Best FOH speakers for sound development

[AdamA]

I want to get a FOH speaker to use in my home studio, because I have been advised to develop programmes using a stage amplifier/speaker. I currently use a home hifi system and I’ve noticed that the programmes sound different when I go on stage. So what I need is a suitable FOH amp/speaker to develop sounds at home for use on stage. The only other criterion is low budget.

Does anyone have any advice (eg on power, type, or essential functions) and also any models that might be suitable?
Many thanks in advance…
Adam

[AdamA]

Hi ! - lots of information on this link - https://www.norduserforum.com/accessori ... 16772.html

I can personally recommend Yamaha HS7 as a good balanced monitor for your home studio.

[Elias]

I see why people have given you this advice, and it is good advice. But to get the real effect, you would have to do your programming in front of a real stage, or a room that works similarly. You are now probably working in a small room with very little natural reverb, whereas a large room ir hall (or stadium...) will have more reverborous (yes thats a word kow) acoustics.

Although: a home hi-fi system is tuned to make fully produced music sound good, which is different from FOH amplification. So your hi-fi system might be adding bass or high frequencies for example. The truth is that even PA speakers will not sound the same if they are not designed similarly. You might be playing through a set of 12" tops + 18" subs on stage, so a pair of budget 8" PA speakers will sound vastly different.

The most common problem with keyboard sounds designed at home and then brought on stage is that they are wet, whushy and unfocused. Taking up space from other instruments, and sounding messy. Too much low end and too much reverb is often to blame.

[AdamA]

I'd highly emphasise what Elias said. There is a reason why we create programs for our Nords at home, adapt them during rehearsals and still realise that they need to be tweaked on stage.

As you will never get the sound from a hall inside your home, a pair of studio monitors or near field monitors (practically the same) might be a good choice. Then, you at least have a neutral sound. I did play with stage monitors at home (QSC K8.2), but that was tiring.

If your sounds are for a special purpose, it would be great to have an impression of the room they will be made for. I for one am playing a lot open air, so I add more than a little reverb on purpose - which may be quite different in a hall.

[cphollis]

I use a single powered 8" PA speaker for a "final check" when developing programs -- QSC, EV, Yamaha, etc.

I've learned that if it sounds good coming from a small PA speaker, it'll sound awesome with a real PA system.

[AdamA]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I must admit to getting vertigo trying to understand sound engineering. I think I will get some sort of powered studio monitor. At least I’ll get a sense of how the sound might be changed when playing on stage.
I’ve read the recommended article as well. I can’t seem to reply individually so thus is a group reply!

[ajstan]

I don’t see how it’s logical to expect that modifying your sound to fit a specific, low-budget speaker in your studio will yield better sound in the various PA systems through which you will be heard. You will always be at the mercy of the quality of the system, the person running it, and your bandmates. Why not give them what you want your parts to sound like? Focus on what you can control.

Your time will be better spent creating sounds and parts that fit the arrangements and instrumentation of the songs you are playing. You need less reverb than you think. You need to play fewer notes than you think. You shouldn’t need to be overly shrill to “cut through” the other instruments. Work with the other musicians to find space in the mix for each other. Get feedback from the sound tech. Record the FOH with a Zoom camera or something that gives a realistic representation of what the audience is hearing so you can adjust and improve your sound.

[Mr. Marko]

QSC K8.2 live matches up really well to my Presonus Scepter 8 in the studio.

Keep in mind - Filter settings for synths always need to be tweaked once a drummer and guitar player add chaos to your ear drums!