Studio Monitors (best value)- suggestions please?

bowman01 wrote on 8/22/2004, 10:04 PM

Hi i'm looking at getting some studio monitors and a sound card to run with vegas 5+dvd. What are some good value card and monitor combinations to get? i will be doing 5.1 mixes also.

I will be doing most of my work in a garage, and mostly volume isn't any concern to neighbours because i work during the day, but what volume levels is good to work with when it comes to mixing video and audio?

thanks in advance

Comments

snicholshms wrote on 8/22/2004, 10:14 PM

Check out the M-Audio LX4 5.1 speakers for starters. I've got the BX5s, BX8s and they do a great job of accurately reproducing sound without a lot of "coloring". I'm also looking at the LX4 5.1, too.

FuTz wrote on 8/23/2004, 6:25 AM

I think it's the exact model Spot had very good comments about a few months ago...
And if my rememberance is good, one can start by buying a stereo set then, later, buy the other boxes to build a surround system with no compatibility problems...
Looks like a reeeeeal nice solution with good $/quality value !

... but for now, Spot looks more concerned about his "big knob", hahaha!
Just make a lil' search with appropriate keyword and you'll track down the topic for sure (I think a few guys are already using this system now)

FuTz wrote on 8/23/2004, 6:44 AM

Ok, since you got the same needs as sonic has in another post, I traced back these topics, gents:

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=256348

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=241981

HopeThatHelps!

farss wrote on 8/23/2004, 6:48 AM

And seeing as how Avid have bought M Audio, maybe if you wait a while the speakers will be labelled "Avid"!

Just joking, it seems Avid have decided to keep the M Audio name intact (damn).

Bob.

FuTz wrote on 8/23/2004, 6:53 AM

... that's what they say, now let's just hope they'll freeze the price too, or at least, that they'll bring it down if they can..! ; )

Spot|DSE wrote on 8/23/2004, 7:06 AM

Depending on budget, the LX4 with the expansion system is a really good place to start. It's a decent system, but because of size, it's nearer the bottom rather than the midrange that you need if your garage is fairly large.
Program material expectations dictate some of your need as well.
If you can afford the next step up, go for it. You'll be able to handle more audio needs, including louder mixes without coloring the sound. At average levels, most semi-pro and prosystems today are fairly accurate. Once you start getting loud, accuracy goes out the window due to distortion induced by overloading either the electronic or physical components. More power, bigger enclosures offer more options for mixes. But for video that isn't explosive, action packed, rock n' roll, powerhouse audio, a smaller system for dialog and bed tracks with a few stingers and FX should be fine.
For audio cards, I highly recommend:
M-Audio 410
Mackie Spike
Echo (Anything)

Other speaker systems to look at:
Mackie
Semi-pro JBL's (not the crappy ones Logitec makes with the JBL and Alesis names on them)
Blue Sky
KRK
Studio Designs

My faves are the Mackie for the mid range cost, and M-Audio for the lower cost. We tour with the M-Audio products on the VASST tour because they are lighter in weight. The Mackie's sound eon's better, but they cost (and weigh) a LOT more.
HTH

mhbstevens wrote on 8/23/2004, 8:59 AM

The Yamaha powered Beryillium Studio Monitors.

bowman01 wrote on 8/23/2004, 6:52 PM

Thanks for your help everyone, much appreciated!