VERY small onsite monitors?

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 2:11 am

Folks-

Do any of you have speakers that you use on very small setups? Clearly, My phones will provide a very detailed sound, but it is good to have speakers as well...

For larger gigs, I have nice ADAM S2.5a that please the clients and I like them too! But what I would like is a small alternative that can just fit into the rear lid of my SKB 4 space case. I would love to step up from my Radio Shak Minimus-Sevens, (h 7", w 4.5", d 4.25").

What are you using? Are there any suprise solutions out there that I don't know about? Has anyone tried the smallest Genelecs (the 8020a model)?

thanks!

Exsultavit

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 6:06 am

NHT Mini-M00

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 12:02 pm

Have you used these? Do you use them? Can you describe your experiences with them?

Also- I have found the "NHT M00 mini monitors". These are the same size as the Genelecs- actually a bit larger. Almost too large for me. Also- they seem to require a sub.

Does anyone use these without a sub?

I appreciate the product name, but it would really help if you wrote a bit...

thanks!

Exsultavit

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 12:36 pm

Anything that small is going to require a subwoofer for deep bass. You posted this question on the "Acoustic Music" forum. Many who record acoustic material on remotes do not require a sub, especially for tracking.
Yes, I have a pair of the M00s. I use them regularly to track live dates of jazz big band performances, some blues and rock remotes, too. They are very accurate and linear. Mixes done on them translate pretty well to other systems. No, the bottom end doesn't extend as far as a bigger box, that is a given. I'm sure it doesn't on the Genelecs, either. But the NHTs are a great small speaker, worth 3 times their price.

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 3:19 pm

Thanks for that info, Moonbaby. I certainly understand the need for a sub with any small spkr. Some, though, are designed to use a sub and never without them. Those sound useless without a sub. I am glad to hear that you use them onsite without one.

Have you compared to the Genelecs?

Ex

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:50 pm

We use the 8020a's in a temporary Master Control Suite setup - and they still fill the room with sound! The low-end is obviously a bit weak, but the mid-bass on up sounds fantastic to me...

Placing them in a corner will obviously help them couple with the room, and give you more low-end for free...

Cool

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:31 pm

I've used the M-00s. I assure you - they sound fabulous without a sub. (Granted, low stuff ain't there. But, on location gigs, the room is such that I'm never keen on low end information anyway.)

You might want to check out Audioengine (Model 2 and 5)

The AE 2 was reviewed in Stereophile last month and got a pretty darned good review. The AE5 is a bit bigger but both seem incredibly small. I've considered getting them myself for smaller remotes and if they suck (since I know nothing of them other than the review), I'll relegate them to computer speaker duty...

More info on AE:
http://audioengineusa.com/index.htm

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:34 am

Thanks for that tip! I am investigating the A2 now. The Genelecs and the NHTs are both just a bit too big for my available roadcase space. The A2 is small enough, and maybe it sounds good!

BTW: The website offers a 30 day listening period with no penalty if you don't like them. And the shipping is free- so my only financial risk is the postage to send them back if I don't like them.

Height: 6", width: 4". I only need to know the Depth (they look deeper than 4") to place my order. I've sent them an email with my request.

My current plan is to use my new Benchmark DA1 to feed them.

I will post here with my impressions!

Exsultavit

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:50 am

Emes Pink might do the trick if they are still available. Very high quality and good sound.

http://www.floridamusicco.com/proddetail~prod~pinktv.htm

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:47 pm

I would generally agree Re: the Emes...my only thoughts contrary on the subject would be:

1 - the size still is a little larger than Exsultavit seems to be looking for
2 - the *only* drawback I've seen to smaller Emes (not heard the pink, so can't state for certain) is that they don't have much in reserves for dynamic power. What they're giving you is almost what they have to offer at full tilt. So, loud brassy sections that sneak out of no where seem to almost overwhelm them.

I suspect this is due mostly to the fact that their smaller stuff is generally designed for TV post production.

They do generally sound quite nice though. For the price...I would still consider the Adams or Dynaudios serious competitors in that size class.

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:30 am

Cucco-

Yes, you are correct in thinking that the Emes Pink is too large for me. They are larger than the Genelecs or NHTs, and I have already said that THEY are almost too large.

Just to clarify: I have nicer, larger monitors for setups that allow for that luxury. I am always trying to downsize my smaller 'day to day' setup, though. I am willing to sacrifice some fidelity/ low end in the monitors (but not, of course, in the recording chain!) in order to make my small setup fast and easy.

The monitors need to be small enough to be transported inside the back lid of a 4-space SKB case. That case already has gear and some cables in it. So height: 9.5' is a true limit. Width: 4" or 5". After that, the stored speakers 'reach" too deep into the case and hit the other gear's back-end.

Right now, I am unwilling to add another case to my small rig. I'm actually trying to get RID of one!

Exsultavit

The A2's, if they sound OK, will make this dimension with ease!

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 12:30 pm

Any experience whíth these or theire "D" variation?

http://www.klein-hummel.com/klein-hummel/icm_en.nsf/root/prof-monitoring_studio-monitors_control-monitors_M52

L

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 2:02 pm

It sounds like you're gonna try the A2s.

Please let us know your opinions on these once you do. I'm considering the same thing for location recording. Hauling the Adams around is great when I can afford the space, but not for my back!!!

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:37 pm

Cucco-

Yes, I ordered the A2B yesterday. I'll let you know!

The K&H may be very nice, but I won't go there unless the A2 is not good enuf.

Price- at 1,700 per pair (or 2,400 per pair for the 52D model), I hope very, very much that the A2 ($200 per pair) pleases me!!!

Exsultavit

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:35 am

fwiw, the 8020 can be rack mounted using an optional accessory sold by genelec. i cannot see anything less than a 4" woofer being useful.

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