seeking advice on stage monitors

[basskopf]

i would appreciate inputs on what to look for in stage monitors. i am getting to the point where i need one.

the jbl monitors look very good, pricey but i am sure high quality.

looking for recommendations on sizing, sound, quality, etc. use would be mostly for small clubs, etc.

i am using a markbass 151p today so i love that big boomy bottom end, don't care too much about treble. also use flatwounds on all of my basses. my main instrument is a fender american deluxe active.

thanks for any inputs, ideas or experiences.

 

[jtc_hunter]

My personal fav floor mon. is the Yamaha BR12M. Lightweight, good design, big horn for helping hear vocals well. They can handle a little bit of bass and guitar also, within reason. You can find them used sometimes for a good buy. New I think they run around $25) ea.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-BR12M-12-2Way-Monitor?sku=601214

 

[FullTime Tim]

All of JBL's current line are very good.

JRX series... for a sub $300 box they sound great. Good crossover frequency for a cheaper box. Bass response is pretty good as long as a good amp behind them. Cons: Carpet covered so they can get dirty. They have one 1/4 and one SpeakOn so I have always moded them to have 2 SpeakOns

MRX series. Nice sounding Monitor smooth through the whole range. High frequencies don't sound harsh. I find that for a 12" driver my bass sounds very natural in these. Cons...no 1/4" input if you are still using those.

SRX series. Likely not the range you are looking at, but these are sweet monitors. but for over $1K everything in this range tends to sound pretty good.

The only downside of the JBL line is none of their monitors are 15" LF - If you really want the bass to hit you in the chest off them you might be left wanting.... personally I think they are all some of the best in each price range.

Any questions let me know... I sold these as a dealer, used them as a FOH guy and played shows on Bass through all three models at various times.

 

[lindseyp]

My personal monitor is a Mirage 1X15 PA floor monitor wedge, coupled with whatever main speaker I'm using. My amp powers both.

 

[basskopf]

Thanks for the inputs guys, most appreciated. I did forget to ask about preferences on active vs. passive if anyone has inputs on that, again thanks.

 

[Deacon_Blues]

Active. No need to haul separate power amps, and you never have to think about how well the speakers fit the amp or vice versa. By far the easiest solution, IMO.

 

[Jehos]

Thanks for the inputs guys, most appreciated. I did forget to ask about preferences on active vs. passive if anyone has inputs on that, again thanks.

As usual, the correct answer is "it depends".

It depends on what you're using for your main PA amp and whether it can support monitors as well. We've got a Yamaha powered mixer thingy that can either run in stereo for FOH, or can run mono FOH and a mono monitor chain. It's got the built-in controls for monitor levels and everything, so when I pick up some monitors they're definitely going to be passive.

If you don't already have power for the monitors, it just depends on whether you want to carry around heavier monitors with built-in amps, or if you want to stick another amp in a rack somewhere and get passive monitors.