New Member/Proud Owner

[ToneJockey]

Greetings,

I decided to join this forum mostly because of what I believe is a like minded attitude that vintage JBL speakers are much better than most of the newer speakers in general. I started a project studio and after hanging out with a self described audiophile was convinced that a pair of 4311's would be a excellent addition to the studio. I was fortunate enough to purchase a pair of control monitors with the non titanium tweeters on ebay for a very reasonable amount and the pair are what I would call mint condition. Except for the disintegration of one of the foam discs they are perfect and I believe all original. I have had no problems with them and I think they sound spectacular.
I was lead to believe by my friend that they were a flat speaker. After doing some research I found that that have a slight +/- 3db bump. This does not sound drastically bad but I have found people who say they are colored. What I was looking for was some reassurance that I have a decent
main monitor for mixing. I saw a link in one post where JBL actually recommended the 4406 or 4408 for this application. I was wondering if any
of you knowledgeable people think I would be better off with a pair of 4406's or 4408's in addition since there is no way I am parting with these speakers;) . Thanks in advance.



http://members.cox.net/whitewingmusic/4311-R.JPGhttp://members.cox.net/whitewingmusic/4311-L.jpg

[Zilch]

They are not a flat speaker, and in my view, not suitable for contemporary mixing unless you know and understand their '70s coloration: boomy bass, "forward" midrange, and rolled-off highs.

I have not been able to dial them flat. There are several threads here discussing how to "fix" L100s, but the best answer in my view is to purchase 4400 series monitors as mains for serious studio work.

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=4408

[Robh3606]

They are not a flat speaker, and in my view, not suitable for contemporary mixing unless you know and understand their '70s coloration: boomy bass, "forward" midrange, and rolled-off highs.


How many mixes have you made using them?? If not what do you use to make your mixes on???

Rob:)

[Zilch]

My meager attempts at mixing my own stuff back in DAT days were done using Sony Pro 'phones and 4412s with 4430 playback monitors.

[Not all that long ago, actually.... :) ]

[Mr. Widget]

I decided to join this forum mostly because of what I believe is a like minded attitude that vintage JBL speakers are much better than most of the newer speakers in general.Welcome to our little bastion of retro minded audio heads...

Those look really clean and I am sure will bring you countless hours of joy regardless of how you use them. You should order some new foam rings for your tweeters. Take a look at this thread, it has the part numbers and some additional info.

http://audioheritage.csdco.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2716


Widget

[ToneJockey]

How many mixes have you made using them?? If not what do you use to make your mixes on???

Rob:)

Only test mixes which I probably subconcionsly compensated for by using my instinct. I have a pair of Sony studio monitor headphones that I also use which I found are pretty flat. I think my tests have shown my mixes to be slightly bass shy which would make sense with the slight boost at 50-100 Hz . I guess I will be getting some 4400's any preference between the 06 and 08s? Also any other suggestions for mains? It is appreciated since I consider having a flat response a priority. I am also working on tuning my room so any rogue frequencies will be under control. Thanks for all your suggestions and the links.

[Robh3606]

Hello ToneJockey

The sheer volume of music produced with 4311's in the recording chain is stagering. They served many well over the years. You can EQ out the bass hump and presence peak but one thing you can't do is get much more out of them above 15K or so. I would try that and see if that helps give you a better balanced mix. As far as the 4406/4408?? The 4406 is a fine little monitor but it's decidedly bass shy. The 4408 I can't say. You considering a sub under them?? I can see a real nice combo using them with subs. Depends on your space and room though. You could just go for 4412's as it's "A REAL" upgrade from the 4311's. Another nice pair would be 4411's or a pair of 4313 but they are rare.

Have you seen the Library???

http://www.lansingheritage.org/html/jbl/specs/pro-speakers/pro-speakers.htm

Read this Tech Note as it explains JBL's reasoning and differences between Control Monitors and Studio Monitors.

http://audioheritage.csdco.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=4408

The profile on the L100/4311 I am sure will interest you as well

http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/jbl/l100.htm

You have your own personal piece of history in those cabinets

Rob:)

[ToneJockey]

Thanks to you gracious and interested people (and a few comments
by Zilch in other posts) I am now the proud owner of a pair of 4410As in excellent shape. Now I think I can get on to job of serious mixing. Any thoughts or comments on the choice of these as a control monitor for a recording situationhttp://members.cox.net/warroom1/a752a.jpg is welcome.

[Zilch]

:thmbsup:

Now for the definitive test:

Mixdown using 4311.

Tomorrow, again with 4410.

Are the results the same?

Which is "right" next week when you listen to them both again?

[ToneJockey]

Now for the definitive test:

Mixdown using 4311.

Tomorrow, again with 4410.

Are the results the same?

Which is "right" next week?

These are the kind of problems I love. It will be interesting.
I have to wait a week or so until they arrive but will post
my unscientific results as soon as I can.

[GordonW]

Thanks to you gracious and interested people (and a few comments
by Zilch in other posts) I am now the proud owner of a pair of 4410As in excellent shape. Now I think I can get on to job of serious mixing. Any thoughts or comments on the choice of these as a control monitor for a recording situation is welcome.


That's better. :applaud:

One idea... you could use the 4410s as mix-down monitors, and the 4311s as "check" or "producer" monitors... if you need something to play back stuff at louder levels for a client, the 4311s will do great for that...

Regards,
Gordon.

[ToneJockey]

=
That's better. :applaud:

One idea... you could use the 4410s as mix-down monitors, and the 4311s as "check" or "producer" monitors... if you need something to play back stuff at louder levels for a client, the 4311s will do great for that...

Regards,
Gordon.


I think your on to something there. I was going to use the 4311s for casual
listening but I think they would make a pretty good "enhanced" speaker for
making comparisons on. Not bad as a alternate set. Before I got the 4311s
( and became a little educated)I bought a pair of KLH Raves. It is hard to tell in the picture but the 4311s are sitting on them. The most expensive set of speaker stands I have ever seen. :blink:

I started thinking about the 4412a (always want the top of the line) but
I think I will try to enjoy these before I do anything stupid. But how could
getting another pair of JBLs be stupid?

Thinking of starting a GAA. Gear Addicts Anonymous

[GordonW]

Having several different tonally-balanced speakers (ie, the KLHs as well as the JBLs) as check monitors, is never a bad idea. That's why stuff like AuraTones exist... if it absolutely must sound at least palatable EVERYWHERE, it's a good thing to check on something "cheap" as well as the good stuff.

Doesn't necessarily mean you throw out the sound quality (in the good monitors) to "optimize" for the bad ones... just that it's possible, in most cases, to "ameliorate" the bad spots on the cheap speakers, without losing the "life" of the mix on the good ones. Sometimes a few tiny tweaks can mean the difference between "unlistenable" on cheap speakers, and "sounding OK" on them...

Regards,
Gordon.

[ToneJockey]

I just got my 4410As hooked up and since it is late they are not too
loud, though the absolute quality of their sound is unmistakable.
They have a great stereo image and I am sooo glad I got them.
Upon listening to one of my recent compositions I sense more depth/width
in the sonic image, talk about a satisfied customer. I am also thankful to all
of you for contributing to this thread and steering me in the
right direction. I have tried to only put the highest quality components
into my signal chain and I believe you can hear the difference. This latest
acquisition in combination with the equipment I have will assure that I
can produce material on a level that is above that of your average project studio.





One question, they are in absolute mint condition except they did not come
with any grills/covers. Any suggestion where I could get some new ones?

Thanks again you have made me even more of a JBL fanatic if that is
even possible.

:dancin:


http://members.cox.net/whitewingmusic/4410A-SIDE-2.jpg


http://members.cox.net/whitewingmusic/4410A-Side1.jpg


http://members.cox.net/whitewingmusic/LF.jpg

http://members.cox.net/whitewingmusic/HF-MID.jpg

[Zilch]

One question, they are in absolute mint condition except they did not come with any grills/covers. Any suggestion where I could get some new ones?Grilles are likely still available from JBL Pro Parts....

[ToneJockey]

Thank you Sir.