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Old 09-19-2018, 11:22 AM
jschmitz54 jschmitz54 is offline
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Default Studio monitors

I’m a beginner and my instructor thinks I may benefit from playing songs to backtracks on my MAC computer. I tried this a little and the volume and sound quality of the computer are lacking.
Is it possible to add powered studio monitors to this computer? How do you do this, are they wired or wireless? If wired what kind of connectors do I use?
Are there suggestions for some studio monitors that may be reasonably priced.
My instructor had a pair of Mackies he uses and I thought they sounded great for the size.
As you can probably tell I have not much of an idea how to do this so the more detailed the advice the better.
Thanks for your time and expertise.
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Old 09-19-2018, 11:52 AM
Monsum Monsum is offline
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There are dozens of studio monitors which sound better than any computer speakers. It all depends on how much money you want to spend and how big they need to be. For small, acoustically untreated rooms, I'd recommend speakers with up to 5-inch woofers. Bigger ones might sound too boomy.
I recently bought IK Multimedia iLoud Micro monitors, very small but great sounding for the price speakers. They connect to a computer via 1/8 stereo jack or via bluetooth.
The iLouds received many positive reviews. And don't get misled by their small size, they are very loud.
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Old 09-19-2018, 12:10 PM
RedJoker RedJoker is offline
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I'm going to disagree and suggest you don't buy monitors. From what it sounds like you are trying to do, you just need something louder to play along with. Those iLoud's may be great but they're also $300.

Personally, I would just get a Bluetooth speaker. They can be had for $30 bucks, be plenty loud to play along with and can connect with either a 1/8" jack or Bluetooth. Plus you can move it around to use it for other things.

Down the road, if you want to get into recording and need a good set of studio monitors, then you'll have a better idea of what your budget and needs really are.

For what it's worth, this is the Bluetooth speaker I play along with when practicing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073BVWRSP

But these are my studio monitors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015U623MQ
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Old 09-19-2018, 03:04 PM
Gordon Currie Gordon Currie is offline
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Bluetooth speakers have lots of potential uses, so it's nice to have one around. For simple playing along with tracks, it is sufficient (unlike tracking, mixing and mastering).

You could even set up a headphone system and do without speakers (for this use) altogether.

If you do find you want something more, the iLouds are pretty amazing. The engineer we used on our last project LOVES them as a secondary monitor and as a primary monitor when writing and arranging. My wife ended up getting a pair and they are ALL the monitor she will ever need.
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Old 09-20-2018, 07:10 AM
MikeBmusic MikeBmusic is offline
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For just playing along with music (not mixing/recording music), you can find a pair of powered speakers for under $100 - there are many choices by Mackie, Alesis, setc: https://www.sweetwater.com/c405--Act...itors/low2high

You can probably find a used set somewhere for half the money. Your computer should have an external 1/8" stereo jack, the speakers will come with a cable to plug into the computer, then another one that runs from one speaker to the other (powered speakers in this price range tend to have an amp in one speaker, and the other one is passive).
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Old 09-20-2018, 10:10 AM
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Cocobolo Kid Cocobolo Kid is offline
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The iLouds sound so good though. They do run on sale quite often. I use my pair a lot.
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Old 09-21-2018, 07:37 AM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedJoker View Post
I'm going to disagree and suggest you don't buy monitors. From what it sounds like you are trying to do, you just need something louder to play along with. Those iLoud's may be great but they're also $300.

Personally, I would just get a Bluetooth speaker. They can be had for $30 bucks, be plenty loud to play along with and can connect with either a 1/8" jack or Bluetooth. Plus you can move it around to use it for other things.

Down the road, if you want to get into recording and need a good set of studio monitors, then you'll have a better idea of what your budget and needs really are.

For what it's worth, this is the Bluetooth speaker I play along with when practicing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073BVWRSP

But these are my studio monitors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015U623MQ
I strongly second the auxillary speaker suggestion. I use a Creative D80 all the time for a wide variety of uses. It has great sound, plenty of bottom end and is loud and clear for its size. Very reasonably priced, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-D80-...s=creative+d80
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  #8  
Old 11-09-2018, 11:04 AM
PerryE PerryE is offline
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Just bought a pair of Adam A3X and looking at them right now as I am on my way home on the subway. Much preferred them when I compared with similarly priced Yamaha and KRK ROKIT
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Old 11-14-2018, 02:54 AM
PerryE PerryE is offline
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Short update - these A3X are really great! I also appreciate the small footprint. Going through a couple of remixes I can hear so many more nuances than with my studio headphones
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  #10  
Old 11-21-2018, 08:18 PM
The Old Anglo The Old Anglo is offline
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I Always go with Alesis as Quality counts,Look for a pair of Monitor One MK2. You`ll be Happy with them!. Mine are 20 years old and still cooking!. Never heard anything better!.
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