VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Chuck Davis · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:59 am Post subject: KRK vs Mackie

I'm thinking of finally upgrading my studio monitors from the Audix PH50's I've had for over 7 years.

I'm looking at both Mackie MR5's....the 2010 model....or KRK RP6's.

I haven't sat down to listen yet....but thought I'd throw this out there to see if anyone had experience with either or both.
_________________
Wicked huge.....in India.
www.chuckdaviscreative.com

Steve Knight · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 8:24 am Post subject:

I have the KRK RP-6s..they're pretty reliable, not familiar with the Mackies...

bobsouer · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 9:47 am Post subject:

Chuck,

I've been happily using the M-Audio BX5a monitors for years; but if I were going to replace them it would be with the KRKs.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Dan4VO · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:38 am Post subject: The question is..?

Why are you looking to "upgrade"? Are you doing more production and you need something more accurate? Do you just want to make a change? What is it about the Audix's that you don't like anymore? The answer to these questions should help determine what models you should look to upgrade to.

Wink

_________________
www.sound4vo.com
www.procommvoices.com
http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000377548

Chuck Davis · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:46 am Post subject:

The Audix's are getting on in years....and are a little behind the curve technology-wise.

They're a sort of hybrid. Passive monitors with a built-in/shared poweramp that lives in one of the cabs...you simply run a speaker cable to the second monitor. No bi-amping/active crossover.

After being pounded on for 7+ years of Rock Radio image production....it's really time for something fresh.

I do a ton of full produced audio for TV, radio, web and more here so....a good set of accurate reference monitors is important.
_________________
Wicked huge.....in India.
www.chuckdaviscreative.com

Brad Venable · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:14 pm Post subject:

I have the last generation KRK Rokit5s. Love them, and they sound great.
_________________
Brad Venable
The Voiceover Superhero!
"Saving the world thirty seconds at a time."

Dan4VO · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 2:20 pm Post subject: Well then...

Chuck,

If you are doing that much production and your room is well taken care of (i.e.- properly treated), if I were you, I would consider a REAL upgrade. You really should go and listen to some monitors in your price range and decide what sounds best to you, but I love my DynAudio BM5A's.

Whatever you decide. active monitors are the way to go (no separate amp).

Monitors are a personal choice dependent upon your room and your ears.
_________________
www.sound4vo.com
www.procommvoices.com
http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000377548

Chuck Davis · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 2:39 pm Post subject:

I get you Danno. If I had my druthers there'd be a pair of Genelecs in here...that's a little out of my league for now.

My benchmarks for listening are always a few of the things I've just produced here...and "The Nightfly" by Donald Fagen.
_________________
Wicked huge.....in India.
www.chuckdaviscreative.com

georgethetech · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:32 pm Post subject:

Hey there, Chuck! Nice working with you today...

Monitors are a VERRRRY touchy thing. Your room needs to be properly tuned to work with them, and your ears become tuned to what comes out of them over years of use.

Change them out and your point of reference shifts and it takes a long time to adjust.

That said, unless you can demo them in your own studio, you'll never know for sure, and what anyone else has to say about how they sound is kinda irrelevant. Every model mentioned so far sound great, in my opinion. They all sound way better than NS10's, and those things are STILL in studios everywhere. Why? Read above...
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Chuck Davis · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:49 pm Post subject:

Thanks George. Cool working with you too!

..and I know NS-10's. Mixed music on them a number of times....not a fan. Those Tannoy coaxials are also big on my "yuck list".
_________________
Wicked huge.....in India.
www.chuckdaviscreative.com

kgenus · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:01 pm Post subject:

Chuck, I know you didn't mention these, but if you're open to other options, you might consider the JBL LSR series monitors with Room Mode Correction. They sound amazing, will accurately correct to your room, but you need the sub-woofer with these things. The JBL LSR2325P monitors are under $200.
_________________
Genus

Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:17 pm Post subject:

Another vote for Dynaudio. Also a fan of Klein & Hummel 0110 and 0300. If you go the passive route, I recommend taking a look at the amps from Coleman Audio.

That said, George/Soundgun is 100% right. It comes down to your room's characteristics and your own personal tastes. Much like microphones, you really need to have them in your space to test them. If you don't odds are you won't be happy in the long term.
_________________
Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

Chuck Davis · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys! Kev, I haven't checked out the JBL's...but I have seen them out there. Cool package for sure. Dynaudio is also on the radar Greg.

I do have alot of listening to do. I think a call to Parson's Audio may be in order. That's about the only place that I can think of that would let me try before I buy. And...they have Genelec. Pricey...but I mixed on them for 12 years. That can cause a little brand bias.

Now all I need is money :)
_________________
Wicked huge.....in India.
www.chuckdaviscreative.com

Mike Sommer · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:56 pm Post subject:

Here is my article from a few years back - Now up on my Blog, for ease of use:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/2011/07/studio-monitors.html

All in all I like the KRK's they can be a little bright, which can translate to a duller mix or cause you to add too much bass.

I use Auratone's to check my mixes. if it sounds good on an Auratone it will sound good any place. But you need to really understand what they are about.

The M-Audio are pretty darn good for what they are.
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

ricevoice · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:59 pm Post subject:

Great thread Chuck! I'm also thinking about new monitors for both v-o and fully-produced work. I'd been looking at the Yamaha HS80M but now it seems like there are some other good options to consider. Not sure what kind of opportunities I'll have for "listen before buying" though, as my options in Sacramento are going to be a bit limited (pretty sure Guitar Center will have at least the Yamahas and the KRKs).
_________________
Chris Rice - Noisemaker
www.ricevoice.com