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Music reproduction is sound reproduction. Gaming audio is also sound reproduction. Great sound is great sound. There's no such thing as a "gaming speaker", if that's what you mean.
No. The sub connects to the interface, and the speakers connect to the sub. Here's a schematic based on a popular Genelec subwoofer. A bit more channels, but you get the point.
But again; make sure you NEED a subwoofer before you buy one. They're not mandatory.
No. The sub connects to the interface, and the speakers connect to the sub. Here's a schematic based on a popular Genelec subwoofer. A bit more channels, but you get the point.
But again; make sure you NEED a subwoofer before you buy one. They're not mandatory.
Yes, you don't need the subwoofer to enjoy active monitors. They work just fine without one, but won't extend as deep into the bass frequencies. But, and this is a big but(t), a speaker that plays down to, let's say, 50hz will still have proper bass. It just won't have ALL the bass.
For the headphones I use Topping D10 -> Geshelli Archel 2 Pro -> Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro
For the speakers it's RME Digiface -> 2x Topping D50
Then -> Benchmark AHB2 for the satellites (speakers are DIY)
and XTZ Edge A300 for the subwoofers (subwoofers also DIY)
I correct both via EqualizerAPO. I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the microphone and also a Behringer ADAT Pre that I use for measurements with the Digiface. It's not really a setup I would recommend for other people. If you wanted to have something similar but much easier just get an RME Fireface and be done with it.
There are definitely speakers which aren't gaming speakers though. Some active speakers use FIR filters for phase linearization which may improve the sound a hair, but at the cost of much higher latency. Just fine for mixing and mastering, or even videos if you have a lipsync adjustment, but not for gaming or live music applications.
None of the Genelecs have this problem though. Their cheaper models are all analog and ther more expensive DSP models use a light touch for very low latency.
There are definitely speakers which aren't gaming speakers though. Some active speakers use FIR filters for phase linearization which may improve the sound a hair, but at the cost of much higher latency. Just fine for mixing and mastering, or even videos if you have a lipsync adjustment, but not for gaming or live music applications.
None of the Genelecs have this problem though. Their cheaper models are all analog and ther more expensive DSP models use a light touch for very low latency.
Yes, they are passive, so there is no latency at all. The same goes for any active speakers which are all analog.
It's like comparing an old CRT monitor to a new LCD/OLED. Any old CRT has no perceptible latency because it's all analog with nothing being buffered in processing ICs while now you have to take care to find specific gaming monitors with low latency processing.
Unless you can find measurements to prove otherwise, you also want to avoid "consumer" focused wireless and "lifestyle" speakers like the KEF LSX and LS50 Wireless which can have considerably latency, even on the analog inputs.
I would just recommend to keep the budget on the lower part of the spectrum around 1000 pounds.
Windows is quite finicky. Getting good quality of CD/DVD/BD should be ok. Getting good sound from streaming apps, browsers or games is bit more complicated task.
I would just recommend to keep the budget on the lower part of the spectrum around 1000 pounds.
Windows is quite finicky. Getting good quality of CD/DVD/BD should be ok. Getting good sound from streaming apps, browsers or games is bit more complicated task.