Are DJ/Bookshelf Speakers Good to Mix With?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Danny D.
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Danny D.

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My dad use to DJ heavily back in the day and is almost willing to die for his stance on DJ/bookshelf speakers. He's telling me that instead of getting a pair of studio monitors, that I should just go with DJ/bookshelf speakers such as Polk Audio or Klipsch rather than buying KRK Rokit 5's.

I can't remember exactly what his arguement was, but he said why spend a great deal of money for Rokit 5's when I can get the other brands above for the same or lower price, and they produce more power and sound great.

All and all, I've been doing a bit of research but I had to come to FP because I know you guys can give me a clear, definite answer. Is my old man right? Can I get good mixes with those speakers rather than studio monitors? I just need a good pair of speakers/monitors, anything that'll beat this lame Creative computer speaker/sub combo I currently have lol.
 
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Your old man is kinda right - the only thing that separates "monitors" from "regular" speakers is putting a sticker on the former that says "monitor" and marketing. Speakers are speakers, and it's true that there's plenty of great "bookshelf" models available for a modest price that beat the sh*t out of any of these budget monitors. Obviously, there's also monitors that are better for the job than most bookshelf models, but for most of the time the marketing blurbs for the low-end stuff makes 'em sound quite a bit more special (or specialized) than they actually are.

Of course, most regular speakers are of the passive kind, so you'll also need a good amp to drive them with.
 
I got custom speakers and Jamo [FONT=arial,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]S606.They color the sound a lil but are really good acctually
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Dammit ahhh, I can't let him read this thread lol or else I won't hear the end of it, but thanks a lot guys.
 
They aren't the greatest, but you could still use them. I recommend listening to some CDs you like first to get a feel of your speakers before you start your mixing or production. If there's a certain kinda sound you are looking for use a professionally mastered cd of that production to reference your project.
 
Don't waste money on Rokit's if you get monitors. Get the MR5's. Better and the same price.
 
i would not suggest rokit's for mixing, they are boomy as phuck and will make you think everyting your mixing sounds good, when in reality the mixes won't translate well to other systems. i have had great results with some Klipsch speakers in the past tho. way more clear and accurate than the rokit's.
LevLove
 
I've said it forever.

Until you get pass the $600 mark..."active monitors" are just powered speakers. Usually powered by crap amps and waaaayyyyy overpriced. Passives are usually pretty fairly priced, but a trip to a Pawnshop or a search on amazon.com for Bookshelves, Cabinet, or PA speakers can usually get you a rediculously better deal bang for buck than a trip to the music store for "monitors". Especially if you can find an old vintage pair that once retailed for 5 times what they're worth now.
 
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Yes Deranged,you were so right...
I have a good friend who is an engineer and he was telling me the same thing.A better deal would be getting some bookshelf,cabinet speakers and a good pair of headphones,that should do the trick:)
 
I been hearing this wayyyyyyyyyy to much now im starting to belive it, now i have to go look for me some better monitors my mo6 will have to wait :(
 
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