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Author Topic: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer  (Read 9370 times)

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Offline Jonas Karlsson

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Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« on: July 16, 2013, 08:30:17 AM »
Hi there!

Considering getting new speakers/monitors that can be used with my iMac computer. Would really like some "top of the line" speakers that can provide me with the correct sound I'm getting recorded.

My current speakers are these:http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bRGd4fS0L.jpg

Any tips in the pricerange of $100-$300 ?

/Jonas, Gothenburg, Sweden

Offline OOK

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2013, 08:36:30 AM »
a set of KRK rocket 5 are perfect for what you need.  They are at the 300$ mark but worth every penny.  probably the best bang for the buck speaker out there next to the rocket 6's which are 400.

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Offline Craig T

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2013, 08:42:06 AM »
I use KRK Rockit 5's and would recommend them.
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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2013, 09:06:07 AM »
+1 on the Rokit 5s - been using them for the past couple years and love them. 

For whatever you wind up getting, I would recommend putting them on stands so they're off your desk with the tweeters up at ear level - this will really improve imaging and balance, and also minimize early reflections off of your desk.  Placement is probably just as important as what speakers you're running.  That, and the Rockit's are bigger than they seem in pictures, so you'd wind up with no desk space left. 

Mine are on Aluralex MoPads: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MoPAD
which sit on these stands: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MonitorStd

I seem to remember getting the whole thing as a big sale package with the Rockit 5s for $350 total.  Not finding that deal at the moment, but you could put out the call in the Yard Sale for anyone selling monitor stands for cheap.

I would stay away from the cheaper monitors made by Alesis and M-Audio.  The ones I used had very noisy electronics.  Not so with the KRKs.  ;D
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Offline Jonas Karlsson

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2013, 10:10:25 AM »
+1 on the Rokit 5s - been using them for the past couple years and love them. 

For whatever you wind up getting, I would recommend putting them on stands so they're off your desk with the tweeters up at ear level - this will really improve imaging and balance, and also minimize early reflections off of your desk.  Placement is probably just as important as what speakers you're running.  That, and the Rockit's are bigger than they seem in pictures, so you'd wind up with no desk space left. 

Mine are on Aluralex MoPads: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MoPAD
which sit on these stands: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MonitorStd

I seem to remember getting the whole thing as a big sale package with the Rockit 5s for $350 total.  Not finding that deal at the moment, but you could put out the call in the Yard Sale for anyone selling monitor stands for cheap.

I would stay away from the cheaper monitors made by Alesis and M-Audio.  The ones I used had very noisy electronics.  Not so with the KRKs.  ;D

Are we talking about these: http://www.4sound.se/itm_img/big_216398.jpg

If so, they´re about $400 for a pair over here.

Can they just be plugged into the iMac?

The only down is it's range: 53Hz-20.000Hz. My mics are 40Hz-20.000... Even lower with the omni's.

/Jonas

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2013, 10:44:19 AM »
^ Yeah, that's them.  That's unfortunate they're more expensive over there. 

They have XLR, 1/4", and RCA inputs so you can plug anything into them.  From your iMac you would use a Y-cable to go from 1/8" stereo mini to dual RCA plugs.  Keep in mind that these kind of speakers do not have a volume control (at least not an easily accessibly one) - you would control the volume through your iMac or with an external recording interface (for example, the Focusrite you see in my sig).
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Offline Jimna

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2013, 10:44:28 AM »
also look at the Adam line too, excellent monitors.  I recommend these guys, owned by a taper and his wife.  http://www.sonicsense.com/shop-by/recording/studio-monitoring/active-monitors.html
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Offline spyder9

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #7 on: July 17, 2013, 08:32:19 PM »
KRK VXT 4's is what I have.  Luv them.

Offline coloartist

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2013, 03:17:52 PM »
also look at the Adam line too, excellent monitors.  I recommend these guys, owned by a taper and his wife.  http://www.sonicsense.com/shop-by/recording/studio-monitoring/active-monitors.html

I recommend the Adam's also, and Sonic Sense. They are over the $300 mark though. They are $250-$400 each. They are made in Germany, so maybe they are cheaper over there.
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Offline Jamos

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2013, 02:57:37 PM »
I would highly recommend a Blue Sky 2.1 system.
Like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655020-REG/Blue_Sky_International_EXO2_eXo2_Active_2_1_Desktop.html

Maybe a touch above your $300 budget at $499.  Many commercially released films and recordings are mastered on similar Blue Sky 2.1 & 5.1 systems.

I use the above paired with an Audioengine D1 USB DAC and get amazing sound for a compact desktop system.

Offline BlindGuyEars

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #10 on: July 20, 2013, 11:33:07 AM »
Here's another vote for Blue Sky! If you can't afford $1,000 monitors, Blue Sky are my choice. They aren't ported, and out-perform cheaper ported designs.

Running Adam A7X's here but they're way out of your price range.

Also echoing what others have said about correct placement and isolation. I'll add ... correct some of the larger acoustic problems in your room!

Offline Datfly

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #11 on: January 13, 2015, 11:17:42 AM »
KRK VXT 4's is what I have.  Luv them.

Has anyone compared the above with the A2+ Powered Desktop Speakers a lot of people recommend in another thread for desktop speakers?

Thanks.
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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #12 on: January 13, 2015, 12:16:33 PM »
Check out the JBL LSR range too.  They have some recent models that fit that budget.

I've never heard the Blue Sky gear, but would like too.  I've heard good word on them from respected sources and like their design philosophy of non-ported satellites + sub.
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Offline chinariderstl

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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #13 on: January 13, 2015, 05:39:39 PM »
Marking thread. :)
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Re: Desktop speakers for mastering recordings on computer
« Reply #14 on: January 13, 2015, 05:42:14 PM »
totally off budget but I have been mixing on a set of Focal Twin6Be's and wow am I happy.  Front end is a Avocet by Crane Song...mixes carry thats for sure.
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