Studio Reference Monitors
Apple, Media October 22nd, 2008
As a teenager it’s perfectly normal, and almost expected of ones self to view the power of bass in sound systems as a number one priority.
Sure, when I’m cruising around in the car with my mates I love a bit of punch in my system, but outside of the car I’ve realized there’s so much more to good sound system than one which represents the lower frequencies well. I’m now after a system which will really please my ears and accommodate to sound frequencies all over the board - exactly why I’ve started looking into studio monitor speakers.
Paul Stamatiou recently wrote a very informative article on his purchase of the Rokit RP5G2s, on the lower end of the scale of studio monitors (yet still very high performing). The post looks super helpful for reference down the line when hooking the monitors up to a MacBook Pro.
I’m looking at purchasing a pair of the M-Audio Studiophile BX5a Deluxe, which are 70-watt Bi-amplified Studio Reference Monitors. Basically, I’m after a little advice if anyone out there is knowledgeable in this area on the in’s and out’s of this, or a similar system.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 am
My advice is to not stress about what the “right” system is and, instead to find one which is pleasing to you. All speakers (especially at this price point) are compromises and you should find the compromise that works best for you. If you’re after superiour bass performance, you probably won’t find it in a 5″ woofer. However, the point of studio monitors (and why I like them) is that they (should hopefully) have a solid and detailed representation of the audio spectrum without too much accentuation or masking of particular frequencies. My current favourite speakers at this end of the price range is the audioengine 5 - http://audioengineusa.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=76&osCsid=588ad1d2fe9422ab593fc964853cbc3a - they sound really nice and solid, and though they look kind of amateur with the ipod dock, you shouldn’t discount them. Otherwise you could just go for my favourite speakers from my studio days the Quested VS2108 - http://www.quested.com/vs2108.html - at ooohhh, about 10 times the price… The choice is yours really ;-)
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 am
thats like $300+ !!
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 am
Currently looking at buying studio monitors myself, to be connected to Pro Tools on my laptop. Considering these TAPCO monitors, pretty similar to the M-Audio ones you are looking at. Around the $700 AUD mark.
http://www.tapcoworld.com/products/s5/index.html
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:50 am
I was looking at monitors in the past and may get myself some for an xmas present to myself or something, but $600 for someone who isn’t an audiophile seems like a waste of cash.
There are many other brands/products that would be better suited for you, they’re also much cheaper. I know you can get great monitors for around the $300 mark if you shop around, after that invest in a $50 mixer and perhaps a sub down the line and you should be good.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:47 am
M-Audio’s speaker offerings are so-so. The KRK Rokits are much, much better speakers. Go for the RP6s if you want something which can push out a decent amount of bass in a small-medium sized room.
To be honest, if you’re looking for something which will please your ears, monitors are your best option. A good hifi will sound much more pleasing. It’s all about how much you’re willing to spend though.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:49 am
If you aren’t recording or producing music, you don’t need them. If you have a shit ear, you don’t need them. Monitors are for monitoring, not as much listening.
If you don’t know frequencies, or the overall concept of sound and the differences monitors will bring, you don’t need them.
Don’t get them unless you’re an audiophile or producing.
Plus, M-Audio sucks.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 am
Correction: Maybe monitors _aren’t_ your best option.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 am
Just because something is more expensive, doesn’t make it better.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 am
I too would second the Audioengine A5’s. For the price you can’t beat the sound.
If you really want better speakers, you have to at least double the price and then add in some more for an external card.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 am
Set yourself a budget, grab a bunch of CDs, go down to your local hifi store and listen to some speakers yourself - that’s the best way to find out what you like best.
And unless you fancy yourself doing a bit of home recording, don’t bother with monitors.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
RE good HiFi, I’m a big advocate of Rotel & B&W combinations. The two go hand-in-hand. B&W make what could be considered among the best speakers on the planet IMO.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I remember when I was thinking about getting monitors for use with my laptop and was told they’re pretty much useless when listening to MP3s. I’m not sure about this, but I remember being told that many of the frequencies one would want to hear out of the monitors are already cut out in the compression process of making MP3s. In other words, monitors are really only worth the price if you’re listening to actual CDs or the full files from the CD. Additionally, like Alec mentioned, I remember being told that monitors aren’t so much directed toward listening to and enjoying music, but more for making music ready for that purpose.
My issue has always been that I really like the look of studio monitors, and would love someone with knowledge to write an article about good multimedia speakers with a similar look.
Good luck.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
So what, exactly, is wrong with the speakers you currently have sitting on your desk? If you reply, please, be specific. Like most consumers, I’m guessing that you listen to compressed AAC/MP3 tunes through iTunes. Putting studio monitors on your laptop to listen to these is a total and utter waste of $$$. Perhaps if you were a classically trained musician who dabbles at home; alas, you are just another consumer wanting to look like a ‘pro.’ Studio monitors are designed to produce raw, neutral and often have a rather unflattering and tight sound. They are designed to help educated folks find flaws in recordings which is important for folks who know/study/do music. You are a consumer so stick with consumer-grade gear. If you are unhappy with the speakers you currently have (didn’t you given them a glowing review a few months back?), go take a listen to various consumer-grade speakers at your local hi-fi shop.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Darren, 50% of my music is uncompress, lossless AIFF files. Not compressed MP3s. Basically, with my current system (which I love) I’m stuck with the sub on all the time which I don’t like. That’s one reason for the monitors, clean flat audio without all the thumping I’m used to with the sub.
No one goes in my office, so they’re not at all to “look like a pro.”
I’m not set in stone on buying them, which is why I made this post, to receive advice just as you posted - which I really do appreciate. I’ll go down to some local stores over the weekend and have a listen.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:38 am
“No one goes in my office, so they’re not at all to ‘look like a pro.’”
Every few weeks you post photos of your ‘office’ online so we’ve all seen it. And it is obvious to anyone still reading your blogs that you want to be perceived as a ‘pro’ at something. Must be nice to have wealthy parents paying for everything but your most superficial of whims. Perhaps you can ask Santa for a nice set of speakers.
Note that an real ‘office’ isn’t simply a desk in your bedroom. It is a place grown-ups go to do work.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Raster - that’s ridiculous. Look at my Flickr page, I haven’t posted a workspace image in some months. & my parents paying for everything? Yeah right, I’ve worked for everything I have, unlike some.
A desk in a bedroom? Oh yeah, another assumption there again. My workspace isn’t in my bedroom, and I am in a form of permanent employment, except it’s a little hard to check into a New York office daily, which is why I’m working remotely.
Facts before assumptions, Raster.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Note that an real ‘office’ isn’t simply a desk in your bedroom. It is a place grown-ups go to do work
You mean the unsuccessful, office slave grown-ups. Because some of the brighter grown-ups make a lot of money out of their homes/home offices, thank you very much.
Now about your jealous issues in re: Wosley’s parents…
October 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Personally, I wouldn’t get monitors if I were you. Like it has been said above, you do not really need them unless you are an audiophile or a producer. In addition, a lot of people cannot even hear the difference between ordinary speakers and reference monitors.
Do you do any sort of musical production? I’m a producer of house/dance/electronic music (and I DJ) and I am in the middle of setting up a home studio. My friend has two KRK monitors and they sound exceptional and I don’t think you would hear much of a difference between them and these overpriced M-Audio speakers.
I tend to agree with what Alec Feld was saying. It is important to have very adept ears and understand sound before going head first into the field of reference monitors and spending big bucks. I mean, you can get a great sound that you might not even be able to distinguish from the same coming out of monitors out of speakers which aren’t even traditional studio monitors.
So, I suggest that you visit your local music hardware store and ask questions and listen to some monitors. Even better; if you have a friend that is into production and has monitors, spend some time at their house!
October 25th, 2008 at 1:21 am
The purpose of studio monitors is to achieve as flat a response as possible for monitoring and mixing. Some are better at it than others, hence the differences in materials and price. A flat response isn’t necessarily best for music listening, though. What you want is for the music to sound pleasing, I’m assuming? As in, you’re listening for personal enjoyment.
Speakers that give a flat response are great and worthwhile for actual audio monitoring, but for listening, I’d rethink your approach. The trap many people are falling into today is in thinking that they need pro audio gear for general listening, which is a huge step in the wrong direction. There is absolutely nothing wrong with colouring the sound to please your own ears. So instead, why not invest in some good, solid, and not necessarily expensive hifi speakers, and a separate DAC and amp. That way, you have a lot more control over your sound and you can interchange parts to suit your own ears as you become more aware of what you like and dislike over time.
Head on over to head-fi for some recommendations on audio gear. There’s plenty of it out there. I’m thinking a good pair of active bookshelf speakers like the Audioengine A5 and an external DAC like the EMU 0404 is a good place to start.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Why are there so many haters here! Stop reading the blog if you don’t like it…
October 29th, 2008 at 3:35 am
I’m using a combination of multimedia desktop speakers (+sub) from Creative Labs and a set of relatively cheap monitors from Alesis (M1 Active Mk2). I have both hooked up to a little mixing panel so I can easily turn the bass down on both speaker sets, although I ususually only need to adjust the Creative Labs ones.
I would also advise you go to a shop and have a listen. I did as well and found I didn’t like the bass in the entry level KRK’s I had in mind, so I ended up getting these Alesis ones instead.
October 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
As others have said, use the studio monitors for monitoring and use other speakers for listening.
I’ll add another suggestion for AudioEngine’s bookshelf speakers. They’ve got good sound quality for their price and the multiple inputs is great for plugging in game consoles and other devices you want to plug in.
I’ll also suggest that you take a look at audio forums like Head-fi.org if you want more helpful suggestions.
November 1st, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I’ve only heard good things about the AudioEngine ones, although I haven’t actually *heard* them (haha).
November 6th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I use studio monitor headphones for monitoring, but just some Logitech Z4i’s connected to my iMac for casual listening. I would stick with your current speakers unless you are going to be that unhappy knowing that there’s a difference. Oh and btw, the generalization that M-Audio sucks is ridiculous. I work with M-Audio gear and other audio gear all the time and my m-audio stuff has performed very well.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hey Glenn, this is actually the first time i’ve ever been on your site. I watched a few of your videos a long time ago on the Macbook Pro’s (which I have now purchased and am very pleased) Back on topic now, I see your looking at buying a set of studio monitors, this I can help you with. first of all i’m a sound engineer so I know relatively what a good sound, well, sounds like. I currently work in a studio and am also building one in my home so i’ve been through the whole shopping around thing. so here it is: first of all, there is no real answer as to “what monitors are good and which are bad” because everyone hears music differently so your first step, should be to go and listen to a few different makes and models because every monitor has a different sound and balance, DON’T make your decision based on whether the brand name is good because they could be good brands like Yamaha and may sound like junk to you when you hear them. Secondly Check out some of the features that studio monitors have and see which ones you’ll make use of and which ones you won’t, because guarenteed you’ll pay through the nose for some of them, so do a little research. Thirdly, studio monitors are not meant to sound like a Hi-Fi speaker, that’s probably the first thing you’ll notice. Monitors are designed to reveal what your sound really and truely sounds like. Also the average studio monitor only goes down to 40 or 50 Hertz which means if you want to hear your bass or kick drum, your going to need a sub. Lastly, if your going to connect your monitors to your Macbook Pro, it’s not as easy as plugging them in. Studio monitors generally use either a 1/4 inch TRS patch cable, or balanced XLR cable. only a few of them will use RCA (which comes out of a laptop via 1/8th inch headphone jack)
I would suggest looking at the brand KRK and their VXT series, and also the brands Event, Focal, and Yamaha. (or Tannoy if your on a budget) There are many others out there as well so go listen to a few kinds and make your decision that way.
Hope this helped!
November 21st, 2008 at 11:47 am
* A few other comments as I now read through other posts:
There’s nothing wrong with M-audio. Their just another brand that makes affordable audio gear, they may not be the best of the best, but they are the better choice for people on a tight budget and they’re probably better than behringer! lol
Also, I see people talking about Creative and Logitech, THESE are not studio monitors! they are basic computer speakers. Studio monitors and computer speakers are totally different things.
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
“when I’m cruising around in the car with my mates I love a bit of punch in my system”
sorry, that is just effing hilarious.
November 28th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I’d steer clear of M-Audio…..so many of their products have gone kaput on me….I’ve had two A/D Interfaces and a set of monitors g south with a few months of purchase.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Hey Glenn,
Word of advice: find a good audio source before you decide on a pair of reference monitors. If it’s truly your thing - then i’d say spring for them. You may have to end up compromising some things for others (especially in your situation, how your involvement on the computer is an all-around usage), but if that’s okay with you and your budget - then I say spring for it.
That said, the M-Audios are a pretty good choice. However, you’ll need a good source (as I said before). This means purchasing a completely separate audio interface (because.. a notebook wouldn’t be able to drive such large speakers with an 1/8”-in). Bad source with awesome speakers = a pretty bad sound. You may not notice the difference unless you’re trained to hear distinctions in music (if you’ve been playing any type of instrument over the past few years).
Figure out your budget before you forage into this field. It’s an endless spending game that will leave your wallets crying for help. I’m your age, and I certainly know expenses from experience.
If you’re listening for a budget punch, I recommend the brand “Swans” - available at http://theaudioinsider.com. Personally, i’d take the D1080MKIIs in a price:performance ratio, and the Swans M10 if you want a great 2.1 set for your laptop. The M200s aren’t a bad choice, so you might want to consider those.
Anyway, hope i’ve helped narrow your choices some. Let me know if you have any questions.
December 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Interesting comments.
The debate between hifi and pro audio gear has been going on for years, because everybody wants to achieve the perfect sound, bringing you closer to the music with as little coloration as possible (transparent components). On the other hand, there is no such thing as a transparent component (for example, valve amplifiers for warmer sound, solid state for more ‘accurate’ and ‘clinical’ sound, ribbon tweeters, metal dome tweeters, silk tweeters, paper cones, ally cones, plastic cones, closed cabinets, ported cabinets.. the list is endless)
The benefit of having studio monitors is speaker designs loaded with custom build Class A/B or D amplifier perfectly tuned for the speaker, thus removing the ‘crossover’ from a passive design. The downside of this is, should you wish to upgrade you are stuck with an active monitor that will need replacing.
In my opinion pro audio monitors are designed for their environment. There are hundreds of beautifully designed, weird and wonderful passive consumer speakers available.
As a ‘producer’ and hifi enthusiast myself, I have extensive experience from both routes. In the ‘pro’ world I have used Dynaudio, Tapco, Mackie, Genelic, PMC and a few more along the way I’m sure..
In the ‘hifi’ world I have had Spendor, B&W, Monitor Audio, Acoustic Energy to name a few..
A lot of these brands I have listed sell both pro and consumer models - with good reasoning to each side of the story.
If I were you, I would completely steer clear of pro monitors. Unless you have a pre-amp, you are going to need something to tame the power amp on the back of the speakers.
The beauty of hifi is, although it may take up more room, the possibilities are endless. As others have suggested here, there is synergy between great brands such as Rotel (electronics) and B&W (speakers) - but don’t take their word for it, part of the excitement is getting out there and experimenting!
I should add that class D amps can be had for very reasonable prices now, and they can be purchased in smaller sized cases. They sound great too!
Sorry to ramble.. !
PS. My current speakers are Spendor S9e’s (retail £3500) - they are superb!
December 27th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
These are awesome comments, but I think were going off track a little. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE sound and experimenting with different gear and speakers to get a “perfect” sound, but what were trying to find is good sound quality but for a decent price (probably under $1,000) and it has to be simple, because not many people with a ‘basic level of understanding’ about sound, really want to fiddle with amps that they don’t know how to use. Not to mention that finding a GOOD amp for under $1,000 is pretty much impossible.
December 28th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Dear Glenn, your and idiot.
December 31st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
> Dear Glenn, your and idiot.
I don’t think Glenn is an idiot. Oh, and by the way, you would write it like this:
“Dear Glenn, your *an* idiot.*
Who’s the idiot now?
January 2nd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I recently went through the same thing- looking for some really nice studio speakers that pumped out a high quality of sound. I looked mainly at M-Audio and Audix, only to find that if you wanted to get a really nice system you had to speak directly to the company to get a system. ( Audix mostly ) I went to a local computer shop which had some speakers on display and I looked at a pair of Bose Companion II speakers. The speakers are rather small put they pump out a lot of sound and the sub is really nice. You should look into some Bose speakers. They are also cheaper then studio speakers- but if you must have studio speakers I would check out the sets Audix make. (http://www.audixusa.com/docs/products/powered_speakers.shtml)
January 6th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances get Bose. They are overpriced for their performance and sound very flat and dull.
What you need to do is go to a guitar shop and just find what sounds the best to you and can fit in your price range. I found KRK monitors to perform pretty well. They are a bit steep in pricing.
http://www.krksys.com/product_rokit.php
Its your choice to find what you want.
You could do what I’ve done and just shop around for a 1970s Stereo receiver and some speakers from that era. Those systems are warm, and clear on the whole audio spectrum.
Hope this helps.