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Recommend Studio Monitors
Hi All,
I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on USB studio monitors (or other solutions) that would allow me to properly mix my creations live. So far, I haven't found any speakers that are remotely powerful enough to actually hear anything at a useful volume level, and I'm finding using headphones hinder the process as much as they help. Current setup is using BM2 and Audio Mastering.
Any ideas? Thanks!
Comments
I have a pair of Yamaha HS80 which are my favorite one, I own before this the old NS10M and this is the best option for this kind of sound.
I currently have a set of the HS80s and they are very solid. The NS10s are wonderful. If you wanted to go over the top, go with the vintage Yamaha NS1000M. The best, IMO.
I don't know of any decent USB speakers that work for mixing, but I imagine there is something out there. I recommend getting a small audio interface and a pair of powered studio monitors. You'll want them to sound as neutral as possible. The reason people love NS10s are that they sort of sound like crap at first, and if you can get a mix sounding good on them odds are it will sound decent on the wide range of playback devices consumers are using.
Since this is a music gear purchase, you can obviously spend as much as you want. There is plenty of hype out there, and all too often room treatment and speaker placement is thought of last. To be honest, I have the best time with the moderately priced gear used in creative ways. Don't go bottom barrel, but don't break the bank.
If you get used gear, just make sure all of the drivers work. HF speakers tend to go out first, and sometimes you can't tell if a driver isn't working with a casual listen. Listen critically.
Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions! What are the best audio interfaces/set-ups for iPad? I'm fine with going for powered, regular monitors (would prefer it, in fact), since I agree @nojayart, neutral sound is necessary to critically hear what is really going on. My biggest problem is that I need a system that can produce enough volume so that you can hear things clearly in a normally sized room. Any recommendations?
Wow @Flo26... that's one serious piece of gear, but well out of my budget at the moment (I need to upgrade my iPad2 before I invest in anything in that price range LOL). Anybody having success with a cheaper audio interface? Something where I could get an interface and standard monitors for say $500 +/-?
@mholley, the locals around here seem to love the Akai EIE (non pro), which you can get new for $200 or $150 refurb on ebay.
There are plenty of choices for studio monitors with the remaining ~$300 budget. Keep in mind, you may need some XLR or balanced 1/4" cables to connect the interface to the monitors. Also, many times studio monitors are sold individually, so make sure you are buying a pair, and make sure you are buying active monitors otherwise you'll also need a separate amplifier.
Check your local Craigslist! A few years ago, I picked up a pair of Yamaha HS80M, a presonus audiobox, lots of cables and some isolation foam for $250. Everything was like new with boxes. Deals are out there.
Thanks @nojayart! I'll check it out... something like that is much more in my league (at the moment at least, lol).
I have the Akai EIE and it works really well for me. Also I got a pair of m-Audio BX8 D2 for $150 each on sale at guitar center. So if you are patient and keep looking you can find some really good deals.
One thing I have learned is guitar center will price match and if you see an online coupon that excludes certain manufactures, which most do, they will honor the coupon in the store.
I use the Griffen StudioConnect with M-Audio AV40s. I should have invested in powered monitor speakers that are more substantial then the AV40s. They sound a little muffled-can, boxy; but not too bad. They can fill a small room.
http://store.griffintechnology.com/studioconnect-na17132
Behringer makes some inexpensive products:
http://www.behringer.com/EN/products/STUDIO-50USB.aspx
I'm currently using the focusrite 2i2 interface with no problems.
Thanks again to everyone... this is by far the best online forum for iPad music-making that I've found.
+1 on Griffen StudioConnect, I'm quite pleased with my JBL LSR305 monitors:
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR305-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00DUKP37C
Great sound, well-reviewed and you can get a pair w/cables for under $300. Plenty loud enough to fill a bedroom studio. Side note - I've learned over the years that mixing at a conversational level is a best practice worth exploring, so I wouldn't get too hung up on volume.
Until the end of a long session when it's time to crack one open and crank it up, anyway
Current recording setup in practice space.
Recording: Mackie Onyx 1220i firewire interface - love this, has been completely reliable. We have the 1640i at our other space and it is just as reliable. It is hooked up to an iMac via firewire 400/800 cable.
Monitors: Fostex PM 0.5. A craigslist find, along with the sound isolation foam. I like the sound of them, and they don't take up the entire old iKea desk I have the computer on.The isolation wedges make a huge difference in low end frequencies.
Also pictured is an EV ELX115P. Sometimes, the music needs to be louder.
And then a Korg nuclear family of noise makers. Loving the electribe 2. I can't wait to see how competent the sampler version is.
I can't say enough good things about the 1/8" stereo to dual 1/4" plugs from Hosa. They use a Rean tip that is right up there with quality Neutrik or Mogami plugs. Tough to find them in stock places. The ends are deceivingly heavy, and I caution that they want to fall to the ground and are the perfect length to probably snap a tip on the ground.
Oh, and also pictured is the Musicianlink Jamlink. This let's us practice over the internet between two locations in Montana and one in Virginia.
I like my KRK Rokit 6's, I've been using them for several years now and moved them over from the Mac. They are now connected to my itrack doc.
I have a pair of KRK Rokit 5 speakers, hooked up to the Focusrite iTrack Solo. Great combination for recording, and also for listening to music.