----- Original Message -----
From: "dnrg"
Newsgroups: rec.music.makers.synth,rec.audio.pro
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2003 1:44 PM
Subject: Using powered computer speakers as monitors?


I suppose if I were in the business of making a living from selling my
music (unlikely since I like producing obscure experimental electronic
music; hardly commercial) then I'd be a fool not to invest in proper
monitors. But since I create music for my own pleasure only, I'm
looking for cheaper solutions to $400/pair monitors.

What about using a receiver and a good pair of passive stereo
speakers? Any suggestions on good speakers that would cost under USD
$150/pair?


If you're making experimental electronic music for fun -- me too -- you can
use anything you want. I understand Yamaha MSP3 Active Studio Monitor goes
for about $150. The Edirol MA-5A Active Studio Monitors are quite a bit
cheaper, about $50.

I use a pair of Sony closed earphones. Quite frankly, a good pair of
studio monitors is wasted on me.

dtk

I can understand the desire to save money, but you've got to appreciate that
the speaker is the last link in the chain - and EVERYTHING you do will be
enhanced, or spoiled, by them. Personally I'd try to save money elsewhere
and get something decent that will do a good job, and last many, many years,
rather than skimp on what is possibly the most important part of the
recording process.

P.

"dnrg" wrote in message
om...
I really don't have the funds for a good pair of powered monitors and
I'm wondering if anyone here has used powered computer speakers
hooked-up up to a mixer in a pinch?

I know proper monitors are better, but they're many multiples of the
price of a good pair of computer speakers. I'm just a hobbyist,
really, and imagine comparing the sound on the speakers, and, say, a
good pair of headphones might give enough variation. A friend of mine
tells me *all* speakers color the sound and not to worry so much about
using monitors.

I suppose if I were in the business of making a living from selling my
music (unlikely since I like producing obscure experimental electronic
music; hardly commercial) then I'd be a fool not to invest in proper
monitors. But since I create music for my own pleasure only, I'm
looking for cheaper solutions to $400/pair monitors.

What about using a receiver and a good pair of passive stereo
speakers? Any suggestions on good speakers that would cost under USD
$150/pair?


Thanks very much.

- Dana

I don't recommend using your stereo system/receiver for an amplifier. I
tried this about 10 years ago and got a blown tweeter for my trouble.

The problem is that home stereos are designed for a constant volume signal,
much like what's on the radio or on a CD. When you play a synth, you are
going from zero volume to full to zero thousands of times. The stereo system
amp doesn't handle this well and can lead to a blown speaker.

Computer speakers will work, but they're not optimized to be transparent. In
other words, after mixing your cranking tune in your studio, it might sound
very thin or boomy in the car, other people's stereos, or a boom box.
However, if you are aware of the deficiencies of your computer speakers, you
can mentally compensate for this while mixing and produce fine mixes.

-Brian


"dnrg" wrote in message
om...
I really don't have the funds for a good pair of powered monitors and
I'm wondering if anyone here has used powered computer speakers
hooked-up up to a mixer in a pinch?

I know proper monitors are better, but they're many multiples of the
price of a good pair of computer speakers. I'm just a hobbyist,
really, and imagine comparing the sound on the speakers, and, say, a
good pair of headphones might give enough variation. A friend of mine
tells me *all* speakers color the sound and not to worry so much about
using monitors.

I suppose if I were in the business of making a living from selling my
music (unlikely since I like producing obscure experimental electronic
music; hardly commercial) then I'd be a fool not to invest in proper
monitors. But since I create music for my own pleasure only, I'm
looking for cheaper solutions to $400/pair monitors.

What about using a receiver and a good pair of passive stereo
speakers? Any suggestions on good speakers that would cost under USD
$150/pair?


Thanks very much.

- Dana

In article ,
dnrg wrote:
I really don't have the funds for a good pair of powered monitors and
I'm wondering if anyone here has used powered computer speakers
hooked-up up to a mixer in a pinch?

I do it, but not in a pinch. I want to hear everything through
good headphones, dry monitors, a good stereo, a cheap stereo,
computer speakers and car speakers.

I know proper monitors are better, but they're many multiples of the
price of a good pair of computer speakers.

Even "good" computer speakers are a 4" driver in a little plastic box.
They can sound good and they are better than nothing. But they won't be
better than a goood pair of headphones.

tells me *all* speakers color the sound and not to worry so much about
using monitors.

That's true, but a good pair of monitors makes no effort to do so. A
stereo system might be more fun, actually. Consider the dynamic range
and the frequency range of a piano though. If I were considering
computer speakers, I'd get big ones with a subwoofer. Before I did that
though, I'd scrounge for a receiver and some decent home stereo
speakers. Even a crappy stereo (think, average 1980's kenwood), is
going to be way better than computer desktop speakers.

looking for cheaper solutions to $400/pair monitors.

I consider my monitors to be part of the instrument. But, I'm also
a serious piano student, and my keyboard rig has to pull duty for
my hobby as an amateur rock musician as well serving as a piano for
serious practice.

What about using a receiver and a good pair of passive stereo
speakers? Any suggestions on good speakers that would cost under USD
$150/pair?

Yeah! Think, "yard sale".

--

I know proper monitors are better, but they're many multiples of the
price of a good pair of computer speakers.

Even "good" computer speakers are a 4" driver in a little plastic box.
They can sound good and they are better than nothing. But they won't be
better than a goood pair of headphones.

Mixing on headphones is completely different to mixing on speakers, be
they good or bad.

Haven't you got a hi-fi system? Plug through to that.

(dnrg) wrote in message . com...
I really don't have the funds for a good pair of powered monitors and
I'm wondering if anyone here has used powered computer speakers
hooked-up up to a mixer in a pinch?

I know proper monitors are better, but they're many multiples of the
price of a good pair of computer speakers. I'm just a hobbyist,
really, and imagine comparing the sound on the speakers, and, say, a
good pair of headphones might give enough variation. A friend of mine
tells me *all* speakers color the sound and not to worry so much about
using monitors.

I suppose if I were in the business of making a living from selling my
music (unlikely since I like producing obscure experimental electronic
music; hardly commercial) then I'd be a fool not to invest in proper
monitors. But since I create music for my own pleasure only, I'm
looking for cheaper solutions to $400/pair monitors.

What about using a receiver and a good pair of passive stereo
speakers? Any suggestions on good speakers that would cost under USD
$150/pair?


Thanks very much.

- Dana


I mixes for 2 years through an onkyo reciever and a pair of boston
CR-7s. I made some pretty good recordings of local bands with that
combo and made enough money to reinvest into the studio, and
"upgraded" to active KRKs (V8's?) thinking the most important link in
the chain was the monitors...even if you have crappy mics, you can
compensate if you can hear what's going on accurately, right?

After 6 months of being ****ed off at how ****ty the KRKs sounded, i
sold them and bought back a pair of CR-7s. I now have a pair of
HR824s and i love them, but nothing leaves my control room without
geting checked on the bostons.

hands down, boston makes the best sounding speaker for the money and
they last forever. you'll have a hard time finding them on ebay, at
least i did, because i think people just hold on to them. But if you
can nab them, i would do it. should be about 150 used.
good luck and have fun.
Rich

Rich

Anyone know if I can use Creative Labs 6.1 surround sound computer
speakers with a regular mixer? I know the sound won't be terrific, but
it's within budget for now.

I think the surround-sound speakers have a three-ringed 1/8" plug, so
I'm wondering what would happen plugging one of those into a Y-adapter
to two RCA plugs for the mixer and or two 1/4" jacks. Would only some
of the speakers in the system output any sound?


Thanks.

- Dana

In article ,
dnrg wrote:
Anyone know if I can use Creative Labs 6.1 surround sound computer
speakers with a regular mixer? I know the sound won't be terrific, but
it's within budget for now.

It won't really be a problem, but you're only going to get 2 channel
sound. Keep the gain low on your mixer, and you should be fine.

Just use a Y-adapter, to RCA plugs to the tape out on your mixer, if you
want to be sure you've got the right level.

Right now I'm looking for a pair of stage wedges that can also work as a
stereo for my home studio. I've considered an Alesis power amp and a
pair of Behringer wedges. Is that a lame idea, or can it work?
--

() wrote in message news:_S61b.29639

It won't really be a problem, but you're only going to get 2 channel
sound. Keep the gain low on your mixer, and you should be fine.

Just use a Y-adapter, to RCA plugs to the tape out on your mixer, if you
want to be sure you've got the right level.

Thanks Fishbowl.

- Dana