Yeah, Oz has made some great mixes with his ASP8's, so I think it boils down to how anal-retentive you are Aaron 
Event ASP8 vs Event OPAL
- Thread starter Ermz
- Start date
It's a matter of what you're used to and what you can vibe with as well. My mixes actually took a step back with the ASP8s. I started misjudging the mids and lows quite intensely. I was starting to get used to them towards the end, but really, you shouldn't have to learn monitors for that long.
What I find interesting is that here - on an engineering forum - people think ~$3,000 monitors are a serious investment, yet most own a plethora of tube heads and cabs that would rack up way over that. It's not about being anal-retentive. It's about priorities.
I work doing audio 8 hours a day, whether it be tracking or mixing, then after that I spend another 4 to 6 hours researching audio, all the while listening to music. So I'm using my monitors around ~12 hours a day. You start to think at that point 'why don't I just get some great monitoring since it's such a vital part of my daily process?'
What I find interesting is that here - on an engineering forum - people think ~$3,000 monitors are a serious investment, yet most own a plethora of tube heads and cabs that would rack up way over that. It's not about being anal-retentive. It's about priorities.
I work doing audio 8 hours a day, whether it be tracking or mixing, then after that I spend another 4 to 6 hours researching audio, all the while listening to music. So I'm using my monitors around ~12 hours a day. You start to think at that point 'why don't I just get some great monitoring since it's such a vital part of my daily process?'
Nebulous
Daniel
Yeah, Oz has made some great mixes with his ASP8's, so I think it boils down to how anal-retentive you are Aaron
That's a good point, but of course one that compares Ermz in his room (which Ermin will admit as being less than ideal) to Oz in a dedicated, treated space.
I think given the situation Ermz is in, he required monitors that would not only suit his current situation, but also last on for the future when he is in a position to change to a dedicated room.
Nice score Ermz!
Yeah, this is true - and Ermz, you make a good point about how we don't hesitate to blow $3000+ on some stuff, but scoff at the idea of paying that much for monitors. However, I dunno, I feel like if you use a pair as your main computer speakers for listening to music, and they aren't totally shit, you can learn them well enough that they'll serve you just fine! I mean, didn't/doesn't Ed mix on a fucking hi-fi stereo? 
Ben Johnson
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Zack Uidl
Member
Melodeath
Moonbow
Personally, I would scoff more at $3k for a guitar head than $3k for monitors.Yeah, this is true - and Ermz, you make a good point about how we don't hesitate to blow $3000+ on some stuff, but scoff at the idea of paying that much for monitors. However, I dunno, I feel like if you use a pair as your main computer speakers for listening to music, and they aren't totally shit, you can learn them well enough that they'll serve you just fine! I mean, didn't/doesn't Ed mix on a fucking hi-fi stereo?
Then again, I scoff at anything more than $1k
Price is all relative. Money "buys you more" in different categories.
But yeah, I agree. As long as you take the time to learn your speakers (which happens naturally if you use them as music listening/computer speakers, anyhow), I think you can mix on anything. Unless of course they are so poorly designed that they are muddy regardless of the amount of low-mids you have
KeithTidd
Robot Penis.
Ben Johnson
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Metaltastic said:
That's the same as saying if you take the time you can use a PODxt instead of a tube amp because it works for Joey and Splatt.
Everyone has different workflow, approaches, priorities etc. The only one that can judge whether a purchase is excessive is the person making it. Half the battle is time. I'm booked for months and am struggling to get through my backlogged projects. I need monitors that will throw the source at me, without bullshit. The ASP8s are full of shit that you need to sift through, learn and mix around. If you guys actually heard the two side by side this discussion wouldn't even exist.
Why do so many people here spend several grand on great amps and cabs, then use Fireboxes or cheap M-audio/Mackie gear to record them in entirely untreated rooms? There is stuff going on which is much less logical than this purchase - if only you have the perspective to see it.
I have not regretted getting the Opals for a moment since setting them up. Not a single moment. They will pay themselves off in a few weeks.
FWIW, what Dan said is also true.
I can't control my room much more than sticking 19 traps in here. It's still a tiny shoebox and much less than ideal. The ASP8s are VERY picky about placement, and I imagine they resonate much better in larger spaces, with more treatment. The Opals are much the same, except they have an inherently tighter sound that is easier to control via the plethora of front panel switches.
I can't control my room much more than sticking 19 traps in here. It's still a tiny shoebox and much less than ideal. The ASP8s are VERY picky about placement, and I imagine they resonate much better in larger spaces, with more treatment. The Opals are much the same, except they have an inherently tighter sound that is easier to control via the plethora of front panel switches.
I hear ya dude, and of course your happiness is what counts to you! I was more speaking for those who might be feeling that they'll be helpless without spending the cash on monitors of that caliber, cuz I've been plenty happy with my Tannoys
And the Onyx 400F is actually a very high-quality unit thank you very much (at least as far as AD/DA and to a lesser extent preamps go, stability it leaves a bit to be desired, but I can deal!)
ParsonsMatt
Alas, Tyranny
If I could afford it, I'd totally spend $3K on monitors, if they're really that good...
But that's like a years rent and a semester's tuition for me, so for me its a matter of "afford" not "justify" My ASP6s are doing decent enough... And I plan on improving my room/acoustics before spending any more money on monitors.
But that's like a years rent and a semester's tuition for me, so for me its a matter of "afford" not "justify"
My ASP6s are doing decent enough... And I plan on improving my room/acoustics before spending any more money on monitors.
Soundlurker
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- Nov 19, 2005
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I just want to say that I knew my previous monitors really well and my mixes translated pretty well. Once I listened to my mixes through the Adam A7s I thought to myself What!? And as Ermz will soon tell you, the Opals PISS on the Adams
That's the spirit! Room tone plays a much more significant effect on what you hear than monitors. The ASP series especially are rather picky about placement and environment due to the heavy porting. A ton of bass trapping and covering first reflections is about one of the single best things you can do for your monitoring.
ShadowWalker said:I just want to say that I knew my previous monitors really well and my mixes translated pretty well. Once I listened to my mixes through the Adam A7s I thought to myself What!? And as Ermz will soon tell you, the Opals PISS on the Adams
. I've never dug the A7s myself, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy them. Most of my experience has been using the S3As, which to my knowledge have become the 'studio standard' model of Adams. They'd be more than adequate to do great mixes on if learned properly, and I'm sure the same thing flies for the A7s, once you overcome your low-end issue.
Melodeath
Moonbow
Note: This post relates only to my experience with my HS80Ms in MY room
I am surprised by how much people are saying their room influences their monitors' sound. The whole point of near-fields is to minimize room influence. Personally, I haven't noticed any difference after putting up bass traps on the ceiling and at the first reflection points. And when I walk around the room, I can barely hear even hear the speakers, even though the volume is at a decent level from mixing position. Regardless of any nulls or standing waves that may exist, their levels are probably so attenuated they don't even affect the direct sound. This is the point of near-fields.
Then again, my monitors are not near any walls, my room is fairly large, and where I sit, my ears are about 2 feet from each monitor.
I imagine things would probably sound different if I was in a typical-sized room.
I am surprised by how much people are saying their room influences their monitors' sound. The whole point of near-fields is to minimize room influence. Personally, I haven't noticed any difference after putting up bass traps on the ceiling and at the first reflection points. And when I walk around the room, I can barely hear even hear the speakers, even though the volume is at a decent level from mixing position. Regardless of any nulls or standing waves that may exist, their levels are probably so attenuated they don't even affect the direct sound. This is the point of near-fields.
Then again, my monitors are not near any walls, my room is fairly large, and where I sit, my ears are about 2 feet from each monitor.
I imagine things would probably sound different if I was in a typical-sized room.
