When you record...

[orest]

You said you mixed in stereo as well. 2.1 is not stereo, it's 2.0. Buy a pair of reference monitors in good quality. Pay some money as well. The speakers should be constructed in solid tree material, not plastic. That's my advice.

[wings]

Thanks all - I'm soaking it all in! ~wings~

[mewman]

I purchased a pair of M-Audio BX5a's and am very happy with the sound. I went with a near field setup. You place them so that you form a equilateral triangle between the cones and your ears. That is, the distance between the center of the cones of the speakers is the same as the distance between the center of the cones and your ears. With my setup, the speakers are 35 inches apart. The right one is 35 inches to my right ear, the left, 35 inches to my left ear. Make sure and place the speakers on the same level as your ears as well. This array helps minimize whatever acoustic flaws the room might present. I do a lot of stuff with orchestral instruments, like cellos, and have placed a few pieces in libraries so I know the sound is adequate.

[fullbirdmusic]

Yeah, the consumer speaks are not gonna do it. I use Yamaha HS50Ms, and they're great. I also have a "minimally" treated room and get (what I think) are fantastic results. I've written a blog post about minimal acoustic treatment (I'm NOT an acoustics expert; but I know what works for me based on my own extensive research). If you're interested in the article, go here: http://www.fullbirdmusic.com/blog/2009/ ... ace/You'll have to register (sorry, avoiding spam) but there are pics and explanations there as well. The Yamahas I use were only $199 each when I bought them, but I think Guitar Center sells them for $159 each now. They have a matching sub too, but it's a bit pricey - I don't use one because I do pop/rock and not too much bass-heavy stuff. I would NOT recommend using headphones. I used to use them and got terrible mixes that didn't translate well to ANYTHING. If you do have to use the cans, DO NOT USE NOISE CANCELLING - exaggerates bass response. Let us know how you get along!PS: if you're interested in hearing some of the mixes I get in my studio, just check out my audio page: http://www.taxi.com/fullbirdmusic

[wings]

Thanks for the tips, Mewman and Fullbird. Here's some of the stuff I'm working on... http://www.taxi.com/wings

[fullbirdmusic]

Your music is very good. I listened to a couple tracks - real strings! (on A Trio) - good stuffDo you have Altiverb? It's a convolution reverb plugin from AudioEase that will make your recordings 200% better. It's pricey, but worth it. Music sounds great, though. Wish I could play the keys like that. What strings did you use for "Departure"?

[wings]

Thanks Full Bird! The strings are EastWest.I'll have to do some research on Altiverb. Thanks for the tip! Any tips on engineering a song are really appreciated!

[claybutler]

I've gotten in the habit of checking my mixes on iPod earbuds, since most folks are listening to music on iPods anyway nowadays. If I'm doing library cues, though, I'll also listen through small "tv" speakers in mono to check balance and phase issues.In truth, though, it doesn't matter how flat or uncolored your monitors are, everything boils down to proper acoustic treatment. Your monitors/gear are only as flat as your room!Just 2 cents worth from a newbie to the forum...--CLAY

[southpaw]

Mix through monitors and check on numerous playback systems... It'll take time, but if you are observant you can learn any set of decent monitors and compensate for the flawed or inaccurate characteristics of the speaker.

[billg]

If you're just working for yourself and don't need to impress clients this Mackie is real good and only around $350 a pair http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... 99#newThey have a 5" woofer but deliver a very honest mix even in the low end.