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monitiors sub £500 (pg. 3)
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| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
I think you're getting mixed up with the MR5s?
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Nope. Read my detailed review / shootout of the monitors in that thread.
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
Do you think these will be a justifiable step up from Event TR8's though? only heard the Tr6's, but i thought they held up really well with the competition!
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I only suggested the JBL's (which i own) as he sounded like he wants a second cheap pair or get rid of his other monitors.The TR8's are actually decent monitors and I probably wouldn't bother upgrading from them to the JBL's - maybe the HS80's as they are bit flatter with slightly better bass response, but even then, I'd probably just save my 500 quid until I can afford the focals, or maybe get room treatment instead of new monitors.
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
Shame on you for using the B word btw; especially since i'm saving for the F word:p |
I've used the barefoots twice now and the only word to describe them is superb. To be honest though, unless you've got an acoustically designed space and some very good treatment, not to mention a grade-A DAC, they're not worth the cost difference between the focals. |
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| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by clay
oh how i miss being conway twitty |
Did conway get banned?
Anyway, I'm still waiting for the return of palm :p |
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| clay |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ RANN
Did conway get banned?
Anyway, I'm still waiting for the return of palm :p |
yeah i was literally banned myself too, my true self (this account) but i managed to get out of it with my smooth tongue and friendly smalltalk. haha. just kidding. palm will return in WEB2.0. |
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| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
Not busting your balls, but you did say mackie:p
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, I did as well :whip: Was thinking about those videos posted as I typed as they both had mackies in them.
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
With you on this. A small monitor will suffice, but it's only really patching up the problem with the TR8's lacking mid content...could be a symptom of the room though of course!
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TR8's don't "lack mid" as such IMO, they just aren't all that flat and are a little bright. I suppose the room could affect it but room problems usually present with bass or high problems first.
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
That makes me feel better:) i can't justify the barefoots; certainly not when this is just a hobby atm! going for the twins/ns10/mixcube mono...then i can just forget about monitoring forever, unless it becomes a viable business much later on. |
I can't justify the focals! In fairness I have access to Questeds, B&W 802's, HR824's, BM15's and PMC MB2's at work so I just can't spend anything more than a few hundred monitors for home.
The barefoots are wicked, but when you factor in the cost of all the things you need (and tbh, it's somewhat the same with the focals) like serious room treatment, proper acoustc design, bot to mention a stunning DAC, power conditioners, good cables etc - you're looking at $10,000 even on the cheap side.
Not sure why you're going for the NS10's and mixcubes. I know the reason for the NS10's but firstly, find an original pair in good condition (the newer ones were not the same) and secondly, with a pair of focals, you really will not need much else. The mixcubes are a cheaper way of finding flaws so it's one or the other, I really reckon you do not need both. |
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| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
That was my hunch! to the OP i would definitely hold off until the treatment is done; the TR series still seems pretty popular like the Mackie HRs, so i reckon it could be the room...which is good news & easily solvable:)
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That's whatI'm getting at - I would not bother "upgrading" from TR8's unless I was going the whole whole hog to something outstanding.
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
Can i ask if you have any experience of the event opals? or know of many studios who have picked them up?
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Not much but from what I have done with them they were detailed but a little bright.
| quote: | Originally posted by CalvP
I realise it reads as total overkill! but i'm trying to evoke some much needed inspiration into my workflow, so i've come up with the idea of having a separate workstation with a keyboard/guitar & the ns10's in another room (to avoid the pc), then the mains will be the focals BUT i intend to mix just on the mixcubes early on, as i have a horrible habit of obsessing over minute EQ details & getting looptitis:o Behringer Behritone C5A may get these instead , gotta wait for early reviews first though.
Studiospares SN10 any experience of those? only thing that worries me about the good old ns10s, could be the lack of driver availability :conf: |
Personally, I would teach myself not to EQ to the point of tedium rather than buy new monitors. Honestly it will serve you better in the long run. I know as I have/had the same problem - it;s like a bad habit, but the good thing is you know when you're doing it and just have to stop it.
I also would not do the behringers - the mixcubes are proven, and it's not like they're super expensive anyway. I would just get the focals and mix cubes if you need to.
ns10 drivers aren't that difficult to get and don;t go thinking the SS versions are the same - they try to emulate the same principle but they're not the same. If you really want ot do the ns10thing then do the real deal, otherwise just be happy with your focals. |
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| Seandroid |
Audiomidi.com is selling the M-Audio DSM3s for $600 for a pair right now + shipping, but nobody seems to know why... Guitar Centre won't even match the price, they retail them for $700 a speaker and on the M Audio website they sell for almost $2000 for a pair. Plus audiomidi.com will throw in a pair of Auralex Mopads.
There's an entire thread on Gearslutz effectively about how awesome they are and how you'd have to be nuts not to get them for the price.
http://www.audiomidi.com/DSM3-Monit...ir--P16319.aspx
They use dual 6.5 inch cones which gives them super accurate mids and increases the size of the sweet spot.
You're going to need an interface/sound card too though. |
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| JEO |
Getting my rent deposit back in a few days, which makes 700 euros.
Would you recommend the JBL LSR 2325p for a first pair of monitors, RANN? 498 euros / pair. Still leaves 200 euros for a good audio interface.
Why are Yamaha HS80Ms (same price as the JBLs) so popular? They're the most sold pair of monitors in the shop where I'm getting my monitors from, with the JBLs placing 106th. Any trusting in their ranking, or should I just get the JBLs? Would love to support the local company, but anything Genelec that extends it's spectrum below 65hz is pretty much out of my price range.. |
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| clay |
| why does it seem like every producer have OCD? or every person interested in music at all? I have it myself (not documentet though, but common im a paranoid creative maniac), sometimes i can be awake focusing on whatever Im doing for many days exhausting myself completely. usually every spring im a total wreck because of this. And I like to be that way. It must be so boring being "normal". |
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| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by Seandroid
Audiomidi.com is selling the M-Audio DSM3s for $600 for a pair right now + shipping, but nobody seems to know why... Guitar Centre won't even match the price, they retail them for $700 a speaker and on the M Audio website they sell for almost $2000 for a pair. Plus audiomidi.com will throw in a pair of Auralex Mopads.
There's an entire thread on Gearslutz effectively about how awesome they are and how you'd have to be nuts not to get them for the price.
http://www.audiomidi.com/DSM3-Monit...ir--P16319.aspx
They use dual 6.5 inch cones which gives them super accurate mids and increases the size of the sweet spot.
You're going to need an interface/sound card too though. |
I will never buy M-Audio monitors - We used to sell them when I was in Pro audio retail and the BX range were utter dog. I personally don't like the concept of using DSP in monitors - there's no need and you should fix the problem at the root rather than using real time eq etc in the chain. They well may be good monitors but I'll decline. As for gearslutz, I know a lot of very well people on there, but it's all too herd mentality not to mention, flavour of the month about minute differences in kit that have no real world place.
Also, mopads aren't really that expensive and there's been a lot of talk (especially on GS) about how they actually don't work in a lot of situation, if anything making the situation worse.
| quote: | Originally posted by JEO
Getting my rent deposit back in a few days, which makes 700 euros.
Would you recommend the JBL LSR 2325p for a first pair of monitors, RANN? 498 euros / pair. Still leaves 200 euros for a good audio interface.
Why are Yamaha HS80Ms (same price as the JBLs) so popular? They're the most sold pair of monitors in the shop where I'm getting my monitors from, with the JBLs placing 106th. Any trusting in their ranking, or should I just get the JBLs? Would love to support the local company, but anything Genelec that extends it's spectrum below 65hz is pretty much out of my price range.. |
In some places JBL cost the same due to limited distribution chains of JBL product, whereas Yamaha have quite an incredible global distribution supply chain.
My advice on this subject (which everyone is probably sick to death of by now) is that if you have a small room or a room with some funky acoustic issues, go with the JBLs. If you have a larger room, then certainly go for the HS80's as they have more bass response. Both are great monitors, it just come down to your room. The HS80's are also more popular because the sales guys probably push them more as yama have good margins etc. |
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| Seandroid |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ RANN
I will never buy M-Audio monitors - We used to sell them when I was in Pro audio retail and the BX range were utter dog. I personally don't like the concept of using DSP in monitors - there's no need and you should fix the problem at the root rather than using real time eq etc in the chain. They well may be good monitors but I'll decline. As for gearslutz, I know a lot of very well people on there, but it's all too herd mentality not to mention, flavour of the month about minute differences in kit that have no real world place.
Also, mopads aren't really that expensive and there's been a lot of talk (especially on GS) about how they actually don't work in a lot of situation, if anything making the situation worse. |
That's because the BX range WERE , but I can't believe you actually just said you'll never buy M-Audio monitors because they released a bad bunch. These are fantastic monitors and you can look anywhere you want online and every review is glowing...
Plus it's not like you have to use the DSP EQ curves... they're only there if you have issues with reflections off of your walls and surfaces.
The whole DSM series has garnered positive reviews, and the DSM 3s have the best out of all of them.
Here's a really thorough review of them:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/6867454-post21.html
And a couple more of the DSM series here:
http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/amplification/cabs-and-speakers/pa-monitors/studiophile-dsm1-222251/review
http://bit.ly/oD6zs4
It's like saying you won't drink Coca Cola anymore because you really hated "New Coke." |
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| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by Seandroid
That's because the BX range WERE , but I can't believe you actually just said you'll never buy M-Audio monitors because they released a bad bunch. These are fantastic monitors and you can look anywhere you want online and every review is glowing...
Plus it's not like you have to use the DSP EQ curves... they're only there if you have issues with reflections off of your walls and surfaces.
The whole DSM series has garnered positive reviews, and the DSM 3s have the best out of all of them.
Here's a really thorough review of them:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/6867454-post21.html
And a couple more of the DSM series here:
http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/...1-222251/review
http://bit.ly/oD6zs4
It's like saying you won't drink Coca Cola anymore because you really hated "New Coke." |
That's not a true or applicable analysis - let me preface this by saying I used to work for the largest Audio Retailer in Europe, and sold more M-audio kit than you could possibly imagine. I later did tech support for them, including their monitors and audio interfaces.
Every monitor they have made up until that range were utter turd, even though M-audio paid countless artists to endorse their products and marketed them like hell with the audio press/media to give them "glowing reviews".
So it's not a case of thinking they're crap because one of their new models missed the mark (a la New Coke) - it was their entire monitor range that was incredibly bad up until this point.
Now combine this with the fact their reputation for their interfaces started slipping in the 00's and support got as they became more and more commercial, and I think you can appreciate why I'm not running out to buy M-audio monitors, regardless of what those blowhards on gearslutz have to say (which may I add can change in an instant as soon as someone has a problem or someone with weight decides otherwise - I've seen it happen too many times).
Don't get me wrong, those monitors may well be a great deal at $600 per pair and very good quality, but I make purchasing decisions based on several factors, one of them being s solid company reputation for putting out quality products. What happens if they break in 2 years time and you need to source a new driver? Or a new DSP board because the thing won't work without it?
Finally, while that review is in depth, it done by someone who owns them (which in my experience can slightly bias in some cases) and he's comparing them to MSP5's (cost less than $500 per pair, not much bass, not that flat or detailed) and to A7's (detailed, but possibly the brightest monitor I've ever used).
Most of his points I just kept hearing my mind go "well, duh, of course it's not going to be as fatiguing as the budget MSP5's or superbright A7's".
Again, $600 sounds good for them, but it's a little like behringer (just not quite as bad) - most of their products have left a little to be desired but there's a couple that are ing great (the old truths, BCF rages, etc). |
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| Seandroid |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ RANN
That's not a true or applicable analysis - let me preface this by saying I used to work for the largest Audio Retailer in Europe, and sold more M-audio kit than you could possibly imagine. I later did tech support for them, including their monitors and audio interfaces.
Every monitor they have made up until that range were utter turd, even though M-audio paid countless artists to endorse their products and marketed them like hell with the audio press/media to give them "glowing reviews".
So it's not a case of thinking they're crap because one of their new models missed the mark (a la New Coke) - it was their entire monitor range that was incredibly bad up until this point.
Now combine this with the fact their reputation for their interfaces started slipping in the 00's and support got as they became more and more commercial, and I think you can appreciate why I'm not running out to buy M-audio monitors, regardless of what those blowhards on gearslutz have to say (which may I add can change in an instant as soon as someone has a problem or someone with weight decides otherwise - I've seen it happen too many times).
Don't get me wrong, those monitors may well be a great deal at $600 per pair and very good quality, but I make purchasing decisions based on several factors, one of them being s solid company reputation for putting out quality products. What happens if they break in 2 years time and you need to source a new driver? Or a new DSP board because the thing won't work without it?
Finally, while that review is in depth, it done by someone who owns them (which in my experience can slightly bias in some cases) and he's comparing them to MSP5's (cost less than $500 per pair, not much bass, not that flat or detailed) and to A7's (detailed, but possibly the brightest monitor I've ever used).
Most of his points I just kept hearing my mind go "well, duh, of course it's not going to be as fatiguing as the budget MSP5's or superbright A7's".
Again, $600 sounds good for them, but it's a little like behringer (just not quite as bad) - most of their products have left a little to be desired but there's a couple that are ing great (the old truths, BCF rages, etc). |
I really, honestly think you need to hear them. These monitors are fantastic. I can understand being a little wary of buying them because M-Audio previously had a bad reputation for making ty monitors, but trust me, these are very, very good. M-Audio teamed up with Digidesign for them and the proof is in the pudding. The dual cone design works very well and gives great bass extension.
You have to remember, M-Audios previous monitors were budget priced and sold for cheap because they were cheap. But as the Sound on Sound review says, it's incredibly obvious that M-Audio is stepping up their game and competing with the other major players. These monitors aren't even close to budget priced regularly, they still sell on Guitar Center, Musicians Friend, etc for $700 a speaker and M-Audio sells them for $985 a speaker. They're very high end monitors and you can hear it.
Do me a favour, stop at your local shop and hear'em :) |
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