Tech Notes from the Field

I have put off discussing an item that we installed in every room that has been remodeled.  Monitor speakers.  Early on in our search we looked at various solutions to the monitor situation.  Should we go traditional?  Should we go quality?  Where should we go?  We actually had demonstrations on a couple of types and we finally made a decision:  Amplified monitors by Genelec.

I have installed 8020, 8030, and 8040 series speakers by Genelec in the rooms based on needs.  The 8030 was the standard for the control rooms.  In one control room and the large production room we actually went with the 8040.  In our small production room and recently built Studio M we went with the 8020 series.  All do what they are intended to do and the sound quality is fantastic, even with the small 8020 monitors.  The main need was maintaining line of site.  Second was sound quality.  And, of course, for the rocker station they like loud.

When you think about control room monitoring how far do you have to go before you have gone overboard?  How much quality do you need in the monitor speakers when the talent is mainly focused on air monitoring (are we on the air) and segue ways.  The rest of the time the talent is talking on the phone or other preparations, or actually watching t.v.  Then they take their break and wear headphones for that.  Of course you do not want to cheapen the sound, so a compromise was necessary.  After a few listening tests and that question, “how much do you really listen to the monitors?” the decision to go with Genelec was made.   We received quality sound in a small package for a reasonable price.

For the FM949 control room, the 8040.  The rock station wanted a bit more for rocking, so the 8040s were installed.  Still maintaining the low profile they got the big sound they were looking for.

For Studio C, the 8020. Set next to the SAS Rubicon SL-8 console, these little guys pack a big punch.  This little room is a production and voice tracking work-horse.

And yes, we did consider a subwoofer or two, but opted out.  If we wanted we could install subs, so even if you are considering an Urban AC station, consider the Genelec.  See the links on the right to the Genelec web site.