Need monitors, and mixing explanation

[Progger]

Oh boy. This will not be fun. I need decent monitors for $150 and under. Anyone have suggestions?

Next: I keep reading about boosts and cuts and all these frequency numbers. All I know is I record some tracks, mix 'em together, eq a track here and there, and I'm done. I know this is really simplistic, and I'd like to know more about all this jargon that people here seem to throw around, particularly the meaning of frequencies and how they interact. Like "vocal boost at 2-4KHz." What the hell does that mean? I willfully submit to those who are infinitely more knowedgable than me, enlighten please!

 

[chessrock]

I need decent monitors for $150 and under. Anyone have suggestions?

They don't exist.

Next: I keep reading about boosts and cuts and all these frequency numbers. All I know is I record some tracks, mix 'em together, eq a track here and there, and I'm done. I know this is really simplistic, and I'd like to know more about all this jargon that people here seem to throw around, particularly the meaning of frequencies and how they interact. Like "vocal boost at 2-4KHz." What the hell does that mean? I willfully submit to those who are infinitely more knowedgable than me, enlighten please!

That's a tough one to cover in one post. I mean, whole classes are taught on this stuff. Just know that every sound is composed of frequencies, and boosting and cutting certain ones will change/alter/shape that sound. Equalizers like the ones on a typical stereo operate by boosting/cutting certain frequencies. When you "eq a track here and there," as you put it, you're doing the same thing.

If you really want to learn, I'd suggest you start by getting a hold of a spectral analyzer. What this will do is give you a visual reading of the freqencies and balance of a particular track or song is taking up. Also, just keep on reading. Do searches on this site. I'm sure the topic has been well-covered in the past, and it's all in the archives. Studiocovers.com might have some stuff on it, and there are many books out there.

 

[Progger]

Thanks, man. So if I wanted to do some decent mixing, would it be okay to use Klipsch or Boston speakers? I have those hooked up to computers, but I don't know how much color those boxes add to the sound. I just don't have the money to spend on monitors. If I were to use colored speakers, could I just compensate for that by adding a little bass or whatever where I don't think I need it?

 

[Laynestaley]

If I were to use colored speakers, could I just compensate for that by adding a little bass or whatever where I don't think I need it?

Yes, but that will require you to get to know how much and in what way these speakers color the sound. The only way to learn that is by trial and error and by comparing your mixes on different systems. By the time you truly know how to mix with them you'll probably have saved up enough money to buy some decent monitors.
However, some people seem to do allright using stereo speakers but never say this out loud in here.

 

[chessrock]

I just don't have the money to spend on monitors. If I were to use colored speakers, could I just compensate for that by adding a little bass or whatever where I don't think I need it?

This should all be fine, as long as you're not really picky about how your mixes are going to turn out. If all you're trying to do is practice, learn, and have fun, then by all means use whatever is at your disposal. It takes quite a while to get the hang of this stuff, anyway, even with really good monitors.

 

[grinder]

A good set of stereo speakers will certainly work better than cheap monitors.Play referance cds though the set up before mixing and play your mixes in as many differant systems as you can to see how they translate.Don't waste your $, save up and buy good monitors and don't even think about trying to mix with (gulp) headphones.

 

[Progger]

Heh heh, I used to mix on headphones. Isolation ones. Terrible.

Thanks for the insight guys. Much appreciated.

 

[distortedrumble]

i kinda like klipsch or how ever its spelled..heard a set in circuit city and nearly bought them until i saw the price...i didnt even have 100 to spend

 

[Gidge]

if you have an amp to power them, you can get a pair of Tannoy ProtoJ monitors for not much more than $150.......

 

[grinder]

if you have an amp to power them, you can get a pair of Tannoy ProtoJ monitors for not much more than $150.......

Nah, stick with the Klipsch and save up for a pair of these......http://shop.store.yahoo.com/soundexchange2/yorysmonspea.html