Studio Monitors - Focal/Adam Audio/Genelec
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking to upgrade the monitors in my studio, I've upgraded everything else (good preamps, mics etc) but somehow overlooked this key issue. I record a lot of drums and instruments, so they will mainly be used for tracking and then processing. I outsource mastering and in some cases, the processing/production as well. I'm all about getting as clean a recording as possible
They'll need to be active, although most are these days. Im considering the brands mentioned, something like the Adam A7X or Genelec 8030. Or the holy grail for me, Focal twins, or as much focal as I can get, the prices are eyewatering
Does anyone have some experience in any of these? I've heard most of the monitors but of course, in the real world, it doesn't offer much insight. Budget is what it needs to be but there's a point where I question whether the extra few hundred quid is worth it.
I'm looking to upgrade the monitors in my studio, I've upgraded everything else (good preamps, mics etc) but somehow overlooked this key issue. I record a lot of drums and instruments, so they will mainly be used for tracking and then processing. I outsource mastering and in some cases, the processing/production as well. I'm all about getting as clean a recording as possible
They'll need to be active, although most are these days. Im considering the brands mentioned, something like the Adam A7X or Genelec 8030. Or the holy grail for me, Focal twins, or as much focal as I can get, the prices are eyewatering
Does anyone have some experience in any of these? I've heard most of the monitors but of course, in the real world, it doesn't offer much insight. Budget is what it needs to be but there's a point where I question whether the extra few hundred quid is worth it.
Mate of mine has the PreSonus Sceptre S6 which he raves about - my hearing isn't good enough nowadays. As with all speakers, a lot of it is down to personal preference.
When you've decided, dry DV247 (e-mail them and ask for a best price - I did when I bought my Impulse 61 keyboard and Omnisphere and they knocked nearly £100 off the combined price).
When you've decided, dry DV247 (e-mail them and ask for a best price - I did when I bought my Impulse 61 keyboard and Omnisphere and they knocked nearly £100 off the combined price).
Thanks for the replies. I've heard both your suggestions.
I'm not taken on the presonus stuff. I'm sure it's excellent, but it just doesn't seem right to me.
KRK Rokits are comparable to what I have now, but I am afraid wont offer any decent level of upgrade. In my mind, they are still budget end monitors. The VXT range was better, but still not quite good enough. KRK seem to have a lot of bass, considerately more than the others. I prefer a more linear response.
I'm not taken on the presonus stuff. I'm sure it's excellent, but it just doesn't seem right to me.
KRK Rokits are comparable to what I have now, but I am afraid wont offer any decent level of upgrade. In my mind, they are still budget end monitors. The VXT range was better, but still not quite good enough. KRK seem to have a lot of bass, considerately more than the others. I prefer a more linear response.
Monty Python said:
Another couple worth a listen - Equator Audio D5 and the Yamaha HS7 (currently £100 off at Gear4Music).
One thing I would say is don't get too hung up over studio monitors - I've never let a final mix go without a few other people having a listen to it first.
Already heard them. The equators are ok. And as much as I like Yamaha, their monitors are nothing special. However, the clue is in the title. I'm looking at Focal, Adam or Genelec type things. Which I consider to be a step up from the likes of Yamaha, KRK and the other "highstreet" type brands. One thing I would say is don't get too hung up over studio monitors - I've never let a final mix go without a few other people having a listen to it first.
Whilst there are cheaper, good speakers, it's not about price. The aim is clarity. I've got lots's of good mics and pre amps etc. so it makes sense to have monitors capable of reproducing what's being recorded, I'm finding anything that's well priced colours the sound.
Final mixes are indeed listened to on various devices, but this is more about tracking and the input stage. I want to hear precisely what's being picked up on the mic.
I'll try not to get hung up on it, but you're only as good as the weakest link in the chain...
I was sort of hoping there might be some people on here who have used the likes of Focal and Genelec etc.
In that case, short of listening to them yourself, you'll never get a definitive answer, just lots of suggestions.
Why not ask the guys at DV247 what they'd recommend? http://www.dv247.com/romford
Why not ask the guys at DV247 what they'd recommend? http://www.dv247.com/romford
Edited by Monty Python on Wednesday 24th February 15:48
Monty Python said:
In that case, short of listening to them yourself, you'll never get a definitive answer, just lots of suggestions.
Why not ask the guys at DV247 what they'd recommend? http://www.dv247.com/romford
You're right. It's all subjective isn't it. We'll get there Why not ask the guys at DV247 what they'd recommend? http://www.dv247.com/romford
Edited by Monty Python on Wednesday 24th February 15:48
Jazzy Jefferson said:
urquattroGus said:
PMC
Overlooked this. Cheers mate!These or these should do the trick, just maybe need to re-mortgage!
http://pmc-speakers.com/products/professional/acti...
http://pmc-speakers.com/products/professional/acti...
In all seriousness, they do some nice little active monitors.
urquattroGus said:
No worries.
These or these should do the trick, just maybe need to re-mortgage!
http://pmc-speakers.com/products/professional/acti...
http://pmc-speakers.com/products/professional/acti...
In all seriousness, they do some nice little active monitors.
I've been reading up on PMC. They're certainly priced at the higher end These or these should do the trick, just maybe need to re-mortgage!
http://pmc-speakers.com/products/professional/acti...
http://pmc-speakers.com/products/professional/acti...
In all seriousness, they do some nice little active monitors.
It's a toss up between the Focal Solo 6, or PMC twotwo 6. I reckon I'll end up with the Focals. The PMC option is a fair wedge more. I'm not sure I'm good enough for that level
But I kind of really want them. I've decided against Adam and Genelec.Not sure where you are in the country, but you should either speak to a local dealer, or the distributor - I think Focal are handled by SCV London (scvdistribution.co.uk) so worth calling them to see what they suggest to try them out.
An audition at a dealer is OK, but your room will have a big effect on the overall sound so listening to them in situ is the best option. I've heard good things about Focal, and from memory the PMC monitors I heard before were excellent.
I've got a pair of Genelec 1031's and we use some of the newer Genelec speakers for work - they do sound very good, and I also hear good reports on Adam..
I'm confusing the issue now though - listening in your working environment is key..
An audition at a dealer is OK, but your room will have a big effect on the overall sound so listening to them in situ is the best option. I've heard good things about Focal, and from memory the PMC monitors I heard before were excellent.
I've got a pair of Genelec 1031's and we use some of the newer Genelec speakers for work - they do sound very good, and I also hear good reports on Adam..
I'm confusing the issue now though - listening in your working environment is key..
Gassing Station | Music | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff