Turtlerock Forum

What's everybody out there in TR-land using as a "grotbox"/mono checker/consumer grade? Anyone tried the "modern" auratone-alikes like the Avantones or Beh#%@tones? My old crappy ghetto blaster just died, and I wonder if I should buy into the "pro" versions - which kind of defeat the purpose in a way... But I suppose stability will be the gaining factor.

Thoughts?

i have a little mono 2" in the meter bridge of my neve...
probably doesnt help you!
but works perfectly for us!

G,
It'd help me if you just sent me the neve desk????
P.s. mate just did a successful update to PT 12 Vanilla - hopefully smooth sailing from here on out

Have a single powered Avantone in the studio, and a pair of no-name generic Auratone copies at home with very crap speakers that I paid $25 for. I prefer the no-name generics, but the Avantone is fine.

Interesting Alistair, what is it about the Avantone that doesn't tickle your fancy? I had read in some reviews that it's a bit too clean and hifi, defeating the purpose somewhat.

Auratones are not grot boxes. They may have a restricted frequency response but they are clean. No crossover, no port...fantastic. I haven't heard any of the modern re creations.
A ghetto blaster or pair of cheap "prosumer" 2 way monitors make a good real world reference. Lumpy bass from the porting , crossover in the middle of the speech region....those kinds of speaker are everywhere.
Cheers,
Paul

I've got a pair of radioshack boxes that look exactly like aurotones. 3" or 4" driver in a sealed box. Use them all the time, stereo and mono. I actually really like the way they sound and they expose all sorts of little problems that my monitors don't, over excursion, subtle ringing, balance, and blend etc. Got them on ebay years ago for $5.

Like these, Myles?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Optimus-XTS-25- ... 27fc5a29c4

these ones.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Pair ... 35cd7d8b02

Mine are identical to Myles' except they are 'SoundDevices' brand.
As Paul said, it's not that they are distorted at all, it's the limited frequency. I use them almost exclusively for balance- when levels are right on them, they are right on everything. Plus if you can hear kick and bass on them, you're safe.
The Avantones just don't seem to be as easy to get balances right on. They are still cool, but not as cool.

I use NS-10s

Little sony stereo cassette with RCA inputs like this.......

Original Auratones here. Usually just one in mono though. Haven't found anything I like better.

Ducked down to my local recycle depot this morning, and this little cube was sitting right on top of the hifi pile - couldn't pass it up for $2.
I'll see how it goes!

well for $2 its a pretty good bet right... not a lot to lose if it doesnt work out for you!