Monitors - close to wall... 5" or 8"?

[wmalan]

Hi all,

New here. Great topics and discussions!
Did a search here about monitor choices and room treatments. Lots of options...

After reading the thread about finally leaving headphones for real near field monitors, it answered a bunch of questions.

A couple questions left:
Looking at either the Yamaha HS50 or HS80M monitors. I'm reading that most recommend the HS10 sub with the 50's. But in my mind that brings the price closer to the 80's so why bother?

Background:
My 15' x 15' bedroom studio will be treated with bass traps and panels (will play with placement). I songwrite pop, blues, and rock. No metal or dance/dub styles. The monitors will be less than a foot from the wall. One will be less than 3' from a corner (will have bass traps though).

So given the constraints, 80's or 50's (w/o sub)? Also, is building monitor mounts off the wall (even with rubber pads under) a no-no in placement? Thinking about it adding unwanted bass - but maybe a plus for the 50's with no sub...

Thanks!

Bill

 

[Ethan Winer]

I prefer larger speakers with no sub to smaller speakers with a sub. It's simpler to connect, and usually gives a better bass response. Subs are needed if you mix music and sound tracks in 5.1 surround sound. As for speaker placement and mounting, the preferred method is to use stands. Then you can more easily experiment with placement while measuring the LF response with software to see where the response is flattest.

--Ethan

 

[wmalan]

Ethan, that makes sense. Are there simple directions for performing a room test (some call sweep?). I use Reaper as my DAW with a Presonus Audiobox USB for input. I read that you output a white noise signal which is in turn returned via mic at sitting position.
Then compare? I have an SM58, would that work?

Thanks!
Bill

 

[Ethan Winer]

I read that you output a white noise signal which is in turn returned via mic at sitting position.

The correct way to do this is with room measuring software such as the freeware Room EQ Wizard program. An SM57 is not the right type of microphone, but a good mic doesn't have to cost a lot:

Comparison of Ten Measuring Microphones

All studios need a decent small diaphragm omni condenser anyway, for example to use on acoustic guitars and tambourines etc. Hopefully $50-$60 won't break the bank.

--Ethan

 

[wmalan]

I'll check into the links you posted. Thanks for the help Ethan!

Bill

 

[Jonesey9]

Any rear ported monitor will need a fair bit of space behind for the port to "breathe"

With front ports or sealed boxes you can afford to get a bit closer to the rear wall, but it's still a good idea to treat the wall behind your monitors.

 

[wmalan]

Any rear ported monitor will need a fair bit of space behind for the port to "breathe"

With front ports or sealed boxes you can afford to get a bit closer to the rear wall, but it's still a good idea to treat the wall behind your monitors.

Yes. Started thinking about that issue with the Yamahas. Don't know if I should rethink choice yet after reading Ethan's VERY helpful and in depth studio treatment guide... WOW! Seems monitors will be second choice compared to how I lay out the room. Completely different view now of my constraints. When I get a chance, I'm going to create a drawing of the room and post it in the studio building section.

Bill