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Post by bigkipper1230 on Jun 13, 2006 22:19:34 GMT -5
What does everyone here use for monitors???
brand? passive? active? what's the best in your opinion?
peace
kip
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Post by crazyjunkie on Jun 14, 2006 8:55:08 GMT -5
Kip,
The Groove Junkies (http://www.thegroovejunkies.com) use four (4) Yamaha BR12M 12" 2 Way Floor Monitors. They are passive and powered by a QSC RMX-1450 Poweramp.
The BR12M's are 8 Ohms each and are rated for 250 Watts (program) and 500 Watts (peak). They run for around $229 each.
The RMX-1450 is rated at 280 Watts @ 8 Ohmn, 450 Watts @ 4 Ohms, 700 Watts @ 2 Ohms and 900 Watts Bridged Mono @ 8 Ohms. It runs for around $429.
I put two speakers in parallel on each channel for a combined resistance of 4 Ohmns per channel. Each speaker will then get 225 Watts (450 Watts per channel / 2).
We also use a dbx-215 Dual 15 Band Graphic Equalizer with 12db input boost.
--
Other than the initial setup and tweaking to get comfortable levels, we really have had no issues with them. We probably should have gone with a larger poweramp, however, just to keep the speakers more in their target power range. But, they are plenty loud and work well for us, so I'm not complaining.
About the only downfall is that there are not 4 independent monitor mixes (there are only 2 output channels). So two people have to share Monitor-Mix-1 and the other two have to share Monitor-Mix-2. This has not caused any problems for us, however. To get 4 independent monitor mixes, you would first need a main mixing board capable of 4 aux outs, and another poweramp. Each poweramp would then control 2 speakers, one per channel.
Passive versus Active?
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I think it's all preference.
Passive systems have independent pieces and parts, so if one part fails, you simply replace that part. You can upgrade passive systems (for instance, we could buy a larger poweramp). Passive systems also distribute the weight, whereas an active system has all the weight in each speaker. Also, all the power is centrally located, so you can use a power conditioner. However, (as you have seen from our setup) they may require more parts to get all independent monitor mixes.
Active systems are nice because everything is combined into one unit. But, now you must power each speaker. Assuming a 4 monitor system, that's 4 more plugs, 4 more wires to run, maybe another powerstrip and another extension cord to get in the way. And don't forget, you will need 4 line level aux-outs from your main board. You could buy a splitter and get away with 2 line level aux-outs, but now you are talking another 2 cables (2 out of the board, 2 splitters, plus 4 cables to the speakers) And if one speaker fails, it's more expensive to repair or replace. Oh, and since active systems have independant power to each speaker, you can split the power between different circuits, to help avoid tripping a breaker. Active speakers also have an output level on them - so now you have 2 sources to adjust the volume, the aux out level of the board, plus the output level on the monitor. Good if a musician wants to adjust his own monitor during a show - bad if the musician doesn't know what he's doing and starts to create feedback.
Active systems are conceptually easier to setup, because you do not need to match ratings of poweramps and speakers. The poweramps inside each speaker are already rated for that speaker. There's really not much to know. You simply "plug and play".
Personally, I lean towards the passive systems. I like having independant pieces. It's the same reasoning why I will never buy a TV with a VCR and DVD built in. If the TV craps out, you just lost a VCR and DVD as well. Plus, we run all the poweramps through a power conditioner, which is only one rack unit away. It's a nice and neat bundled system.
There are pros and cons to both. It's personal preference which path you take.
So there ya have it - one person's opinion. :-)
Bryan
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Post by bigkipper1230 on Jun 14, 2006 15:40:39 GMT -5
Wow - thanks man - very helpful ---- I agree , it's all preference, and yes, the active systems are much easier to deal with, like you said "plug & play" --- but i totally understand where you're coming from on a passive system -- in terms of the board, and AUX out's , our's has 6 - which is emmensly helpful, or at least it will be in the future when it comes ot making multiple mixes... anyways - i'll take all that info with me when i hit guitar center to go shopping for all the fun toys, haha.... thanks a million peace kip Kip, The Groove Junkies (http://www.thegroovejunkies.com) use four (4) Yamaha BR12M 12" 2 Way Floor Monitors. They are passive and powered by a QSC RMX-1450 Poweramp. The BR12M's are 8 Ohms each and are rated for 250 Watts (program) and 500 Watts (peak). They run for around $229 each. The RMX-1450 is rated at 280 Watts @ 8 Ohmn, 450 Watts @ 4 Ohms, 700 Watts @ 2 Ohms and 900 Watts Bridged Mono @ 8 Ohms. It runs for around $429. I put two speakers in parallel on each channel for a combined resistance of 4 Ohmns per channel. Each speaker will then get 225 Watts (450 Watts per channel / 2). We also use a dbx-215 Dual 15 Band Graphic Equalizer with 12db input boost. -- Other than the initial setup and tweaking to get comfortable levels, we really have had no issues with them. We probably should have gone with a larger poweramp, however, just to keep the speakers more in their target power range. But, they are plenty loud and work well for us, so I'm not complaining. About the only downfall is that there are not 4 independent monitor mixes (there are only 2 output channels). So two people have to share Monitor-Mix-1 and the other two have to share Monitor-Mix-2. This has not caused any problems for us, however. To get 4 independent monitor mixes, you would first need a main mixing board capable of 4 aux outs, and another poweramp. Each poweramp would then control 2 speakers, one per channel. Passive versus Active? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I think it's all preference. Passive systems have independent pieces and parts, so if one part fails, you simply replace that part. You can upgrade passive systems (for instance, we could buy a larger poweramp). Passive systems also distribute the weight, whereas an active system has all the weight in each speaker. Also, all the power is centrally located, so you can use a power conditioner. However, (as you have seen from our setup) they may require more parts to get all independent monitor mixes. Active systems are nice because everything is combined into one unit. But, now you must power each speaker. Assuming a 4 monitor system, that's 4 more plugs, 4 more wires to run, maybe another powerstrip and another extension cord to get in the way. And don't forget, you will need 4 line level aux-outs from your main board. You could buy a splitter and get away with 2 line level aux-outs, but now you are talking another 2 cables (2 out of the board, 2 splitters, plus 4 cables to the speakers) And if one speaker fails, it's more expensive to repair or replace. Oh, and since active systems have independant power to each speaker, you can split the power between different circuits, to help avoid tripping a breaker. Active speakers also have an output level on them - so now you have 2 sources to adjust the volume, the aux out level of the board, plus the output level on the monitor. Good if a musician wants to adjust his own monitor during a show - bad if the musician doesn't know what he's doing and starts to create feedback. Active systems are conceptually easier to setup, because you do not need to match ratings of poweramps and speakers. The poweramps inside each speaker are already rated for that speaker. There's really not much to know. You simply "plug and play". Personally, I lean towards the passive systems. I like having independant pieces. It's the same reasoning why I will never buy a TV with a VCR and DVD built in. If the TV craps out, you just lost a VCR and DVD as well. Plus, we run all the poweramps through a power conditioner, which is only one rack unit away. It's a nice and neat bundled system. There are pros and cons to both. It's personal preference which path you take. So there ya have it - one person's opinion. :-) Bryan |
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Post by Johnny 5 on Jun 14, 2006 18:40:53 GMT -5
This has prompted me to create a new forum, Live Sound
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Post by Johnny 5 on Jun 14, 2006 18:45:35 GMT -5
In SideShow we used to use Shure PSM400 in ear monitors. They worked great, but they take a bit of time to get used to them. THey are highly compressed (which is good in case a mic stand falls or such, you won't go deaf from the BOOM), and you lose almost all of the ambient stage and crowd noise. But once you get used to them, they are great. The clarity is amazing, and there is no threat of blowing a speaker. Which rocks for me as a bassist because I can have the kick drum and bass as loud as I want.
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Post by crazyjunkie on Jun 15, 2006 11:29:04 GMT -5
I've never used in-ear monitors, but I could imagine that another benefit with them is that you will avoid all monitor feedback. On a tight stage with multiple monitors and a lot of microphones, this could be a godsend.
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Post by Johnny 5 on Jun 15, 2006 12:12:37 GMT -5
I've never used in-ear monitors, but I could imagine that another benefit with them is that you will avoid all monitor feedback. On a tight stage with multiple monitors and a lot of microphones, this could be a godsend. Exactly, no need to turn down and EQ to avoid feedback. They are great. My main issue with them was battery life. The batteries really only lasted a set each. |
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Post by crazyjunkie on Jun 15, 2006 13:03:39 GMT -5
Kip, If you plan on making some big purchases at Guitar Center, go to the one in Manchester and ask for Matt Sullivan (he's a manager). He's pretty knowledgeable about matching amps, speakers, etc. He'll sell you the cheaper (in price) part if he thinks the more expensive one isn't worth the money (he'll tell you that). Plus, if you are making big purchases ($1000 or more), he'll most likely give you a discount if you ask. Just tell him that Bryan from The Groove Junkies sent ya. He definitely will know who I am.  What board are you using that has 6 aux outs? Be cautious becomes sometimes it's not truely 6 aux outs. For instance, we have an Allen and Heath MixWizard (LOVE it!) and also have 6 aux outs. HOWEVER, if you want to use the built in effects (reverb, etc), the only way to get them in the mix is to assign them to 2 of the aux busses, leaving only 4 available for other uses, like mixing the monitors. I guess my point is to thoroughly read the manual (I know, who reads those things) before assuming anything. Understanding your board before you plug it in can save you a lot of time and frustration. i'll take all that info with me when i hit guitar center to go shopping for all the fun toys, haha.... thanks a million peace kip |
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Mike
Scenester
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Post by Mike on Jun 15, 2006 14:51:44 GMT -5
Kip,
I just noticed you're in Springfield.
Check out ATC audio in West Springfield. I just bought some stuff there and they were great. They have all of their speaker amp combination put together so you can really try out the speakers, just bring some CDs with you. Plus they are a pro-audio touring sound company so they use the stuff on a day to day basis. They deal JBL, Warfdale, Mackie, and EV to name a few.
If you do go to GC in Manchester, I'm with Bryan. Ask for Matt Sullivan, he knows what he's talking about and won't steer you wrong. I steered away from their because at the time the selection was better in W.Springfield.
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Post by bigkipper1230 on Jun 15, 2006 18:39:03 GMT -5
thanks for the tip on talking to matt --- ill keep that in mind on the topic of the board, we have a Behringer Eurodesk MX2442A ---- 24 channel, 4 bus mixing board -- i personally love it - i know, Behringer doesn't always "walk the walk", but after almost a year of gigging with it, it's been pretty awesome - definitely helpful since we're constantly growing, and it has 16 channels with XLR inputs on them ... that helps a huge deal! so yeah - thats what we're workin with peace kip Kip, If you plan on making some big purchases at Guitar Center, go to the one in Manchester and ask for Matt Sullivan (he's a manager). He's pretty knowledgeable about matching amps, speakers, etc. He'll sell you the cheaper (in price) part if he thinks the more expensive one isn't worth the money (he'll tell you that). Plus, if you are making big purchases ($1000 or more), he'll most likely give you a discount if you ask. Just tell him that Bryan from The Groove Junkies sent ya. He definitely will know who I am. What board are you using that has 6 aux outs? Be cautious becomes sometimes it's not truely 6 aux outs. For instance, we have an Allen and Heath MixWizard (LOVE it!) and also have 6 aux outs. HOWEVER, if you want to use the built in effects (reverb, etc), the only way to get them in the mix is to assign them to 2 of the aux busses, leaving only 4 available for other uses, like mixing the monitors. I guess my point is to thoroughly read the manual (I know, who reads those things) before assuming anything. Understanding your board before you plug it in can save you a lot of time and frustration. i'll take all that info with me when i hit guitar center to go shopping for all the fun toys, haha.... thanks a million peace kip |
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Post by Johnny 5 on Jun 16, 2006 8:01:52 GMT -5
I have a Behringer 24 channel board that has held up well over the years as well. It's true, some of their gear is actually good!
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