Surround sound monitoring....to match or not to match?

[uglytaco]

Part two in the monitoring saga.

I've now got a pair of Adam a7x monitors and am looking to expland to a 5.1 setup


The question is should I match my rs ls and center to my r and l

Or

Can I get away with saving money and purchasing a3x's to go with my a7s?

[Hookemeister]

The question is should I match my rs ls and center to my r and l

Hi Robert

My opinion is they should all be matched... but it will depend on what sort of work you're doing.

If you're mixing for film then it's imperative that you at least have the centre speaker matched as the centre channel is where all the dialogue is directed.

One of the advantages of having 5 identical monitors is, if you blow a driver, you've always got a backup for stereo mixes.

And... don't forget you're going to need the .1 of the 5.1 setup... The Sub.

Also make sure you've got the placement of monitors positioned correctly and that your monitoring at the recommended level for the medium your mixing for.

Hope this helps.

PS: Those A7X's have a nice top end, very easy on the ears.

[Drumstruck]

Greg's advice is good - and matches what I've read lately from Bob Katz mastering book.

I was trying some "other brand" rear monitors and the colouration mismatch wasn't good - so back to stereo until I can find a pair of rears to match my front monitors

[rick]

All I can tell you for sure
Is I have lost every dollar I have spent on surround
( lots) So has everybody I know

Just get what ever floats your boat and do what
Ever work you can get the best you can with it
You would think following the rules and guidelines
Is a good move but nobody has
So don't panic or overspend