Looking to add a pair of studio monitors to my set up!

Detroit_Waves · 18 Jan 2012 at 00:07

Hey guys,

So, I've finally updated from a PC to a MAC. On my PC I was using a VERY basic set up to do some home recording, just to mess about. I'm looking to make this set up a little more serious, now that I have the ability and the space to. Up until now my sound has come from an old 5.1 system, connected to the line out port in the back of the PC. Now I have updated however I'm looking to improve that. I can currently get a pretty good deal on various studio monitors for home use. I'm specifically looking at the KRK Rokit 5's at the moment, however I might not settle on these.

My question is now, what is the best way to connect these up? Obviously I won't be going direct into these.

My knowledge is quite slim, so please forgive me asking. I'm just trying to see what other areas I need to update to get everything smooth!

Thanks in advance!

Detroit_Waves · 18 Jan 2012 at 20:59

Thanks for the info. This certainly looks like the way I need to go. I think I need to start looking at getting hold of a good audio interface! Maybe a complete external mixing unit too! Good times

As for DAW, I'm going to stick with Logic I think!

Detroit_Waves · 20 Jan 2012 at 00:43

Hey guys,

Thanks for the responses, even if the last few did go over my head entirely haha! But a good debate is always great to follow!

As for the kind of music being recorded! It will 95% be live recordings with instruments including a drum kit, so the ability to record around 6 miss for the drunk kit would be ideal depending on price. Up until now, I have always recorded drums going into a mice, then having one out into the computer to record, not giving me any ability to mix the drums after recording...bit of a pain, but you do what you have to!

It seems the interface will be the most important piece of equipment! One with built in mixing capabilities would be great, but might be for a purchase down the line! Is it possible to have a good basic interface to start with, with the ability to cater to about 8 inputs, and then add a mixing desk to the equation later on? If so, will my monitors plug directly into the original interface? And also, if I did add a mixing desk a little later, how would that then connect? To the interface, or the mac?

I will definitely give all the other monitor suggestions a listen too this week when I get a chance!!

Detroit_Waves · 24 Jan 2012 at 02:19

Lots of great information! Thank you for all the heads up!

The Presonus Firestudio looks like it will be perfect for the job required! Pretty decent price too so I'm sure I will be more than happy with it!

Looking at all the information, I think you are all correct, an analogue mixer wouldn't make much sense for me! I like the look of some of the control surfaces to use for my mixing. the main reason being, I just like the hands on approach, I find it lacks something using a mouse to mix, and I'm just used to having some sort of mixing desk ability at my finger tips, and therefore a control surface is going to fit the bill perfectly I think!

Its all pretty exciting, I'm looking forward to getting it all ordered up in the next couple of weeks!

I know this thread has gone slightly off topic from the actually monitors, but seeing as there are is so much knowledge already here, i'll just ask here! I have no expertise whatsoever of external FX rack based units. Obviously there is a lot out there, but my question is if I was to start looking at some in the new future, just how would they fit in the chain in the planned design so far? So just how and where would these start to connect? Is it something possible with what I have planned?

Thanks again everyone!