Studio Monitors - Leave on? Use exclusively?

DarkMatter · Post by **DarkMatter** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:11 am

So I finally got a good deal on some monitors (KRK Rokit 5s) and now that I have them I have a couple questions:

1. Should I use them exclusively on my computer (for regular office work, casual music listening) or should I keep my regular computer speakers hooked up and only use the monitors when I am composing?

2. If I am using the monitors exclusively for all applications should I leave them on all the time? They are active and get pretty warm so I am worried about wasting electricity/running up the bill (not to mention its annoying to flip the switches in the back of each one to turn them off and on).

Thoughts?

Mike Goodwin · Post by **Mike Goodwin** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:27 am

all the time

turn em off

short and sweet

Khazul · Post by **Khazul** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:28 am

DONT lets windows anywhere near your studio monitors. Regular applications tend to take control of volume in unpredictabe ways.

DarkMatter · Post by **DarkMatter** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:36 am

Hmmm. Im inclined to use them exclusively just so I can free up a plug and some desk space. With them on 8 hours a day at least should I be worried about my electricity bill at all or is it not an issue?

nonnus · Post by **nonnus** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:27 am

mine have been on 24/7 for months ans i must say i hardly noticed a difference in electr bill

i would shure enjoy having a set with auto sensing that turns on and off automaticaly,though

sweetjesus · Post by **sweetjesus** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:34 am

my rokit 6's been on for about 2 years now

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:34 am

I'm lazy and leave mine on, but turn off the mixer they're connected to so I don't get any late night audio mayhem surprises if the shit hits the fan.

I don't know what to make of the windows comment, ummmm learn your gear?

Everything sounds better through monitors, youtube, games, Ableton, mp3s, internet radio. Toss the computer speakers, or maybe save them for some 4 channel surround mixing.

mike holiday · Post by **mike holiday** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 6:34 am

Tone Deft wrote:I'm lazy and leave mine on, but turn off the mixer they're connected to

dude you can blow your speakers like that

here is a mantra for you

mixer on speakers on
speakers off mixer off

DarkMatter · Post by **DarkMatter** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:59 am

"dude you can blow your speakers like that

here is a mantra for you

mixer on speakers on
speakers off mixer off"

I have them hooked up to a motu ultralite. So if they are on should I just turn the volume on the ultralite down when not in use rather than turn it off?

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 12:15 pm

I leave my HR824's on always and just turn off the Ultralite, works fine. All you hear is a little quiet 'click'. It doesnt thump like mixers do when you power them off.

Spindrift · Post by **Spindrift** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 12:21 pm

I tend to use my monitors as much as possible.
It's good to get to know them as well as possible by listening to a lot of different material and not only use them when you produce.

I have mine and the mixer plugged into a powerstrip with an on/off button and turn them off over night.

funky shit · Post by **funky shit** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 12:25 pm

I turn my mixer and monitors off when not in use, but only on the switch at the back.

darkenedsoul · Post by **darkenedsoul** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 4:56 pm

Connected a pair of BX8a M-Audios to my PC's via 1/4" from Omni Studio/Delta 66 configuration and when turning on that PC then the studio I get a loud sound/pop (speakers are on due to other normal-use PC is up 24x7) and similar when turning it off. I should probably turn it on first before bringing up that PC to prevent the noise...

But when running on normal-use PC I just turn them on when I am at the PC/requiring audio and turn them off when I am done (heats up room a bit with them, LCD monitor, router/modem/PC's running!) and electric bill isn't that big of a deal from the monitors. I just don't like leaving them on 24x7 as there isn't a need for me.

Mike

Angstrom · Post by **Angstrom** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:19 pm

I turn them off before I shutdown and turn them on after I start up.

those big 'POOM' startup spikes are very nasty on my nerves and those delicate components.

hacktheplanet · Post by **hacktheplanet** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:22 pm

It takes about 3 seconds to turn my Rokits off.
I don't like wasting energy.