BeatTips Readers Poll™: Which Studio Monitors or Speakers Do You Use?

For Many Beatmakers, the Monitors or Speakers that They Use Can Be a Strong Point of Debate

By AMIR SAID (SA'ID)

Over the years, I've used an assortment of monitors and speakers, each complete with its own sound character. And what I've learned is that no matter what monitors or speakers that you use, your unique environment (space/room) always plays a key role.

Every room has its own unique dynamics—shape, width, length, height of the ceiling, wall density, furniture, etc. Hence, your room (production space) has to be learned, in order for any pair of monitors or speakers to truly be beneficial to you. You have to learn how your room renders bass and treble. You have to learn where your room offers the best play back. You have to learn where your room puts out a lot of "slap-back." In short, you have to learn the unique acoustic nature of your room/production space. Once you really learn your room, in tandem with whatever monitors you're using, you'll be good to go.

For this BeatTips Readers Poll™, the aim is to see which monitors or speakers everyone prefers to use.

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The BeatTips Manual by Sa'id.
"The most trusted source for information on beatmaking and hip hop/rap music education."

Comments

[Frost Gamble]

I have a set of i-Key Audio 606 monitors that I love, but I rarely hear anthing about them.

[Amir Said]

Frost Gamble,

I never heard of those before. Are they new? What do you like about them?

—Sa'id

[Frost Gamble]

Sa'id,

They have a very tight bass response and clean top-end. I mean, it could be the fact that I know their sound so well so I can mix comfortably, but in any case I really dig them.

Here's a link: http://www.ikey-audio.com/m-606v2

[Bala]

Genelec 8040A. One of the best monitors ever made.

[Amir Said]

Frost Gamble,

Those i-Key Audio 606 monitors look nice. I'm not familiar with the company. I noticed on the website that their sister brand is Gemini. Were these developed by Gemini? Or is i-Key Audio its own company? How did you hear about these monitors?

—Sa'id

[Amir Said]

Bala,

You know, I was wondering if I should include any Genelec model; I mean that's top of the food chain. But the price point for Genelec is generally high (but worth it, if you have the budget). Price aside, however, the quality and sound of a Genelec monitor is superb.

How long have you been using these Genelec monitors? What did you primarily use before them? And what environment do you use them in? Large or small room, pre-production studio, etc?

—Sa'id

[Frost Gamble]

Sa'id,

I afraid I don't know much about the company. The salesperson at a local music store recommended them when he saw me looking at the Rokits. Gave them a listen and then took 'em home, never looked back.

[Bala]

Said,

They are expensive, but there are smaller and cheaper models. I bought them when they came out. I think it was 2004. They didn't make smaller Genelecs then, so I had to buy these. I use to mix with my home stereo speakers so real studio monitors were a big upgrade. I mixed in an untreated room for years, but a year ago we build a small studio with proper acoustic treatment. I was blown away when I first heard how my monitors sound in a treated room. The difference is huge. Low end is so accurate and my mixes translate better. That is why I tell everyone to invest in proper acoustic treatment. 500$ monitors sound better with treatment than 2000$ monitors without treatment.