Old Motifator threads are available in the Archive.
rumplediner
Total Posts: 5
Joined 03-06-2009 status: Newcomer |
Okay, so I’m fairly new to synths in general-but I’ve read quite a few reviews and listened to demos and I must say the XS is quite cool. I’m interested in getting an XS for my own enjoyment of playing and performing, but I’m not really planning on making studio recordings. My question is, since live performances are all I’m really after, do I really need to purchase monitor speakers for it? They’re really pushing my budget. What would I sacrifice if I went with a normal set of 120 watt speakers? Also, does anyone know of a great budget speaker set? Thanks a lot! |
maymanuel1
Total Posts: 43
Joined 03-26-2008 status: Regular |
I cannot suggest a specific monitor to use on live applications.. Simply because the Band I am in uses in Ear-Monitors.. I make sure that no matter what my band mates are doing, that I am always monitored in Stereo.. As Bad_Mister has said, it is much better musically, to hear yourself in stereo.. Because when you sound great, you play great.
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synthlogic
Total Posts: 481
Joined 11-13-2008 status: Enthusiast |
Stay away from “budget” speakers or monitors. I made that mistake long ago. It’s best to save up and buy quality speakers--not something you will grow out of in 3-6 months. |
rumplediner
Total Posts: 5
Joined 03-06-2009 status: Newcomer |
Are monitor speakers absolutely necessary? Or can I get some normal high-quality speakers? Again, I’m not looking to record. |
synthlogic
Total Posts: 481
Joined 11-13-2008 status: Enthusiast |
Are you talking about playing solo gigs with your XS? If so.....I purchased the Yamaha StagePas 300 system for live performance. It offers a 300 watt mixer/amp and two speakers with 8” woofers--lightweight and inexpensive. (Under $500 on sale usually). |
Randelph
Total Posts: 315
Joined 02-21-2007 status: Enthusiast |
you’re not clear- do you need speakers for live performing, or just speakers for playing at home and being able to hear clearly what your magnificent synth is capable of (including tight bass reproduction)? most people don’t use monitor speakers for performing, they’re designed for a studio/home situation. for home listening, it depends on part on how you’re set-up- i’ve got a 2 level keyboard stand with the XS on the bottom and the top has an extra large piece of plywood that gives me plenty of room for my monitor speakers to be set about 3 feet away from my playing position, perfectly placed for good stereo imaging (and not making too much noise for my neighbors!) you could always use any stereo speakers, but the advantage of studio monitors is that they’re often self-powered, and if you do ever want to do a mix-down, they’re more neutral and made for the job. there’s such a proliferation of monitors these days, the prices are pretty reasonable for what you get- i hear the mackie self powered MR5 and MR8 monitors are really good ($350-$500). |
rumplediner
Total Posts: 5
Joined 03-06-2009 status: Newcomer |
You’re right, I really wasn’t clear enough. What I want are some good general-purpose speakers that aren’t a lot of money. Most of my playing will be for my own personal enjoyment. I don’t plan on making any albums or anything, and not even a lot of live stuff. I just want to HEAR the thing in good quality, that’s all. |
Matt_28
Total Posts: 109
Joined 02-21-2009 status: Pro |
In this case I think you should take whatever speaker system sounds best in your ears; don’t worry about things like “linear frequency response” etc. If you’re looking for not-too-expensive active studio monitors, I repeatedly received recommendations for speakers from companies like Behringer (e.g., B2031A) or ESI (e.g., nEAR 05 eXperience). I ended up with a Yamaha HS-80M speaker system, by the way, but the other systems I just mentioned may be much more suitable for your purpose. Although, there is a Yamaha HS-50M available as well… Just trust your ears. :) |
uli_p
Total Posts: 53
Joined 03-02-2007 status: Experienced |
I am happy with the ESI nEar 05 classic speakers for home use: http://www.thomann.de/gb/esi_near05_aktive_nahfeldmonitore.htm Thomann is the only shop that keeps carrying them. In fact they have them made especially for their shop. I have also listened to the nEar 05 Experience, the HSM 50 and a bunch of other speakers. I did like the nEar 05 classic most. And they were cheaper than most of the others I checked. No idea, where you live, but if you are from Europe, they might be a good buy. I will be purchasing a set of ART RCF 310 A for life use (~ 500 € per piece). Haven’t got them yet, so I can’t comment on these. |
zzzxtreme
Total Posts: 135
Joined 02-12-2009 status: Pro |
well , hmmm u know, hmmm personally for me, using a prologic amp that sports a subwoofer output always sounded much more ‘enjoyable’ for playing at home than just 2 speakers, or 2 monitor speakers. or if u already have a good stereo amp, you ‘might’ love those speakers like Bose Acousticmass. Timpani roll sounds awesome with subwoofers/good woofers. hmmm mmaybe depends on the kind of music u like. just my 2 cents |
JohnBee
Total Posts: 134
Joined 06-14-2008 status: Pro |
I went with a pair of Yamaha HS-80’s and never looked back.
I don’t know if they could be classed as budget or not, but we didn’t beak the bank getting them and as they are self powered, it helped keep the setup simple without compromising on performance. I looked at other monitors also while I was shopping, and concluded that matching the performance with a passive setup(amp and passive monitors) would have cost me more than the HS80’s and sub together in the end. Plus, the HS80’s allowed me to buy the two monitors first and add a sub later. Which helped with cost and allowed me to see experience first hand how they would hold up without a sub. Hope this helps. |
marky_markuk ( Maxxuk )
Total Posts: 327
Joined 05-31-2007 status: Enthusiast |
Johnbee, How do you wire those to the XS ?? Are they just plugged from the XS L-R outs ?? or do they go through an Amp beforehand ?? |
Yamaha_US
Total Posts: 2540
Joined 07-19-2002 status: Moderator |
The HS speakers are powered monitors so they have amps built in. With powered monitors you just plug the L&R;outputs into the speakers directly. |
marky_markuk ( Maxxuk )
Total Posts: 327
Joined 05-31-2007 status: Enthusiast |
That’s cool....may have to look at investing in a pair eventually to go with my XS at home. Would beat the MAHOOSIVE peavey KB5 amp that currently site under it at the moment, it also doesn’t do the drums any justice ( maybe because it’s a keyboard amp eh ?? LOL ) |
JohnBee
Total Posts: 134
Joined 06-14-2008 status: Pro |
There are no XLR outputs on our XS8 only 1/4 jacks and a host of other data and digital IO’s. So the typical wiring was 1/4(XS) -> 1/4(HS80). However the HS10W sub provides XLR bridges to the HS80’s, so the full setup looks as such: 1/4(XS) -> 1/4(HS10W) -> XLR(HS10W) -> XLR(HS80) respectively. With the sub, the system easily overpowers our home(shakes and rattles a plenty). Whereas the two monitors alone would run thin at or around 110Hz and under. It still managed to reproduce the sounds mind you, it just didn’t do it with authority. Which had a significant impact on the acoustic side of things as well as the synth sections. Hope this helps. |
Matt_28
Total Posts: 109
Joined 02-21-2009 status: Pro |
The HS80M speakers have a great bass power and go down to 42 Hz. That is L O W, my appartment rattles more than my neighbours can appreciate :-) The subwoofer goes down to 30 Hz. That is an improvement certainly, but perhaps not that big one. After listening to the speakers, I decided to go without the subwoofer. I may buy one later, however, but it’s a lot of money for a rather subtle effect. However, having one of course doesn’t hurt… :-) A sub might be more needed for the HS50M speakers, which stop at 55 Hz. Just my 2 cents, good luck! M |