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Topic: Monitor Speakers

Currently I use amps to play through which does create a bit of a problem when recording.

Now I have my HD500 it would make more sense to go through my computer as then what I hear is what gets recorded.

However my computer sound is just run through an oldish hifi system so it really is not designed for guitar and ultimately could colour my tone.

So what do you guys use for this? I was thinking maybe I should ditch the hifi and get some decent monitor speakers - is this a good idea and if so, how much would I be looking at spending on this? Should
I be looking at some specifically designed for guitar? and would I still be able to use these to play general music through when I am not guitaring?

Advice would be welcome.

Thanks! default/smile

Re: Monitor Speakers

I just plug any computer based modeling straight into my amp on a fender twin clean setting. I have thought about about monitors, but I don't mind using the amp.

Plus I am running out of space in the bedroom and the cellar conversion is going slower then planned.

Imagine if the words of Imagine ever came true.....

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Re: Monitor Speakers

My only concern about doing it this way is that you dial up a sound that is perfect on your setup yet play in through another and it doesn't sound the same, as your amp is colouring the sound and tone that you are hearing.

Re: Monitor Speakers

what you need for a recording setup is flat response studio monitors
so you get a true representation of the full audio spectrum in your mixes

ie if your speakers are bass light then all your mixes will be bass heavy
on a flat system because you will be adding bottom end to compensate for your
speakers non linear response

there are loads of budget price nearfield monitors available that can do the job
and there are some great bargains to be had

but if you've got any spare cash after xmas try these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WESTLAKE-AUDI … 2137wt_700

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5 (edited by polyal 16-12-11 20:05:13)

Re: Monitor Speakers

sorry wrong link
try this for starters
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=b … m270.l1313

ps

if you record a really disgusting dirty sound miking an amp
then it will sound exactly the same through good flat monitors ( almost..
depending on how the cab is miked up..but thats another subject )

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Re: Monitor Speakers

Thanks for this.

So how about using them for listening to normal music? Can I ditch my old hifi?

Re: Monitor Speakers

why ditch your hi fi.........its always useful to listen to your finished mixes on
most studios have multiple sets of speakers anyway

but it is nice to know what you're hearing is what it is (on flat monitors )

but....... if you want to have a few beers and chill out .. turn the bass up etc on your studio
monitors ( via external EQ )..but dont forget always return them to flat response for recording
and mixing

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Re: Monitor Speakers

I'm looking for some monitor speakers:

I note the behringer range but how would they compare to something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Studiop … m_sbs_MI_4

Re: Monitor Speakers

having read the reviews ..i wouldn't bother...4" woofer?? 25 watts ?

go for an 8" woofer ( behringer 2031a for eg )...i bought a pair for 179pound B Stock
sound as good as my mackie 824's and i've had them now for 5 years no prob

what you're looking for is flat response +/- 3 db down to at least 50hz
there are hundreds to choose from ..i can only comment on behringer and mackie

if you get less than an 8" woofer though.. you will be lacking at the bottom end ( bass )

but check the specs before you decide...and go to the local music store to try them out

there are also loads of bargains on ebay

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Re: Monitor Speakers

Ok, well if they are good enough for you, they are certainly for me so I have placed my order!

I will let you know how I go!

Re: Monitor Speakers

so what have you bought and how much have they cost?
dont forget speakers can be either (P)assive or (A)ctive...
the behringer b2031 comes as " P " or " A " ???...Make sure they are the B2031A
else you will have to buy a discrete stereo amp

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Re: Monitor Speakers

I got the b2031a as I wanted active monitors.

£239.64 seemed to be the lowest price from Amazon etc do I went with one of them.

Re: Monitor Speakers

nice one...mine were 179 but they were B stock....i dont think you'll get any cheaper
new..but check these out
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BEHRINGER-TRU … 2174wt_934
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BEHRINGER-B20 … 4ab30e5a71
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Behringer-Tru … t_642wt_61

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Re: Monitor Speakers

I did see those on eBay but when I decide I am going to buy something I never have the patience to wait days for auctions!

At least this way I know they will be undamaged and fully warrantied!

Looking forward to trying out some of the amp moddeling on the HD500 now to see how that goes!

Re: Monitor Speakers

know what you mean buying new..........

just remember your monitors are "transparent" ( flat response ) and should not colour the sound in any way
so what your'e hearing through them is the sound you're creating..thats the whole point of
them...your monitors wont particularly make things sound better..they will just give you a true representation of the sound your system is generating...so if if its a crap patch...it will
sound crap if its a brilliant patch ..it will sound brilliant etc etc

either way.. you've definitely made the right move for better and more accurate  recordings

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Re: Monitor Speakers

Wow these monitor speakers are huge:


http://s17.postimage.org/hws0h5057/photo_1.jpg

I thought I might not have room for them as they didn't fit either side of my monitor. But the pod sounds great on these things.