Speakers v. Studio monitors

Chakra5films wrote on 6/20/2005, 5:03 PM
Newbie question of the day:

What is the difference between studio monitors and good ole speakers? Moreover, I bought a pait of near-field monitors (BX5), and wanted to ask if y'all think these would be acceptable in regards to showing a documentary for about 40-50 people in a mid-sized room, or possible outside, but with everyone within close proximity of the speakers, er... monitors ... :)

Thanks in advance for your help.

Marc

Comments

Jameson_Prod wrote on 6/20/2005, 6:29 PM
My .02 worth.......

Studio monitors are generally tuned to be flat. Another words, what you hear is exactly (or as close as possible) to what is recorded. Stereo speakers color the sound...they add bass, and treble to arrive at a desired sound. Near field monitors are special studio monitors that are designed to be used at ear level and close to minimize room colorization. Most studio engineers use a collection of speakers to test their mix. It is an aquired skill to mix with studio monitors. Most inexperienced people try to make studio monitors sound like regualr speakers...thus having way to much bass, not enough highs, and other problems. A well EQd mix will sound good on any speaker.

Could you use BX5s as a live speaker......yes. Would it be the best choice....probably not. Would it be acceptable outside...very doubtful. I'd give it a try before deciding.

Good luck.
PeterWright wrote on 6/20/2005, 6:44 PM
I have a pair of BX5s and they sound great. The average audience won't say "I thought there'd be more highs and lows" etc. To my ears they present very crisp, powerful sounding audio and I'd be happy to use them this way.
Yoyodyne wrote on 6/20/2005, 6:48 PM
I used some Event PS5's a few years ago in a pretty big room for a family thing. They actually sounded pretty good - they are very loud and sound a LOT bigger than they look. I bet those BX5's surprise you...

my 02.
johnmeyer wrote on 6/20/2005, 7:05 PM
You could borrow my Altec 604C speakers. Guaranteed to draw a crowd.
farss wrote on 6/20/2005, 7:42 PM
You could probably hire a pair of EV etc active speakers for not much, 50 people is a fair sized crowd and people seem to have a problem keeping quiet these days. Even if they're a bit bigger than you need, once you've got the mobs attention you can always turn them down.
Bob.