New Monitors + Subwoofer

G

ggrantly

Veteran
As mentioned in a previous post, I had a tradegy with one of my active monitors, so am considering options for a new set. In particular, I am curious how a subwoofer works into a mixing scheme. Where do you place it into the typical desk workstation layout? Is it really useful for audio editing for video?

I wouldn't mind adding a subwoofer to my system, but in all honesty, the majority of my computer audio time is as a music listening system for non-audio work I'm doing. So the subwoofer is as much for my own audio pleasure as it would be for paid work. As always, I'm trying to improve my ears.

Thanks for your input
Grant
 
I have a pair of dynaudio BM10 speakers and a sub which is underneath my desk, it adds an extra octave to the low end and sub placement is not too critical as LF tends to be omnidirectional.
 
I think it is very useful. I have a 2.1 setup which takes the load off of nearfield monitors and adds a tonal range which they can not offer. A lot of people have subs in their family room so I think it is good to hear it when mixing. I just have it under my desk on a special wooden stand I made. I am very careful with the level as it can ruin your mix if you have it too loud or your room is poor (like mine).
 
The big thing is that, as mentioned, it takes some of the work off the main speakers. This allows them to be "cleaner" sounding. Not sure it is a requirement, and I'd certainly want to get one that is designed as a set.
 
Thanks everyone. The reality for me is for my little corporate projects, less expensive monitors have been ok for me, so this is more about being nice to my ears and soul.

This is the kit I am considering which includes a subwoofer and seems to press the right buttons. It includes a nice little controller to boot. More candy for my desktop! Having said that, I could buy a couple of better quality monitors for the same price and skip the woofer and bling.

Once again, I have a good sized space so want the slightly larger 8" monitors.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1134161-REG/jbl_jbl_laser_308_studio.html
 
That price on the Mackies is per speaker, not per pair, though. You're talking 60% more for the monitors+sub compared to the JBL package ggrantly found. (The Mackies are excellent, for sure.)

- Greg
 
Thanks for all the input. One thing is for sure, within any price range, the choices available is truly mind boggling. And the passionate opinions are equally numerous.

Grant
 
For my standard stereo monitoring setup I use a Central Station so I can easily engage or disengage the subwoofer.
As fate would have it, my sub died two weeks ago and I have been so busy that I have yet to replace it.
It is missed!
 
Not that it helps, but the Mackie sub has a remote on/bypass connection, we have a simple toggle switch wired up to it.
 
Richard Crowley said:
Which product are you refering to? They have dozens of speakers.
Click to expand...

These are the monitors: http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605800&seq=1&format=2
They are 8 inch and cost $255 for the pair. They periodically go on sale, maybe once or twice a year. Here is a video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNO-0Hs7XZA

They also have a 10 inch subwoofer: http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605999&seq=1&format=2
The sub is $176. I don't know if it goes on sale.
 
I would seriously consider that JBL setup. I'm personally not a fan of having a sub when I'm editing sound. It shouldn't be needed. You really only need the sub when mixing. You have to be careful of where your sound is going to end up. What if the place it ends up going doesn't have a sub? BUT, my personal "music" speakers on my computer setup have a sub that I barely have on. Adds just enough to liven things up, but I don't use that for sound editing.

Back in the day, my first powered monitors were the Mackie HR824. I had a pair and I loved them. They sounded great, but for me they didn't translate well to the theater or other venues. These days I lean towards the JBL LSR series.

But opinions on powered studio monitors are like a dime a dozen. Ask 10 audio professionals which speakers they like, and you'll get 20 answers, and they are all correct! :)
 
davefisk said:
Ask 10 audio professionals which speakers they like, and you'll get 20 answers, and they are all correct! :)
Click to expand...
Nope, you'll get 20 answers but they're all wrong! Unless you're spending more than the cost of your house, you're painfully, stupidly, completely, moronically WRONG!!! ...at least that's the impression I always get from the golden eared sound guys. :)
This tin eared, and I'm sure..."wrong", non sound guy picked up a pair of JBL LSR305 after hearing and comparing a bunch of monitors at one of our local audio retailers. Too many of the monitors in my price range either sounded like Beats headphones adding bass that wasn't there, or lacking clarity in the mids. It was a really good experience to get to listen to a bunch of monitors before buying them. I don't even have them connected to any fancy pants mixer, but just plugged right into the Mac Pro.
 
OP here.

In fact decided on a package which includes the LSR308, which is the bigger 8" brother of the 305s. The kit also includes a 10" sub and a Presonus controller with some extra swag for a hard earned grand.

I might not use the sub for anything work related, but will use it for me. The controller can make this easy to control cuz that's what controllers do.

Thanks for all the input.
Grant
 
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