Ableton Forum

sorry if this is a noob question but is it a good idea to have a subwoofer as well as two monitor speakers for mixing?

cheers

Depends on the monitors you have, and the type of music your mixing.

hi

i am getting some Fostex PM-1's and i delve in all types of electronic music.

Those look nice! My guess is that you'll probably want a sub, but it wouldn't be essential. My BX8s are rated down to 38 hz., like the Fosteks, and I feel like they've got plenty of bottom. I do not delve much into four to the floor ass shaking production however.

cheers for the reply i'll give it a month of two without the sub and see how i fair.

ta

You also might try sticking a recording that you know well into your gear and giving it a listen. You'll at least be able to compare it to how it sounds on other systems you've heard. Unless you've got a tuned room there are a thousand variables you're dealing with when mixing. Good luck and have fun.

it also depends on whether your room/home is somewhat soundproof or if you have tolerant neighbours.
Those low frequencies tend to carry a long way.

it really depends, the kind / size of the speakers, room, personel preferences...

i for example hate to mix on with a sub, but love to listen to music with a sub.

you soooo want a sub

mixing bass goes to a whole new level re0w.. and u get to play with all kinds of stuff with compression pump having control over the air surrounding you at those frequencies.

If you are in a small un-treated room I would say no.

bass gets out of control in a small box room very quickly, it makes your mixes worse rather than better.

In a large enough room with some good bass traps then it's worth having them, small untreated room, no.

thanks for the replys, i think i'll get a sub when i got the cash, if not just for listening purposes.

krk rp10s is a great sub for the bucks, tons of bang, clean to loud levels, built in crossover, and affordable.

should be able to pick one up for $250-300 new, easily.