Topic: Tapping the KB - Nearfield Monitors

[sickrick43]

Probably should go in the playback section, but what the hell...

My Klipsch 4.1 system took a dump a couple of weeks ago.  Since I'm mixing matrix's alot now, figured I'd go for a decent set of nearfields.

The Yamaha MSP5A's or HS50M's (adding the sub later) look like a decent set. 

Anyone else (including SimpDawg) have nearfields, and/or can suggest good sounding (decently priced) self-powered monitors?

The Yahama's have kinda been considered "industry standard" for ages...

Thanks all...

Rick

[anodyne33]

I kinda liked the Alesis self powered nearfileds back in the day. They are (the monitor zeros I was used to) EXTREMELY hyped, but also incredibly detailed.

[TNJazz]

What's "decently priced" ? 

A good pair of nearfields is likely to be upwards of about $600.  You can get some good deals cheaper, but they're few and far between.  Mackie 624 and 824 are pretty standard, as are Dynaudio and some of the KRK models.  Have not tried the new JBLs, but they look pretty nice...

[JD]

Check out Blue Sky's near-fields. I am running the Prodesk 2.1 fed from an ESI Juli@ sound card via balanced cables. The sound detail is amazing.

I bought B stock monitors (used once at a trade show) directly from Blue Sky, for roughly about 1/2 of list price. There is a link on their site for a quote on B stock items.

I think I gave about $650 shipped for the B stock Prodesk, and if I recall right they quoted $350 for a B stock Mediadesk 2.1 system. These systems include two satellites and a sub, and both can be upgraded to a 5.1 surround system.

The people at BlueSky where very good to deal with.

http://www.abluesky.com/asp/catalogue/catalogue.asp?linkid=18

[sickrick43]

So, I decided to go low budget (for now) and picked up a set of Fostex PM0.4's with a PM0.5 sub - $270 @ musiciansfriend . com http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fostex-PM0.4-and-PM0.5-Sub-2.1-System?sku=600687

Should do me for the time being.  I'm researching 24 track portable recording systems for a possible future project.  If I end up REALLY DEEP into the multitrack thing, I'll end up getting more expen$ive monitors.

Thanks for the tip(s)...

Rick

[Todd R]

Rick -- what do you think of these Fostex monitors?  I'm thinking of picking up a set and would love to know your opinion on them.

[Evil Taper]

Tannoy makes some really nice monitors in every price range, some are powered too.


As for portable 24 track options you really only have 2:

Alesis HD24XR records 24 tracks of 24/48 or 12 tracks of 24/96, so a pair can be used for 24 tracks of 24/96.   The HD24XR records to removable hard drives (the same kind made for a PC) and then the data is transferable to your DAW via the caddy that Alesis makes. Retail is $2000 new, 1500ish used.

Echo Audiofire 12 records 12 tracks at 24/192 but you can daisy chain a pair for a full 24 tracks of 24/192.  These units record to you DAW via firewire and are Wordclock and midi compatable.  Supposedly they're capable of working with Pro Tools and other DAWs.  Retail is $799 new for each unit, $500 or less used.


I've been looking into 24 track location setups myself and these are virtually the only 2 options that provide 24 tracks of 24 bit audio and portability.  While the Echo units offer higher sample rates they're guaranteed to be less reliable and stable than the Alesis unit.  The HD24XR is basically the standard for critical location work and is built to take bumps on the road.  There are a few other options in the marketplace but you're going to be spending a hell of a lot more cash for those.  If you know Teddy for TS he highly recommended the HD24XR to me and uses it himself for recording symphonies with very high end mics, pres and ADCs.  So I guess if it's a high enough fidelity for the most demanding of all recording environments it's probably the way to go.  That's my .02, but I'm gonna talk to Teddy about it again. 

Are there any options that I'm not aware of?

[mmmatt]

Just saw this thread... I will put in a plug for the e-mu em5 monitors.  They sound spectacular and are on clearance at musicians friend for 99 each.  Regular price is 300 each.

matt