Do studio monitors need a Sub?

[Rufus]

I'm currently using my M-Audio BX5 studio monitors for my PA4X arranger keyboard. For in-home use only. They sound great but I'm wondering if they'd sound even better with a Sub? Do people often use a sub with studio monitors?

Wondering if I could hear some of the accompanying parts better if I had one...

 

[happyrat1]

I use an 8" Monoprice Subwoofer with a pair of M-Audio BX5a Monitors.

The boost to the bass frequencies is both substantial and rewarding.

Levels have to be kept low however, to avoid overdoing a good thing.

Gary

 

[Rufus]

Thanks Gary. I wasn't sure if the flat sound profile of monitors was ideal or if the bass could use a boost.

Is this the one you have?

Amazon.com

My keyboard doesn't have a sub out connection. I'm assuming I'd have to hook it up to the left/mono output?

 

[Rufus]

Not sure if the link above worked. Here's a screenshot.

 

[happyrat1]

Yeah Rufus. That's the one I use.

I have my monitors and my sub hooked up thru the main and aux outputs of my mixer though.

Gary

 

[Rufus]

Do I need a mixer to be able to use a sub? Not sure I'd have any other use for it.

 

[happyrat1]

It depends.

If your keyboard has an aux out you could use that or you could use a y adapter to hook the sub up to the left channel.

Personally the mixer works best for me.

You wouldn't have to buy a big one. A 5 or 6 channel would work nicely for around $100.

This would work for you.

Amazon.com

Gary

 

[Rufus]

Great, thanks again. I do have a 2nd keyboard and a guitar I play on occasion so perhaps a mixer would be a good investment.

 

[Rufus]

I received the monoprice subwoofer today and it sounds great. Plenty of bass for what I want to do.

I hooked it up to the headphone jack for now. There is an additional output '1' & '2' on my keyboard (in addition to the typical L & R), which seems like you should be able to mimic the output of L & R for but I can't find this option.

Will probably just end up buying the mixer you suggested.