Otto Matta Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Looking for a good entry-level mixer and monitors combo. Simple, solid and inexpensive. Some background: For several years I've been running my soundcard into a higher-end amp/receiver, and from there to high-end monitor headphones mostly, and occasionally home speakers for perspective. My receiver is finally starting to slip, and instead of repairing it, I thought maybe it's time to get a little more serious. But I'm on a budget, and I don't need super-mega-awesome equipment, just some solid entry-level stuff that is fairly accurate and will last some years. And I'm not a gear whore who enjoys features and gimmicks, but prefers quality and efficiency. Also, all my instruments and effects are VSTs, and I plan to record and mix everything through Cubase. I just need a way to get my recorded audio from my computer to my ears as simply and authentically as possible for the best price. My range would be US$500-1000. Opinions? Also maybe a good review site? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supergroover Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 check the isratrance section for production. It has a pretty good topic about monitors. I got the dynaudio bm6a 's with which i am very happy. It might be a little more expensive than what you're planning to spend. but if you are spending this kind of money it might be worth saving a little more for a really nice monitor system in stead of the 'nice' ones.. In any case get active monitors. If you do everything in cubase why do you need a mixer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzzman Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 check the isratrance section for production. It has a pretty good topic about monitors. I got the dynaudio bm6a 's with which i am very happy. It might be a little more expensive than what you're planning to spend. but if you are spending this kind of money it might be worth saving a little more for a really nice monitor system in stead of the 'nice' ones.. In any case get active monitors. If you do everything in cubase why do you need a mixer? I compared the adam A7 i just bought with the bm6a's down in the store... The price for the dynaudio was 400 US dollar MORE than the A7's, but the sound wasn't THAT much better IMO. The bass was a bit more smooth in the dynaudio, wich made the overall picture a little more dynamic, but the mid/highs was just as clear on the adams, so i just went with those I use them with a simple M-audio audiophile usb wich works like a charm... The interface have both speakers-/phone-out volume-knobs, so i don't need the mixer as I only use vst's as well ! But i'm a n00b at this, so i'm just commenting on what i know Edit: Sorry Supergroove, it was the bm5a's I compared them with, guess your bm6a's is a bit better (but pretty expensive, with Otto's budget he can't even buy ONE speaker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otto Matta Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 check the isratrance section for production. It has a pretty good topic about monitors. I got the dynaudio bm6a 's with which i am very happy. It might be a little more expensive than what you're planning to spend. but if you are spending this kind of money it might be worth saving a little more for a really nice monitor system in stead of the 'nice' ones.. In any case get active monitors. If you do everything in cubase why do you need a mixer? Thanks. And yeah, I can just route the soundcard to the monitors, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzzman Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Yes if the soundcard has phono or XLR out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malevol3nt Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 You can if the monitors are active. If they're not, you'll need an amp. A typical soundcard's out doesn't have much power to drive passive monitors as far as I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otto Matta Posted April 9, 2009 Author Share Posted April 9, 2009 Cool. Looks like the expense just went down significantly. I might just get a pair of cheaper Mackies or something. I really don't need anything extravagant right now. Thanks for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malevol3nt Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Looking forward to your new muzak 8o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veracohr Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 It's useful to have a mixer so you can have a good volume control. I have a little Soundcraft COMPACT 4, which was about $150. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzzman Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 I would like this one myself instead of a mixer http://www.tcelectronic.com/LevelPilot.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murphythecat Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 the best monitors are still for the price the yorkville ysmp1 active you will find it for 500 the pair and its worth it, one of the most reputed affordable monitors for the studio http://www.musiciansbuy.com/YORKVILLE_YSM1P_MON_EACH.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubremix Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Looking for a good entry-level mixer and monitors combo. Simple, solid and inexpensive. Also, all my instruments and effects are VSTs, and I plan to record and mix everything through Cubase. I just need a way to get my recorded audio from my computer to my ears as simply and authentically as possible for the best price. My range would be US$500-1000. Opinions? Also maybe a good review site? I cannot say enough about how good Dynaudio monitors are. They are the best monitors I've every heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapinho Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 yes, but the dynaudio's are not in the 500-1000 $ range. Although i think it would be better to save up. And don't forget to do some accoustic treatment! Otherwise it doesnt really matter what monitors you are getting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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