Longtime music engineer, looking to set up surround system

[Southsidemusic]

Originally Posted by Drew Mazurek

The 308s are so cheap, and for what I will be using them for, I am willing to take the risk.

For example, if/when doing a surround music mix, I can do all eq'ing/comps/basic balances etc on the Barefoots and only use the JBLs to hear the spread etc. If/when doing any post type work, I think the JBLs will likely be representative of consumer's systems.

Good point! I was just a bit surprised over the build quaity and how they sounded compared to a few steps up like 4328's or even Genelec 8040's but if it doesn't matter that much and you know what you get for the miney then why not

[gives]

Originally Posted by Drew Mazurek

Full time recording/mixing/mastering engineer since 1991. All work in stereo up til this point. Interested in setting up surround system in the studio to coexist with my Barefoot MM27s and NS10s.

Will mostly be music work, possibly getting into post at some point. Or at least learn and tinker with it a little bit.

Anyway, looking at the JBL LSR series (8" speakers, 10" sub) as a cost effective "way in" since it's not going to be an "earner" necessarily.

Anyone running these monitors?

Hey Drew, I'm running 5 Genelec 1032A's, but actually I am not running my surround at all at this point. There is hardly any calls for it. I had put a lot of money into it 12 years ago and it never really took off. As soon as I build a new place, I probably will though. I hight recommend having someone come and tune your room though. It's a lot different than Stereo of course as you know-:) I recommend Bob Hodas to do it. He is worth every penny!! Believe me. When I diid several film mixes, his tuning was invaluable! www.bobhodas.com
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[Drew Mazurek]

thanks to everyone for your advice, it's appreciated.

Any thoughts on the 3 series vs the newer 7 series?

[nst7]

Drew, a couple thoughts on these.

The MSRP on the 708i is $1500. So street price is probably $1000-1200.

Also be aware that these are not powered monitors. They are passive, so you will need to factor in the cost of amplifiers for 5 channels.

Also for what it's worth, I auditioned the cheaper 308's in my room and was not super impressed.

[Southsidemusic]

Originally Posted by nst7

Drew, a couple thoughts on these.

The MSRP on the 708i is $1500. So street price is probably $1000-1200.

I auditioned the cheaper 308's in my room and was not super impressed.

Thats our finding aswell. Foggy and unclear and very poor composition of the build. The 308's have a strange tweeter field and doesn't relay the highs well.

But as said the price is low enough but you will not get more than half of that back if you are disappointed after a few months or more so count in that to the overall investment. We had the same system as Gregory Ives (1032's) in 5.1 and thatbwas amazing until all 5 of the 1032's started sounding a bit flat and tired after 15 years so that was the reason we went Quested all the way, also great for post and mixing.

We also have the obligatory NS10's and our Barefoot MM35 and mix on the MM35 and LSR4328's wihich sound awesome.

[reichman]

Just a thought for Drew here:

When mixing dialog for TV, the center channel is all-important. You need to know that it's really accurate. And when prepping music and/or a song for TV or film, you also need that center channel. Depending on what your clients need and where you have to deliver your mixes, you might be better off upgrading to LCR by adding (1) Barefoot.

[lucienpalmer]

Originally Posted by reichman

Just a thought for Drew here:

You might be better off upgrading to LCR by adding (1) Barefoot.

Smart. Good option. Then add something less expensive for the rears.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by Southsidemusic

...I was just a bit surprised over the build quaity and how they sounded compared to a few steps up like 4328's or even Genelec 8040's...

Regardless of price, my ears disagree. But that's cool!!! I got sold my Gennies after getting the 308's.

[TVPostSound]

Originally Posted by lucienpalmer

The JBL LSR4300 translate very well to broadcast.

I have 6328s in my studio, and 4328s in the production office studio, and the 4300s do not translate as well.

Just sayin.

[gives]

Originally Posted by Southsidemusic

Thats our finding aswell. Foggy and unclear and very poor composition of the build. The 308's have a strange tweeter field and doesn't relay the highs well.

But as said the price is low enough but you will not get more than half of that back if you are disappointed after a few months or more so count in that to the overall investment. We had the same system as Gregory Ives (1032's) in 5.1 and thatbwas amazing until all 5 of the 1032's started sounding a bit flat and tired after 15 years so that was the reason we went Quested all the way, also great for post and mixing.

We also have the obligatory NS10's and our Barefoot MM35 and mix on the MM35 and LSR4328's wihich sound awesome.

ALSO.. I have not had my 1032's 15 years, so maybe that is why they sound good. I also listened to a bunch of them and picked this out of 20 or so!
Another reason to get them running thru EQ's in the room since you never know why the speakers start to sound different. I have not had this problem, but the speakers that I have had a bit of trouble with either got shipped back early on to Genelec for inspection and repair, which was minor.. or I sent them to an excellent tech here. Not really hearing a problem at all here. In addition, I have never been much of a fan of Quested. Maybe it's because of what I do. I know Hans Zimmer used to use them, but they seems a little low end or something to me, and not exactly what I was looking for in a speaker for my control room. But that's me. Maybe it was just an off listen. Running my Genelec's thru my Meyer EQ's they sound amazing still! I get enough of that with the sub I use if needed. I actually don't like them too bright or colored either. I do run them broadcast wide open and never did need to adjust the switches on the back for bass roll off, treble tilt or the other one which I can't remember. Also the sub I have is a 1094A Sub. http://www.genelec.com/support-techn...tive-subwoofer.
They have certainly served me well. I could spend a ton on speakers, but will not upgrade until I get into my next house we will be building with a brand new studio adjacent on the property of 2 acres! That's the plan!
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