• Wondering which camera, gear, computer, or software to buy? Ask in our Gear Guide.

Speakers for iMac

Does anyone have any recommendations for speakers to use while editing? I use Final Cut Pro on my iMac.

I'm not looking for top-of-the-line speakers, just something that would be an inexpensive improvement over the computer's sound system.

Thoughts?
 
Everyone has personal preferences. I've used these two; they're okay for the price.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2325P/ -$200 each

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M1ActiveMkII/ -$300 pair

A lot of professional video editing suites use the Blue Sky MediaDesk series (very nice), and I've heard really good things about the eXo2 but never listened to them personally.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/eXo2/ -$450 for everything.

A lot of folks like the KRK speakers, but they made my ears tired (ear fatigue) fairly quickly; not good if you are working 8 to 12 hour days.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Rokit6G2/ -$200 each

I own the Mackie HR824 and like them a lot, but they're out of your price range ($1,350 pair). I also like the Genelec 8030a, also out of your price range ($1,500 pair).

If you're near a music store take a few CDs of music you like, and with which you are very familiar (I doubt they'll have a DVD player hooked up...), and try out some speakers. Make sure that you tell the salesman to shut the f-bomb up so you can actually listen. Make your own decision, not what they are pushing. Some places will rent you speakers and apply some or all of the rental to your purchase.

You will also want to treat your listening environment, but that's a whole different story...
 
That's very helpful, thank you :)

It's naturally "better" to save the money up for a nice pair, but is spending a grand total of $250 even worth the effort? In other words, if that's all I have to spend, would it be better to just stick with the computer speakers and save up for something later?
 
If you drop down to $250 save up the extra fifty bucks and get the Alesis M1 for $300.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M1ActiveMkII/



There are lots of nice speakers for $100 - $250 that are good for listening but not editing and mixing; and yes, there is a big difference listening and editing/mixing.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/443622-REG/Bose_40279_Companion_3_Series_II.html -$225

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ICKS3AM_Soundsticks_III_Computer_Speaker.html -$130

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...80_000402_Z623_THX_Certified_2_1_Speaker.html -$120
 
You have been most helpful. My thanks to you, sir!

Since you seem to be the audio expert, let me run this by you....what would you advise for recording voice overs/ADR and things of that nature for people who don't have access to a proper sound booth?

Set up 4 mattress around my actor and stick a microphone inside? ;)
 
Back
Top