Do i need "digital" monitors?

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Member Since: Sep 11, 2004

Hi!

I was almost completely ready to buy a pair of Behringer 2030A Studio monitors when i started thinking about how i was going to hook them up to my computer. I am using a SoundBlaster Audigy 2 Platinum for all of my recording purposes, and to my dismay, it does not have balanced outputs. So, I am worried that i will wind up with interference when using my monitors. Furthermore, the only line out i have is a single 1/8" TRS connector in the back of my soundcard, so I'll have to get a y-cable that will feed two 1/4" TRS from the one 1/8". Not only is it going to be hard to find this y cable, but i'm worried it will only add to the interference.

I was looking at the Roland ds-50a digital monitors, but they are ridiculously priced, and i'm not sure i want to spend that much money on a little problem like this. It's nice because my soundcard has optical outs so i'd be able to run an optical cable into the speaker and i would have DVD quality audio, but i'd rather put my money into speaker quality.

What should i do?

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 01, 2004 11:37 am

Personally, what I would do is get the Behringer's and make your next project being getting a higher quality sound card. It's not logical to buy speakers based on the specs of a sound card you will likely replace before long, as the SB will drive you nuts after a while.

Member
Since: Sep 11, 2004


Oct 01, 2004 11:45 am

Replacing the sound card is not an option. I just bought it not too long ago. And why would i drive me nuts? It has everything i need except for balanced ins and outs, and monitors are the last step in my studio anyway. There's gotta be a workaround.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 01, 2004 11:55 am

it will drive you nuts because it's NOT a recording sound card, it's a gaming sound card. The sound quality will not be nearly as good as other cards you could have gotten for the same price (or in that ballpark) when you start getting a few tracks piled up it will start dropping out and going out of sync and the performance overall will decrease.

The Audigy 2 is the best SB has to offer, but it's still not up to the task of any serious home recording, though may well work for lighter duty hobby stuff. Even 1/4" unbalanced outs would be far superior to those little cheesy 1/8" outs, the wiring wouldn't give you any more interferance or sound problems than that 1/8" out.

If replacing the sound card is not an option, then I would still say go with the Behringer's cuz the bulk of any fidelity problems will not be caused by the speakers or wires, it will be the SB.

If this issue would have been investigated further before purchasing the card, you would see you would have likely spent less on those monitors and a better card rather than that card and then spending a fortune on monitors to work with a sub-standard card.

While some of this may come off as destructive advice, it is not intended as such. When building a studio, one should not consider purchases one at a time, but consider it as a whole and purchase one at a time, fully understanding what the next steps are and how it will all work together in the big picture. Then problems like the one you have now wouldn't happen.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 01, 2004 12:20 pm

In hindsite, and in the interest of "the big picture" I would say go and listen to both speakers and get the one that sounds best to you, and then hook them up to the SB however you have to. That way, regardless of the direction you take your studio in coming months and years, you still spent money on the best speakers.

I would bet, comparing the two side by side, the Behringers will be better and tighter low end and a bigger sound.

Member
Since: Sep 11, 2004


Oct 01, 2004 12:33 pm

Now that i think about it, i have a shitty pair of sony speakers now that probably havea 4" driver and they work well enough. maybe you're right. i may just buy a pair of edirol digital monitors and later on when my sound card is ready to replace i'll get a studio worthy one with sick monitors

Ex-Wookie
Member
Since: Aug 29, 2003


Oct 01, 2004 02:56 pm

I always think it is funny how people's "last on the list" items are monitors. Is it because they don't have buttons or lights? Seriously, monitors are the MOST IMPORTANT link in the chain BAR NONE. Without good ones it is like trying to paint a picture with sunglasses on.

BTW, for truly "Sick" monitors you will be spending upwards of $3,000.

This isn't directed at anybody in particular, just a statement.

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