Hi all
I no longer have an amp as space is at a premium and even if I did have one I don't have anywhere to sit it so it projects at the right angle for the volume of etc. So I just use a modelling unit (gsp1101) in stereo through a cheap behringer xenyx mixer into two cheap monitors - they are Fostex PM04.n01 monitors. It's in my spare room so no sound treatment or anything and the speakers live on my window sill.
They are ok, seem fairly clear if a bit quiet. But seem to be lacking especially in the bass. I keep getting told the gsp1101 is a good unit as it has loads of eq options so I think it must be the speakers setup that is the problem.
If I increase the bass on the gsp global eq or on the mixer eq it just seems to boom or distort a bit rather than improving matters.
I was wondering if there might be any tips as to how I might omlette the setup maybe? Is there a way to rig up a subwoofer to give it more bass? Or maybe some kind of surround sound hifi type set up might work?
Reason I mention the hifi thing is that I don't feel that at my level of things it matters that much whether I use flat monitors or hifi setup, so the usual "hifi flatters your sound" problem isn't really an issue for me
Thanks
Matt
Comments
Adding a sub isn’t the way I’d do this.
Better speakers, some room treatment.
Otherwise I’d live with what you have.
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Better speakers with bigger drivers will get you more low-end. Your monitors have a 4" woofer which isn't going to give you enough low end. You could take a look at the Focal Alpha 65's which is what I have or the Alpha 80's. Those have a 6.5" and 8.0" woofer respectively, and will give you oodles of low-end.
But you will definitely want some sort of room treatment too, in order to avoid creating the opposite problem to your current one - too much bass and too much room resonance.
You can build some Rockwool based absorption panels for relatively cheap, and if your room is smallish you might not need that many to get a good effect.
The speakers mentioned are way out of my league unfortunately, as is a better modelling unit too in all honesty, so I think I'll have to lump it unfortunately!
Edit: also as the room is a functioning room and not therefore dedicated to my futile guitar playing, panels being fitted to the walls sadly won't be permitted. I need a new hobby I think!
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I think maybe they may be the best way forward then perhaps, though I will try a Zoom g3 instead of the GSP models and see if that makes any difference but I suspect not as I recall having the same problems with other preamps like the Mesa V Twin, Kingsley Squire, and JHS Twin Twelve pedal.
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Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Only a quick blast sadly as it took me a while to wire everything up especially after we had to unplug everything for the mahoosive storm the other night. But it could work, and it seems there can be some midi trickery going on to control patches with my midi floor board thing so I'll have a looky see into that
Admittedly it means I'll have to rethink things a bit in order to get a fuzz sound on top of it but should be work-out-able and give me a bit more thump in the monitors.
Will be trying more so over the weekend, and also with my headphones so will see how it goes
Thanks all
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Budget headphones should be fine for simple tracking. For critical listening and EQ decisions, you will need something posher with a close to flat frequency response.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/studio-headphones-0
I have CMS 65s and matching sub
Personally I need a least 8 inch drivers before you avoid needing a sub
Mind you I had dual concentric 15 inch Tannoy Ardens for a few years, so my expectations are a bit different to most people
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https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/kali-audio-lp-6
Room correction software is also worth looking at if you ever get to the point where you want to start taking things a little more seriously. However it should be mentioned that the topic of room treatment/enhancement can soon turn into a big black hole