Any recent opinions regarding M Audio DSM Monitors?

[depulse]

Originally Posted by embrionic

I think someone from M-Audio did clarify the spec in this thread somewhere.

After having read through the whole thread again I found the reference to M-Audios forum where it is stated by M-Audio that the frequence if 37Hz - 27kHz +/- 3 db.

I've now ordered a pair of DSM3, I hope they will be a good complement to my Neumann KH120As and a single Avantone MixCube.

[uglypunk]

Originally Posted by depulse

After having read through the whole thread again I found the reference to M-Audios forum where it is stated by M-Audio that the frequence if 37Hz - 27kHz +/- 3 db.

I've now ordered a pair of DSM3, I hope they will be a good complement to my Neumann KH120As and a single Avantone MixCube.

do you have received your pair from thomann?

do you like em?

how do they compare to your KH120As?

[uglypunk]

Originally Posted by hdantman

I see. It appears they've made some changes to the DSM3's, then. The speakers mute in between sounds. For example, if I change the volume icon, it will unmute the speakers, play the sound, then mute again. It does power off the speakers in the auto setting, whenever S/PDIF is disabled, or the cable is unplugged.

today i have received a set of new DSM3 speakers. I like the "sound", but ...

I have experienced similar behaviour with the speakers both in digital and digital standby mode.

i will upload a file with an electronic kick drum only, then every dsm3 owner could check if that happens with his or her pair.

on a sidenote: mine do also crackle if I change the volume values via the RME hdsp mixer software and only if I change the AES output level in the RME mixer. I´m using an AES/EBU connection btw.

--------------------------

edit: i think i don´t mean the same as hdantman. when a very short kick is played through the DSM3s, there is a crackle at the end of the kick sound. i have checked the same kick on genelec 8040, no crackling kick there.

---------------------------

edit 2: I assume that these artefacts I am describing above come from the internal D/A conversion of the DSM3s. It seems there is a defined threshold value which is acting like a gate referred to very short impulses only.

now I am wondering if my pair is defective or if the whole DSM3 line is affected with this problem. this definitely is a no-go. all digidesign converter conviction aside ...

hold on a second, I´ll render the file with the kick playing and then you could check that out on yours.

------------------------------


edit 3: now i have rendered the file containng the kick drum only. if i play the kick back with the rendered wav file in windows media player, the crackling of the short kick stops when playing through the DSM3 system.

right now i have played the kick again in ableton live 8 in realtime without rendering to disk and the crackling kick is there again.

what the **** is going on here? the kick comes from an vst instrument. if i prolong the sustain of the kick drum the crackling also disappears.

the kick drum with very short sustain also does not crackle at the end on a pair of genelec 8040.

Could anyone explain this to me? I could of course upload the rendered wav file with the kick, but there is no crackling anymore when playing it back. it only comes up when played in realtime with ableton live 8 and the DSM3s.

[butanebob]

I picked up a pair of these about 2 weeks ago. Since i got these speakers they've both been making some loud popping noises at random, non frequent intervals. The LED's on the front change colour very briefly when they pop. (i think from solid blue to yellow and then back again very quickly)

I have them connected via RCA cable coming straight out of my motherboard's SPDIF socket. Unfortunately i have no way of testing them via analogue.

This afternoon, the Left speaker just stopped producing any sound at all. The front LED is solid blue indicating it is receiving some sort of digital signal as usual. I've swapped cables etc to no result. No sound at all, not even a hiss or crackle. The right one seems to be working fine still... Since the left one stopped working the popping issue i mentioned at the start seems to have stopped completely.

Anyone know what might be wrong? :\

Cheers.

[Xend54]

Originally Posted by butanebob

I picked up a pair of these about 2 weeks ago. Since i got these speakers they've both been making some loud popping noises at random, non frequent intervals. The LED's on the front change colour very briefly when they pop. (i think from solid blue to yellow and then back again very quickly)

I have them connected via RCA cable coming straight out of my motherboard's SPDIF socket. Unfortunately i have no way of testing them via analogue.

This afternoon, the Left speaker just stopped producing any sound at all. The front LED is solid blue indicating it is receiving some sort of digital signal as usual. I've swapped cables etc to no result. No sound at all, not even a hiss or crackle. The right one seems to be working fine still... Since the left one stopped working the popping issue i mentioned at the start seems to have stopped completely.

Anyone know what might be wrong? :\

Cheers.

That is very unfortunate. I've had my pair of DSM1's for over 4 months now with no problem. I am very happy with them. Though i did have problems with previous bx8a monitors. It is known that m-audio have faulty monitors. Try switching your voltage if you haven't.

[depulse]

Originally Posted by uglypunk

do you have received your pair from thomann?

do you like em?

how do they compare to your KH120As?

I've asked Thomann to deliver the speakers at the end of the month since I will be on vacation most of the time and will not have time receving them. I'll report back as soon as they arrive (hopefully Thomann keeps a pair reserved for me since I have already paid for them).

[Proh17]

I'm considering to order the DSM3's since the price is again down to 70%. When you consider the price, they had when they came on the market(800€) it must be a no brainer deal to take them right now. I'm wondering if the DSM3 can really compete with originally similar priced monitors like the Neumann KH 120 A, the Focal CMS65 or any Genelecs and Adams in that price class. If they offer similar sound(as you can actually expect from a 800€ monitor), it would be a waste of time even about thinking to buy any HS80's, Adam A5X or whatever that is in that price range right now.

Could anyone of the DSM3 owners (or hearers) tell me whether I'm right with my assumption?

[skira]

There are 700+ posts in this thread. I think a significant if small percentage of them answer your question. Since you started asking about monitors a year ago on GS, I'd suggest that you delve into this thread and read.

[Proh17]

I already did buddy. My impression was that a lot of people find them good, but in someway not totally convincing. There seem to be a lot who have sold them or don't use them as their main monitors anymore. And I read posts which claimed that they are superior to the Adam A7X and even sound one class higher.. The same with reviews: First you here owners praising them in every respect, but for some reason the overall rating ist finally not as good as expected. On the other hand I know people who have been working for years with their Adams, Genelecs...

What I've read so far, didn't absolutely convince me. they seem to be impressive on the first impression, but then somehow they don't seem to be the real deal. Another problem is that there are hardly any reviews from professional audio sites.

[AldenW]

Originally Posted by Proh17

What I've read so far, didn't absolutely convince me. they seem to be impressive on the first impression, but then somehow they don't seem to be the real deal. Another problem is that there are hardly any reviews from professional audio sites.

I've never heard the DSMs, but sounds like you came to the same conclusions I did from this thread. Something just seemed fishy. You aren't gonna get anything more conclusive here. I can tell you that if you go with the HS80ms or the Adams, you not only know what you're getting (quality and good value) but you have a predictable resale value.

[Proh17]

Originally Posted by AldenW

I've never heard the DSMs, but sounds like you came to the same conclusions I did from this thread.

Good to know that I'm not the only one. Like you, I also considered the respectable resale value which is without a doubt better when you sell a product from a more established brand, like Yamaha or Adam. Although besides the missing conviction of 100%, there is some kind of feeling that makes it hard to buy, for instance the HS80's, when you have the possibility to buy monitors for almost the same price, which were actually built for higher classes. I mean if you have decide whether to take the Adam A7X or the A5X for the same price, you would certainly pick the A7X's(-> and some users even claimed that the DSM3 sound better) And for that reason I was asking in my previous post, because somehow it seems to be pretty stupid to pick worse monitors just because of the brancds name and not for the actual performance of the monitors.

[skira]

Originally Posted by Proh17

I already did buddy. My impression was that a lot of people find them good, but in someway not totally convincing.

Well there you go, pal. You've already spent a year asking about monitors, one more won't hurt.

[MadGuitrst]

Originally Posted by Proh17

I'm wondering if the DSM3 can really compete with originally similar priced monitors like the Neumann KH 120 A, the Focal CMS65 or any Genelecs and Adams in that price class.

YES

Note, some of the speakers that you mention are approximately 3x the price.

In any case, I like the DSM3, period.
For $600, not much touches them, IMO.
Of course, YMMV.

If you have 3x the money to spend, maybe you should as I'm sure you'll feel more confident in your purchase.

Good luck on your choice (if you ever make one).

[BudgetMC]

Originally Posted by MadGuitrst

YES

Note, some of the speakers that you mention are approximately 3x the price.

In any case, I like the DSM3, period.
For $600, not much touches them, IMO.
Of course, YMMV.

If you have 3x the money to spend, maybe you should as I'm sure you'll feel more confident in your purchase.

Good luck on your choice (if you ever make one).

I'm with MadGuitarist. I've found the DSM3's to be great monitors. I could afford considerably more expensive models, but since I've had the DSM3s, I don't find myself even wondering if I should try something else.

[AldenW]

Originally Posted by Proh17

Good to know that I'm not the only one. Like you, I also considered the respectable resale value which is without a doubt better when you sell a product from a more established brand, like Yamaha or Adam. Although besides the missing conviction of 100%, there is some kind of feeling that makes it hard to buy, for instance the HS80's, when you have the possibility to buy monitors for almost the same price, which were actually built for higher classes. I mean if you have decide whether to take the Adam A7X or the A5X for the same price, you would certainly pick the A7X's(-> and some users even claimed that the DSM3 sound better) And for that reason I was asking in my previous post, because somehow it seems to be pretty stupid to pick worse monitors just because of the brancds name and not for the actual performance of the monitors.

I know the feeling. I came very close to buying them, but if they are really at that quality level, why did the mysterious and massive price slash? That and some other things gave me a bad vibe.

Consider buying used. Sounds like you're a patient guy, willing to take the time to find the deal. I found a pair of Dynaudio Bm5as on craigslist for $400 (took some patience), and I'm VERY happy. There's a reason the well-known models are well known, in my experience.
Worst case scenario, you can always resell them for the same price (or more, if you're savvy). With that in mind it became an easy choice for me.

[Proh17]

Originally Posted by skira

Well there you go, pal. You've already spent a year asking about monitors, one more won't hurt.

It's maybe not like it seems. One year ago I decided to get headphones first, because all in all I didn't have enough budget for monitors. Now, one year later I restarted to think about which monitors I should buy.

Originally Posted by MadGuitrst

Note, some of the speakers that you mention are approximately 3x the price

They are now 3 times cheaper than the mentioned ones. when they were introduced on the market, they were in the same price range, which means that they were build to rank in the same class. And because of that, as i wrote in my first post, they should easily beat every other monitor that costs nearly the same at the moment.

Originally Posted by AldenW

I know the feeling. I came very close to buying them, but if they are really at that quality level, why did the mysterious and massive price slash? That and some other things gave me a bad vibe.
Consider buying used. Sounds like you're a patient guy, willing to take the time to find the deal. I found a pair of Dynaudio Bm5as on craigslist for $400 (took some patience)

I'm usually not a friend of buying used ones, but i already tried to find some good offers. you won't have any problems finding HS80's 30% cheaper but besides them there are only very few good models that were offered. did you get both Dynaudios for 400$? that would be impressive, because one costs 500€ here.
I heard that the price drop happened, because the brand M-Audio was sold. The other reasons for the bad vibe are, in my case, that these monitors are not produced anymore and no spare parts are available. so what happens if mine has a defect and needs a spare part? and many users complained about a noticeable hiss, but i can't say how much that would disturb me.

Originally Posted by BudgetMC

I could afford considerably more expensive models, but since I've had the DSM3s, I don't find myself even wondering if I should try something else

well that's really deal. In my case the DSM3 are(at the current sale-price) the maximum I could afford. So the question is, should I take them or other monitors that are regurlarly in this price range(like the HS80s).

[uglypunk]

Originally Posted by Proh17

So the question is, should I take them or other monitors that are regurlarly in this price range(like the HS80s).

imho they are worth more than monitors in this price range. they are very flat if that is exactly what you are looking for. good for mixing, a lot of details in the mids, good for judging reverb tails, delays and dynamics.

the tweeter isn´t too harsh, it´s made out of plastic i think

for my taste i don´t like metallic tweeters so much, but it´s all personal preference.

the bass extension is very good, they can produce low frequencies down to the mid 30Hz range (with some dB´s lower than the rest of the frequency spectrum of course).

i would say go for it! nothing to loose here and you still can return them if you´re buying new.

because of the actual street price i would prefer them over the hs80´s.

just my 0.02 $.

[AldenW]

Originally Posted by Proh17

I'm usually not a friend of buying used ones, but i already tried to find some good offers. you won't have any problems finding HS80's 30% cheaper but besides them there are only very few good models that were offered. did you get both Dynaudios for 400$? that would be impressive, because one costs 500€ here.
I heard that the price drop happened, because the brand M-Audio was sold. The other reasons for the bad vibe are, in my case, that these monitors are not produced anymore and no spare parts are available. so what happens if mine has a defect and needs a spare part? and many users complained about a noticeable hiss, but i can't say how much that would disturb me.

Well, as I said, it takes patience. I got both Dynaudios for $400. I regularly (every month or so) see HS80ms appear for $400/pair (this is all on craigslist). I just keep checking back on craigslist every other day and seeing what's new. Takes 5 minutes, and as a result I usually at least break even when I resell my gear purchases to upgrade.

I was skeptical because some of the reviews seemed uninformed, and perhaps heavily weighted by confirmation bias. Besides, I didn't see how a transferring of brand ownership would lead to a, what, 80% cut in price? Something just didn't add up.

Still, I should stop commenting on a thread where I never actually heard the product. I'll just leave you with this: start buying used, and you'll wonder why you ever paid those huge retail markups.

[DR Music]

Where are the DSM3 on sale in the US?

[uglypunk]

Originally Posted by DR Music

Where are the DSM3 on sale in the US?

afaik there are no deals of the dsm3 in the US anymore, obviously here are a lot of US guys who bought at audiomidi as the deal was fresh in 2011. the biggest dealer in europe called thomann - a german dealer - bought the entire europan stock of dsm3 monitors from avid and is offering them for 279,- Euro each or 558,- Euros for a pair.

[Proh17]

well i decided to give the DSM-series at least a try. I will order them and also a second pair of monitors to compare them. Because of the money back guarantee I don't risk a mispurchase. I'm worried tha the DSM3 might be too big for my room(14x11 ft). Is it more clever to order the DSM2 instead?

[MadGuitrst]

Originally Posted by Proh17

i wrote in my first post, they should easily beat every other monitor that costs nearly the same at the moment.

For me, they do.
YMMV.

[MadGuitrst]

Originally Posted by Proh17

Is it more clever to order the DSM2 instead?

No, get the DSM3.

[MadGuitrst]

Originally Posted by BudgetMC

I could afford considerably more expensive models, but since I've had the DSM3s, I don't find myself even wondering if I should try something else.

I think that sums it up nicely.
No more monitor GAS.

[Proh17]

Originally Posted by MadGuitrst

No, get the DSM3.

Anyone who agrees/disagrees? (sorry MadGuitrst, but it would be a bit negligent to rely on just one person )

I've seen some guys in this thread, who had to make the same decision and most of them decided to go with the DSM2, that made me consider. I'm mixing primarily at low volumes if that's important.

[jeremy.c.]

Originally Posted by Proh17

Anyone who agrees/disagrees? (sorry MadGuitrst, but it would be a bit negligent to rely on just one person )

I've seen some guys in this thread, who had to make the same decision and most of them decided to go with the DSM2, that made me consider. I'm mixing primarily at low volumes if that's important.

My room is semi-treated (20 broad band traps + ARC2) 9x14 and the DSM3s are great in there. I had the ASP-8s and those were much larger size wise and a bit louder than the DSM3s.

[Lights]

Does the DSM3 let you choose which of the two drivers handles mids versus bass like the Focal twins?

[Proh17]

I've just ordered the DSM3 today. so thanks to everyone who helped me. I will test them in the next few weeks and I will report my impressions. If I'm not satisfied I can still return them in a period of 30 days and get my money back.

[DR Music]

Originally Posted by Lights

Does the DSM3 let you choose which of the two drivers handles mids versus bass like the Focal twins?

Nope...

[jiggitysmith]

Originally Posted by depulse

I've asked Thomann to deliver the speakers at the end of the month since I will be on vacation most of the time and will not have time receving them. I'll report back as soon as they arrive (hopefully Thomann keeps a pair reserved for me since I have already paid for them).

Did you ever get the chance to compare? I was originally seriously looking at the KH120's until the DSM sale. Hearing that the differences are negligible or two different but equivalent beasts would give me mad confirmation bias, which after all, isn't that was GS is all about?