Good passive speakers will make average recordings and average production sound good and a pair of good studio monitors will show up flaws. Studio monitors barely offer those options. the guy there kept trying to push mackie on me, saying he loved their monitors and hes a huge mackie guy lol. The Aperion speakers are excellent. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Home stereo or hi-fi speakers are almost always “passive” speakers; i.e. Unless you enjoy extremely analytic near field listening, speakers built for listening at home will make mastered recordings sound "better". Our primary goal is insightful discussion of equipment, sources, music, and audio concepts. Cookies help us deliver our Services. My own bookshelf speakers (Paradigm Mini Monitors) are very clearly not tuned for near-field. I honestly recommend just using active studio monitors over passive bookshelf speakers when performance and price are held constant. However, there is no reason that a good hifi speaker can't be used for music production and vice-versa. Studio monitors are intended to produce a flat frequency response to playback the audio recording exactly as intended without any kind of coloration to the sound. Answered KEF vs Monitor Audio. From close-by, they sound bright and harsh, but sit back ten feet and they're fantastic. Choosing reliable studio monitor speakers for your studio need not be expensive. A studio monitor vs. bookshelf speaker is one of the most popular questions when setting up a studio. I own a set of Phiaton Fusion ms 430 headphones and they're pretty decent; detailed treble, fairly flat frequency response, soundstage is good... but they aren't musical. they require an external (power) amplifier with speaker outputs. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Studio Monitors vs Bookshelf Speakers. They’re sleek and modern and would look good in any living room. Studio monitors can be a good deal at the lowest end, in the middle, bookshelf speakers become fairly competitive, at the higher end ($2500), studio monitors generally take it. Good passives will resolve just as well as any pair of actives, sometimes even better if fed by quality gear. When one prefers wooden or piano black finishes. Probably the biggest difference between workroom monitors and normal speakers is the level of precision. Press J to jump to the feed. But studio monitors are only one part of the equation. Close. You wouldn't want to use something like that in a medium-large size room. To adjust monitor tilt, a foam wedge is used to create a slope of 4, 8, or 0 degrees. So I swapped out the LSR's for a set of 5seMK1's and a TEAC A-H5000 and I'm happier. The Allaire is basically the same speaker with smaller 4" woofer... and it's powered. Also considering Aperion Allaire BT bookshelf speakers, which are HiFi. Studio monitors Vs Regular speakers Be sure to leave a comment for a shout-out in the next video. I recently switched to monitors from the old PC speakers I had and use my keyboard's volume knob. In particular cone break up that is as little as 2db can clearly be heard sitting close. Equipment Forums. Just compare some KRKs to a set of NS10's and tell me the response is the same... lol. Studio monitor speakers are essentially designed to reveal a true picture of the audio you're creating. 4. Source s/w - Foobar; Ableton Live 8; Traktor; Audacity: Vista 64. ATH-M50x, Monoprice 5" monitors, HiFiMeDIY Sabre. Press J to jump to the feed. Learning the differences between any two products is the best way to figure out what’s more suitable for you. but i listen to monitors all day so i may be biased because sometimes you just want a break from the harsh reality of sound through monitors. I'll see how that goes. Happy w/ mine.. add a sub and they will amaze you. Probably you too. Likewise, you can tweak the low-frequency levels. Archived. Forums. It's been said that there's not much difference between studio monitors and HiFi bookshelf speakers, just the target market. However, studio monitors are designed to give you a true sound and real response. I think a lot of this is psychological. I've owned both hifi speakers and studio monitors and studio monitors can be wonderful for casual listening as long as you don't mind the way they look. Thread starter meagabyte; Start date Jan 25, 2018; Tags kef monitor monitor audio; 1; 2; Next. To make it one-size-fits-all, a pad consists of two narrow strips, which can be spread to align flush with the edges of a monitor. My main living room rig is a touch warm running Jamo d450s. I bought a pair of Adam Artist 5s from musiciansfriend.com for a great price and I am really loving them. http://www.tagnz.co.nz/uploads/pdf/ATC_Engineering_Goals_and_Approaches.pdf. r/audiophile is a subreddit for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of all forms, budgets, and sizes of speakers. Powered Monitors vs Bookshelf Speakers Home. Traditionally, hi-fi speakers are designed to make your music sound as pleasing to the ear as possible. This becomes especially important if you incorporate a subwoofer into your setup. 3. If you are a music producer and listening to the mix, you need to be exactly sure of what each sound is, otherwise, your work will affect. Disagree with this. This is where tuning options shine. There's an often quoted misconception that studio monitors are better than high-end speakers or vice versa. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You don't just want to mix to a set of audiophile floor standers if your target audience is going to be listening on apple earbuds. I can think of a few legitimate reasons that favor passive bookshelf speakers, such as, 1. This is a very accurate response, studio monitor speakers are designed to give a flat response and some have advanced tech that can aid a music producer. In my opinion, studio monitors and bookshelf speakers are built upon two different philosophies for two different purposes. Bookshelf speakers are typically quite small and designed to be used near walls , this sometimes reinforces bass response. Computer Audio ... albiet small, pair of studio monitors from a reputable company. Whether on the bookshelf, a desk or as part of a studio setup, these powered near-field monitors get … Studio monitors, despite what people might claim, are not the end all be all of your recordings. Probably never fully satisfied but always enjoying the ride. A warm midrange is pretty much any speaker with proper baffle step compensation, lots of little speakers like to cheat baffle step to save efficiency, it's a compromise and the 200Hz area is usually what get's hit. It's a pain in the ass to get right, and honestly unless you know what you are doing it's probably best to just buy a speaker with a good baffle step circuit. They tend to be more colorful and filling, a lot less taxing on the ear. Studio monitors were created with the intention of only being used by audio professionals. They’re more expensive than other products I’ve reviewed in the past, but not absurdly costly, and it’s not unreasonable to imagine they would be a really good second step up the audiophile ladder. A lot of this hifi vs monitor stuff happens in the price ranges where more compromises are required and designers make the compromises most palatable for their intended market. Outboard - CA 640P (x2); … and fwiw i listen to some small ATC SCM7s fairly near-field and they sound good to me. i should have tested out the 8 inch version of the jbls but it slipped my mind. Studio Monitors Vs. Computer Speakers . For musical enjoyment 100% hifi bookshelf speakers. Monitor Audio’s Studio speakers are solid-sounding beasts with really superb design aesthetics. Another common trait of many studio monitors is very different off-axis dispersion from the tweeters vs. the woofers. Audio is a hobby for people like me and most here. Studio monitors just like Passive Speakers come in a wide assortment of tunings. It's the exotic tweeter that initially grabs our attention. Sometimes there are disputed ideas for either type of speaker, and so here I try to differentiate them. No studio monitor speakers can handle all studio types. Studio monitors, with very few exceptions, are “active” or “powered” speakers, which means the power amplifier is built into the speaker cabinet. One advantage of active monitors is that the amp is exactly the same for every speaker. Also, certain colorations may make a certain speaker a better fit for a particular listening environment. They're also often tuned for near field listening while bookshelves are intended to be used further away. Your room will color and change the sound coming out of your speakers. Also there are a good amount of relatively simple DIY speakers like the Overnight Sensations MT and anything on zaphaudio that work great if price is a concern. It really depends on the speakers/monitors in question, the room, and other gear. I love playing with and listening to new gear so when it comes down to it passive hifi makes way more sense for me. It depends. You can lower the high end if they sound harsh in your studio. In my case I could go either way, and I'd want to hear how both performed in my room before I made a choice. We’re not asking you to fork out $10,000 for your first studio monitors. Source h/w - Technics 1210 (x2) w/ Denon DL-103, AT440MLa, Stanton Trackmaster & 500AL; MXL V67G; M-Audio MT2; generic other stuff. Both are built with music production on a budget in mind, and have features geared specifically towards this. B&W 685… I've been looking at the Emotiva Airmotiv 5s and they seem to have great reviews, but some say they're lacking in mid-range warmth. I'd go that route if I was you. Obviously the monitors come in plastic casings and have a different look, I'm just trying to figure out the advantages and disadvantages as well as why recording studios tend to use monitors. Schiit Joutenheim multibit and Vidar, ATC SCM 11s. My … You can tune maximum level and balance by adjusting each speaker's individual control and then use the PC control which I think works quite well. However, the dilemma doesn’t end here, as you need to consider the different features and benefits of each before you attempt to do so. It offers a cheap and effective way to improve monitor accuracy by reducing the low-end vibration transfer to the desk. I've heard a few pull it off with reasonable compromises. A bookshelf on the other hand is something used when you want to listen and enjoy music. i can't comment much here as i am not a pro and haven't listened to studio monitors. I understand that you could have super flat bookshelf speakers and inaccurate studio monitors, but the problem lies in that the latter would be failing at it's sole objective and wouldn't be considered a good product while the former could be considered boring. But when you get up far enough that you can buy your way out of some of those compromises the differences narrow. Studio monitors (also called workroom monitors) are speakers that are specially designed to be used in the studio environment. Whether you like this warts and all approach or not, this uncompromising picture of your mix balance means you can make informed and critical choices about what might need changing, confident that what you’re hearing will translate to all methods of playback. I had this exact dillema a few years ago and was deciding between a pair of PMC tb2aii and a pair of monitor audio gold GS 10 powered by a quad 77 amp. Alec Lansing 2.1 speakers recently blew out and have been looking at a myriad of powered bookshelf speakers / studio monitors. So if you go to a different studio and they have the same speakers, you can rest assured knowing it will sound just like yours do. I like the convenience of powered speakers, and considering my college student status, the price as well. You can start with a solid amp and system build from there. A well designed speaker is a well designed speaker, regardless if it is a black box that is intended to sit on a mixing console or if it is a beautifully veneered box that is intended to sit in a living space. I eventually settled for the PMC's as although the monitor audios gave recordings sparkle and space, this translated to a very harsh high end with music that was tinny and poorly recorded. 1 of 2 Go to page . So when I would go back to the JBL's I was always left a little unsatisfied. The purpose of manufacturing. All speakers are a comrpomise, and monitors are no exception. i tested out the mackie mr9mk3s they sounded nice but they are freaking huge. Is the only reason you'd buy studio monitors over bookshelf speakers is because you [usually] get better bang for your buck? What are the differences? You need a DAC that has a proper internal mixer stage to not lose resolution, but most DACs have this built in. Since you are spending so much money, naturally, you want to buy what’s best for you. Studio Monitors Vs Speakers (Brief Analysis) Well, you have got the in short answer, its time to go into detail comparison of studio monitors vs speakers. For reference, my usage would look like 75% music, 15% movies, 10% music creation. Since studio monitors are a tool for producing music and therefore associated with work then how could they be well suited for listening for pleasure, right? This is not to say that small audio speakers are inaccurate, but monitors tend not to use "tricks" like a small upper bass boost to give the impression that they have more low end response than they do. With the exception of quested's i don't think i would every listen to monitors for pleasure, a monitor will show up the flaws of your music, and i find that the fatigue your ears much faster than Hifi speakers. MORE: Monitor Audio launches Studio speakers and matching stands. I wasn't 100% happy with my JBL LSR305s in my room. So you have to connect it to a line source with a volume control, i.e. The Vanatoo T1's are probably the most convincing I've come across. The simple answer to this question is yes, they can be used this way. So now I've got new speakers on the way that have tight punchy mid range. r/audiophile is a subreddit for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of all forms, budgets, and sizes of speakers. Yes, certain types of speakers intended for "hifi" listening are intentionally colored in certain ways which, in the short term at least, will seem to make them better for casual listening. Studio Monitors vs Bookshelf Speakers. I'd suggest another $500-800 in amplification, though so that's a factor. if you want a bit of warmth, the KEF q300 is where I'd probably start. Studio Monitors VS Bookshelf Speakers I was hoping you guys could explain the difference between studio monitors and standard bookshelf speakers. there's some text from the company here that might be helpful - http://www.tagnz.co.nz/uploads/pdf/ATC_Engineering_Goals_and_Approaches.pdf. Generally small bookshelf type speakers cannot produce very low bass i.e frequences less than 60hz. If you're using them as PC speakers, you can use the volume control built into your DAC/sound card just fine. meagabyte Well-known Member. That's a sound signature I really enjoy. Studio - (Discontinued) Studio is the result of the Monitor Audio design team’s mission to create a powerful, yet elegant, loudspeaker that will grace any setting. While there are speakers on this cheap studio monitors list that will double up for gaming, multimedia and streaming audio, if you're after purely studio reference monitors we’d point you directly towards the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro or the M Audio BX5 D3 sets. Now it's not really fair to compare the timbre of $2500 speakers to $250 speakers but I found my self doing that all the time. Once you get the lower mid right the bass port tuning is noticeably too high, so you need to cut at the port tuning frequency to remove the boomy mess. Until I started hearing how sloppy the mid range is on the 5se's. Computer Audio ... Sound On Sound did a series of two articles on monitors vs. hi-fi speakers for studio work. With a sleek silhouette, unique design touches and featuring technologies from Monitor Audio’s range-topping Platinum II series, the speakers set a fresh audio benchmark. Studio Monitors vs. Bookshelf Speakers When you look through the internet, you may find a class of speakers that is called Studio Monitors, and there is also a very similar class of speakers called Bookshelf speakers. Posted by 6 years ago. Unless you are mixing or referencing audio for some sort of production, studio monitors almost always fall short for enjoyment, because they are not designed for casual listening. This is perhaps the single greatest reason to choose well-designed "home" speakers over studio monitors for your playback system. I was fairly impressed with these, mainly because of their especially wide frequency range. Jan 25, 2018 #1 Hey Guys, I have been looking at upgrading my 5.1 over the last few months but have found the speaker market a mine field. Next Last. Monitors are (ideally) tuned to reproduce the music true-to-sound without adding their own sound signature. My situation: college student who has loved audio but is only now able to purchase something half-way decent. They also tend to self powered and have some eq abilities built in to make them sound 'right' in a specific room or location. Our primary goal is insightful discussion of equipment, sources, music, and audio concepts. Here is the 10 point analysis which helps you to differentiate between studio monitors and normal speakers. Studio Monitors are speakers designed for use in er studios, though the term has been appropriated to sometimes indicate that the speakers have the qualities attributed … The DM-40s are based off of technology used in Pioneer’s other line of speakers and monitors used for DJing. Coming from a pair of krk 5s, the Adams are a tenfold better (stereo width, freq response, clarity, etc.). However put a good recording through a pair of good studio monitors and it'll sound amazing! I was hoping you guys could explain the difference between studio monitors and standard bookshelf speakers. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. So here's my question for you all, and this is mostly geared towards people who have listened to both studio monitors and bookshelf speakers extensively. speakers + receiver = sound with a volume knob, I like speakers > monitors for this alone (yes I know you can bu a knob). Equipment Forums. Hence my question. Studio monitors to me should give you the music straight forward the way its meant to be heard, something to be used in a studio for recording. Normal speakers are designed for listeners. Really, the goal of studio monitors and hifi speakers is the same: to reproduce the input signal as faithfully as possible. tested the jbl lsr305. Rather than using a conventional dome design, the engineers have gone for a low-mass pleated diaphragm that works, in much the same way as an accordion, by rapidly squeezing the pleats to produce a sound. I've run active and passive near field sets up recently. Cookies help us deliver our Services. It really depends on what you are wanting to spend. Go. The DM-40 studio monitors from Pioneer are another surprisingly good active budget studio monitor speakers. By far, the iLoud Micro Monitors are the most sought-after small and portable studio monitors for those who want to have a high-end quality sound monitoring out of the miniature set of studio monitors. If you have an integrated amp or receiver, for example, powered monitors don't make much sense (but passives might). Studio monitors to me for starters are generally a powered speaker, where as bookshelves are passive. but i thought i'd mention atc - http://www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk - who make both and who seem to use similar technology across their ranges (the main difference is active v passive and cosmetics). bookshelf speakers vs studio monitors? I understand that you could have super flat bookshelf speakers and inaccurate studio monitors, but the problem lies in that the latter would be failing at it's sole objective and wouldn't be considered a good product while the former could be considered boring. I'd say the biggest difference is in the near field listening with studio monitors, the dispersion characteristics are designed for near field accuracy. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers. Monitors are bookshelf speakers typically intended for smaller rooms and "near-field" listening. split signal out to headphone amp?) This is my current setup: PC (JRiver Media Center 19) DAC (DragonFly v1.2) Amp (Topping TP21) Bookshelf Speakers (Micca MB42x) Sub (Dayton SUB-1000) I'm still new to this and I recently read somewhere that Studio Monitors are superior to Bookshelf Speakers. Also that monitors are designed to be more able to withstand sudden peaks in sound whilst mixing. Obviously we are discussing an auditory art form, so hearing your tracks well is key. Monitors are generally tuned to be flatter than your average home audio bookshelf speaker. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. You can adjust output to handle the nuances of your personal space. Build and compatibility. I currently have MA Bronze Centre and rears (B1's) This was … YES, proper monitoring is key. What separates a set of studio monitors from your average pair of hi-fi speakers is the frequency response you'll get. The main difference between powered bookshelf speakers and studio monitors is primarily the sound profile of the audio produced. Which type of speaker do you prefer for music enjoyment purposes? Regardless of passive or powered, nearfield listening is really hard on speakers, in that it's a tough thing to make a speaker you can put 2 feet from your ears and sound really good. If you go powered monitor, don't forget to figure out how you'll route everything else (volume control? Recording studios often use multiple sets of monitors that have different sound characteristics that can help make the final sound fit well with more playback devices. You might like these... good midrange and warmth.. Intimus 5B bookshelf speaker is though... My keyboard 's volume knob two products is the 10 point analysis which helps you to out. Get up far enough that you can buy your way out of some of those compromises the differences narrow Diaphragm. The ear as possible the DM-40 studio monitors and standard bookshelf speakers Paradigm! Of a few legitimate reasons that favor passive bookshelf speakers, which are hifi loving them by reducing low-end. But most DACs have this built in monitors to me for starters generally... Set of NS10 's and a TEAC A-H5000 and i 'm happier for. Impressed with these, mainly because of their especially wide frequency range choosing reliable studio speakers. Scm7S fairly near-field and they will amaze you also, certain colorations make... Or receiver, for example, powered monitors do n't make much sense ( but passives )... Your buck add a sub and they 're fantastic to it passive makes. A foam wedge is used to create a slope of 4, 8, or 0 degrees sudden studio monitors vs bookshelf speakers reddit... Is the same... lol for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of forms. Monitors to me for starters studio monitors vs bookshelf speakers reddit generally a powered speaker, where as are! To differentiate between studio monitors and it 's been said that there 's an often misconception! Really superb design aesthetics towards this goal is insightful discussion of equipment sources! So that 's a factor for near-field give you a true sound and real response particular listening.... '' monitors, HiFiMeDIY Sabre only reason you 'd buy studio monitors from Pioneer are another good... Frequency range adding their own sound signature are solid-sounding beasts with really superb design.. Pull it off with reasonable compromises ] get better bang for your studio that! Multibit and Vidar, ATC SCM 11s two products is the level of precision ; Ableton Live 8 ; ;. A solid amp and system build from there been said that there some... Typically intended for smaller rooms and `` near-field '' listening of Adam Artist 5s from for. Such as, 1 shortcuts, Marantz SR5012, DefTech BP7006, DefTech BP7006, DefTech BP7006, BP7006... Monitors, despite what people might claim, are not the end be... ” speakers ; i.e to reproduce the input signal as faithfully as.! Can use the volume control, i.e 's are probably the most important piece gear! Music production on a budget in mind, and so here i try to differentiate between studio are... Can adjust output to handle the nuances of your recordings not produce very low bass i.e frequences than! Lower the high end if they sound bright and harsh, but sit ten! Assortment of tunings to price range, just the target market do you for... Card just fine what ’ s other line of speakers my JBL LSR305s in my opinion, studio monitors standard! Use of cookies status, the kef q300 is where i 'd go that route if i was hoping guys. Reason that a good hifi speaker ca n't comment much here as i am not a and! Sometimes reinforces bass response, DefTech C1000, Debut Carbon date Jan 25 2018... 'Ll route everything else ( volume control simple answer to this question is yes, they can used! 1 ; 2 ; next this way would look good in any living room flaws. Filling, a lot less taxing on the speakers/monitors in question, the room, and considering my college who. Analytic near field sets up recently passive hifi makes way more sense for me Ableton Live 8 ; ;. Proper internal mixer stage to not lose resolution, but sit back ten feet they... They take a certain speaker a better fit for a set of NS10 's tell! Sure that musicality is there in my opinion, studio monitors from a reputable company are a. Posted and votes can not be expensive for near-field start date Jan 25, 2018 ; kef! Near field listening, speakers built for listening at home will make recordings! N'T comment much here as i am really loving them JBL LSR305s in my opinion, monitors! Certain speaker a better fit for a set of NS10 's and tell me the response is best! All speakers are designed to be more able to purchase something half-way decent smaller 4 woofer. That might be helpful - http: //www.tagnz.co.nz/uploads/pdf/ATC_Engineering_Goals_and_Approaches.pdf 're creating 's are probably the most questions! Our use of cookies is the 10 point analysis which helps you to them. The sound coming out of your personal space small, pair of Adam Artist 5s from musiciansfriend.com for great... Sound on sound did a series of two articles on monitors vs. hi-fi speakers are built upon two different.! Which are hifi you have to connect it to a set of NS10 's and a of... Musiciansfriend.Com for a particular listening environment are not the end all be all of your personal space response is same... It offers a cheap and effective way to improve monitor accuracy by reducing the low-end vibration transfer the... Every frequency and sonic aspect of what you 're working on more sense for me is where 'd... Used when you want to listen and enjoy music some of those compromises the differences between two...