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live monitor help?


The T Dot

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This is the problem: In a few weeks time I'll be playing synths AND guitar live, and I have no way to monitor. I prefer digital amp models for guitar, so I no longer use a guitar amp. What I need are monitors that can handle both guitar and synth inputs at the same time.

 

Any suggestions? Does anyone else here play synth and guitar live?

 

thanks,

Chris

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I can run my guitar (Parker fly, using a behringer V-amp modeling/fx box) into my Mackie SRM450s and it sounds great.

 

I use a mixer up front, but you can plug two XLR (one male, one female) into one SRM450 and do your "balance" using the levels for each source.

 

Plenty-o-bass and great high end. Shred away!

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Cool sevush, I play a Fly too! I've got a small behringer mixer (8 channel) and a Boss GT-3. My main synth is a Triton. Are the 450's also good as studio monitors? Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone here.

 

thanks

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Originally posted by sevush:

I can run my guitar (Parker fly, using a behringer V-amp modeling/fx box) into my Mackie SRM450s and it sounds great.

 

I use a mixer up front, but you can plug two XLR (one male, one female) into one SRM450 and do your "balance" using the levels for each source.

 

Plenty-o-bass and great high end. Shred away!

 

Does this work "officially". Aren't you driving each signal into the output stage of the other device via the connection - I thought they were just wired back-to-back.

 

I think you are better off using a mixer. Even if its just three resistors (or six, for balanced)

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Originally posted by Byrdman:

 

Does this work "officially". Aren't you driving each signal into the output stage of the other device via the connection - I thought they were just wired back-to-back.

 

I think you are better off using a mixer. Even if its just three resistors (or six, for balanced)

 

Byrdman, you're right - those jacks are intended to daisy chain the speakers, but they're just hardwired so you're basically getting a primitive audio merge. However, since these two sources have different impedances you could run into trouble.

 

If you can afford a 450, you should be able to afford a few bucks for a used mixer (I see them all the time for <$50). It's a much better solution in the long run.

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Originally posted by Chris100:

I've got a small behringer mixer (8 channel) and a Boss GT-3. My main synth is a Triton. Are the 450's also good as studio monitors? Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone here.

 

I'll second the 450's. In my band we use a pair of them with a small mixer as our main PA for most rooms. I would think you could take the outputs of your GT-3 into a couple channels of the mixer, the Triton into a couple more, then the mixer's left and right outputs into the 450's. That way you could run your guitar and keyboard both in stereo.

 

For studio monitors? I guess that would depend on how big and soundproof your studio is. They'd be good for trying out dance mixes and such, but I can't imagine they're neutral enough to use as nearfields or anything. Unless you've got a really big desk! :D

 

BTW, if you already own a stereo power amp, you can save some bucks by getting Mackie's C300's. That's how I run my keyboard rig, and it sounds great. They're the unpowered, but otherwise identical version of the 450's. The 300's go for around $800/pair. I believe the 450's are around $1200/pair.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Peace all,

Steve

 

[ 01-10-2002: Message edited by: Bucktunes ]

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Steve

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Hi Chris100,

 

How big a live setup is this going to be? By that, I mean in terms of the entire band not just your specific setup. Will you have monitors onstage for vocals? Will you have your own monitor? Will it be your own mix?

 

If you're using the PA's monitor system and you have your own mix on it, you could use that.

 

If you simply need monitoring as if you had a guitar amp that would be mic'ed, then the Mackie's are a great way to go since they are powered. They don't weigh too much and sound good (not great) for the $$$. If it is simply a monitor system though for onstage, you can get by with cheaper. You may want to look at some of the Roland amps and I've heard good things about the Barbetta amps. I don't know a lot about amps since I haven't needed one in years.

 

I don't play guitar myself but I've been spoiled by having decent monitors onstage with my own mix for the past few years now. I haven't needed to worry about bringing an amp for ages and with my own mix, I can always hear myself.

 

They won't cut it as studio monitors or for critical listening. Get the right tool for the job IMHO. It sounds like you need the live setup more. Concentrate on that first, then worry about the studio monitors.

 

HTH,

fv

 

p.s. - I always end up spending more than what I want

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