Is the Studiophile SP-5B really that good?

[Kinslayer]

I've been using these studiophiles ever since we've gotten our mixer and started recording. But I've hated them because they do not offer a very true sound. For us, the levels from these monitors are always different from, say, a computer. Everybody uses the computer is that is what the music would more than likely come out of so I want a sound true to the computer. It usually takes me about 5 or 6 tries to find the right levels for everything because they are so different from my studiophiles to my computer. It's almost sickening.

Any suggestions on other monitor speakers that would have a more true sound? I was looking at the Yamaha HS50M and they've gotten pretty decent reviews. To my surprise, these studiophiles have also gotten great reviews. What the hell is going on? Is it just me or what?

Thanks

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Everybody uses the computer is that is what the music would more than likely come out of so I want a sound true to the computer.

If that's really how you feel, do your mixes - or at least check them - on computer monitors. Do you mixing on the monitor of your choice, and the switch between them and the computer monitos as you make your mixes so that you can learn how to translate between the two (i.e. when it sounds like A on the Studiophiles, it sounds like B on the computer monitors, so there's what I have to do to adjust for that...

Any suggestions on other monitor speakers that would have a more true sound?

Nope. NOBODY can answer that for you to satisfaction. Why? because everybody's ears have a different idea as to what "true" or "flat" or "accurate" actually sounds like. They will all agree when looking at charts or specifications, but when it comes time to actually listen, the opinions vary wildly.

The best/closest you can do is to head down to your local display room with one CD that you are extremely familiar with and one that you're not, and compare models for yourself. From there you just have to learn how to translate the rest of the way from your studio to the real world yourself.

What the hell is going on? Is it just me or what?

Well, it could be your ears. The Studiophiles may just not be their favorite color of "true". Or maybe your ears simply demand something more than a small, entry-level, budget "studio monitor" like the Studiophiles.

Or it could be (and often is) your room setup. Where you have the speakers placed in the room and whether or not the room is treated or needs any more treatment can mess with the sound as much as speaker make/model will.

Are the mixes you make on your SP-5b's coming out "wrong" in pretty much always the same way when yuo play them back on other systems such as in the car, on the computer and on your home stereo? For example, are they always bass-heavy or too midrangey or other consistant unpleasantness? If so, there's a good chance that your room might be messing with you or that you just have to learn how to make that translation.

G.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Duplicate post due to slow server...sorry

 

[Kinslayer]

Thanks, man. I think I'll go check some other monitors out at Guitar Center or some place. I gotta get some xlrs and 1/4"s anyway. =D

I don't think it's my ears because my brother's friend does some of his own audio engineering and he says the same thing and he doesn't like any studiophiles anyway. It might just be the room set-up and if it is, there's nothing I can really do about that, sadly.

Yes, the mixes are pretty much always "wrong." It's cutting out bass in like the low-mid range but it really kicks it low. That's not what really pisses me off but what does is that the levels are nowhere near what they should be. When I get it perfect on the mixer, for instance, I burn it to a cd and something always needs changing volume-wise. That can get annoying because each time I record to the S.T. track, it takes up more space, even when I undo the last one. =(

 

[Kinslayer]

Haha same thing, man. Repeat post cause i hate my internet.

 

[santiu]

I have a pair of those. Got them for $20 used, so I couldn't say no. They are my first "studio monitors", but I've heard much much better hi-fi speakers.

They aren't horrible, they aren't great. But a little AB with my headphones (Senn HD-580) and I can get pretty translatable mixes. I've also gotten used to how they sound, so I know what a song should sound like on them if I want them to sound consistent on other systems. I want to upgrade, but I've gotta save up some cash first

Oh, and a tip on audio related reviews for things like speakers and power amplifiers. If the review doesn't come with any performance measurements made by the reviewer, it's pretty much meaningless. Fun to read yes... but that's about all it's good for.

 

[RAMI]

It might just be the room set-up and if it is, there's nothing I can really do about that, sadly.

If that's the case, don't waste your money on new speakers yet. Treat your room, it's WAY more important.