VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

What kind of reference monitors are folks using? (I googled a great article today on what to look for when buying them. I didn't realize till the byline that it was penned by Mike Sommer, God bless him...)

Hit me with some speaker-speak,
Mark

Bish · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 9:29 pm Post subject:

M-Audio Bx5a for me. There are a quite a few choices of 5" near-field monitors around this price point. I think I paid a little under $300 for the pair and have been happy with them. They are fairly well respected in the studio field and provide a robust build, sufficient power (70w each) with a good variety of input options (1/4", XLR, balance/unbalanced). The sound is uncoloured and seems to work well with straight voice. Another plus for me is that they are user-servicable. I had a capacitor pop on me, and diving in with the soldering iron and a replacement cap had me up and running without resorting to third-party or manufacturer repair.

As I say, lots of choices out there. I'm not saying these are the best, but are certainly one of the better choices at this price.

The current model is the Bx5a D2 - supposedly some minor tweaks - still around $300.

Cheers
Peter
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bobsouer · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 9:32 pm Post subject:

Mark,

I'm using the same monitors as Peter. I'm very happy with them.
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cyclometh · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 9:55 pm Post subject:

I have a pair of Tannoy Reveal 5" monitors. They're great and didn't break the bank.
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Ed Gambill · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:13 pm Post subject:

Makie HR824, THX certified self powered 8” wolfer no longer made the Mackie HR824MK2 is the replacment model
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CC Heim · Backstage Pass Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Posts: 401

these ones from Bose

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/bose-companion-20-multimedia-speaker-system/h75725000001000?src=3WWRWXGB&ZYXSEM=0

whalewtchr · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 12:35 am Post subject:

Bowers & Wilkins DM 303's with a Crown Amp.
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 5:56 am Post subject:

KRK RP-6's here. Roughly the same price point as the M-Audio. A variety of input options. Whatever I mix on them translates well to other listening environments.
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ricevoice · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:32 am Post subject:

I actually went with a pair of quote-unquote "hi-fi" bookshelf speakers after Mike suggested I look into them last spring: B&W 685. They're very neutral sounding and I felt they blew away all of the "reference monitors" in their price range (around $550 for the pair). They do need an amp to power them (I'm using a Marantz receiver I found on e-bay for $150), which is part of why they provide such bang-for-the-buck (you're not paying for integrated amps in the speakers themselves). Music stores won't carry them, but your local hi-fi stereo shop should, and I think Best Buy actually does as well.

Speakers will vary from room to room, especially depending on your acoustic treatment, but "reference monitor" is a marketing term... there's no standard being applied, and there are good speakers and crappy speakers being sold as "reference monitors". And unless you're dropping 10 grand on them, they're all going to have their limitations/imperfections... you'll need to learn your speakers' strengths/weaknesses and adjust your work accordingly. I think it just comes down to personal taste... everyone's ears are different, what sounds good to me may not sound good to anyone else.

If I hadn't been turned on to the B&Ws, I was leaning towards the Yamaha MSP7. If I had a budget in the $1500 range I'd look at the Focal CMS65 and the Neumann KH120. But I do a lot of production... music mixing, sound design, radio imaging. If I was just doing v-o I would probably get something smaller with detailed midrange (like the Yamaha HS50M) and spend the extra money elsewhere.
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SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:32 am Post subject:

I'm using these...
http://www.focalprofessional.com/en/cms-line/cms-50.php
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scottnilsen · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:07 am Post subject:

M-Audio Bx5a for me as well. Every so often you'll see a very very good deal on them from Guitar Center for $199 or so, then use one of their other coupons to get another 15% or so off.
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Klipsch KSB 1.1 monitors in my studio.

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:25 am Post subject:

jbl lsr 2300. they're nearfield, powered monitors.

i'd love to hear what frank says. he advised i sell mine and use computer speakers (a la cc's?), as he believes these are overkill and i don't need them. Uncertain

i will say this: i used them very briefly before i moved my studio a year and a half ago. when i tried to set them up, i discovered one of them didn't work AT ALL. i finally brought them to my local audio shop where i get most gear, i was told they're probably still under warranty. slapping myself as i dragged my feet getting that monitor in for repair Cry

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Bish · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:33 am Post subject:

Scott's right about the Bx5a units being available for discount prices. I looked it up and I actually ended up paying $249 for mine... when they were the current model. Since then, they've released the Bx5a DeLuxe, and the Bx5a D2... so older stock can be had for a good price.

Like mics though, it's all down to how they work for you (in your environment with your ears) and the price point. In my mind, I've always considered VO mics to have three price points $300, $1000 & $3000 ... I know that's an arbitrary division, but it's just my own way of looking at it ... I'm sure the same holds true for reference monitors.
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todd ellis · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:49 am Post subject:

i find that the red string most accurately represents my particular voiceovering style. while listening to music i prefer the blue string.

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