One or two speakers for a drum machine?

[greggster59]

I got a great deal on a Roland DR-880 and find it very useful for developing my rhythmic sense and a lot more fun than a metronome. I don't like the way the Roland sounds through my amp and want to hook it up to it's own speaker or speakers to use in my small practice room at home. I'm thinking a small, powered studio monitor like a KRK Rokit or Behringer Truth would fit the bill.

I don't have a lot of space to work with so, for my needs, could I get away with buying a single monitor instead of a pair? For now, I would just be using the speaker with the drum machine.

 

[waleross]

I use an Alesis plugged into a small fender guitar amp.

 

[ProgRocker]

I've always prefered to use two speakers. I have the DR770, it has options for momo or stereo connections for output. I guess it comes down to preference since it is set up for either (I'm assuming the 880 is set up the same, can't imagine why it wouldn't be). Personally, I like having it stereo, probably because live drums seem to fill the room.

If you don't like the sound of it through your amp, perhaps you should try two speakers. There are many small powered monitors you could choose from. I used Roland MA-8's for a while, before upgrading my home studio. I added a lot of stuff, including a Line 6 Bass Pod, that I wanted to be able to use together. So, I got a mixing console to patch everything through, and used KRK Rockit 8's as my monitors (I have a 5 string bass, and the low B was blowing the MA-8's).

Check out your local Guitar Center, or whatever music stores you have in your area and see what they offer for options.

 

[greggster59]

Thanks, ProgRocker.
I found these on sale at Musician's Friend for $199 - M-Audio Studiophile BX5a. Should do the trick.

 

[Will006]

cheaper alternative could be just to buy a used bass amp

 

[alatham82]

If it's just for practice, what's the use of stereo?

Buy one speaker, save some cash.