Studio Monitor Setup

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Level 4

3,469 points

Studio Monitor Setup

I'm in the market for some studio monitors, and have my eyes on the Mackie MR5s. I'm also looking at a 402-VLZ3 mixer, primarily so I can switch between the two channels I have set up-- one coming directly from the Mac for everyday use, and one going from the Mac to the deck to avoid latency while using the broadcast monitor-- but also to provide a balanced output signal. Rather than attempt to describe the setup I envision, I've drawn it up:

So I'm looking for advice on two points; firstly, the equipment I'm looking to buy, and secondly on the setup thereof. Thanks!

2.4GHz iMac C2D, Mac OS X (10.5.4), FCS 2.0.4, 3GB RAM, 320GB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro

Posted on Jul 4, 2008 7:39 PM

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Answer 1

Zebulun

Level 5

6,749 points

Jul 4, 2008 8:25 PM in response to Zak Ray

This is how I've got my rig configured at home, but I also have a Kona LHe occupying two input channels of my mixer.

Can't comment on your choice of equipment, I don't have those particular pieces.

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Answer 2

Zak Ray Author

Level 4

3,469 points

Jul 5, 2008 8:15 PM in response to Zebulun

What equipment are you using? Would you recommend it?

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Answer 3

Zebulun

Level 5

6,749 points

Jul 6, 2008 4:58 AM in response to Zak Ray

I can't recommend anything as my opinions on this may not be right for what you're doing. There a gazillion mixers out there and another gazillion ways to integrate all your equipment with them and each other. I use a cheap 12 input Behringer monitoring mixer that has been fantastic for 7 years now. I have a pair of Alesis near field monitors. They sound okay to me although they ain't the set of Genelec's that I'd like to have.

I should also note that all my connections are BNC, XLR, RCA or 1/4" TRS. There's only one 1/8 mini in my scheme and that is out of the MacPro.

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Answer 4

Jul 6, 2008 6:58 AM in response to Zak Ray

The Beringer knockoffs (Truth 2030A or 2031A) are nearly as good as the Mackies. My ears are too old to know for certain, but they might be as good. The Alesis are good, as are the KRK RP8s. All of those will save you a boatload of cash.

As for cabling, use a pair of RCA to 1/4" mono cables between your deck and the 1402 mixer. And a special cable between the Mac's Audio Out and the mixer. It has a 3.5mm (1/8") stereo on the Mac end and two 1/4" mono connectors on the mixer end. Have a professional cable company make this up unless you're sure you know how to do it.

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Answer 5

Zak Ray Author

Level 4

3,469 points

Jul 6, 2008 12:30 PM in response to Brian Conner

Why not stereo 1/8" to stereo 1/4"?

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Answer 6

Jul 6, 2008 1:15 PM in response to Zak Ray

What make & model is the VCR? Your diagram seems to show it having RCA connectors for the audio. Unless you connect the RCA outs to an impedance matching transformer, then go from the transformer to the mixer, you aren't really gaining anything to add the third wire for a short run. The Mackie will handle the unbalanced 1/4" connector just fine.

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Answer 7

Zak Ray Author

Level 4

3,469 points

Jul 6, 2008 1:42 PM in response to Brian Conner

I was referring to your point about the stereo 1/8" from the Mac into dual mono 1/4". Why not just have it stereo from the Mac to the Mackie?

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Answer 8

Jul 6, 2008 4:05 PM in response to Zak Ray

It gives you separate monitoring control over the left and right channels. Having discrete signals from each channel is a carry over from my days in linear suites.

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Answer 9

Zak Ray Author

Level 4

3,469 points

Jul 6, 2008 4:28 PM in response to Brian Conner

Hm, makes sense.

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