Newbie needs help choosing equipment

[newbie70]

OK, in a nutshell like my name states I'm a newbie at the home studio thing. I use ProTools Version 6.1 with the MBox on Windows XP. HP Machine Pentium III 1000 Gig Proc. 512 MB Ram (all that my computer allows). My home studio caters to one client, myself. I taken this up as a serious hobby because I like to play and always enjoyed being in the studio. My system is working fine with the software and I am now looking to add a decent set of monitors and condensor mic. Right now I do everything DI including drums because I have A roland TD6 set. I use AKG K240 headphones to listen to recording as well as playback. I want to add a decent set of studio monitors for a small room to hear playback. My budget allows for approx $300 to $400 at the most. I'm not sure what the difference between passive and active monitors etc. or which one is better for my needs. I'm recording simple original music solely for my entertainment so I dont think I need anything extremely advanced, however I do want a good quality monitor. I'll leave the Mic question for another thread. Thanks, and please bare with me

 

[tomleblanc]

My feeling is that with lower-priced monitors it's generally easier to go the "active" route, meaning the monitors have amplifiers built in. It eliminates lots of variables in that the speakers and amplifiers were designed to work together optimally. If you get passive monitors then you have to buy a separate amp, which just means more complexity. In the $300-400 range I'm a big fan of the m-audio "studiophile" series monitors. The studiophile BX-5 models go for around $299. I have the older version, the SP-5B, and despite their small size they're LOUD! The difference between decent monitors like these and your average stereo system is unbelievable...definitely a worthwhile investment for your recordings. I'd stay away from those Edirol monitors...the price is attractive, but I haven't heard good things about them.

 

[newbie70]

thanks for the reply, would I still need a seperate amp if i'm going thru an Mbox

 

[pennylink]

Monitors are a very personal thing. You pretty much have to listen to them yourself, as what sounds good or neutral to one person may not sound so good or colored to another.

Having said that, for your budget I would take a close look at the Yorkville active monitors. Do a search and you'll find many many posts here praising their quality. Unfortunately not many dealers carry them, so it could be tough to find some to go listen to. They are available on-line though.

Active monitors won't need a separate amp to drive them (the amps are part of the monitors), which makes for a tidy and straight forward setup. Also, their amps are perfectly matched to the speakers.

Passive monitors, on the other hand, will need a separate power amp, which means more equipment, more cables, and more decisions to make.

Unless you already have a power amp it makes more sense to go with active monitors.