Alesis Pro Audio Speakers & Monitors

Alesis Pro Audio Speakers & Monitors

Alesis are an American company that provide a range of professional audio equipment and electronic musical instruments. Speakers, also called loudspeakers, take an electrical audio signal and turn it into sound. They can be connected to a range of digital audio equipment. 

Speaker Uses (Professional)

• Amplifiers - increase the volume produced by the sound source and increase the power of the signal and passes it through a loudspeaker. Commonly used for musical instruments such as electric guitar
• Stage monitors - used in a live setting to enable a performer to hear a true representation of the sound
• PA systems - also known as sound reinforcement systems, they are used for speech, live or pre-recorded sound. They are usually made up of microphones, cables and leads, amplifiers, speakers and speaker stands

Driver Types and Frequencies

A driver is the moving part of a speaker that converts the electrical signals into sound waves. It does this by vibrating at the correct frequency, moving the air which creates pressure waves that you can hear. If you watch a driver when in use, you can see it moving. 

• Tweeter - hi range frequencies between 2,000 Hz - 20,000 HZ
• Mid-Range - 250-2,000 Hz
• Woofer -  60-250 Hz
• Subwoofer - 20-200 Hz

Amplifiers

• Increase volume originally produced by a sound source by increasing the power of the signal and passing it through a loudspeaker
• Commonly used for musical instruments such as guitar

Studio Monitors

• Project sound in a single direction over a short distance, typically to the audio engineer
• Create a flat frequency response in order to identify what adjustments are necessary to enhance the sound quality
• Can handle bursts of loud volume present in unmastered tracks

Passive Monitors and Speakers

• Unpowered
• Separate power amplifier to connect to the mixer is required
• Lower care and maintenance 
• Compatibility with amplifier, cabling gauge and the rest of the system is a key consideration

Active Monitors and Speakers

• Powered monitors with a built in amplifier
• Separate amplifier is not required
• Need attention to ensure that do not overheat or get damaged
• Less control by the professional in not being able to design a customised, multi-array system

Things to Consider

• Audience size or studio setting
• Venue acoustics
• Frequency range required to ensure correct driver selection
• Wireless or wired