Monitors vs. Speakers?

[punkin]

Looking into photos or other people's home studios, I notice that a lot of folks are using more than one set of monitors. I assume because many of us can't afford the perfect set so they're working with a couple different sets to get a better listening experience.

Since recently replacing my home stereo system, I now have an extra pair of Klipsch Hereseys and a pair or Klipsch Horn speakers (truly aswsome speakers) and, I have a pair of M-audio monitors (not sure which model). The M-Audios are self powered where as of course the Klipsch require an amp.

My question is, is there any value in using the Klipsch speakers as monitors? If so, would I need to get a special amp (non-home system type) or, should I stick with the self powered monitors?


Thanks

 

[masteringhouse]

Every set of speakers has a certain character to it. My suggestion would be to try a mix on both (without switching back and forth). Then play the mixes on as many other systems as you can and see which mix translates the best for all of the systems. That's the pair I would go with.

Trying to switch back and forth between multiple pairs of monitors to find a good balance often times just confuses things. Learn your monitoring system (weaknesses, warts and otherwise) and learn to adjust based on your experience with them.

 

[grinder]

Looking into photos or other people's home studios, I notice that a lot of folks are using more than one set of monitors. I assume because many of us can't afford the perfect set so they're working with a couple different sets to get a better listening experience.Thanks

The problem is, there aren't any perfect speakers, since your mix will have to work with many types of speakers. Mix with your monitors, check the mix with the Klipsch, then burn it and check on as many systems as you can. It will help you get a quick, real world view of your mixes during mixing. Also, clients will be more impressed with a good mix crankin' through the Klipsch, than the monitors. Plus, it looks cool.

 

[Massive Master]

For the most part, if you're working in the BX's (BX5 if they're 5" and BX8's if they're 12"... I mean 8") and you flip over to the Klipsch speakers, you should get "generally" the same sort of sound quality, just a bit more "hyped" sounding with a good sounding mix (feel free to try this for yourself with some commercially released stuff).

If the mix completely changes, you may have some fixin' to do.

Even before I got into mastering, I used to bring a set of "HiFi" loudspeakers that I trusted to every studio I worked at as a "real world" reference.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com