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Joined: Jun 2000
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It has been a long time since I listened to current home stereo speakers or the newest crop of studio monitors. I used EV Sentry 100A nearfields for 20 years and about a decade ago when the surrounds finally rotted out sent em in to EV for rework. I didn't know how long EV would take to do the rework, though it only took about a week and they came back sounding brand-new, and they did not charge very much. Though the speakers were 'relatively expensive' new and they are still relatively expensive for a 2 way 8" nearfield.
Anyway, not knowing how long it would take, I bought a set of JBL 2 way nearfield studio monitors as spares.
Strange thing-- in a moderately sound-treated room, the JBL 2 way nearfields, designed and manufactured almost 20 years after the EV Sentry 100A's-- Both sets of speakers sounded so nearly identical that it might be difficult reliably identifying one from the other in a blindfold listening test. The JBL's were very slightly brighter, but I'm not certain it would be a definite enough cue for a successful blindfold test.
I listened to several then-current studio monitors that decade ago before getting the JBL 2-ways. There seemed quite a bit of variability of the tone of various inexpensive nearfield monitors from 'new kids on the block' manufacturers. You could easily tell a difference even wearing a blindfold.
So it leads to a provisional theory that some of the long-established monitor manufacturers might have a very definite long-established ideal of what these thangs ought to sound like. Either that, or it was sheer coincidence that the old EV sounded so nearly identical to the new JBL.
I'm not saying folks should make it a point to buy EV, JBL, Genelec or whatever. Only relating a tale. Tone is somewhat a matter of taste and you can get accustomed to about anything.
Long ago have listened to fairly expensive Polk bookshelf home stereo speakers in stereo stores, which seemed to sound very similar to nearfield studio monitors, but dunno what Polks sound like nowadays.
The mid-price home-stereo 12" three way speakers I tried to use many years ago for home studio monitoring for awhile before getting the EV monitors-- Those old home stereo speakers actually made music sound 'better' than the studio monitors, but it was just impossible to mix on them. I wanted something that would sound really bad if the mix sounds really bad.
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Joined: May 2000
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Quote:
The mid-price home-stereo 12" three way speakers I tried to use many years ago for home studio monitoring for awhile before getting the EV monitors-- Those old home stereo speakers actually made music sound 'better' than the studio monitors, but it was just impossible to mix on them. I wanted something that would sound really bad if the mix sounds really bad.
And THAT is the purpose of monitors. Just an honest representation of the mix. That's all we need for mixing.
No 'extended super sonic bass' or other such 'enhancements' (coloring of the sound)..just an honest clear sound.
Good story James. Re-affirms my respect for EV, especially their speakers. One of the few 'permanent' PA systems I set up used EV loudspeakers that I was pleasantly surprised by. They handled the job well for years.. may still be doing so! They are only 15 years old or so by now.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Posts: 657 |
B&H Photo/Video had a good deal on the JBL LSR 2328P 8s ($319 each). Went to Guitar Center, listened to them and they matched B&H's price. So I brought them home. I also listened to the M-audio BX8a Studiophiles and the KRK RokitG2 8. It was a tough decision between the M-audio and the JBLs. They were very close. But I finally decided on the JBLs. I've listened for a little while here at home and the quality is better than what I had but I wouldn't go as far as saying there's 100% difference. The thing that I notice most is that I can tell where each instrument is coming from in the stereo field. Before I couldn't tell at all and relied on my headphones for that. I listened to the last song I posted here and I would make some slight changes but not all that much. I'm not one for going back and reworking things so I will go forward with mixing the lastest song that I am writing. As far as acoustically doing my room, I was thinking about that and don't really think I need it that much because I use a lot of loops lately and they are already prepared professionally. I also use a lot of midi and that basically is going into the computer from my keyboard. My guitar uses a Vox Tonelab modeling amp. So my vocal is the only thing that really needs the room treatment. So if it ever comes to that point I could always buy a vocal booth.  I have 14 days to decide if I like them so I'm going to be listening. Thanks to all of you for the feedback. This is the first place I come when need advice.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
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Hi Charlie
Been awhile since shopping monitors. That is a smokin low price for JBL powered monitors, compared to what they used to cost.
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When people here are talking about treating your room, they were talking about doing so to make the monitors sound as clean as they can in that room. Even though most of your recording is line in, you still listen to those speakers in that room. You are hearing a difference already; that ability to hear the separate instruments and their placement says a lot. I think your mixes will be improving as a result. I doubt you will be wanting to return to the old speakers..
Grow with the flow.
(Hey! I like the way that sounds. That may become a song .. grow with the flow)
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
Charlie,
Congratulations with your new monitors. I have heard great things about the JBL's. And your statement that you can actually hear where each and every instrument is located on the virtual stage is an example of what monitors allow you to hear.
Using virtual instruments and/or loops or RealTracks for that matter are no reasons for not paying attention to the acoustic profile of your room. Whenever you make sound in a room, that room acts like the body of an acoustic guitar. Some frequencies will be absorbed, others will be amplified.
You could check audiominds.com to get a starting point.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
I've had good luck with Event Tune Reference 8 monitor speakers. Sold the JBLs.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 411
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 411 |
Congrats on the JBL's Charlie. The thing I like about them is their fantastic bass and clean highs, even at lower volumes. Crown designs great amps and JBL designs great speakers. Hard to beat. With the amount of tone control you have, you should be able to dial in a good stereo sound just for listening also. Then set them back relatively flat for mixing. My bet is that you're well set for a good long while.
Later
Jim
I'd be completely happy if I had just one more guitar.
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
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Posts: 194 |
Quote:
B&H Photo/Video had a good deal on the JBL LSR 2328P 8s ($319 each). Went to Guitar Center, listened to them and they matched B&H's price. So I brought them home.
Charlie,
I was wondering if you listened to them with the subwoofer that's made to go with them. I'm looking at the LSR 2328Ps as well, or mayble the 2325Ps with the subwoofer. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 203
Apprentice
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 203 |
I just purchased M-Audio Av-40. They are great.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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Holiday Weekend Hours
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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