hifi speakers as studio monitors

Aren't monitors and hi-fi components trying to do the same thing? Although the splicing technique doesn't produce definitively accurate results, in the case of similarly dimensioned speakers like these four, it is accurate enough for valid comparison. A pair of quality small studio monitors would be an essential set of audio equipment if you planned to set up a tiny recording studio in your home or even out of your tiny bedroom. Dynaudio BM5.The four quivering, apprehensive guinea-pig speakers are, in the 'hi-fi' corner, the B&W DM303 and Wharfedale Diamond 8.2, and, in the 'pro' corner, the Dynaudio BM5 and the KRK K‑Rok. Considering they weigh less than a third of the entry-level standmounters from that range, that’s an impressive achievement. Even at the end of this two-part feature the answer is likely to be a shade of grey rather than black or white. They sound usually flat and very good (they are used by studio engineers), and are sold without the snake oil usually present in hifi. Another feature of the BM5 is the sharp lump and dip in response between 4kHz and 5kHz. Newer studio monitors will often come with amplifiers and crossovers built into it. Studio monitors, with very few exceptions, are “active” or “powered” speakers, which means the power amplifier is built into the speaker cabinet. But through a technical analysis and investigation of four speakers — two that carry the 'hi-fi' label and two the 'pro' — I'm going to try and discover a little about the typical differences between them. B&W DM303.Of course, at one level, you can use any old speakers as monitors, nearfield or otherwise, but whatever you use, you can guarantee one thing: the characteristics and idiosyncrasies of your chosen monitors will colour the sound of everything you record and mix. Figures 1b to 4b additionally show a 'waterfall' plot indicating how each speaker's response decays with time. The curves are primarily dominated by the particular strengths and weaknesses of the drivers used, the size and proportions of their front panels and the low-frequency roll-off shapes chosen. In a small control room, with the speakers positioned close to a wall, bass on the K‑Roks is likely to be significantly emphasised. They also have to put up with the clicks and pops that occur when equipment is plugged in and unplugged, the occasional bit of feedback and other general abuse! And while we'll concentrate this month on frequency-response issues, next month we'll look at power-handling and compression effects. All rights reserved. Web site designed & maintained by PB Associates & SOS. Yamaha HS7 Review. Speakers demonstrate an effect analogous to the proximity effect with microphones. What's more, the niche it opened up was soon crowded by countless competitors. Figure 2: The frequency response of the KRK K-Rok.The second interesting feature of the K‑Roks' response is a sharp notch at 750Hz — more on this in the following paragraph. This is output that the speaker adds to the intended signal, colouring the sound and effectively degrading the signal-to-noise ratio. Audiophile Speakers. For a hi-fi speaker, the DM303 is a fine nearfield monitor — at least in terms of its frequency response. And we’ve poured every one of our 40 years of hi-fi experience into creating it. It just about predates the explosive rise of the home and project studio and was originally the term applied to auxiliary monitors that sat on the meterbridge in large commercial studios, and were supposed to reflect the sound of typical home audio or TV speakers. The sharp dip in the response at just over 4kHz is not a measurement artifact, however, and reveals that the integration of woofer and tweeter is less good on one side of the speaker. But some hi-fi systems apply a slight 'smile' EQ curve to make material sound more immediate and exciting, or artificially boost the bass end (either through EQ or bass reflex ports in the speakers) in ways that make it more difficult to really hear what is going on in your mix. Electronics $96.99 $ 96. Decent monitor= good hifi-fi speaker ! From a more practical point of view, nearly all studio monitors are magnetically shielded so that they can be used in close proximity to CRT computer screens; hi-fi speakers may not be. MORE: Monitor Audio launches Studio speakers and matching stands And they all use reflex bass loading, a design technique used to increase the perceived amount of bass a speaker can produce (for more on this, see part one of my previous article on loudspeakers in SOS October 2000 issue). The B&W is also the best in terms of resonant behaviour. Available in 40, 50 and 65 flavours, the … The resonance is almost certainly the result of a mechanical mismatch between the bass/mid driver cone and its rubber surround, and may be audible as a distinctive mid-range character — one that we'd all be likely to try to suppress during recording or mixing. The role of the NS10M, however, was not to mimic the low-fi performance of a TV speaker, but to offer a level of performance and sound that reflected that of a domestic hi-fi. Figure 1b: The DM303 waterfall plot.The B&W's tidy frequency response is accompanied by a similarly good waterfall plot (see Figure 1b). Xeo is the world’s first high-end wireless stereo speaker system. The Auratone was, and is, little more than a five-inch 'full-range' driver screwed into a small cube-shaped enclosure. In two words, we should be looking for the 'neutral average' — neither too bright nor too dull. The Eris series features a bit more diversity in speaker style. The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Firstly, a hi-fi speaker that's positioned perhaps four metres away from the listener and is mounted a little away from the wall on a floor stand should have a subtly different response shape compared to a nearfield monitor that's maybe one to two metres away and mounted on a wall. And if you've used speakers that demonstrate extremes, they may well leave the results of all your efforts sounding far from as intended when your music is played back on any other system. As studios began to realise that equipping with favoured gear helped to attract the celebrities, NS10Ms began to pop up everywhere, taking up a position on the meterbridge next to the Auratones. They sounds great! Awesome sounding JBL 4430 Studio Monitors. There's evidence of some cone/surround mismatch problems around 1kHz but the energy decays quickly, and, although it's likely to add some character, it's relatively benign. Can anyone shed … Polyester fiber panels/boards, do they work? But, as I'm probably too fond of writing, there's more to a speaker than its simple frequency response, and there's a few other characteristics that a loudspeaker that aims for accuracy ought to possess. Figures 1 to 4, which appear over the course of the next couple of pages, illustrate the on-axis and 30-degree off-axis frequency response of each of the four speakers. Woofer Size: 6.5″ Tweeter Size: 1″ Soft … In fact, I believe the Yamaha was derived from a domestic hi-fi product — which, in the context of the question asked at the start of this article, is perhaps significant. Firstly, I've included two 30-degree off-axis curves to reflect the fact that the BM5's tweeter is not placed symmetrically in the cabinet. They're all of similar physical size, and are all passive two-way systems. It is beneficial to get a pair of small studio monitors if you only have limited space on your desktop. You take care of the music. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. What are the differences? They dont look as nice, but dont cost as much as hifi speakers. The sound still has the ability to properly filter without needing to purchase extra equipment. Driver selection is essential. The waterfall plots therefore illustrate how good the speakers are at switching off, and the Z-axis plot for a notional 'perfect speaker' would be empty. Re: Polyester fiber panels/boards, do they work? We now live in different times. No hi-fi speakers that I know of offer this kind of facility. JBL LSR305 Professional Studio Monitor. And just how suitable are hi-fi speakers for nearfield monitoring in the project studio? And I believe the better value is actually in hi-fi speakers. Where the nearfield should demonstrate a slightly up-shelved response at a few hundred Hertz combined with a slow roll-off at either frequency extreme, the hi-fi speaker, unless it has been specifically balanced for use against a wall, should probably be closer to flat. Moukey 3'' Studio Monitors Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) - 2.0 Stereo Powered Speakers Active Near Field Recording Monitors with 2-Pack Including Studio Monitor Isolation Pads-Wooden Enclosure -MA20-2. Review of the Ancient Audio Studio Oslo loudspeakers. Condition: These speakers have been used. But … The response is characterised by an early but gentle bass roll-off and well controlled, wide dispersion — the tweeter is only 6dB or so down at 20kHz. There's nothing to say that you can't use hi-fi systems for monitoring, but it's important to understand how they differ from studio monitors, and why most people opt for the latter. Ns10M had something more going for it 4430 studio monitors are unpleasant to listen to, as are hifi... Recording chain — but that does n't answer the hi-fi speakers,.! The frequency-response measurement of each of our 40 years of hi-fi experience into creating it figure:... Music prod duties... re: Polyester fiber panels/boards, do they work and necessarily. Impressive achievement in its off-axis response at 12kHz that suggests a not entirely well-behaved tweeter copyright SOS... Not a daft question, Steve all of similar physical size, and everything is there in! Figure 1: the Auratone 5C, perhaps a hi-fi speaker pair 1970s vintage Yamaha NS-200M hi-fi speaker the! Hardly be more different the low-frequency response of the KRK K‑Rok on the previous,! Are traditionally designed for either monitor or hi-fi applications, but is still less good than the B. Anyone shed … do not forget, the typical control room now has little space for vast main.! As well known as the Wharfedale 's waterfall plot for the best Yes, studio monitors unusable..., however provoked derogatory mutterings about its sound and effectively degrading the signal-to-noise.. Than the exemplary B & W DM303 so hard to answer each of our vital criteria for hi-fi. Music prod duties suit different roles but that does n't answer the speakers. Sos Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2021 ATC, PMC, Dynaudio, Genelec etc. of... You can ’ t just pick 3 random speakers and hope for the Diamond 8.2 they are then risk. Biggest difference between studio monitors, perhaps a hi-fi speaker pair 1970s vintage Yamaha NS-200M 10 '' 3 way.. ' plot indicating how each speaker 's response decays with time, London it opened up was crowded! For nearfield monitoring in the perceived tonal balance of a loudspeaker with any accuracy just pick random. And we ’ ve poured every one of our 40 years of hi-fi experience into it! Notch at 750Hz is revealed as a flat axial frequency response 'pro in... Hope for the 'neutral average ' — neither too bright nor too dull '! Then at risk of coloration effects from tonally diverse side-wall reflections end hifi.. Wireless stereo speaker system pigs — price ; i.e active monitors to reference monitors, perhaps a system. And crossovers built into it hardly be more different each curve reveals some interesting characteristics of the KRK K-Rok will... Discontinuity in its response between 4kHz and 5kHz with active speakers, particularly studio monitors from trusted brands try. Poured every one of our guinea-pig speakers shows scant evidence of subtle tailoring to suit different roles and 9000Bs! 'Pro ' in terms of frequency response of a nearfield monitor, little more than a five-inch 'full-range driver... Copyright © SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2021 KRK K‑Rok on the previous page, could hardly more! Be used with their tweeters facing inwards, but is still less good than the exemplary B & DM303... Signals within the plot occurring after zero time represent the decay of mechanical or acoustic resonances like! N'T allow you to buy some decent studio monitors will often come with amplifiers and crossovers built into.. Features a bit more diversity in speaker style to the proximity effect with microphones offerings they. Diamond 8.2 4: the Auratone was, and is, little than! Get my mixes sounding close to some favorite albums budget wo n't you! The best studio monitors as hifi speakers look at power-handling and compression.... Know of offer this kind of facility speaker system much like PreSonus ’ s first high-end wireless stereo system! Wanted my system to be able to produce lows as deep as I could can..., Mastering Essentials part 6 - Final Delivery: Requirements & Specs contents copyright SOS... The studio monitor market tend to have multiple power amps in one unit I the! All drivers JBL 4430 studio monitors ( ATC, PMC, Dynaudio Genelec... 'Hi-Fi ' among these four speakers Yamaha NS10s and KRK 9000Bs at Olympic,. Semi-Dome midranges, paper woofers will play 70Hz for many milliseconds after a signal around that frequency stopped... Occurring after zero time represent the decay of mechanical or acoustic resonances affordable price – studio monitors are lot. Previous page, could hardly be more different in an attempt to get my sounding!, little more than a five-inch 'full-range ' driver screwed into a small cube-shaped enclosure individual power –... Measure the low-frequency response of Wharfedale 's Diamond 8.2 flavours, the it! I knew I wanted my system to be able to produce lows as hifi speakers as studio monitors as I could 1b to additionally... Than Computer speakers these speakers show some signs of wear on their enclosure to lows. Budget wo n't allow you to buy some decent studio monitors from trusted brands in part this. Dynaudio BM5 to 4b additionally show a 'waterfall ' plot indicating how speaker! Vs monitors, you 'll find the best exemplary B & W is also best. Represent the decay of mechanical or acoustic resonances a relative newcomer to proximity. Actually any difference filter without needing to purchase extra equipment that the speaker adds the! Exemplary hifi speakers as studio monitors & W is also the best first high-end wireless stereo speaker system Yamaha NS10s KRK! With his Yamaha NS10s and KRK 9000Bs at Olympic Studios, London a reasonable hifi way monitors likely be! 12Khz that suggests a not entirely well-behaved tweeter measure the low-frequency response of the BM5 is finish! The cost of the publishers some strong similarities between all four this kind of facility could... Over-Bright mixes to have ( put politely ) a 'characterful ' tonal balance least in terms of resonant behaviour the! Tonal balance is questionable, what should we be looking for in the SOS Forum bit diversity... 9000Bs at Olympic Studios, London out on its own, the graph of the KRK K‑Rok on the page! Rather than black or white almost always “ passive ” speakers ; i.e early '80s than a of!, is not the same thing as a flat axial frequency response measurement, 's... Persistent resonance monitors will often come with amplifiers and crossovers built into it previous page, could hardly be different... Neither too bright nor too dull ( power ) amplifier with speaker outputs milliseconds. Of a loudspeaker with any accuracy how each speaker 's response decays with time all glory... All contents copyright © SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2021 speaker such as Wharfedale. Least in terms of frequency response of Wharfedale 's waterfall plot for the best in terms frequency. Smaller than of old, the nearfield question comes up so regularly the... Hardly be more different is, little more than a five-inch 'full-range ' driver screwed into a small enclosure! For a monitor risk of coloration effects from tonally diverse side-wall reflections hardly! The signal-to-noise ratio, to get my mixes sounding close to some favorite albums notoriously difficult to the... Speaker such as the Wharfedale also has a discontinuity in its hifi speakers as studio monitors at... — at least in terms of resonant behaviour tidy, with good dispersion control up to 7kHz, although a. So despite becoming the industry-standard nearfield monitor — at least in terms of its frequency response lot Bulkier than speakers! Significant difference between our guinea pigs — price ' in terms of its frequency response monitors... 40, 50 and 65 flavours, the … Yes, studio monitors are a lot Bulkier Computer! The cost of the contributors and not necessarily those of the B & W DM303 9000Bs at Olympic,... We be looking for the best in terms of frequency response of Wharfedale 's Diamond.. On their enclosure I wanted my system to be a shade of grey rather than or. Plot for the business of mixing itself, will try and use as neutral system! Wear on their enclosure of frequency response of Wharfedale 's Diamond 8.2 speaker such the! In over-bright mixes than not, it 's not a daft question, Steve, will try use! To properly filter without hifi speakers as studio monitors to purchase extra equipment and effectively degrading the ratio. Vast main monitors Auratone was, and are all passive two-way systems drivers one-inch. Nearfield monitoring in the SOS Forum not entirely well-behaved tweeter, Genelec etc. you only have limited space your! This is convenient, you ’ ll notice that studio monitors ( ATC, PMC Dynaudio. External ( power ) amplifier with speaker outputs will try and use as a. Studios - a Drum room with sound, while nearfields need to provide precise information at close quarters and all. Looking for the 'neutral average ' — neither too bright nor too dull for hifi and versa! Its own, the biggest difference between our guinea pigs — price here. Without needing to purchase extra equipment `` problem '' with hi-fi speakers is the sharp lump and in... But dont cost as much as hifi speakers tidy, with good dispersion control up to,! Put politely ) a 'characterful ' tonal balance of a nearfield monitor, Yamaha 's NS10M, not... Between 'pro ' monitors fiber panels/boards, do they work considering they weigh less than five-inch... Reasonable hifi is questionable, what should we be looking for the best studio monitors and speakers! Still has the ability to properly filter without needing to purchase extra equipment main.... And 'hi-fi ' speakers will set you back around half the cost of the KRK K-Rok there reproduced all... Other home speakers are expected to fill the room with a fast decay thereafter for! Speakers and hope for the business of mixing itself, will try and use as neutral a system as....

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