i need some advice on studio monitors

So I've been looking into studio monitors. There are more options than I expected!

Do any of you have experience with passive monitors compared to active?

What can a near-field monitor offer me?

I would also like some opinions on brand.

anything you have to say on the topic would help alot...thanks!

near field monitors are designed to be listened to at close range or indeed, in the "near field". this is good as you get an accurate representation of what you are listening to without it being too coloured by sound reflections from the walls, ceiling etc. they are generally smaller and maybe not so good for reproducing thumping bass. however if you are looking at getting some monitors for a bedroom studio type setup, then they will be of the near field type as a general rule, and will more than suffice for most situations.

active monitors are a good way to save money in my opinion. you get a monitor with a built in amp (often two amps - one for the woofer, one for the tweeter) designed specially for the job of driving that particular unit. usually for less money than it would cost to buy a separate amp + passive monitors.

i use a pair of Fostex PM0.4 nearfield monitors and find them to be excellent. some other good makes are KRK, Mackie, Yamaha, Event and Alesis. Also, a lot people swear by Behringer Truth monitors which are really good value.

yeah bcm said almost everything.

right now, I'm not using real monitors, just some old ass passive yamaha speakers. I'll eventually get some monitors of course, been checking the fostex (PM0.5+Sub) because they are affordable and they get pretty good reviews...

the 'best' brands out there are probably something like genelec, adam, tannoy, etc. but they can get really expensive.

most excellent. thank you. I only know active and passive in terms of pick ups so thanks for the knowledge. Ive been listening to my friends behringer truths and they do sound nice. i just havent been able to compare them to other monitors of there size. Ive been lookin into Alesis and Mackie. they have some pretty reasonable prices.

most excellent. thank you. I only know active and passive in terms of pick ups so thanks for the knowledge. Ive been listening to my friends behringer truths and they do sound nice. i just havent been able to compare them to other monitors of there size. Ive been lookin into Alesis and Mackie. they have some pretty reasonable prices.