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Stupid question about studio monitors.

Ok I'm at the point where I have everything I'll ever need or want to produce for years (till I get some $ down the road for a nord) but right now the only thing I don't have and never had is studio monitors.

I've been using amplified computer speakers with a 6" mono'd sub, and 2 additional mids and tweeters. They've always sounded nice imo, but obviously far from flat.

The system has ALWAYS been bass heavy, and probably heavy on the hi-end. And I noticed my mixes sometimes wouldn't hit hard on the kicks but I have *learned* to compensate for the coloring, and how to equalize the hi-end pretty good as well.

I'm trying to figure out if getting monitors (because I've been using these speakers for about 3 years) would actually make it HARDER now because I'm use to the compensation factor from really colored speakers. I'm not sure what to do lol, but I know at some point I need to get the monitors. Anyone made a transition like this? Did you notice issues with your tracks afterwards?

Thanks! - Roxx

What I've personally found is that as your mixes get more complex you need the clarity provided by better monitoring. I know this because I have no monitors myself, but having upgraded to AKG 240s I know that its a lot easier than it was mixing on my stereo.
When I was making acoustic tracks with maybe 4 instruments it was fine to use the stereo. But now I've got 20 instrument tracks and 5 sends, I really need better monitoring.


Or my ears might just be going... who knows.

For my first couple years producing I mixed on consumer-style (bass + treble heavy) headphones and a normal stereo. Eventually I switched to monitoring headphones and speakers, and I think it made a big difference to my mixes. There was definitely an adjustment period, but I think it was worth the trouble. It's a lot easier to hear problems.

Re: Stupid question about studio monitors.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Robby Rox Ok I'm at the point where I have everything I'll ever need or want to produce for years (till I get some $ down the road for a nord) but right now the only thing I don't have and never had is studio monitors. I've been using amplified computer speakers with a 6" mono'd sub, and 2 additional mids and tweeters. They've always sounded nice imo, but obviously far from flat. The system has ALWAYS been bass heavy, and probably heavy on the hi-end. And I noticed my mixes sometimes wouldn't hit hard on the kicks but I have *learned* to compensate for the coloring, and how to equalize the hi-end pretty good as well. I'm trying to figure out if getting monitors (because I've been using these speakers for about 3 years) would actually make it HARDER now because I'm use to the compensation factor from really colored speakers. I'm not sure what to do lol, but I know at some point I need to get the monitors. Anyone made a transition like this? Did you notice issues with your tracks afterwards? Thanks! - Roxx

The simple answer is: Yes, at first, there will be a lot of time spent just trying to get used to proper monitors, but that doesn't mean it's not worth it.

What you've effectively been doing is making adjustments and compensation for a sub standard monitoring solution. Because you're basically making mental adjustments to the perceived sound on these speakrs, you'll always have a hard job actually getting an accurate sonic reproduction and therefore takes longer to get the desired result - even though you're "used to it" now.

Once you switch to proper monitors, it will take you a while to trust what you're hearing - everything from panning to levels to frequency separation will sound so much clearer that at first either your tracks will sound like they need so much more (precise) work (because you're hearing them in a sound quality and true flatness that you haven't before), or that you are having trouble identifying what's wring because they will sound better on these new monitors (such as wider stereo field, bass extension etc.)

But once you get used to them, you'll find you're not wasting so much time checking your mixes and translation becomes a much easier thing, which overall affects workflow, comfort and ultimately ability.

At the same time, I know some producers who work on the shittest speakers just becuase they know them so well (from translation to scoops etc.) that they just prefer to work on what they know.

The bottom line is that if you think you would benefit from better monitors (and I'm from the school of thought that says you will) then go for it. Just take a long time playing your favourite tracks and commercially produced songs so you really get to learn them.

Check out this thread from Eric, as there's a lot in there about getting used to new monitors....

http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...670&forumid=48&

I personally think that a decent pair of monitors is the most important part of the gear.

Some people keep insisting that you can do good mixes with poor monitors if you just learn to know them and how they colors the sound. But with poor monitors, when there are more and more elements playing the sound tends to become muddier and muddier. So with good monitors you can hear the different elements better and it is much easier to detect possible faults in the mix?

Wow, had no idea.
Read his whole thread. Thanks a lot guys this is def becoming my new top priority.

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