Budget Studio Monitors: Do They Work?

[midKnight]

I just recently learned of JBL LSR 4326's and I'm considering a pair of those. They are pricey, but they rate very highly across several different sources, and they even say the room tuning features aren't just gimmicky they actually do work, so I'm intrigued by them.

I still need to acoustically treat my room, but that's a long process, so it's going to be quite a while before I can get to that part, so if the speakers can compensate a little in the meantime, cool!

=]

[brandondrury]

they even say the room tuning features aren't just gimmicky they actually do work, so I'm intrigued by them.

It's not a gimmick, but EQ is very limited in what it can do in regard to accounting for room acoustics problems. Peaks can certainly be reduced, but they won't be adding much boost to any valleys that may exist.

I definitely wouldn't use the room tuning feature as a basis for making the purchase. That's my 2 cents anyway.

I still need to acoustically treat my room, but that's a long process, so it's going to be quite a while before I can get to that part, so if the speakers can compensate a little in the meantime, cool!

No speaker truly compensates for room acoustics. However, a "better" studio monitor will improve your ability to make decisions that translate. I'd expect that a studio monitor in the league of the JBL LSR 4326 is gonna get you closer to that than a budget studio monitor, regardless of the DSP.

Brandno

[Hippofish]

I have two MOTU 896's running either Logic Pro 8 or Garageband and I use a pair of M-Audio BX5a Deluxe monitors. I just got them about a month ago and they work GREAT!. They were pretty cheap, like $275 or so for the pair. I thought the BX8a Deluxes were too dark so I went with the smaller ones.

As far as volume these are not going to crank very loud but at lower volumes I think they translate my music pretty well. (I play blues rock, heavy on the guitar) I have mixed a few songs down with these monitors and traveled around to friends systems and listened to it on headphones and in peoples cars and they did a pretty good job.

I know they are not the kind of monitors that professionals use, but I am far from a professional and they worked great for me. Highly recommended.

Michael

[uab9253]

I can ditto what Hippofish said - and MF has them for $199 right now with a free clock and foam pads for them to sit on. They will go 70w and for me that is loud enough. I have about 2 months on mine now and am getting a feel for what works in terms of getting mixes that translate out to other systems. Mainly not overdoing the bass to compensate for a slight lack of low end. I have found that if the bass feels ok on the mix through these, it will hold up outside as well. Great value.

[Hippofish]

Just a warning on what uab9253 said those BX5a that MF has are NOT the Deluxe models which are the new ones, but the older ones sound nice too. But those at MF right now for $199 are the older ones from last year or so.

I listened to the DELUXE model, which is new this year, and they sound frickin' awesome. My friend has the old ones like uab9253 and those rock too, but the newer ones are more durable and have better bass response than the older "a" versions.

I was confused about it also.

BX5a usually run around $199 for a pair, old model.
BX5a Deluxe usually run around $299 for a pair, brand new model.

It's very confusing but I thought I would just warn you. However that being said the BX5a at $199 is a GREAT DEAL! You won't be disappointed.

Michael

[wavesound]

HI All
I'm using Behringer (wait for it!) Truth B2031 Actives with the Sub base unit.
I use them every day and have for the last year.

Took me while to set them up with the sub but it was worth it.

I think you have to learn your monitors sound and work from there.
Thing seem to translate over to my hifi ok at the moment

Cheers
Bob

[uab9253]

Originally Posted by wavesound

I think you have to learn your monitors sound and work from there.

And that is the true statement of the day. Read and repeat.

[richiebee]

Originally Posted by uab9253

And that is the true statement of the day. Read and repeat.

Well kind of. It's true to the extent that your monitors don't have to be frequency accurate to get a good mix on them, but if they don't provide a full range of frequencies to start with, you're screwed. If your monitors only go down to 60Hz, how do you know what's happening below that?

R.

[ChicoBluez]

Originally Posted by richiebee

Well kind of. It's true to the extent that your monitors don't have to be frequency accurate to get a good mix on them, but if they don't provide a full range of frequencies to start with, you're screwed. If your monitors only go down to 60Hz, how do you know what's happening below that?

R.

I use an inexpensive sub (12" JBL) and I am enjoying great low end translation.

You don't have to spend alot...but, you do need the experience that only time and practice yield to get results.

[wavesound]

Hi
Yep it takes a lot of listening to tune any sub in.
Also I'm not aware of any 'budget' monitors that are full range.
You have to keep checking on car/hifi systems as well.

Man just listening to your music Very Nice!!!!
What strat are you using, go on, I know you want to tell me!!
Great vocals as well.

Thanks
Bob