Monitoring Upgrade or more outbartd compressors, that is the question!

[True North]

OK

I am going to have a little extra cash kicking around for gear and I am having a hard time deciding what to get.

My plan is to try and test out some Barefoot monitors as I am looking for a high end , full range set of monitors. I currently use a pair of BM6A's which I am reasonably happy with but I have been contemplating buying a sub to get a better idea of what is going in the low end which my Dyn's don't do particularily well.

ALTERNATIVELY

I have been looking at bolstering my outboard compression, I have been considering Elysia Mpressor, Thermionic Phoenix, Pendulum ES-8, API 2500 etc... I already own some decent outbard compression (Red 3, Stereo EL8-X, RNC, DBX 160SL, CL1B)

NOW as a s true slut I know the answer is get both (monitors and compressors), but that is not an option as of today (maybe later in the year )

So what are your thoughts;

Monitors OR Compression

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by True North

So what are your thoughts;

Monitors OR Compression

The use of compression and outboard mic pres these days is way over rated.

I would rather trust what i am hearing personally.

My 2 cents.

[studjo]

Monitors are way more important than outboard


Jo

[True North]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

The use of compression and outboard mic pres these days is way over rated.

I would rather trust what i am hearing personally.

My 2 cents.

I have a ton of outboard mic pres mainly beacause I do not use a board so it's too late for that. I do use them as I record full bands and I need the inputs.

R U saying that the use of outboard compression is overrated OR just the use of compression period.

I personally think that outboard compression is a little overrated as well, but I slightly favour it just the same. It should be noted that I have ALOT of software compression already.

Thanks for the opinions and for the record, I am leaning the way of monitors already just wanted to entertain alternative views - cheers

P.S. - did you give up on Avatars altogether ?

[Benmrx]

I just did a mix yesturday, in a brand new studio......never been there before, and I've gotta say, using NS10's again was HUGE! Virtually zero guess work regarding the balance of the instruments. The ol' myth held true.....if you can get it to sound good on NS10's, it'll pretty much sound 10 times better everywhere else.

My vote goes for monitoring.

[u b k]

Originally Posted by True North

Monitors OR Compression

MONITORS.

wait, let me say that again: MONITORS.

in terms of gear, your monitoring environment (room + speakers) is the single biggest factor in how good your mix can be. if you get one of the new breed of monitors, it'll be like upgrading every existing piece of gear you own, including your ears.


gregoire
del
ubk
.

[True North]

Originally Posted by u b k

MONITORS.

wait, let me say that again: MONITORS.

.

wait........

Let me get this straight.........

do you mean to imply that I should get monitors............

My gut (which is quite substantial BTW) was telling me monitors as well. Don't know why I had to hear it from other people to make me feel better..

Thanks for all of the opinions everyone, much appreciated.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by True North

OR just the use of compression period.

Yes.

[lucey]

What are you saying? .... I can't read it ... I've got all the new paint brushes ... this awesome collection of cray-pas and charcoal pencils from France ... but my glasses are out of focus and there's sweat dripping in my eyes from the credit cards bills mounting up... damn paint supplies are expensive!

So what are you saying? Oh wait ... I think I see it ....

[True North]

Originally Posted by lucey

What are you saying? .... I can't read it ... I've got all the new paint brushes ... this awesome collection of cray-pas and charcoal pencils from France ... but my glasses are out of focus and there's sweat dripping in my eyes from the credit cards bills mounting up... damn paint supplies are expensive!

So what are you saying? Oh wait ... I think I see it ....

OK - I know there is a joke in here somewhere but my usual Canadian quick wit is failing me today.

I think you are metaphorically suggesting monitors but I am not sure

[lucey]

Originally Posted by True North

I t ink yo a e met pho ically sug esti g moni o s ut I a not s re

I agree! I think ...

[stagefright13]

I would get a really nice Mic IMHO unless your monitors don't translate for you. Then of course monitors. Gotta ask yourself if your mixes sound good using your current monitors and room. (Learning monitors takes time) If your monitoring environment gives good results then I would buy a Mic lol. Or if ya don't have an 1176 or LA2A then try to demo one. But pay no attention to me it's just what I would do...

[Aearth]

Why does the LA3A never get a mention........friggin great comp for tracking vocals and all guitars. A nice light compressor with a vibe and will go well with some of your hard hitting comps. As for the BM6a, nothing wrong with thoses, but then that depends on your room.


nIC

[True North]

Originally Posted by stagefright13

I would get a really nice Mic IMHO unless your monitors don't translate for you. Then of course monitors. Gotta ask yourself if your mixes sound good using your current monitors and room. (Learning monitors takes time) If your monitoring environment gives good results then I would buy a Mic lol. Or if ya don't have an 1176 or LA2A then try to demo one. But pay no attention to me it's just what I would do...

My CL1B does the LA2A thing (sort of ) already. My distressor does a passable 1176 impersonation if I want it to. I have got a ton of nice mics but one can never have enough I guess. I hear what you are saying with the whole 'if it aint broke why fix it' mentality it just that I am not happy with the way the BM6A's manages low end freqeuncies. I end up having to go to my car, which has a sub woofer, to hear what is going on. 90% of the time I am OK but every once in a while I miss something.

Originally Posted by Aearth

Why does the LA3A never get a mention........friggin great comp for tracking vocals and all guitars. A nice light compressor with a vibe and will go well with some of your hard hitting comps. As for the BM6a, nothing wrong with thoses, but then that depends on your room.

nIC

My room is OK - lost of bass traps and other stuff to keep the sound in line. I know the BM6A's are decent monitors, I am just not entirely happy with it's low end performance AND every once in a while I wouldn't mind a couple DB more pop

[True North]

Originally Posted by lucey

I agree! I think ...

OK that is enough with the 18 hour mastering sessions, your starting to freak me out a little