Monitor speakers for location recording vehicles...

[Remoteness]

So, what are your favorite mobile control cabin (active) speakers and why?

What are you folks using and are they your favorite set of active speakers?

If they are not your favorite, what would you consider when the price or size of the active speakers do not matter?

Let us discuss what we feel are the best based on cabinet size, loud SPL levels, and the ability to sound great across a wide variety of music genres...

I'm talking about active audiophile monitors you love (or would love) to work on in a mobile recording unit.

If you haven't found them in a mobile as of yet, let us know what you feel would be the best option you can think of at any price.

The one criteria that must be met is the fact that they must sound great across a wide range of music styles and production ventures.

Once we come up with a list I would like to set-up a shootout with them in NYC.

Any one interested in this project?

[John Willett]

K+H O110D for location monitoring for me.

Small, portable - and most important - a trustworthy, accurate monitor.

[malice]

Originally Posted by John Willett

K+H O110D for location monitoring for me.

Small, portable - and most important - a trustworthy, accurate monitor.

John, are you working for Seinnheiser company or affiliates ? Or do you have special endorsement or interest in them ? Are you on they payroll ? Representing them ?

I have yet to see one post of yours that doesn't recomand a product manufactured by this company. Not one.

I cannot see anything wrong with that, don't get me wrong, but if it is the case, it should appear clearly in your sig, imho. Like all the manufacturers and gear pimp do, in all transparancy and honnesty.

malice

[LX3]

Oops, hadn't realised K+H were owned/distributed by Sennheiser. Does seem to be the case.

Rumbled

That said, if my microphone and monitor selection was predominantly Neumann/Sennheiser/K+H, I'd be pretty happy.

[Remoteness]

In any event, I like the Klein & Hummel line of speakers.
I have a pair of O 410s in my truck for a few days...

I feel the O 110Ds are too small for a mobile control cabin.

So, can anyone suggest their favorite audiophile speakers that would work well in a control room?

[staudio]

ADAM S3A's are my preferred monitor for any listening environment. Where space is really tight, a pair of ADAM A7's are pretty good too.

I like front ported speakers because the bass is better defined and they don't have to be placed as far away from the walls. I like ribbon tweeters because I find them to be less fatiguing.

In a mobile control room, I feel the principle challenge is speaker positioning and the resultant acoustic issues, so a smaller set of monitors with front ports would be ideal.

[post]

I would go with the M-audio BX8a or the Alesis M1 monitors for that. For that price range they have amazing performance. ProAudioStar Home Page has a great deal on both.

[Corran]

Which Alesis M1? There seems to be about 4 very different "M1" speakers, from $100-$400.

[LX3]

I agree with staudio, so much depends on what's going to be appropriate for your available space. Front ports make sense to me if it has to be ported, as most of the time monitors are tight up against a bulkhead or built into a wall. That takes certain Dynaudio models out of the equation perhaps.

I was also going to mention the S3As... although "low and wide" sometimes doesn't fit too well. Or it can fit great!

Never heard the O410s (I keep thinking it's going to be a bass guitar cab ), but they look very cool. Wish I lived on a different continent Steve, your shootout sounds like fun.

Interestingly, while we're talking about ports and K+H, the smaller O300 which lots of people rave about is a sealed enclosure. Pretty rare these days.

[Remoteness]

Okay, so we have the low-end side addressed.

What about on the High-End side of things?

The Adams were mentioned.

Klein & Hummels are also an option... O 110D / O 300s / O 410s.

How about those new JBLs or Focals?

[0VU]

For larger carry-in jobs in 'control rooms' big enough to handle them I have a flight cased pair of ATC SCM100ASLs, and for smaller jobs not needing full range monitoring, or with smaller 'control rooms', ATC SCM20ASL Pros. I can also expand the SCM20s to a 5.1 setup with the SCM0.1/15Pr0 Sub (which also supplements a pair of SCM20s if the SCM100s are too big for the space or there are too many steps on the get in I also have a Pair of Quad ESL 988s which come out when the job will let them.

As an alternative to the SCM20s I've also got a pair of Dynaudio C2s which are really superb (and sadly no longer available) but these need external amps so are slightly less convenient than the ATCs. Oh, and for really small spaces, a pair of Acoustic Energy AE1s which really are hi-fi bookshelf speakers but they do a remarkable job as small reference speakers though they take a bit of getting used to. And LS3/5As.

The 'trucks' I used to run (one was a 14Tonne unit with a 26ft box; the other a VW LT35 (3500kg) panel van) were set up with, in the larger unit, ATC SCM150ASLs with externally mounted amp packs, which in about an hour could all be swapped out for either Genelec 1037Bs or PMC IB1s to suit client requirements, and Dynaudio C2s and NS10s as nearfields/alternatives. The van had Acoustic Energy AE1s but the C2s could just about squeeze in as an alternative but with a compromise in the angle which meant you had to sit back a little from the desk to check the optimum stereo image.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by malice

John, are you working for Seinnheiser company or affiliates ? Or do you have special endorsement or interest in them ? Are you on they payroll ? Representing them ?

I have yet to see one post of yours that doesn't recomand a product manufactured by this company. Not one.

I cannot see anything wrong with that, don't get me wrong, but if it is the case, it should appear clearly in your sig, imho. Like all the manufacturers and gear pimp do, in all transparancy and honnesty.

malice

Look at my Profile - everything is up front in there.

I am on forums representing myself and what I post comes from experience and what I actually own - I *don't* pimp and only suggest what I consider the best option.

And you certainly have not been reading my posts as I have recommended loads of equipment that has nothing to do with Sennheiser.

Yes - I work for Sennheiser UK, but I also run my own location recording unit, I am Chairman if the British Sound Recording Association, I am President of the International Federation of Soundhunters, I am on the Executive Committee of the Institute of Broadcast Sound and a Member of the Audio Engineering Society and have given technical papers at AES Conferences.

I have already discussed this with the moderators - I cannot have Sennheiser in a sig. as I do *not* represent Sennheiser on the forums, I represent myself - if you read my posts properly you will see this.

Regarding the O110 - I searched for about six rears for a small quality location monitor for my mobile rig and nothing was good enough except the Harbeth Monitor 20 - and these were passive only - it was only the O110 that came up to my standards (other than the ATC, of course, but these are vastly more expensive).

[videoteque]

Steve, the Barefoots are too big, I suppose...??

I never heard PMC monitors that sounded bad!!!

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by videoteque

I never heard PMC monitors that sounded bad!!!

I would agree - PMC are definitely on my very short list of top quality monitors.

I did a comparison of the DB1 with Flying Mole with my Harbeth Monitor 30As (part of my search for the best small monitor) and found them a little constricting in the speech range. They were not quite natural enough for me, or I would have bought them.

My own short-list is (alphabetical order):- ATC, Digidesign (made by PMC), Harbeth, Klein + Hummel and PMC - personally I would choose ATC, Harbeth and K+H over the PMC models (but I do classical - PMC are better for other types of music).

[videoteque]

I heard well two different PMCs, I checked their web and will even guess the models.

Some big ones (IB1S-A or IB2S-A) that sounded wonderful, but are as big as Barefoots, and being made in USA, I would go for Barefoots if I lived in USA. In Europe I would probably go with the PMC.

Some smaller ones (TB2S-A??) which sounded great and made a nice and controlled bass from an enclosure that wasn't too big.

[moma]

Genelec 8020 - we use them everywhere and you can put them in a bag an carry them. For me those are the "new" NS10`s.

cheers markus

[Remoteness]

Cool... Some nice entries.

So, what about your favorite mobile control cabin (active) speakers?

Keep in mind, I'm talking about active audiophile monitors you love (or would love) to work on in a mobile recording truck.

If you haven't found them used in a mobile unit, let us know what you feel would be the best option you can think of at any price.

The one criteria that must be met is the fact that they must sound great across a wide range of music styles and production ventures.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

So, what about your favorite mobile control cabin (active) speakers?

Keep in mind, I'm talking about active audiophile monitors you love (or would love) to work on in a mobile recording truck.

If you haven't found them used in a mobile unit, let us know what you feel would be the best option you can think of at any price.

The one criteria that must be met is the fact that they must sound great across a wide range of music styles and production ventures.

It depends on the size of the control area.

My short list would be: ATC 20 Pro, K+H O300D, Harbeth Monitor 30A and PMC AML1 (possibly the Digidesign / PMC as well).

That would be my listen list.

With wide range in mind - I *think* it would come down to the ATC, K+H and Digidesign PMCs.

[xxm]

well, one other option that should be considered is the Geithain serie. The small rl906 or the bigger MO-2 are really fantastic. the coax system makes the sound picture really acurate. there are a few comments on this forum already:-)

regards,
vincent

[jdmmobile]

I have used a lot, but I love the Adam monitors! They are great for the truck. We have others..but they stay in cases. I will try anything and if I have to..I will use anything as long as I can reference a good bit. Heard a funny story recently about Owen Bradley (Nashville producer) using a pair of old car speakers placed up on the console. Hey, it comes out there in the end.

[DaveD]

Focal Solo 6. Only heard them once, but they sounded awesome. Great reviews.

[Remoteness]

The mobile control cabin I'm refering to is 22 feet long by 14 feet wide.

Originally Posted by John Willett

It depends on the size of the control area.

My short list would be: ATC 20 Pro, K+H O300D, Harbeth Monitor 30A and PMC AML1 (possibly the Digidesign / PMC as well).

That would be my listen list.

With wide range in mind - I *think* it would come down to the ATC, K+H and Digidesign PMCs.

[Remoteness]

I like the Adams for rock, I'm not sure they go well with the Jazz and Classical folks.
I'd like to find speakers that will work well with all genres.

Originally Posted by jdmmobile

I have used a lot, but I love the Adam monitors! They are great for the truck. We have others..but they stay in cases. I will try anything and if I have to..I will use anything as long as I can reference a good bit. Heard a funny story recently about Owen Bradley (Nashville producer) using a pair of old car speakers placed up on the console. Hey, it comes out there in the end.

[Remoteness]

I like the Focal Twin6 Be speakers...

They sound very nice at my buddy's home studio.

Originally Posted by DaveD

Focal Solo 6. Only heard them once, but they sounded awesome. Great reviews.

[Roland]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

I like the Adams for rock, I'm not sure they go well with the Jazz and Classical folks.
I'd like to find speakers that will work well with all genres.

What about the JBL 6300 series or B&W 805's?

Regards



Roland

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

The mobile control cabin I'm referring to is 22 feet long by 14 feet wide.

In that case I would add the K+H 410 and the Harbeth Monitor 40 to the list and the larger PMCs.

[Loki]

Originally Posted by John Willett

I would agree - PMC are definitely on my very short list of top quality monitors.

I did a comparison of the DB1 with Flying Mole with my Harbeth Monitor 30As (part of my search for the best small monitor) and found them a little constricting in the speech range. They were not quite natural enough for me, or I would have bought them.

My own short-list is (alphabetical order):- ATC, Digidesign (made by PMC), Harbeth, Klein + Hummel and PMC - personally I would choose ATC, Harbeth and K+H over the PMC models (but I do classical - PMC are better for other types of music).

Try out the Bryston amp'd PMC smaller monitors. I find the Flying Mole versions constricted (a few models you can get with either amp -- I think 2). The AMLs are nice.

Personally, the Digidesign (designed by PMC) speakers are awful and at that price you can actually get real PMC speakers made of better materials (at least at US pricing for both brands.) Digi has a policy of something like 60% gross margin min and it's obvious that they took the PMC design and sub'd materials/construction to hit the price-point (cabinet rigidness for one and durability)

My choice in monitor order is (1) ATC and (2) PMC -- for any type of music (though for paticularly bass-heavy material, PMC will overtake ATC)

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Loki

Try out the Bryston amp'd PMC smaller monitors. I find the Flying Mole versions constricted (a few models you can get with either amp -- I think 2). The AMLs are nice.

Personally, the Digidesign (designed by PMC) speakers are awful and at that price you can actually get real PMC speakers made of better materials (at least at US pricing for both brands.) Digi has a policy of something like 60% gross margin min and it's obvious that they took the PMC design and sub'd materials/construction to hit the price-point (cabinet rigidness for one and durability)

My choice in monitor order is (1) ATC and (2) PMC -- for any type of music (though for paticularly bass-heavy material, PMC will overtake ATC)

Interesting.................................. ........

Bryston, I agree.

I thought that the Digi monitors were actually made by PMC for Digi - they certainly had a joint stand at the AES in Wien (Vienna) last year (and I drank rather a lot of their Champagne ) - but I may be wrong on this.

Personally my favourites are K+H, ATC and Harbeth - with PMC coming in the frame with rock music (I don't like PMCs for classical).

Digi, I have not actually heard yet, but have been relying on their PMC heritage and what others have said.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Loki

My choice in monitor order is (1) ATC and (2) PMC -- for any type of music (though for particularly bass-heavy material, PMC will overtake ATC)

This bares out my preferences - but as I record classical I come from a different direction.

My preferences are: ATC, K+H and Harbeth - I find PMC a little coloured in comparison, but still superb speakers.

With bass-heavy rock stuff the PMCs come into their own and the Harbeth certainly fall down here, I had not realised ATC were not good here as well; but I think K+H are still good with bass heavy rock.

(I hope this all makes sense - a few glasses of vino tonight)