Some noob questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter sgtpeppers472
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sgtpeppers472

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Okay, thanks so much for the help on my other topic, I decided to get the Presonus firepod.

my next question is how do i plug http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/KRK-Rokit-Powered-6-Generation-2-CB?sku=609801 into it and what exactly is the point of the monitor, i don't get the part where on musiciansfriend it says it helps overdubbing, and is essential for the recording process. Couldn't you just use the monitors on your computer? or headphones?
 
Recording monitors have a flat response, that is the overall volume will be euqal form low bass notes through high treble sounds coming through the speaker. Your computer speakers are definitely not flat response. Likewise, headphones don't give you a flat response, but are good for recording with a mic to listen to pre-done tracks.
 
sgtpeppers472 said:
Okay, thanks so much for the help on my other topic, I decided to get the Presonus firepod.

my next question is how do i plug http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/KRK-Rokit-Powered-6-Generation-2-CB?sku=609801 into it and what exactly is the point of the monitor, i don't get the part where on musiciansfriend it says it helps overdubbing, and is essential for the recording process. Couldn't you just use the monitors on your computer? or headphones?
Click to expand...

There are outputs on the back of your firepod. Connect your monitors to these.

Stuff that you've already recorded on your PC will be sent back through firewire to the firepod then to the monitors. Stuff that you are recording will go into firepod and into monitors (as well as to the PC). This way you can, while recording something new, keep in time with what you've already got.

If you are not using a microphone to record, for example, lpaying a keyboard directly into the firepod, then you can listen to the whole thing through the monitors

If you are using a microphone to record, then you need to do this listening through headphones, otherwise the mike will pick up what's coming through the monitors.

There are (at least) three reasons why you shouldn't use your PC monitors.

1 The reason already given by mjbphotos, i.e. the sound quality is not usually good enough for you to be able to decide whether you are getting decent results.

2 The soundcard driving your PC speakers is usually not built with recording applications in mind. You could, for example, a delay in the recording. This would making keeping things together highly difficult

3 Your application may not be able to run the firepod and your internal card together. You may have to switch one off (through the control panel).
 
Ok thanks, I guess i'll get the monitor. and obviously i hook it to one of the imputs but there are a bunch, and a bunch of different cords.
 
You keep saying monitor (singular.) Are you planning on only buying one? If so, why?!
 
If you can't afford two then you'll have to make do with one.

That means you can only monitor and mix in mono.

You will have difficulty in dealing with anything in stereo; either recording or playback.

Buying a firepod and just one monitor is like buying a motorbike with a big engine and only one wheel.

Here is a description of the back panel of the firepod:

"On the back panel are eight TRS 1/4-inch channel output jacks. Outputs one and two are also available on a pair of 1/4-inch jacks labeled Main CR (Control Room) Output. The control room output level is adjustable via the front panel Main level knob; this system is intended for routing to the control room amplifier and speakers and provides overall stereo level control.

The Mix knob provides a balance control between a summed live-input mix and computer output channels one and two"

You would connect up your monitors to either output 1 or output 2.
 
You're gettin some great advice, and don't take this the wrong way, but I would suggest reading a little bit more before you make a purchase. You seem to be pretty fresh at this and I would strongly suggest that you have a plan before buying anything. It's hard to build your core/basic setup as you go if you don't know how things will interact, connect, and sound. There is a wealth of information on this site and the internet in general, I would suggest checking this site out: http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm It gives great beginning advice and setup instructions for many recording components. If you research and have a better idea about how recording technology works, your future purchases will be more fruitful and less potentially regretful. Just my thoughts anyway. Good luck on your journey through this crazy hobby.
James
 
sgtpeppers472 said:
so basically get two or get none? do you have to get monitors to record because i really don't have $300 to spend, i can barley buy one monitor as it is.

What about http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Studiophile-AV40-Speakers?sku=600092

? Reviews like kinda ehhh
Click to expand...

Didgijimmy offers good advice. It's worth checking out.

If you can't afford two monitors, don't get any for the time being. You will be able to get by using a pair of headphones. Doing that is better than one monitor.

S, use headphones, practice your craft, and get some monitors when you can afford them.
 
Yeah, you can go much cheaper on montors if you don't need a lot of volume. I picked up a pair of M-audio 3s on ebay for $60.
 
I'm mixing using a combination of some nice headphones and my hi-fi speakers ,and getting fairly good results. I think you can do alright without monitors; you just have to use alot of trial and error on some different equipment e.g. car speakers, computer speakers, headphones etc.
But like me; once you get the money i'm sure you'll want a decent set of monitors!

Good Luck!!
 
As long as you don't hammer them too hard, they should last you until you are ready to take the next step.
 
sgtpeppers472 said:
Thanks so much for the help guys, i'm thinking about being a cheapskate and getting http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Studiophile-AV40-Speakers?sku=600092 though. But it may bite my ass in the long run as a few people were saying they break after about 3-4 months....idk
Click to expand...

I have a pair of these as well as some Alesis Monitor ONEs and some Roland MicroMonitors. The M-Audios sound good but are a little bass heavy, plus they are very low power, but in my application, having the three sets to switch back and forth between; they work well.

They would be much better than PC speakers or headphones, just get used to listening to them; with music (like your favourite bands etc.) that you know.
 
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