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Monitor Sound Ports
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| Lunar Phase 7 |
Hey guys,
This problem has been bothering me for a while now. I have done a fair bit of research about monitors and looked into many different names too.
It seem however that due to monitor placement that will need to happen in my room (almost up against the wall) that I may have an issue with rear sound ports.
Does anyone work with these kind of restrictions? How badly does it effect the sound?
To the best of my knowledge providing the slug of air can move back and forth from the sound port, then it isnt too much of an issue if they are near a wall or not. Or have I got this wrong and it could cause major reflection issues?
Additionally, would any of you advise that in a smaller room sticking to 5" drivers and using decent headphones (Sennheiser HD580's I got at the moment) to monitor low basstones is advisable?
Thanks a lot!
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| Lunar Phase 7 |
Cheers for your reply. I am aware of the importance of monitor placement. But I am specifically concerned about port hole distance from the walls.
I noticed Luke Terry has bx8's and has them pressed against the wall.
He seems to know his so surely I assume it isnt a major issue. but again I aint sure... |
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| Agenz |
Lunar 7
I have a pair of Alesis MK2's and have one placed in the corner and other placed near a wall {about 2 inches from wall}
I have blocked both ports on the one near the wall {as instructed in the manual as doing this will not exaggerate the bass}
I have had my monitors for a few years now and I am now used to the sound they produce {A/B with proffesional tracks}
If we have no room then we can't do nothing about it ;) we just have to spend some time learning the sound that comes out
Hope u sort it... |
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| Diginerd |
Speaker placement is part science part art.
http://www.rhintek.com/cara/cara21desc.php
is an EXCELLENT tool for modelling what's going on in your room. It supports the creation of speaker models and the effect of placment in your room, right down to performing calulations as to where best to optimally site your speakers. I used it exensively when designing my new studio.
When you've modelled it then supports the playback of test tones to actually measure the real world impac of the design, and then perform further analysis & reccomendations to improve matters further.
It's pretty heavy duty (and probbably moe than you are after), but it will do wonderrs for your sound. |
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| Lunar Phase 7 |
How do you find the Alesis MKII mate?
They were on my short list a while ago, but its so hard to judge monitors. Just when your almost certain on one kind, one review slates it and your back to like 10 options. |
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| Luke Terry |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lunar Phase 7
Cheers for your reply. I am aware of the importance of monitor placement. But I am specifically concerned about port hole distance from the walls.
I noticed Luke Terry has bx8's and has them pressed against the wall.
He seems to know his so surely I assume it isnt a major issue. but again I aint sure... |
there's actually about 3 inches gap behind them due to the cables. the bx8s have adjustable frequency response so you can place them anywhere and get them to sound right which is a bonus when u don't have much space
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| Lunar Phase 7 |
Cheers for the rply guys, its very helpful diginerd, a bit too indepth at my current stage of development, but thanks nnone the less I am sure it will prove helpful for others and myself in the future!
Luke, I notice the gap now, cheers for pointing this out. Mine wont be smack bang against the wall. But will only have a few inches of clearance.
One other point, I am torn between slightly better quality 5" driver speakers such as KRK's, Tapco, and Events. And 8" driver speakers such as the BX8, Samson 6A's and Alesis.
Aside from the obvious lack of low end bass, in a small room i feel that larger drivers may actualy provide me with too much bass!
What are you opinions with this, it's my opinion that the smaller cones will be better as bass frequencies wont be enchanced by my small boxy room.
And also with testing speakers, I don't really see the advantage of this, since no show room will be the same as your own room and so many other factors that could effect your sound once you get them home. I tried out one or two and there was other music in the store people talking and they were simply 3 sets fo speakers stacked on one another. Was a joke! |
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| Diginerd |
Glad o help.
As for trying out speakers, speak (ouch) to the store and ask them if you can get a 100% refund on a set you take home and try a few out in your space. You're right, nothing beats listening in your own environment.
There are even some companies that will come around with a bunch of speakers and le you try them in your space, but you're talking mega bucks for what they're selling (PMCs, Genelecs, ATC etc)
As for your question about driver size, an 8" driver has to work much less to deliver a simlar SPL as a smaller driver. Whilst a certain amount of drive to your speakers is desirable, too much can induce distortion and wear on the drivers.
If I was to spend the kind of money you're talking about I'd stick with the smaller KRK, Event and Tapco over the other cheaper but larger speakers. You can always add a sub if you find bass lacking, but you'll be happier with the better stereo imaging and all around better quality. |
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| Agenz |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lunar Phase 7
How do you find the Alesis MKII mate? |
Not too bad...I've had them for a few years now and pleased with them
There's quite a few diff pairs of monitors avail...Try and call Digital Village or any other UK retailer for advice.
I did this and got some great advice from DV and pleased with result ;) |
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