Monitors for Mixing/Mastering

  • Thread starter Thread starter MooreDogger
  • Start date Start date
Han said:
Some engineers are raving about the S3A's and I've heard them at AES and liked the sound, but some engineers like Bob Katz for example, are not very enthousiastic: http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/in...SQ=5c68739adcb1bc6748697ef9383688bc#msg_27026
Click to expand...
Bob Katz' comment in that thread was towards the pair he listened to specifically, not a general statement.

Don't forget, opinions on monitors are very subjective and will vary widely amongst engineers -- the bottom line is finding monitors that work FOR YOU.
 
Here's my take on this (...and the most cost-effective for a home studio)


There's a listening/learning-curve on any set of monitors you buy. You have to do literally hundreds of mixes (if you are a novice) before you know how to properly compensate each respective instrument and bring together a "good mix." You can do this on any set of monitors in the $300 to $900 range, so it won't cost a fortune.

After getting what you THINK is a "good mix" you should check that mix on a set of what they call "grot boxes." The whole concept of grot boxes (and a good example of a set of them) can be seen right here:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar....htm?session=e4e94805c9277dc5582a9822af6d0702

Now, as far as mastering you own stuff goes, that's an entirely different ballgame. Only a VERY experienced engineer with a high-end set of monitors (like the one's discussed in previous posts), better equipment, and BETTER EARS should be doing the mastering in a mastering studio set up for this purpose. I'm not saying you can't do it on your own, I'm saying that it won't sound as good as having a fresh set of ears with a non-biased, fresh perspective and the proper equipment and environment to do the job.
 
I mix with a pair of Mackie HR824's. The mixes I do on them translate well on other consumer mid fi system which is the listening destination of 99% of all music. What else do you want? :p Yorkville ysm 1's are also very nice and priced right.
 
What I want is a monitor where I can listen to for eight or more hours without getting fatique and still be able to hear every detail.

A flat frequency response is a must have and they must not cost a fortune.

I think I've found them. I have worked with many studio monitors from Westlake, Genelec, KRK, JBL, Urei, Yamaha to you name it.

The best nearfields (IMHO) so far are the IMF Compact Monitor 2's, everything I mix on these sounds even great on NS10's :D

And they've cost me only €70
 
Han said:
What I want is a monitor where I can listen to for eight or more hours without getting fatique and still be able to hear every detail.
...
I think I've found them.
Click to expand...
Same here -- ADAM S2A's!! ;) :p
 
Blue Bear Sound said:
Same here -- ADAM S2A's!! ;) :p
Click to expand...

But I guess they've set you back for a little more than €70 ($84) :D

When I was at Amsterdam AES, brother Dave Bryce showed me all the ADAM monitors and I really dig the sound.

I would like to compare a pair of ADAM S3A's to the good 'ol IMF ALS40's.
 
Han said:
But I guess they've set you back for a little more than €70 ($84)
Click to expand...
Yes but to me it was well worth it considering that I found a monitor I can truly say I never have to second-guess!
 
woo hoo

IMF super compact 2's

No they're not Adams but if they're half as good as Han says, they'll be a damn sight better than the event 20/20s I have been using.

£31? That's $58 or €45!!!

I know you should try monitors before you buy them but at that price I was willing to take the risk.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top