I am thinking about getting a second set of studio monitors to A/B with my KRK's.  Thinking about getting Yamaha HS50M (5").  Any thoughts or suggestions.  My budget is $400 or less. Anyone have these? If so what do you think? Any other suggestions for this price range?

Probably a better thread for the Hardware section, but here's my 2 cents. I have two sets of monitors (used to have three): Mackie HR824, Yamaha NS-10 STUDIOs, and Alesis (something model). I've gone the route of using them to A/B/C audio mixdowns, and I've come to the conclusion that it's better to really get to know one set than it is to check multiple sets during mixing.

Even though one might attempt to be as objective as possible, and adjust critically to each monitor, it actually will confuse your brain. Sure, you'll hear different things from each one, but there's no point in trying to get a mix to sound terrific on both sets. If you learn the one pair really well, and begin getting some consistency with translating a mix to your car, a set of earbuds, and a big stereo system, you're going to find you get even more consistent with the one pair. 

I sold my Alesis monitors years ago, and have the Yamahas in storage. I only use the Mackies. I'll do a full mixdown on those, and then I'll crank up my modified Polk 2.3TLs powered by a PASS X-350 to check in a leisure listening situation. If those check out ok, I'll burn a disc and go audition in my car and van. The car gives me the best verification regarding the kick drum, and the van will tell me if the kick is too punchy. 

The bottom line is, I wouldn't buy another set just to compare with. Sure, you'll hear different things, but this won't always help you translate your mix to the world better. I would take that $400 and invest it into the room acoustics. Hunt down a local, but long-standing mixing engineer to your studio and have him/her give you some advice in your room. That alone is worth more money than you have budgeted, and all you'd need to do is offer a snack and maybe a drink. Pay for an hour or two of their time, if they need it.

With that said, many studios do have multiple sets, but the main reason is some engineers prefer one type/brand/model over another to mix with. Some even bring their own to work with. If you're going to shop for a set, I would save more money and look at upgrading to a set of ADAM's for example. There's some really good ones out there, but I wouldn't go buy another budget set. You won't gain much there.

Anyway, that's my take. Best of luck!!

TraceyStudios


I am thinking about getting a second set of studio monitors to A/B with my KRK's.  Thinking about getting Yamaha HS50M (5").  Any thoughts or suggestions.  My budget is $400 or less. Anyone have these? If so what do you think? Any other suggestions for this price range?

Hi TraceyStudios
If you're going to get a second pair of monitors I'd look for something really different than what you have now. I use Focals as my mains and then have some Auratone grot boxes...may want to think about something like that.


Good luck,
Dean

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/C50A.aspx
Behritone C50A's. They sound like crap, on purpose!
The best thing, all you really need is one.

brconflict


Probably a better thread for the Hardware section, but here's my 2 cents. I have two sets of monitors (used to have three): Mackie HR824, Yamaha NS-10 STUDIOs, and Alesis (something model). I've gone the route of using them to A/B/C audio mixdowns, and I've come to the conclusion that it's better to really get to know one set than it is to check multiple sets during mixing.

Even though one might attempt to be as objective as possible, and adjust critically to each monitor, it actually will confuse your brain. Sure, you'll hear different things from each one, but there's no point in trying to get a mix to sound terrific on both sets. If you learn the one pair really well, and begin getting some consistency with translating a mix to your car, a set of earbuds, and a big stereo system, you're going to find you get even more consistent with the one pair. 

I sold my Alesis monitors years ago, and have the Yamahas in storage. I only use the Mackies. I'll do a full mixdown on those, and then I'll crank up my modified Polk 2.3TLs powered by a PASS X-350 to check in a leisure listening situation. If those check out ok, I'll burn a disc and go audition in my car and van. The car gives me the best verification regarding the kick drum, and the van will tell me if the kick is too punchy. 

The bottom line is, I wouldn't buy another set just to compare with. Sure, you'll hear different things, but this won't always help you translate your mix to the world better. I would take that $400 and invest it into the room acoustics. Hunt down a local, but long-standing mixing engineer to your studio and have him/her give you some advice in your room. That alone is worth more money than you have budgeted, and all you'd need to do is offer a snack and maybe a drink. Pay for an hour or two of their time, if they need it.

With that said, many studios do have multiple sets, but the main reason is some engineers prefer one type/brand/model over another to mix with. Some even bring their own to work with. If you're going to shop for a set, I would save more money and look at upgrading to a set of ADAM's for example. There's some really good ones out there, but I wouldn't go buy another budget set. You won't gain much there.

Anyway, that's my take. Best of luck!!

Excellent advice!

I'd think about looking at an Avatone Mono-BLOC or consider the DIY route for it. I think Jeff Evans is a big fan of these (maybe send him a PM).

Krks and the yams are too similar for any useful comparison I think. They do have a LOT of differences, but they are in the same ball park. You'd want to be spending big bucks like $2000 and significantly upwards to be used as a primary monitor and the KRKs for a quick check. KRKs are very hifi sounding so might be an alright check, especially the RP5's. I personally don't like them much... The VXTs are great, but not the Rokits.

So in your case, I'd look at keeping the KRKs as primary monitors and take a downgrade type monitor to be your reference check - ie the cube or something similar. You get the idea.

Agreed, the KRKs and the Yamahas are too similar. Either go extreme midrange, e.g. Auratone / Mix Cube, or pedal on down to your local pawnshop and see what they've got in the way of 1970's-era Kenwood or similar hi-fi speakers. No, I'm not joking.

A third option: get a nice pair of audiophile headphones.  OK, so you've already got some decent cans. Add another pair. I'm currently thinking seriously about picking up a pair of Grados, which I think could be an excellent complement my ATH-M50s.

Rather than get speakers that may be similar to what you already have why not try something different. Like this:

http://www.avantonepro.com/Avantone-Mono-BLOK-Active-MixCube-Single-Self-Powered-Mix-Cube-Monitor.html

This is a single powered Auratone type speaker. This will do more for your mixes than anything else. You will get this for well under $300. Some shops sell these in pairs but you don't actually need two. Find somewhere that will sell you one only.

You will need a method of summing your stereo buss to mono (and I strongly suggest doing that outside your DAW) and a control to vary its level. (A spare headphone jack with a level control is perfect for this) The idea is to listen to your mixes down quite low in volume with you perched close in front. It is fantastic for balancing everything in your mix. You still need your main speakers for bass and reverb accurate info. It is also great for checking mono compatibility. It is the only way to get a perfect balance of vocals and music as well. 

Once you get into this you will realise how you will never be without it ever! Listening up loud on large monitors will get you nowhere fast. (in terms of accurate mixing that is) Your mixes will translate perfectly once you start using these and you will never have to check your mixes on 5 different setups again.  Once you do a great mix on this tiny speaker and then crank it you will be shocked how good your mix sounds!!

Jeff, I thought you might chime in on this and mention the Avatones! I know you're a big fan.

Have you done a DIY cube before? Can you shed any light on how one might sound compared to the real thing. Obviously it depends on the design, but I'd be curious to hear your opinions anyway.

bitflipper


Either go extreme midrange

This is a good point actually because I find the KRK Rokits to be lacking in the mid range clarity specifically. I think they are slightly smiley face frequency response and maybe their crossovers are just dodgy too (I don't know much about crossovers) which takes a lot of it out. Extreme midrange would certainly be very advantageous to go alongside the KRKs.