Terrible mix translation...beginner monitors?

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Member Since: Jan 19, 2005

I have been mixing on a decent Logitech 2.1 system. I know, I know that is not real practical, so I have decided to get a decent set of entry level studio monitors. I am only on a $300 dollar budget so my choices are very limited. Also, I do not have any local music shops so I cannot go demo speakers so I am really relying on online reviews and forums. After quite a bit of research I have narrowed it down to a few sets that fit the budget on musicians friend....

M-Audio BX5a 70 Watt Active Studio Monitors $300
Alesis Monitor 1 Active MKII Powered Monitors $300
Fostex PM-1 MKII Active Nearfield Studio Monitors $300
TASCAM VL-X5 Bi-Amped Studio Monitors $300
Event Tuned Reference TR5 Active Monitors $300

I know that anyone of these is probably significantly better than my current setup, but hopefully a you guys can steer me in the right direction to get the most bang for the buck.

I am mostly mixing rap music so I understand that in the future I would probably have to get a sub to accommodate these speakers to give me an idea what is happening in the low end. You can check out some of our tracks at
www.myspace.com/shutdownproductions

My main concern for new monitors is the problem I have translating my mixes to other systems. Thanks for your time.

-C

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Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Mar 28, 2007 02:21 am

I have the BX5A's, very nice indeed. I was mixing on a logitech also and it made quite the difference.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Mar 28, 2007 06:35 am

Screw Musician's Friends, go to zZounds.

I use some small, cheap Samson Resolv's and they sound great and only cost me like $150 or something like that for the 40a's...zZounds has the 50a's www.homerecordingconnecti...ct=SAMRESOLV50A for $199. They have a slightly better bass response due to a bigger woofer. The thing I like about the Resolv series is that they have a matched subwoofer you can buy later if you choose to. The 50a's are front ported which is cool, makes for much easier placement.

I moved down from some awesome JBL's to these and haven't regretted it yet, I am really, really happy with their sound from a small, inexpensive package.

SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002


Mar 28, 2007 07:24 am

I've heard great things about the monitors dB mentioned . I have apair of event monitors TR6's I believe, and they do great. I have nothing but good things to say about that company as well as anything i've bought from M-audio.

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Mar 28, 2007 01:33 pm

Don't really know about any others there, but I would avoid the Alesis for sure. The highs come screeching out of those, and are extremely hard on the ear. I say boooooo!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Mar 28, 2007 02:01 pm

I friggin HATE Alesis Monitors...

Member
Since: Jan 19, 2005


Mar 28, 2007 02:39 pm

I think I am narrowed down to the Samson's, Tascom's or Wharfedale 8.2's.........still researching.
-C

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Mar 28, 2007 04:52 pm

keep in mind the room plays a huge factor in your mixing, and is usually more of a 'mix-translation' problem causing factor than the actual monitor itself...try to mix at extremely low volumes (this keeps the room sound to a minimum) only cranking it up every once and a while...and when you do, leave the room and walk around the house to judge the low end.

i heart Event

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Mar 28, 2007 05:31 pm

My two would be the bx5 or the events.

(from what i've read, etc).

If I had to pick on what i've read, I'd probably go with the events.

my .02$us, of course =/

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Mar 28, 2007 07:09 pm

Bx5 have kevlar. They can stop bullets and therefore bring down your homeowners insurance.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 30, 2007 09:30 pm

I agree that the Samsons sound very good for the price range. I bought my son a pair of the M-Audio Bx5a and they sound very good as well. I was kind of surprised really.

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