Decent 5.1 System monitors

alobonzo · Post by **alobonzo** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:15 am

Hi,
I have to search for a decent 5.1 system setup for Audio-Video Post-production.
I found a Blue Sky MediaDesk 5.1 setup, I'm wondering about getting 5 KRK Rockit05+ RP10 Subwoofer, or 5 ESI nEar05+SW10K Subwoofer.

Any recommendations or ideas?
Thanks in advance.

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:47 am

Dealing with surround is far more than just the monitors, it also involves a good surround controller, calibration capability and YOUR ROOM. What are you using for your audio hardware and software? What is your budget? What kind of material is it that you're mixing? I design A LOT of surround systems both small and LARGE, but knowing your budget will be a huge help in this.

alobonzo · Post by **alobonzo** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:27 pm

We plan to use Macpro+LiquidMix+Motu Traveler, sequencers: SoundTrack Pro2 (Final Cut Studio2) and Cubase4. Mix involved: music and broadcast.
Budget 1500-2000 •‚¬

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 1:00 pm

Is that $1500-$2000 US Dollars? A decent, but inepxensive, surround system can easily cost $3000 - $4000 US. And then there is a surround controller that will give you appropriate DSP and calibration needed, easily every bit of $3000 - $5000. However, you can certainly do this much cheaper--but surround is far more advanced than stereo, which is why there is a significant amount of money to be made in providing these services.

IMHO the KRK's you mention are very bright monitors, it's hard to get a rock-solid mix. The BlueSky stuff is okay, but I feel it lacks the kind of clarity you'd find in an Adam A7 or a DynAudio BM5A. If you're on a budget, I'd suggest the GENLE 8020 Espresso bundle:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/8020Espresso/

For a small setup for doing surround, these are accurate monitors that are compact for a small room that is affordable.

alobonzo · Post by **alobonzo** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:50 am

Thanks for the advice!

HCMarkus · Post by **HCMarkus** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:45 am

You can also go with a quality home surround receiver and speaker/sub combo. If you do, make sure the receiver has direct audio ins so you can feed your multi-channel mix into the syystem. One advantage to the consumer receiver approach is you can run your encoded mix into the receiver's SPDIF in and thru the Dolby decoder to get a real-world listen.

If you are even considering using DP, it has plug-ins in that handle surround speaker calibration and bass management. Many consumer receivers share this functionality, but you may find it lacking from some "pro" surround speaker systems.

audios · Post by **audios** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 12:28 pm

Sure you can spend $4-5K or more if you're a full fledged sound stage. If you're just needing a decent system to place the tracks and do a rough mix for clients prior to going to a sound stage to really mix 5.1 or 7.1 or higher, I use this system...

http://www.kellyindustries.com/speakers ... 1_thx.html

Works just great. and it didn't cost $3-5K. More like $300 If you're doing DVD audio then a mastering studio should be your stop for the best 5.1

I've mixed features and cable programs on the Alesis system and in some cases it was never re-mixed. Travel Channel took my mix "as is". So caviat here is. Know your true needs before you spen $4-5K on a surround system from anyone.

mrgkeys · Post by **mrgkeys** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:54 pm

I bounce back and forth between the Blue Sky Mediadesks 5.1 and the Dynaudio BM5a's all day long... they are not as far apart as you would think.. In some respects the Mediadesk system is better...I've done a couple of surround music mixes for DVD on the Mediadesk system and been very happy with it (and so have the clients...) It is quite usuable for surround mixing.. don't count it out....