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How many of you have a subwoofer in your studio?
A while back I noticed that all the studios I record at (in Taiwan) don't use a subwoofer. I asked them why they don't have one, and they told me that they don't need the "Boom" of the bass for the music, commercials, etc. that they work with. I guess I can see their point to some degree, although it makes me wonder why they wouldn't want the entire sound spectrum represented while working.
At any rate, I've been considering to buy one but don't know if it's really worth it. I'm using a pair of house speakers attached to a normal amp with the highs cut off for an occasional reference while mixing. I don't trust everything I hear from them, but I think they give me a good idea of where the sub freq's are sitting.
So....a studio sub...is it worth the money? Or just stick with what I'm doing? And other than the KRK sub....what others would you recommend?
Glenn
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Glenn,
If you're using house speakers then I'd probably just spend the money on some proper moniters before you go and get a sub woofer.
I've never used a sub as the Mackies are plenty bottom heavy. Also introducing a sub can cause more problems than it solves if it's not accurate. Sure you'll hear some sub going on but who knows how flat or representative it will be of the actual mix. I used to get mixes by someone who had a sub and they were always bass light at the sub made it seemed like there was more there.
Better to invest in a nice pair of as accurate moniters as you can get and build a good foundation that way.
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Yeah, good monitors are a must. I have Mackie's as well and they have plenty low end boom. KRK's were a bit flatter.
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Sorry, I should clarify. I've got monitors. Not the greatest (KRK Rokit 5's) but good enough for me. Their low-end is rated at 53Hz. And they seem to struggle at that. I could get a larger monitor and maybe this would solve the problem, the 8's get down to 45Hz. I suppose I don't need to worry about anything lower than that.
And with the house speakers, I just turn those on occasionally throughout the mix to hear what's going on below 53Hz. Sometimes I think the mix is sounding great on the monitors, then turn on the house speakers and find the sub frequencies to be way overpowering. Granted, I take that with a grain of salt.
I'm still learning about all this. So definitely need your advice.
And another thing I'm thinking about, if I'm making music to be played in clubs; and in clubs, they have stocked their place with various sized subs; then shouldn't I too want to have a sub for this very reason? To know what the clubber is going to be getting on the dancefloor. Just a thought....
Thanks
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Possibly the reason why your sub frequencies are heavy on the house speakers is because your Rokit 5's are a bit bass light due to their size, thereby to make the mix sound fuller you add too much low end.
Another possibility is that your room is funky and the bass is summing/cancelling where you are sitting, thereby affecting the low frequency levels, which again causes you to make adjustments.
As a rule though, I would mix on monitors with 8" woofers due to the kick drum driven nature of dance music. I know people that do use smaller monitors and get great results but they have 'learned' their system and have spent hours in front of it.
Now you could opt for a sub to complement your system, but my gut tells me that you'd be better off getting some 8's. It is hard to give you advice without really sitting in your studio and hearing it ourselves.
Let's see what Jesse has to say before you do anything.
About having the sub because clubs have them, that is not really true. You want a accurate monitoring system that let's you create mixes that translate well on your home speakers, your friend's boom box, your Ipod, and the club.
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+1 on the Mackie HR824's MKI, they are sick monitors, no need for a sub.
Bunkcious
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This thread is making me wish I stepped up and got the Mackie 828's instead...I have 628's.
That being said, what should I aim for in the future? Should I upgrade to an 8" speaker? Is it worth it to keep the 6's and have a 6 and an 8" or is that redundant? I know its good to have some near fields and some bigger guys, but are 6's and 8's too similar?
Anyone have any experience with dynaudio monitors?
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I've heard the 628's and they sounded good in a small room.
Before you run out to the store to upgrade, ask yourself how the monitors have been working for you. How do your projects sound when played on other systems? Do they translate well?
Like I said earlier, there are plenty of people that produce with smaller monitors and they make solid tracks. My friend of mine even uses computer speakers and makes very nice productions with them.
The point is, whether they are 628's, 828's, or whatever model, if you are new to production you have to learn your monitors and how they work in the room you are in.
Back in the day all types of producers used Yamaha NS-10's, which seemed pretty small. But everyone learned them and they became a studio standard. My personal choice, however, are the 828's.
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Glenn,
Understand your point about club having them and wanting to mimick that. There is probably some truth in that. I've been to the studio to a well known dutch duo here and they had big PA speakers setup. It does get you in the mood but I can only imagine the ear damage ;-)
This actually makes a good point now that I think of it. The reason clubs have got subs is to make it LOUD. All you need is accurate to a decent sound level so you can make better mixes. In your case perhaps a sub would be fine since you've already got a couple of speakers/moniters that you know. I would just be careful with the crossover point and matching the low end you've got already to a sub, it needs to be a flat transition.
This is where either havign a bigger moniter or a smaller moniter with a matched sub (from the same company) would help.
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Good point, definitely a sub from the same company.
