Flat Speakers at DVinfo.net

David Applegate · December 16th, 2003, 09:16 PM

I have a professional sound editor who helps me with many tasks and he recommended I get flat speakers for my audio work. I know very little about flat speakers and how they work and what makes them different than every other set of speakers. I also want to know if they are worth the money, who sells them, and what their advantages are. Thank you for your time.

David Applegate

Bryan Beasleigh · December 16th, 2003, 09:47 PM

By flat, would you be referring to the frequency response curve?

Flat as in uncoloured or neutral.

A speaker with these attributes is a reference monitor. A lot of people like speakers with a lot of bottom end, some may enjoy a more pronounced mid range, for mixing and editing you need neutral, flat, or to put it another way realistic sounding speakers.

I really think you should read some of the links that have been posted. It'll aquaint you with some basics that might help you better understand.

I started a thread on monitors yesterday and asked for input for passive and powered monitors. Passive means you supply the amp and active means it's built in.

Built in amps can be better as rthey may be designed tpo suit the speakers exactly. That also may a load of old rubbish so far as some brands go

After you get through the initial haze, it's a fun subject (and expensive)

J. Clayton Stansberry · December 16th, 2003, 10:14 PM

Have you asked your professional sound editor? He may have some good advice, although he may suggest some really high end monitors. But, he also might know what would be good for you, in knowing your direct applications in dealing with the audio editing you do. Just a thought...

Clay

Graeme Nattress · December 17th, 2003, 05:42 AM

If that's flat speakers, QUAD ESL63 electrostatic loudspeakers (expensive) were often used to monitor classical recordings. They're one of the most neutral sounding speakers ever made.

If it's just the sound that has to be flat, not the shape of the speaker, then head into your local music store (that's making music, not buying...) and look at the recording monitors they have. Think Genelec, Tannoy etc. Perhaps a pair of powered monitors would suit you (no need to buy matching amp, and cabling is easier) but you're talking > $1000 here, but you'll know that your audio sounds good.

Graeme

David Applegate · December 17th, 2003, 09:33 PM

Thank you all for my answering my questions. Especailly Bryan and Helen. Bryan I would just like to let you know I ordered the book and am reading those websites in my spare time, they have really helped me.

Bryan Beasleigh · December 17th, 2003, 09:59 PM

David
If i can ever help, email me at bbeasleigh at rogers dot com.

David Applegate · December 17th, 2003, 10:26 PM

Thanks alot.

Bryan Beasleigh · December 17th, 2003, 10:43 PM

www.dv.com is offline right now, but they will be back up tomorrw (hopefully). Jay Rose hangs out at the audiop forum and the man answers ALL QUESTIONS, regardless how simple they may be.

He sure doesn't do this for the big bucks.He just likes helping people.

J. Clayton Stansberry · December 17th, 2003, 11:17 PM

David,

Also check out Jay's website before or after you read his book (best on the block!).

http://www.dplay.com/

Clay

Martin Garrison · December 18th, 2003, 12:12 AM

Speaking of Jay Rose. I think he recommended a while back the JBL4410s for passive studio monitors.

David Applegate · December 18th, 2003, 07:09 PM

I just ordered his book a couple of days ago and am looking forward to reading it.

Bryan Beasleigh · December 18th, 2003, 10:33 PM

I went out and listened to a few today. I liked the Tannoy reveal and the Yorkville.

Gordon Lupien Jr. · December 23rd, 2003, 01:59 PM

You can also build a set of Focal Aria 5's, based on the classic D'Appolito design. These are extrememly flat (+/- a fraction of a db, if I remember correctly) from 100-150 Hz to 20Khz +, assuming that you build them correctly and place them properly.

The kits may be hard to find, but try Madisound and some other big place in NY, Zaltron or something. The prices last time I checked were about $1K per pair, including enclosures, drivers and crossovers.

I've been using them for years, and several people have come to the same conclusion after auditioning them. They are exceptional, inexpensive for the quality of sound and simple to construct (or finish).

With the kit, all you have to do is mount the drivers, insulate the enclosure, wire it all up and paint it. (not necessarily in that order).

- GLupien

December 16th, 2003, 09:16 PM	#1
David Applegate Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 41	Flat Speakers I have a professional sound editor who helps me with many tasks and he recommended I get flat speakers for my audio work. I know very little about flat speakers and how they work and what makes them different than every other set of speakers. I also want to know if they are worth the money, who sells them, and what their advantages are. Thank you for your time. David Applegate

December 16th, 2003, 10:14 PM	#3
J. Clayton Stansberry Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 316	Have you asked your professional sound editor? He may have some good advice, although he may suggest some really high end monitors. But, he also might know what would be good for you, in knowing your direct applications in dealing with the audio editing you do. Just a thought... Clay __________________ I understand everything about nothing.

December 17th, 2003, 05:42 AM	#4
Graeme Nattress RED Problem Solver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 1,365	If that's flat speakers, QUAD ESL63 electrostatic loudspeakers (expensive) were often used to monitor classical recordings. They're one of the most neutral sounding speakers ever made. If it's just the sound that has to be flat, not the shape of the speaker, then head into your local music store (that's making music, not buying...) and look at the recording monitors they have. Think Genelec, Tannoy etc. Perhaps a pair of powered monitors would suit you (no need to buy matching amp, and cabling is easier) but you're talking > $1000 here, but you'll know that your audio sounds good. Graeme __________________ www.nattress.com - filters for FCP

December 17th, 2003, 11:17 PM	#9
J. Clayton Stansberry Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 316	David, Also check out Jay's website before or after you read his book (best on the block!). http://www.dplay.com/ Clay __________________ I understand everything about nothing.

December 18th, 2003, 07:09 PM	#11
David Applegate Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 41	Jay I just ordered his book a couple of days ago and am looking forward to reading it.

December 16th, 2003, 09:47 PM	#2
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	By flat, would you be referring to the frequency response curve? Flat as in uncoloured or neutral. A speaker with these attributes is a reference monitor. A lot of people like speakers with a lot of bottom end, some may enjoy a more pronounced mid range, for mixing and editing you need neutral, flat, or to put it another way realistic sounding speakers. I really think you should read some of the links that have been posted. It'll aquaint you with some basics that might help you better understand. I started a thread on monitors yesterday and asked for input for passive and powered monitors. Passive means you supply the amp and active means it's built in. Built in amps can be better as rthey may be designed tpo suit the speakers exactly. That also may a load of old rubbish so far as some brands go After you get through the initial haze, it's a fun subject (and expensive)

December 17th, 2003, 09:33 PM	#5
David Applegate Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 41	Thank you all for my answering my questions. Especailly Bryan and Helen. Bryan I would just like to let you know I ordered the book and am reading those websites in my spare time, they have really helped me.

December 17th, 2003, 09:59 PM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	David If i can ever help, email me at bbeasleigh at rogers dot com.

December 17th, 2003, 10:26 PM	#7
David Applegate Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 41	Thanks alot.

December 17th, 2003, 10:43 PM	#8
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	www.dv.com is offline right now, but they will be back up tomorrw (hopefully). Jay Rose hangs out at the audiop forum and the man answers ALL QUESTIONS, regardless how simple they may be. He sure doesn't do this for the big bucks.He just likes helping people.

December 18th, 2003, 12:12 AM	#10
Martin Garrison Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 173	Speaking of Jay Rose. I think he recommended a while back the JBL4410s for passive studio monitors.

December 18th, 2003, 10:33 PM	#12
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	I went out and listened to a few today. I liked the Tannoy reveal and the Yorkville.

December 23rd, 2003, 01:59 PM	#13
Gordon Lupien Jr. Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 30	You can also build a set of Focal Aria 5's, based on the classic D'Appolito design. These are extrememly flat (+/- a fraction of a db, if I remember correctly) from 100-150 Hz to 20Khz +, assuming that you build them correctly and place them properly. The kits may be hard to find, but try Madisound and some other big place in NY, Zaltron or something. The prices last time I checked were about $1K per pair, including enclosures, drivers and crossovers. I've been using them for years, and several people have come to the same conclusion after auditioning them. They are exceptional, inexpensive for the quality of sound and simple to construct (or finish). With the kit, all you have to do is mount the drivers, insulate the enclosure, wire it all up and paint it. (not necessarily in that order). - GLupien