VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

So I've got a pair of M-Audio BX5s on my desk as my monitors, sitting on an Auralex pad to minimize vibrations from the desk and slightly angle them up a few degrees. But these monitors are a lot smaller than the ones they replaced, and I've realized that they are about 6 inches lower than ideal (i.e., the tweeters need to be at ear level - right?).

So I'm looking for ideas on how to raise them another 6 - 10 inches. Hopefully something that isn't butt-ugly, like a few bricks. I imagine it should not be something hollow like a wooden box. Any suggestions?
_________________
Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

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

Tom,

I've got the IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155(small) stands from Sweetwater under my M-Audio monitors and love 'em! No vibe transfer to the desk.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ISOL8R155/

Mark
_________________
"Dammit Jim, I'm a voice actor, not an audio engineer!"
Leonard McCoy

Zach Meissner · Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 5:07 pm Post subject:

Tom, I'm chuckling as i write this because my solution is rather ghetto, but it works fantastically!!

I have M-Audio CX-5 monitors, I too needed to raise them. So i found some office filing baskets I wasn't using, flipped them upside down, and used some leftover sound foam for padding. It raised them about 10 inches off the desk. And to top it off, I now have a great little space underneath to put my scarlett interface.

_________________
Pax vobiscum

ZachMeissner.com

Scolaidhe · Guest

I have the same monitors as Tom. Each of mine is currently sitting on two of these (and then on top of a shelf which lifts them and my computer monitor several inches above the desktop surface).

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks for the excellent suggestions!

Mark, your idea sound perfect - if I hadn't just been hammered by paying taxes this month. I might still pull the trigger though, as I'm confident it's the best overall solution.

Zach and Scolaidhe, I was thinking along the lines of what you did too! In fact, while looking around for the best price on Mark's stands, I ran across this item:

http://www.amazon.com/Pack-inches-Yoga-Blocks-Saver/dp/B002WCHSUY/ref=pd_cp_hi_3
_________________
Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

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

Hey Tom,

I would question the stability of the monitors on those foam blocks. Even though it is a high density foam and should be fairly rigid, I'd be a little worried about something happening.

The IsoAcoustics have rubber cups that hold tight to the bottom of your monitors and the desktop, and they're rock solid! The set comes with different size legs so you can build them short or tall. And, you have the option of angling them if you want. Check Sweetwater's "Deal Zone". I got an open-box special on mine and saved $20. I'm certain you'd be really happy with 'em Tom!

Mark
_________________
"Dammit Jim, I'm a voice actor, not an audio engineer!"
Leonard McCoy

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Big books.
_________________
Skype: globalvoiceover
and now, http://lanceblairvo.com the blog is there now too!

ccpetersen · Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 2:05 pm Post subject:

Lance, FTW.

(It's what I was thinking.)
_________________
Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420

Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Hey Tommy Boy. Why don't you lower your chair six inches? I'm cheap!
_________________
www.asapaudio.com

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 3:16 pm Post subject:

tom - i'm cheap too - but i LOVE mark's design. i don't, however like $99.

i'm thinking $7 worth of 1" pvc + fittings and some rubber "feet" and you (and me) will be in business.

really - i'm making 2 of those tomorrow. should take about 30 minutes.
_________________
"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Bruce · Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:28 pm Post subject:

Heck, at 6" high or so you can probably get by with 1/2" PVC (or CPVC if you like grey). That's 16 rubber feet though if you're trying to imitate the IsoAcoustics doohickeys.

Let's see... 4 of the four way cross fittings, 16 tees, a lot less than 10 feet of pipe, glue, the rubber feet, and a PVC pipe cutter to make all those short nipples unless you love hacksawing 24 little pieces.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

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

If it's any less painful, there's a pair in SW's Deal Zone(Demos) for $89.99...
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ISOL8R155d

Mark
_________________
"Dammit Jim, I'm a voice actor, not an audio engineer!"
Leonard McCoy

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:13 pm Post subject:

OR ... (per unit) ... (eight) 4-way 90° & a little less than 4' of pvc - only (twelve) 5" pieces, though ... a lot less cutting.
_________________
"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Scolaidhe · Guest

What I don't understand is why that design should make any difference in the sound...

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 6:24 pm Post subject:

Probably because the monitors aren't on the desk, reducing reflection and decoupling the speaker from the desk. If the speaker is on the desk, it will be vibrating the desk. That in turn will reduce the sonic energy that is projected (because some is being absorbed by the vibration of the desk) and will change the tone because all frequencies will not be transferred to the desk at the same rate. I'm sure the vibrating desk also emits some sound as it vibrates, which might (depending on the thickness and density of the desk material) slightly or significantly change the output tone.

I'd bet Frank can tell ya the real effect, but I believe that is the basic science behind it.