What is the simplest way to find out how much non-monitor speakers deviate the sound from "neutral" in different frequencies? Surgical precision not necessary, just the general feel.
Secondary question: I ask because I've heard that mixing can be done on non-high quality speakers and I'm thinking about skipping buying proper monitors for a year or something in favor of a MIDI keyboard - I'm 31 so I guess it's about time to learn to play on something! Can $80 speakers really suffice for learning mixing basics? How much more work it requires if it's true and how tedious that work gets?
Determining speakers sound coloration
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- KVRAF
- 16826 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Start with listening to a sine sweep at MODEST volume. If it gets softer or louder on certain frequencies, it could be the speaker itself or it could be you hear interference of room / surface reflections. Change listening position (move your head around) to check that.
My monitors are a set of passive Alesis MonitorOne MK-II. They costed around €160 for the pair many years ago. I chose them because to me they sound exactly like the HiFi speakers I have in my living room! So next to no "getting accustomed to" required. I instantly know if it sounds good there then it sounds good anywhere. That's what good monitors are all about.
My monitors are a set of passive Alesis MonitorOne MK-II. They costed around €160 for the pair many years ago. I chose them because to me they sound exactly like the HiFi speakers I have in my living room! So next to no "getting accustomed to" required. I instantly know if it sounds good there then it sounds good anywhere. That's what good monitors are all about.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!