How crucial are monitors?

**AdamOnline** · 03-04-2006

Hi, I've been producing for about 3 months now. I know I need monitors eventually. My question is, are they a priority? I've been wanting to buy my first synth, but would I be better off buying a pair of monitors first? I don't exactly make production-quality beats yet.

First I was using a set of Logitech surround sound speakers with all 7 speakers on my desktop, which I know is a terrible replacement for true monitors. Lately though I've mostly been using my Technics DJ headphones. The difference between the two is drastic; and I think I'd like some consistency in my mixing. Then again, I'd really like to add some new elements to my songs; forgoing the monitors in favor of an entry level synth.

Okay, now that I've said way too much... Would it be foolish to buy something like a synth before I have some decent monitors? Are monitors, like, the foundation of an equipment collection?

Also, I hear you have to learn your monitors. If that's the case, would I be best off getting something professional grade like the KRK V8s, or will I be happy down the road with something like some Rokit 5s, which I presume are more for enthusiasts?

Well, thanks a lot for any help! I'm gonna keep scouring for info

**MASSIVE Mastering** · 03-04-2006

Let me throw a couple overused clichés in...

(1) You're only ever as good as your monitors allow you to be.

(2) You can not tweak what you can not hear.

There are few "hard rules" in the recording industry, but you can't argue with those. Personally, I wish people would get the best speakers they can and then just listen to them. Every day - For six months or so, before ever even trying to record a track.

They'd be so far ahead of the game...

There are a lot of things in the recording industry you can cut corners on - Monitoring and room treatments aren't in that category. Get the best you can.

**AdamOnline** · 03-04-2006

Awesome, thanks for the reply. I had a feeling I'd be leaning toward monitors for the exact reason that Cliché 2 presents =)

Monitors it is. It only makes sense...

-ADAM

**Napalm** · 03-05-2006

Now go out and buy yourself some Adam Studio Monitors

**AdamOnline** · 03-08-2006

Originally posted by Napalm
Now go out and buy yourself some Adam Studio Monitors

Hehheh, yeah! Thanks for your replies folks.

-ADAM

**DanielO_o** · 03-09-2006

I disagree - You are not only as good as your monitors allow you to be. You can learn your monitors and learn to adjust for them in mixing. I think a decent synth is more important, as you need good sounds.

**MASSIVE Mastering** · 03-09-2006

But without a good monitoring scenario, how can you tell what your synth truly sounds like?

**Kossae** · 03-09-2006

I "mix" on Creative 4.1's all pointed directly at me with the sub on the floor. It doesn't sound like it would work out good, and I'm sure to a mixing engineer I would have some work to do on the mix, but when I listen to my mixes on some KrK's or something, they sound pretty straight. I think a certain quality level needs to be achieved in speakers, but after that it's just training your ears to how commercial mixes sound on them, and tuning your mixes to sound the same.

**jacpot** · 03-09-2006

Yeah Moniters definately dont "make" the producer. You can be dope with out moniters. Shyt I make dope beats all the time in my headphones.

But to make dope mixes you need good moniters.

But fuk a mix, I mixdown in the pro studio when Im done

**thechiefgood** · 05-12-2006

Pick up some monitors. You don't nessasarily need the v8's. Those krk rokit5's will be a giant upgrade over pc 7.1 speakers. Also you don't really want to get 8in monitors if you are mixing down in a small room. For one you may need to pump the volume to a certain level to get the accuracy you want, and of korse you don't want to keep the parents and neighbors awake all night. Headphones don't pick up low's very well, and I'd hate to burn a million cd's just so i can hear it in my car's sound system.

chief.