Speakers

I think that those just starting out in the Industry (recording industry that is) have a misconception about which monitors would be best to mix and edit. Seeing as almost all the gear used in a recording studio is on the expensive side, they just automatically assume that the most expensive set of Studio monitors is the best choice. Well they could be more wrong.

When a product is more expensive it usually means either that they are made by a well know manufacturer who just charges for the name of the product or because they have high quality components inside of them that make it worth the money.

Lets take JBL as an example. JBL charges for both the name and the components. Just because JBL makes studio monitors it does not mean that they would be the best choice. They just have a well-established name with surround sound systems. The JBL LSR4328P studio monitors have the following specs:

-Frequency Response: +/-1.5 dB: 50 Hz -- 20 kHz, -3 dB: 43 Hz -- 22 kHz, -10 dB: 35 Hz -- 32 kHz

-SPL / 1m (Continuous/Peak): 106 dB / 112 dB

-Transducers: 8 in. 438H / 1 in. 431G; Self Shielded Neodymium Motor Structures

-Sensitivity +4 dBu, -10 dBV: 96 dB / 1m

-Amplification: 150 w/ 70 w

-Digital Processing: 24 Bit, 96 kHz

-Analog Inputs: XLR, 1/4 in. Balanced, +4 dBu, -10 dBV

-Digital Inputs: AES/EBU XLR, S/PDIF RCA

-Data Connections: Harman HiQnet Network, USB, RMC Mic

-Weight: 13.1 kg (29 lb)

-Dimensions (H x W x D): 438 mm x 267 mm x 269 mm; 17.25 in x 10.5 in x 10.6 in

Although they have great specification they are one, way to expensive starting at $1,539.00 a pair, and two, they are just not the kind of speaker you want to be mixing and editing on as u will find out later in the blog.

So now that we have decided that the JBL speakers are not the right choice for studio monitors, which ones are?

Everyone knows that most well known studios have a pair of NS10s as reference monitors. Yamaha has come up with a replica studio monitor that has the same clear quality as the NS10s but can also be used for mixing and editing. The Yamaha HS80Ms are amazing speakers. The quality is high and the clarity is even better. Although the low end is not as there as most would like it to be, the sub that is sold separately fixes that low-end problem. The only thing that can make these speakers better is the price.  The price of each speaker is $349.99 making the pair only $700. The sub that is sold separately is also $349.99 making the total $1049. The following specs are what make these speakers the right choice if u would like a pair of brand new speakers:




-2-way bass-reflex bi-amplified near-field studio monitor

-8" cone woofer and 1" dome high-frequency unit

-42Hz - 20kHz frequency response.

-120 watts dynamic bi-amplified power.

-XLR and TRS phone jack inputs accept balanced or unbalanced signals.

-Level control facilitates precise overall system level matching.

-MID EQ, ROOM CONTROL, and HIGH TRIM response control switches.

-LOW CUT switch.

-Full magnetic shielding.

I personally own the Yamaha HS80M speakers and I wouldn’t change them for anything except a 1980s boom box.

I know this sounds crazy, but the truth is that not everyone in the world who will be listening to your music will be listening through a pair of professional monitors. They will be listening from car radios, computer, iPods, stereos and monitors that will not do any justice to the mix. So it you, as an engineer, use a boom box, a stereo or even a pair of crappy old computer speakers, you have the ability to make a mix that sounds good everywhere and not just in your studio. If it sounds good on your old boom box then it will sound amazing on a good set of speakers.

Microphones

Microphones are evidently a must for any recording studio, whether it is for a professional or home recording studio. Obviously there are a few questions that come to mind when thinking about acquiring a microphone for your studio.

First question would be, which microphone would be the best for my studio (meaning can I buy one microphone that will serve multiple purposes). The next question is how many should I get and then, of course the biggest worry of all is how much will be spent on the microphone(s).

Well let’s start with the most economical. This first microphone ( SM 57) is not only money smart, but it is also a great microphone that can pretty much be used for anything.

The SM 57 is only $99.99, and it can be used for drums, guitars, overhead, woodwinds and even vocals.

Product Features

•                40Hz - 15kHz frequency response provides clean instrumental reproduction and rich

Vocal pickup

•                Uniform cardioids pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes

Background noise for clear audio transmission

•                Pneumatic shock mount system cuts down handling noise

•                Break-resistant stand adapter rotates 180° for optimal positioning

•                Rugged design protects against normal wear and tear

•                3-pin male XLR connector provides easy connectivity

Includes swivel stand adapter and storage bag

The next microphone is a little more expensive but it can also be used for lead vocals as well as solo instruments. It is a diverse high quality microphone called the AKG C 414 XL II. This microphone runs from $749 to $999, so it is a little more on the expensive side but reasonable for a top of the line microphone that can be used for multiple recording purposes. Listed bellow is some specs:

•                AKG C 414 - A legend since 1971

•                Nine selectable pickup patterns enables to choose the perfect setting for every

Application

•                Lock Mode: all controls can be disabled easily for trouble-free use

•                Peak Hold LED even detects shortest overload peaks

•                Incredible Dynamic Range of 152 dB

•                Three switchable different bass cut filters and three pre-attenuation levels

•                Leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art components ensure shortest signal

Path and extra protection against moisture

Designed, Engineered and Built in Vienna, Austria

Last but not least we have the top of the line Neumann U87 microphone most famously used by Michael Jackson for his entire “Thriller” album recordings. These microphones can be priced anywhere from $6000 to $15,000 or more for a stereo pair. These are classic amazing microphones and can be used for any kind of recording. This microphone would be an amazing asset to your studio and would be the showpiece. It would be the microphone to pull out when you want to compliment any singer’s vocals. Below are listed some specs:

Stereo Pair

·       Two U87s are matched in sensitivity and frequency response for accurate, pristine stereo recordings.

·       Three Polar Patterns

·       The U87 features three switchable polar patterns. Omni directional, cardioids, and figure-eight patterns provide the flexibility needed in any recording scenario.

·       10dB Pad Switch

·       10dB attenuation switch enables the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 127dB.

·       Low Cut Roll-Off Switch

·       A low cut roll off switch eliminates hum, rumble and low frequency noise.

·       Advanced Output Circuitry

·       Although the microphone features the original capsule, the U87 AIMT features improved output electronics that provide higher sensitivity and improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Overall all three microphones are amazing buys, I have just provided the different prices

And what each price gives you.