Studio Monitors Speakers
December 13th, 2009Monitors are basically speakers that you use when mixing down, also known as “studio monitors”.
Studio monitors are designed to create an accurate audio image of your track, with no unnatural emphasis of particular frequencies, whereas hi-fi speakers are designed to make all audio material sound quite pleasing to the ear.
The point of using monitors is not for them to make your music sound good, but to give you a true representation of it, so you can make it sound good in software. Near-field monitors are made to reproduce music in your studio in such a way so that when you hear it sounding good, it will sound good on boom boxes, stereo systems and car radios etc.
Finding Good Monitors – A good idea is to take some CD’s you are familiar with to a music store. Assuming that you’re listening to monitors that have been well reviewed for mixing, I’d listen for clarity and shimmer and good bass tones, and I wouldn’t want to hear distortion, buzzing, or excess thumping.
Play with the volume, you should be able to clearly here the sound without rattles and buzzes at both very high, and very low levels. When listening through you good monitors you may hear subtle things that you never noticed before, instruments will jump out at you.
There are two main types of monitors used for home recording, there is active and passive. Active monitors have an integrated power amplifier that has been optimized to work properly with the speakers. Passive monitors (a.k.a. “speakers”) need an external power amp. If you happen to have a good one lying around, it’s generally cheaper to buy passive monitors.
Active Monitors are usually considered the safest option for sound quality, and are the most popular choice amongst first-time buyers.
Monitor Placement – Now you know a little about monitors, and what’s available to you, it’s important you position them correctly in your recording environment. Not only does the placement within the room play a large role in the sound you hear, but also where you are sat in relation to them.
You should try to achieve a sound that will closely reproduce that of the stereo field. To do this you must place your monitors so they are sitting on two points of an imaginary triangle about six feet apart, with your head being the third point of the triangle.
The monitors should be positioned to face inwards slightly, and be mounted vertically so that the cone of the speaker is level with your ears.
Also pay attention to where you place the monitors within the actual room itself. Generally you should try to avoid placing them in corners as this can amplify the bass frequencies and may result in an overly “boomy” sound. It may also be worth investing in speaker stands as they will help prevent any resonance that may occur come from them being placed on a table or desk. Also, make sure they are securely fixed down to stop any vibrations.
To test the positioning of your monitors, grab a few CD’s and listen to how the sound comes out. Try to listen for any unbalances, such as the bass sounding to heavy or the hi-notes sound too tinny. Have a play around with the positioning until you are happy that you have found a balanced sound.
A good set of headphones is mandatory to help finesse the audio sound you are looking for. It is unlikely you will be recording in an acoustically designed room or on the best playback monitors. If you are unable to afford high quality monitors then a pair of top of the range headphones is a must.
A good set of headphones will set you back around $125-300. Make sure the headphones are “closed back” design meaning they have no holes on the outside of the headphones. Open back headphones are prone to a lot of leakage.
About the Author:
Richard Marples has over 10 years experience of playing and recording guitar, and also hosts a website exaplaining how you can record at home. If you enjoyed this article on Home Recording then you can get more free tips at =>
www.uncleslinky.co.uk
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Listening to Your Home Recordings Using Monitors
A look at the I key powerd studio monitors, M Series 606.
Event Studio Precision 8 Active Studio Monitor (Pair) $1,499.00
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M-Audio Studiophile AV40 Powered Monitor Speakers (Latest Version) $199.95
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Plugable USB 2.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station with DisplayLink DVI/VGA up to 1920×1080, Audio, Ethernet, and 4 Available High-Speed USB 2.0 Ports $89.95
Get around the limitations of your laptop or notebook with a single, simple USB 2.0 connection to any DVI/VGA monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and other USB 2.0 devices which can stay on your desk; Share this common set of devices among several users with a swap of the USB cable; use the flexibility of the virtual USB graphics card to extend your Windows desktop across both displays.Performance…
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Audioengine A2 Black (Pr) 2-way Powered Speaker System $199.00
Creating powered multimedia speakers to follow the Audioengine 5 was a challenge, but we feel we’ve managed to duplicate the signature sound of the Audioengine 5′s in a much smaller package perfectly suited for your desktop or a smaller space in your home or office. The Audioengine 2 is a great introduction to high-quality audio and the perfect upgrade for your computer or iPod….
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Sony SS-B1000 5 1/8-Inch Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) $43.00
Thin, translucent wings are completely posable. Simply hang from ceiling or rafters at your next haunted house or party…….
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Numark Npm5 Active 5 Studio Monitors $99.95
The Numark NPM5 Active 5″ Studio Monitors are a self-contained, active speaker system with built-in amplifiers so all you need to do is plug in your system and you’re ready to rock. The self-amplified system produces 20 watts of power for exceptional sound in an economical package. You can control the system’s level, bass, and treble for the perfect response for the room you’re in. NPM5 monitor speakers work with virtually all DJ and music equipment thanks to a standard RCA input. You can even use them in computer-based music studios and setups thanks to their drivers’ magnetic shielding.M20 replacementActive speaker systemMaster/slave configurationTwo-way: 5″ woofer / 1″ tweeter65Hz – 20kHz20W amplifierVolume, treble, and bass controlsRCA input
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Fostex Pm0.4 Powered Studio Monitors – Pair $199
Diminutive in size, but with a sound that has to be heard to be believed, the Fostex PM0.4 monitor speakers are naturally recommended for desktop use but their superb audio performance in a compact physical size means you can also use them for professional console top studio monitoring, audio installation, and portable audio monitoring. These Fostex speakers feature 36 watts of bi-amped power, UFLC 16mm soft dome HF unit, 100mm LF woofer and overall volume control. Electronics: The PM0.4 monitors feature internal bi-amplification employing two state-of-the-art amplifiers which are precisely calibrated to match the performance of the drive units and use high-quality discrete bipolar output devices:HF 18w, LF 18w. High-capacity power supply units are used for excellent transient response. These Fostex speakers offer TRS and Line inputs.High Frequency tweeters: The soft dome tweeters employ Fostex’s UFLC technology (Poly Urethane Film Laminated Cloth) to achieve light weight and high stability performance. Low Frequency woofers: The Fostex PMO.4 speakers use a mixture of cut and milled fibres made from aromatic polyamide impregnated with resins to simultaneously achieve high rigidity and optimum damping. An olefin film is thermally adhered to its surface to control frequency response and ensure reliability. Distortion is minimized by the use of an ultra-pure copper voice coil.Exclusively designed 4″ Woofer and UFLC 0.65″ Soft dome tweeterHigh efficient bi-amp drive with 18W each for LF and HFIndependent amplifier in both L and R unitsBeautiful glossy black front baffleMagnetically shielded for proximate setting to video monitor
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Samson MediaOne 3a Active Studio Monitors $99
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Samson MediaOne 4a Active Studio Monitors $149
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Alesis M1active 520 Usb Studio Monitors $184.95
M1Active 520 USB is a studio monitoring system designed for professional studio use with an internal digital-audio interface. M1Active 520 USB is a pair of active, bi-amplified, two-way reference monitors that play from 20,000 Hz all the way down to 56 Hz to cover nearly all frequencies audible to human ears. You can take digital signal out of your computer via USB and input it to M1Active 520 USB thanks to their digital input. Priced attractively for any studio’s budget, M1Active 520 USB perform with linearity, clarity, and neutrality typically reserved for monitors that cost much more. Reference Monitoring Alesis has built M1Active 520USB around their popular five-inch polypropylene low-frequency driver for full, smooth response in the low end and a one-inch silk dome high-frequency driver for absolute clarity in the highs. A custom crossover avoids the crucial vocal midrange, ensuring that your mixes sound the way you recorded them. The low-resonance bass reflex cabinet features radiussed edges to reduce edge diffraction and a tuned port for bass extension. A bass boost switch offers low-frequency enhancement to further accommodate for room conditions requiring a little more output in the low end. Professional Monitoring Options When you reach for the convenient front panel volume control, you can be confident that the power you need will be there with M1Active 520 USB’s bi-amplified design delivering 25W to the tweeter and 50W to the woofer. Like the rest of the M1Active series, M1Active 520 USB are magnetically shielded, so there’s never an issue of placement near computer screen, LCDs, or hard drives. The front-panel stereo 1/4″ headphone output mutes the loudspeakers when connected. When you connect headphones, the main volume control automatically switches to controlling the headphone output. M1Active 520 USB feature a large, front-panel, bi-color indicator that indicates presence of signal in blue and clipping in red for instant feedback on system status. Extensive I/O Professional quality analog input jacks are located on the rear. Two balanced-1/4″ inputs enable engineers to connect a stereo source or two mono sources. For convenient recordings, simply connect the stereo output of a mixer. You can create complete recordings with no additional audio interface. The speakers are interconnected using a standard XLR cable for secure, professional connection. For worldwide operation, M1Active 520 USB features a voltage-switchable power supply. USB Digital Audio Interface In addition to their capabilities as traditional monitor loudspeakers, M1Active 520 USB monitors contain a USB audio interface. Connected audio sources such as mic preamps and instruments can be recorded directly into your computer at 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz. Simply plug the USB cable into your computer. No special drivers required. And when it’s time to listen back to your mixes, that same USB cable sends 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz, stereo audio from computer to your M1Act
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M-Audio BX5 D2 Active Studio Monitors $299.95
The M-Audio BX studio monitor series is trusted by more musicians and recording professionals than any other. Now, the BX5 D2 monitors extend the bestsellers’ legacy* with an elegant new design inside and out.
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The M-Audio BX studio monitor series is trusted by more musicians and recording professionals than any other. Now, the BX8 D2 monitors extend the bestsellers’ legacy* with an elegant new design inside and out.
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Adam Audio A7 Powered Studio Monitors (Pair) $999
The A7 powered studio monitor, ADAM’s best-selling and award-winning powered monitor, combines a high-frequency, transient-friendly A.R.T. ribbon tweeter with an innovative, state-of-the-art 6.5″ woofer. The result is an extremely accurate monitor with all the clarity, detail and spectacular imaging traditionally associated with the ADAM name – but at a price that makes the speaker accessible to nearly all home and project studios. The ADAM A7 monitor speakers are powered by two 50W RMS amps (one per driver). The front panel sports both a power switch and volume control. The rear panel houses controls for tweeter level and two shelving filters for high and low frequencies. The ADAM A7 speakers also feature both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) input connectors, allowing it to be used in almost any audio application. Accelerated Ribbon Technology The A.R.T. (Accelerating Ribbon Technology) tweeters and midrange units take a completely new approach in kinematics to move air and improve the quality of music reproduction. Based on the original works of Dr. Oskar Heil, who invented his “Air Motion Transformer” back in 1972, electroacoustic transducers have been developed that are based on improved layouts and new materials. The membrane consists of a lamella-like folded diaphragm whose single folds move according to the alternate current, thus squeezing air in and out. All other loudspeaker drive units, whether they are voice coil driven, electrostatics, piezos or magnetostatics, act like a piston, moving air in a 1:1 ratio. This is undesirable, as the specific weight of air is much lower than that of the driving mechanics. Speaking in terms of electrical engineering one could say there is a bad match between source and load. The A.R.T. principle achieves a 4:1 velocity transformation between driving diaphragm and driven air, i. e. the air moves in and out four times faster than the folds itself are moving. This superior “motor” is responsible for the enormous clarity and transient reproduction that is to be heard from the A.R.T. drive units. A.R.T. tweeters are superior in musical clarity and transient reproduction. They have an above average efficiency of ~93 dB/W/m, a perfectly linear impedance of 3.2 ± 0.05 Ohms, an equally perfect phase response of ± 1 degrees within the used bandwidth, a reasonable directivity characteristic and thermal power handling that exceeds that of 1″ domes by a factor of 2 to 3. Summed up, here is a completely new transducer that has no weaknesses in terms of operation, compatibility, reliability or other electroacoustic specifications. Looking back into loudspeaker history you will not find anything comparable.Pair of 2-way active bass reflex speakers Two 50W RMS amps (one per driver) Power switch and volume control Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) input connectors
Click here to learn more about Adam Audio A7 Powered Studio Monitors (Pair)
ADAM Audio A7 Powered Studio Monitors (Pair) $999
The A7 powered studio monitor, ADAM’s best-selling and award-winning powered monitor, combines a high-frequency, transient-friendly A.R.T. ribbon tweeter with an innovative, state-of-the-art 6.5″ woofer. The result is an extremely accurate monitor with all the clarity, detail and spectacular imaging traditionally associated with the ADAM name — but at a price that makes the speaker accessible to nearly all home and project studios. The ADAM A7 monitor speakers are powered by two 50W RMS amps (one per driver). The front panel sports both a power switch and volume control. The rear panel houses controls for tweeter level and two shelving filters for high and low frequencies. The ADAM A7 speakers also feature both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) input connectors, allowing it to be used in almost any audio application. Accelerated Ribbon Technology The A.R.T. (Accelerating Ribbon Technology) tweeters and midrange units take a completely new approach in kinematics to move air and improve the quality of music reproduction. Based on the original works of Dr. Oskar Heil, who invented his “Air Motion Transformer” back in 1972, electroacoustic transducers have been developed that are based on improved layouts and new materials. The membrane consists of a lamella-like folded diaphragm whose single folds move according to the alternate current, thus squeezing air in and out. All other loudspeaker drive units, whether they are voice coil driven, electrostatics, piezos or magnetostatics, act like a piston, moving air in a 1:1 ratio. This is undesirable, as the specific weight of air is much lower than that of the driving mechanics. Speaking in terms of electrical engineering one could say there is a bad match between source and load. The A.R.T. principle achieves a 4:1 velocity transformation between driving diaphragm and driven air, i. e. the air moves in and out four times faster than the folds itself are moving. This superior “motor” is responsible for the enormous clarity and transient reproduction that is to be heard from the A.R.T. drive units. A.R.T. tweeters are superior in musical clarity and transient reproduction. They have an above average efficiency of ~93 dB/W/m, a perfectly linear impedance of 3.2 ± 0.05 Ohms, an equally perfect phase response of ± 1° within the used bandwidth, a reasonable directivity characteristic and thermal power handling that exceeds that of 1″ domes by a factor of 2 to 3. Summed up, here is a completely new transducer that has no weaknesses in terms of operation, compatibility, reliability or other electroacoustic specifications. Looking back into loudspeaker history you will not find anything comparable.
Click here to learn more about ADAM Audio A7 Powered Studio Monitors (Pair)
Samson GT4 Active Studio Monitors with Audio Interface $199
Moving beyond the boundaries of a typical studio monitor, Studio GT4 combines exceptional monitoring performance with a USB audio interface, providing you with a complete desktop solution for recording audio to your computer.
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Used Numark Npm5 Active 5 Studio Monitors 889406705470 $49.98
The Numark NPM5 Active 5″ Studio Monitors are a self-contained, active speaker system with built-in amplifiers so all you need to do is plug in your system and you’re ready to rock. The self-amplified system produces 20 watts of power for exceptional sound in an economical package. You can control the system’s level, bass, and treble for the perfect response for the room you’re in. NPM5 monitor speakers work with virtually all DJ and music equipment thanks to a standard RCA input. You can even use them in computer-based music studios and setups thanks to their drivers’ magnetic shielding.M20 replacementActive speaker systemMaster/slave configurationTwo-way: 5″ woofer / 1″ tweeter65Hz – 20kHz20W amplifierVolume, treble, and bass controlsRCA input
Click here to learn more about Used Numark Npm5 Active 5 Studio Monitors 889406705470
Behringer 1C Studio Monitor Speakers Pair Black $75.99
2-way Behringer 1C Monitors merge stunningly accurate sound reproduction with neo-classic design. They are an ideal choice for fixed speaker installations, such as stereo and surround applications, home recording studios, restaurants, or audio and video production suites.Incredible Sound Quality100W passive Behringer 1C loudspeakers derive their great sound from their powerful 5.5″ cellulose cone woofers and high-resolution 0.5″ tweeters. Their internal crossover provides auto-overload tweeter protection. High-precision components and design ensure absolute phase linearity. The result: Monitors with full-power, ultralinear frequency response ranging from 60Hz all the way up to 23kHz.Designed to Blend with any DecorThese little beauties come with color-matched mounting brackets for convenient, easy installation. Place Behringer !C Monitors in bookshelves, on desktops or hang them from the rafters. You’ll find dozens of applications for these great-sounding Behringer monitor speakers.Multipurpose 2-way studio monitors ideally suited for fixed installation, multimedia, home recording studio, audio/video production and surround-sound systemsHigh-power handling capability (100W/IEC268-5) produces full-range output with extremely low distortionPowerful 5-1/2″ woofer with extremely light-weight cellulose cone and high-resolution 1/2″ tweeterUltra-linear frequency range from 60Hz to 23kHzPhase-optimized and high-precision crossover for absolute phase linearityAuto-overload protection prevents tweeter damage and resets automaticallyBracket for wall/ceiling mounting includedHigh-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
Click here to learn more about Behringer 1C Studio Monitor Speakers Pair Black
Behringer 1C Studio Monitor Speakers Pair White $89.99
2-way Behringer 1C Monitors merge stunningly accurate sound reproduction with neo-classic design. They are an ideal choice for fixed speaker installations, such as stereo and surround applications, home recording studios, restaurants, or audio and video production suites.Incredible Sound Quality100W passive Behringer 1C loudspeakers derive their great sound from their powerful 5.5″ cellulose cone woofers and high-resolution 0.5″ tweeters. Their internal crossover provides auto-overload tweeter protection. High-precision components and design ensure absolute phase linearity. The result: Monitors with full-power, ultralinear frequency response ranging from 60Hz all the way up to 23kHz.Designed to Blend with any DecorThese little beauties come with color-matched mounting brackets for convenient, easy installation. Place Behringer !C Monitors in bookshelves, on desktops or hang them from the rafters. You’ll find dozens of applications for these great-sounding Behringer monitor speakers.Multipurpose 2-way studio monitors ideally suited for fixed installation, multimedia, home recording studio, audio/video production and surround-sound systemsHigh-power handling capability (100W/IEC268-5) produces full-range output with extremely low distortionPowerful 5-1/2″ woofer with extremely light-weight cellulose cone and high-resolution 1/2″ tweeterUltra-linear frequency range from 60Hz to 23kHzPhase-optimized and high-precision crossover for absolute phase linearityAuto-overload protection prevents tweeter damage and resets automaticallyBracket for wall/ceiling mounting includedHigh-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
Click here to learn more about Behringer 1C Studio Monitor Speakers Pair White
Samson MediaOne 5a Active Studio Monitors $199
The MediaOne 5a monitors produce a powerful, full-range sound thanks to the internal 40 watt amplifier, extended range copolymer woofer and 25mm silk dome tweeter. The 5-inch custom designed woofer delivers tight and controlled low frequency response, while the silk dome high frequency driver is set in a custom wave guide that produces an accurate and natural high frequency response. The result is solid bass dispersion and extended highs, all in an amazingly compact cabinet.
Click here to learn more about Samson MediaOne 5a Active Studio Monitors
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