Monitor Comparison B2031A vs BX8a

Looking for some nice entry-level monitors to place in my new spot for the winter. I don't want to spend a gang of cash, and I found a couple of Ebay deals that are just music to my ears. (pun intended)

In this corner...
Behringer "TRUTH" B2031A Active

or

M-Audio BX8a Studiophiles


I've heard the M-Audio's this weekend at GC they seem kind of meh after all the hype plus they seem to have a kinda hard to find sweetspot. Plus there's not many option on the back to color or change the sound of the output. Plus, I've heard some horror stories of them breaking down after 3 months.

The Behringer's I have never heard of until last week. (I thought they only made sub-par mixers and such) But from the reviews I've checked they're on par and have been around forever. More adjustable features for room compensation but that Behringer name just bothers me from past experiences.

Both sets are dirt cheap right now... So I'm confused on which way to go.

Buy em new bro. Most gutair centers will take the monitors back same day/ next day. Just talk to the senior in pro audio and explaine your concerns. I have returned 5 sets one week looking for the right pair for MY enviroment not the comtrol room at gutair center. Dont sleep on the yamahas hr80's are cost effective powerd speakers . Good range, the 220hz and under range is even and not over exagerated. While 500hz is warm and flat. I hear the new krk's are a good improvement to older krk's. I use JBL lsr series now.

Well both of the sets are new. Just from a warehouse company that is local. You may be right though.

TBH...Neither pair.

Save up a little extra $ and get a nice pair of monitors. This is one of THE most important investments you will make in your rig, buy good monitors and your mixes will thank you. Buy cheap and just when you think you got it down it'll be time for a new pair and you'll realize how big a mistake cheap monitors were. I personally got a free pair of Truths a few years back. They sounded GREAT, until you listen to the audio on a nice pair of monitors.

I understand what you mean Pound. But right now I don't have sh!t. I just moved and have nothing at all to work on. I ready to get back on it.

I like the 8a's. They sound terrible in a good way. Almost the polar opposite of ns-10s.

The ns10s only play mids well... The highs are ok.


The bx8a's are really bassy and hot in the mids... And a little harsh in the highs... But...

Once you learn em... You'll never look back.

But they are for pre production IMO.

the yamaha hsr50's then. they a known for have an accurate flat response. that translates to , if you can mix to sound good on them , they will sound good on anything. i know some guys with 60k monitors wall-mounted yada yada , (makes me sick , lol ) that use the 50's as a finial listen before going out to the car for the last check. They are actually setup in the lobby and writing room. bout 300 used 400 new. sorry man , but i stress accurate sound thats nice and flat pre mixing/pre-mastering. its of utmost importance. flat and even means you know its not to bright and not overexagerated. the engineer gets it and don't hate you.

Yea Grub(SS), thats kinda why I want 'em. They sound good and terrible. These are only for pre-production, just so I can lay down some pre-mixes, I'm not writing Mr. Holland's Opus.

BTW, how are yours holding up?

Ghosty, I really like the HS80's but they're out of my budget...(These kids need their Christmas)

Also both of these sets are $350 a pair.

In the $350 ballpark I would go with the Alesis M1 Active MKII. Not saying Behringer sucks, but they're quality . The BX8a are okay for reference, but I wouldnt choose them for mixing. For reference and mixing I would with M1 MKII monitors. If you can stretch you budget, the next option would be the KRK 2nd Gen Rokits. They're $250 each.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Alesis-Monitor-1-Active-MKII-Powered-Monitors-603203-i1153172.gc
http://www.proaudiostar.com/krk-rp8g2-rokit-8-two-way-active-powered-monitor.html?gclid=CKSH8sOQlaUCFQo65QodXVUy6w

as a rule of thumb... don't buy anything behringer ever. end of story.

crossings wrote:as a rule of thumb... don't buy anything behringer ever. end of story.

quite a good rule to live by

i voted for bx8a because i have a pair

they're not bad, high noises hurt the **** outta my hears but they're not bad for the money

BTW, how are yours holding up?

I leave em on all the time... no problems since I got em. I never really push em, but I hate mixing loud.


Grrrreat bass response, and like I said, preproduction, nothing beats em.

I have the passive alesis M1's and yea, those are really dope too. I use those as the set that sits in front of my serato decks (dope bass response too)


I think, just like the ns-10's they are absolutely impossible to find a mix on... but when you do, it absolutely translates.

I have used them in untreated rooms only, and still it translates once you nail it.


I paid 350 as well.