loudspeakers
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Posted on Aug 20, 2003 03:02 am
wipeout
Member Since: Jul 18, 2003
Hi there!
Just have some questions regarding speakers. I was trying to compare what's the difference between the typical home stereo speakers and the professional type PA speakers. Physically, I have noticed that the cone surround is concave for home speakers and for prof speakers its either a double concave or a zigzag cross-section. When I try to push the cone, its feels stiffer than home speakers. I try to compare the sound quality and noticed that pro speakers are more midrangy in sound and the bass response is a bit hard. Home speakers tend to sound deep in bass and somewhat equalized mids. Is its really designed that way? If so, why?
Thanks!
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juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Aug 20, 2003 05:01 am Hey
Well, you've managed to poinpoint the differences between Home Speakers and 'Studio Monitors' (PA is the wrong name - that applies to large Front of House speakers at gigs and such).
Home Speakers do in deed "flatter" the sound, they are constructed so the bass sounds really smooth and creamy, mids are cut away and there is sometimes a bit of a treble boost as well. This means that anything you play through it is gonna sound pretty good - however, this is not ideal for mixing or mastering on.
Sudio Monitors have (or try to have) a linear response curve, meaning that all the different frequencies accross the spectrum are given to you at the same volume with not accentation of certain ones. Usually things will sound worse on studio monitors at first. The idea behind Studio Monitors is that once you get your mix sounding good on them, it will soudn good on every system. My Personal reccomendations are Behringer Truths and Makie HR824's
Aug 20, 2003 11:30 am Thanks, those are helpful information. But how about the PA speakers frequency response as compared to studio monitors? As studio monitors really have flat freq response, is it the same as PA speakers? I don't have studio monitors in my home studio. The speakers I'm using are Wharfedale Pro EVP-S12. They are not really studio monitors but I use them because I use to jam with my friends where we connect their guitars, bass, vocals, etc. in a mixer and sends it to an amp then to these speakers. When I record some material, this is the same speaker that I use as monitors. Am I missing out something in this process? Thanks again.
Aug 20, 2003 11:40 am PA speakers are more like home speakers, as Jues said before. The thing you're going to have trouble with is mixing and mastering after recording because it will be difficult to get the mix to sound right in all different players. I would recommend the M-audio Studiophile monitors if you are on a budget. The ones Jues mentioned are more than likely better, but at a price. The M-Audios are the cheapest decent ones I've seen available. They are self powered and are $300 new (For a pair). You might also want to invest in some headphones like the Audio Technica ATH-M40fs studiophones ($80) if you can't afford real monitors.
Aug 21, 2003 12:40 pm Quote:
this is the same speaker that I use as monitors. Am I missing out something in this process?
you know, actually, if you're really good you can get by on just about any speaker system. once you've listened to them enough and you're familiar with how they should sound it's not hard to make a half-butt recording on them. just play a song on them that you'd like your music to sound like and try and match that curve.
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Aug 21, 2003 06:13 pm That is true Jamie. Hell, I've been using my Warfendale S600's for over 2 years now, and you guys seem to like my mixes.
However, studio monitors will allow you to hear "more" - the sound is far more detailed and you should be able to pick up all the subtle things (like reverb tails, etc) that got lost before. Also, as they are more neutral than home speakers - if you can get a mix to sound good on monitors, it will usually sound better on Home Speakers.
FYI I ordered my first pair of monitors today. After much deliberation (lots of review reading and talking to people) I plumped for a pair of Tanny Reveal Active monitors which set me back £360. I'll let you all know how I get on with them! :)
jues.
Aug 21, 2003 11:02 pm right on jues! i'll soon be looking for some actives near that price range. Once you're comfortable with them hit dB up about getting them added to the Gear Bag and giving us an in depth ;O)
Aug 22, 2003 03:28 am Pro PA speaker are designed to be somewhat flat (at least in theory) I'm refering to EV proline, and JBL pro stuff. They realize that "pros" will hook up to crossovers and eq them anyway (not to mention they are driven with LOTS of POWER 3000-8000 watts per cab, is not unusual).
Home stereo speakers usually have have a dip in the mids a greater bass resopnse because people usually do not hook up high quality eq's, crossovers, and have $$$ to spend on a high power ultra-effienct power amp for thier home stereo(a good amp will cost 3X what the stereo cost).
Shred
Aug 22, 2003 11:10 pm Those are very good information. Thanks guys.
