & mixing with h/phones isn't a good idea BUT it's better than cheap'n'nasty almost computer speakers.
I use home stereo speakers - good one mind & a good amp. When I'm working on another comp & not in my little space I use h/phones I know well so there is some consistency & awareness.
DavidK is right about buy twice.

 

[jeffree]

Tascam also makes a small 2.1 set-up for $100, which received a decent review in Tape Op mag last year.

J.

 

[rayc]

Don't use anything with a sub, baby sub or fake sub unless your intention is to mix for THAT syle of system. The response they give isn't naturalistic it's an enhanced audio experience. It won't work for stereo - nor will disconnecting the sub as that raises issues about the bass handling of the other speakers.