M-Audio SP-5B

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UZZA

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I would like to hear from anyone who owns and uses these monitors.
 
I got a pair of these, and I'll freely admit they are a weak point in my whole rig. Don't get me wrong, but we're outsourcing the mixing to a pro outfit with gear I can't afford and experience I don't have. In order to provide the best signal I can, the monitor chain had to suffer,funds being finite. All that said, the SP5B's have been quiet, accurate while not being unpleasant to listen to, and seem to be constructed soundly. I am not an engineer, and have significant one-sided hearing loss, so I won't attempt speaker comparisons. Several sources I trust believe they are the cheapest near field monitors that are worth buying at all, and for my limited needs, they are serving me rather well.-Richie
 
Thanks Richard. So you think they sound good, but they are the weakest link in your set up? Is this correct? Do you think they lack low end, even for the small size?
 
Uzza, I can't tell you what you really want to know, because my ears are damaged from a criminal assault years ago and a whole lot of rock and roll combined with routine aging. When I monitor to mix, I have to use a bizzarre set of algorythms in my head to translate a mix into something 2-eared people might like. Or I track by the numbers, using blocked out mic placements and settings a 2-eared engineer has helped set up. I'm unable to tell you what they sound like, only that these monitors don't seem to break, and they do reveal mid to high frequency pop,crackle,hum, etc. that helps with diagnostics. As far as low frequencies, right now I'm starting to do guide tracks with acoustic and vox, with a little very clean mic'd guitar cab. When I get the bass player (fretless and double bass) and the percussionist in here (mostly African), I'll find out more about the speakers, and no doubt add to the collection. Yep, they sound "OK" and they are a weak point. It's like this- At their price, I think they're the best (not used) speakers I can get for the money, which is the wicked bottom feeder end. They do, however, provide my cruddy ears (I can hear a little out of the left) with useful data. God, I wish I could hear like some of you. Best of luck- Richie
 
Thanks Richard.

Middleman. Do you own these monitors?
I'm interested in opinoions from people who actually use them.
 
Yeah, I own them. I did the A/B thing when I bought them and thought they sounded better than the KRKs or the Event 20/20 passives.

They work great in my converted bedroom 8x10. I don't do hip hop or rap so the low end is not critical for my work. I may add the subwoofer at some point to round out the sound. That said they have a lot of punch and improved my mixes dramatically. Some of the things I noticed after setting them up:

-I can now hear subtle changes in the amount of effects i.e. compression, reverb etc. when I adjust my on-screen knobs.

-pan and depth are more defined when I play with my surround effects

-When I A/B artist CDs against my mixes I can now get a little closer to the pro sound. I would need to upgrade my pre, and mic to get closer.

If your budget is under $300 I think they are as good as any other solution out there. However, if you have more cash you may want to step up to SP-8Bs or Mackie, NSM, Tannoy etc.

Finally, if you have a real studio space, not a bedroom, I would probably opt for different monitors as the sound of these breaks down in a larger space. They are definitely "near field" like 4 feet or less"

Hope this helps.
 
Uzza, I *do* use these speakers, I just don't use them for mixing. I use them for reference monitors, and for that purpose, they are adequate. My experiences with various engineers supports the idea that most of them mix better with the lousy speakers they're used to than expensive ones they're not used to. These are excellent monitors at their price point, but their price is about as low as it goes. Do you think the bass response of an Oktava MK319 is good for its size of its diaphragm? Without a frame of reference, the question becomes perplexing, if not meaningless. Sorry I can't hear like you, but I gave you the information I have.-Richie
 
I own a pair of SP-8B's (around $450-500), and I think they do a great job for mixing. Since I've gotten them, my mixes have gotten considerably better. When I bought them, I A/B'd them against every other monitor in the store (Tannoy reveal, Event PS 6 and 8, Event 20/20, Roland digital, Alesis digital, and Mackie), and they smoked all of the competition except for the Mackie, which cost over twice as much. Compared to the SP-5B's, they are far more "open" sounding with better imaging and deeper bass, and nowhere NEAR as tiring to listen to. The SP-5's reminded me a lot of the Yamaha MSP-3's - a great value for the size, but ultimately too "tight" and midrangy to really hear what your mix sounds like. As always, YMMV.
 
UZZA said:
Thanks Richard. So you think they sound good, but they are the weakest link in your set up? Is this correct? Do you think they lack low end, even for the small size?
Click to expand...

UZZA,

I use the Sp-5b's out of a need for a compact unit and of course low price. I think that they work very well for me considering many things. You asked about lacking low end. They do not have artificial low end which I feel is far more important if you are going to be using them for mixing, as I do. They are loud little buggers and dont distort even at huge volumes. I like em'. Of course you could soend a lot more money and get the same mixes. You learn to use what you can afford. I can afford more, I just didn't want to.

As I have said before, buy them from a store that will let you retunr them if they are not what you are looking for. The only way to fly when purchasing monitors.

Fangar
 
Richard
Middleman
Chris and
Fangar

Thanks for all the good advise. I bought the SP-5's
and do not regret it. My recording space is small
and they sound better than what I was using before.
I kept hearing mixed things about these monitors, but
mostly about the low end. I also hear that a lot about
the Yamaha NS10's. I don't regret the purchase, but I
am greatful for all the input. Tell me, do you guys
make use of this floating tweeter thing? I can't see
that it has any advantage. When I set the speakers in
the triangle position at ear height I don't really see any need to move the tweeters around.
 
UZZA,

Glad to hear that you made the purchase and are happy with them. If you have the monitors set up the way you described, you most likely wont use that feature. It is handy though if they are in various other positions. Let us here something that you get mixed some time. Thanks,

Fangar
 
UZZA, just thought I would comment on the bass throw a little bit.

The SP5s have plenty of bass but it is ported out the back. If you move out of the near field you can hear that it is there, say back about 5 or 6 feet. I usually move in and out of the near feild to check the mix on the low end.

You can also try putting the speakers closer to the wall thas is in back of your monitor. You will get the bass frequencies to throw back in the room a little better. Just thought I would pass along some tips.

Enjoy your new toys. Always exciting for a few weeks when you upgrade your sound.
 
Just want to say Thank You to Fangar for your generosity of sharing & very clear diagram on the monitor stand ... It works out great for my SP-5B ... and they look pretty nice too !!!

My 2 cents on the SP-5B: I bought mine at GC for $250 when they have one of those Holiday Sales ... I compared them to a few other models and I really like the SP-5B better - and of course for the price too ...

As a near-field monitor, I think you can get a decent bass sound if you have a small working area and position the monitors well ... Personally, I think the bass is sufficient for my needs...


Well, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for ...that perfect mix !!! :)
 
Thanks Fangar. This design looks just right for my set up.
I now have a weekend project planned.
BTW where is Elk Grove? I'm down in San Diego area.
 
UZZA said:
Thanks Fangar. This design looks just right for my set up.
I now have a weekend project planned.
BTW where is Elk Grove? I'm down in San Diego area.
Click to expand...

Hey guys. You are very welcome for the info. I have two more that I have made. One for the POD 2.0 and one from my Sansamp Bass Di. I will post them in when I get a chance if anyone is interested.

Elk Grove is about 10 miles south of Sacramento. I have been to San Diego Many times. My wife went to Point Loma for a short time. Good Luck,

Fangar
 
I used to live in Point Loma. Nice area, but it has become very pricey (infact all San Diego real estate is completey out of hand).
I am heading up your way on a camping trip next week. No recording, just chillin.
 
Good for you. I am going to head up to Silver Lake in August with my wife and daughter. San diego is expensive. Have fun camping.

James
 
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